JL Audio JD vs. RD vs. XD Amplifiers

JL Audio features three popular lines of amplifiers, the JD series, the RD series, and the XD series. It can be difficult to decide which product line is best for you because the specifications are so similar across all three platforms, but the prices can be significantly different. Why is a 1000 watt monoblock, subwoofer amp 389.99 in the JD series, but 679.99 in the XD series? This article will focus on discussing some key differences so that you can make an informed decision about which amplifier line best fits your needs and your budget.

Let's start with the JD series. The first thing you'll notice is that these amps are the lowest cost option of the three series. With the JD amps, you can get 1000 watts of power for under $400, whereas that same power will run you $150 - $300 more with the RD series and XD series. The best way to think of the JD series is to think of it as the base model amplifier. It's not going to have all the same features of the RD series and the XD series, but it will still get the job done.

An important piece of technology featured in JD series amps and most other JL audio amps is NexD switching. Unless you are a JL audio expert, you're probably wondering what in the world NexD switching is? Essentially, JL's NexD technology is a circuit design that reduces current draw and heat output so that the amplifier fits into a smaller chassis without sacrificing performance. This means that you get an amp that can put out significant power without taking up as much space. Less space means that these amps can be installed into a wider variety of cars and applications.

The JD series also features LED clipping indicators. These indicators allow you to set the gain on your amp quickly and easily. When you set the gain properly, it lessens the likelihood that you blow your subwoofer, and it extends the life of your sound system. These indicators save you time and money by allowing you to set your gain quickly and without spending extra money on equipment. You don't even need to know what a gain is. As long as you follow the instructions included, you should be able to set your gain and enjoy a quality listening experience.

One final point of interest on the JD series is the location of the power and signal on the amplifier. On the JD series, you'll notice that the power inputs are on one side, and the signal inputs/outputs are on the other side. Why does this matter? Well, there isn't any advantage to power or the clarity of the signal by doing this. It inconveniences you when you're trying to install the amp or fix something with the amp. You have to have wires and cables coming out of two ends of the amp instead of everything just being plugged into one side. Is this a deal-breaker? No, but it does create a minor inconvenience, and it explains why the JD series is the base tier of these three series of amps.

Moving on from the JD series, let's talk about the RD series. With the RD series, you get JL's NexD switching tech so you'll get the same well designed, compact circuit that lets the amp be smaller in size but produce the same power. Another feature that is similar to the JD series is the LED clipping indicators. Similarly to on the JD series, these are going to help you quickly and correctly set your gain to get great sound and bass from your subwoofer.

Something that makes the RD series stand out is the all-black appearance. With the JD and XD series, you're going to see a lot of black, grey, and silver combinations that don't look as good. The all-black gives you a sleek, dark look that you might expect to see in something like the batmobile. The color provides no advantage to the performance of the amp, but the all-black definitely looks very cool.

The other big difference from the JD series is the location of the inputs and power. You'll notice that the RD has both power and signal inputs on one side of the amplifier. As I said before, there's no advantage in your signal clarity or power output because of the signal input and power location. However, it is much more convenient to connect everything on one side during installation than having to plug cables in on each end.

The final series to discuss is the XD series. The XD series will run your pockets for a bit more than the RD series and JD series, but for a good reason. To start, the XD is going to feature NexD switching just like the JD and RD. It's also going to have all controls, inputs, and power on the same side, just like the RD series. The one thing that the JD and RD have that the XD doesn't is the LED clipping indicators. So, if you choose to get an XD, you're going to need a bit more equipment and more time to get your gain set properly. However, the XD has a lot of features that set it apart from the rest.

The first big difference in the XD series is the advanced rollback protection. Advanced rollback is a thermal protection system to prevent the amp from overheating. A special circuit watches over the amp. If it gets too hot, the circuit will reduce the peak power without messing with the gain to cool the amp back down to safe operating temperature. This is a really nice to feature to have, and it will help drastically reduce the chances of overheating. It will extend your amplifier's life, help prevent your amp from shutting, and improve the quality of your sound system as a whole. What's even nicer is that it is generally inaudible, so you won't hear any loud fan or anything of that sort while trying to enjoy your music.

The other big feature of the XD series is the 24dB/octave signal processing capability on monoblocks. 24dB/octave signal processing is going to allow for extremely precise crossovers, and it will filter out almost all unwanted signals. This helps you as a listener by making sure the right signal goes to the right spot. The highs are going to go to the tweeters, and the bass will go to the subwoofers. Ultimately, this will create a more precise, high-quality listening experience for you and anyone else in your vehicle.

So, the XD series is much more expensive, but it's going to give you better performance, and it's going to sound the best of the three options. Yes, the specifications are similar across the JD, RD, and XD series, but the XD has the better components inside, so it will sound better. That's not to say the other two aren't good sets of amps. The JD series is a great option for a base tier amplifier if you are working with a smaller budget. The RD series is a step up from the JD in price, but it's going to give you a better performance for the extra money you pay. If you have the money and you want an amazing amplifier for your vehicle's sound system, the XD series will give you exactly what you are looking for with unmatched sound quality, output, and performance.

If you have the budget for the XD series, go with the XD. It just sounds better. If you can't justify the cost of the XD, go with RD. If RD is still too expensive go with JD. There are no bad JL Audio amps!