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Wow!  Here is a great deal on a very versatile car audio subwoofer amp, made by one of the best known names in the audio business, JBL.  The amp is the JBL BPX500.1-Z, which is a 500-Watt Parallel/Bridge Subwoofer Amplifier.  Much of the amp’s circuitry was designed by Crown (another top name in Professional Audio!)  We purchased these direct from the factory, complete with the original accessories and factory warranty.

Per JBL:

The BPX500.1 is equipped with a variable electronic crossover capable of setting the slope rate at 12dB or 24dB-per-octave. The crossover adjustment range is 32Hz-320Hz.

Unlike conventional mono subwoofer amplifiers that only deliver their maximum power into a single impedance, the BPX500.1 is a two-channel amplifier that can be bridged to deliver double the voltage of a single channel into impedances between 2 and 4 ohms. The two channels can also be connected in parallel to provide double the current of single channel into impedance below 2 ohms. This feature is patented and unprecedented in car audio amplification.

Dynamic Bass Optimization (DBO) provides variable filtering with adjustable “Q” below 100Hz, far beyond conventional “Bass Q” circuits, by allowing the low-frequency output to be optimized for specific subwoofer applications. Frequencies below an enclosure’s tuning frequency can be attenuated, preventing damage to the subwoofer and allowing the amplifier’s power to be better utilized.

In the event that multiple amplifiers are used in an application, the full-range preamp outputs feature allows for streamlined system hookups. No high-loss Y-adapters or splitters are needed.

What is factory remanufactured?  This term is used to describe an item that has been repaired or restored back to factory specification and proper operating condition, by us, the manufacturer. We back the quality of these products 100%. They come with the same accessories and warranty as if they were brand new, unless otherwise stated, but may have minor scratches or other imperfections in their appearance.

Car Sound and Performance gave the BPX500.1-Z a very positive review, calling it “One of the best amplifiers available rated under 1000 watts.”  The review is available here:

http://www.jbl.com/car/featured/sponsors/hot_news/CSANDP_JBL_REVIEW.pdf

CS&P’s power measurements came out slightly lower than JBL’s (CEA-2006?) ratings, but are also most impressive:

335.4 watts x 2, into 2 ohms.
671 watts x 1, into 4 ohms.
634 watts x 1, into 2 ohms.
635 watts x 1, into 1 ohm.

What this means is that you are going to get well over 600 watts into almost any load you hook up to this amplifier.  Very, very nice!

This amp also has a very cool combination of bass boost coupled with a subsonic / High Pass filter that cuts in faster, the more you punch up the bass.  This feature, which JBL calls DBO (Dynamic Bass Optimization) is PERFECT for ported boxes, especially ported boxes which are themselves designed for maximum (peaked) bass output.  Moreover, the both the DBO level and frequency are variable, so the DBO can be set for maximum impact with everything from a flat response box, to “Superbass” boxes, to SPL boxes.  In fact, the only disadvantage to this arrangement that we can think of is that it needs to be set up by someone who really knows what they are doing.*  Any kind of bass boost set to a high level below a port tuning frequency can cause woofer damage, not to mention distortion.  The DBO is no exception.  But, used properly, the DBO is very much like having a “BassCube” right inside your amplifier.  Set up correctly, it (or the BassCube, for that matter) can be devastatingly effective.

*We know someone who qualifies, hint, hint! 

JBL’s product page on the BPX500.1-Z is here:  http://www.jbl.com/car/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=BPX500.1&CheckProduct=Y

The JBL Owner’s Manual is here:  http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/CAR/Owner%27s%20Manual/PowerSeriesPx%20BPxAmpOMFINALrev7_8_04.pdf

Price:

This amp originally listed for $699.00(!), and according to an old JBL link we found on the internet that has since expired, the remanufactured units were sold on JBL’s website for $419.00.   JBL, though, has apparently decided to clear out their remaining refurb stock of these amps, which is how we are able to offer them at a low, low price:  $175.00 each!

For additional Ordering Information please click here.

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