Power and control for in-wall subwoofers
JL Audio SA-600W is a rack-mountable subwoofer amplifier and processor from the Fathom range: it delivers 600 W into 3 Ω, 450 W into 4 Ω, 300 W into 6 Ω and 225 W into 8 Ω.
SA-600W is the amplifier of the 8-inch Fathom in-wall systems and, according to the distributor's list, it is programmed to drive up to two IWE-108 or IWICE-108 enclosures. It is 44 mm high and brings together, in one unit, Class D amplification and the signal processing needed to blend the subwoofer into the system.
Key features
- 600 W into 3 Ω, 450 W into 4 Ω, 300 W into 6 Ω, 225 W into 8 Ω
- Low-pass at 12 or 24 dB/octave, from 30 to 130 Hz, with high-pass outputs that track it
- 3-band equaliser, from 20 to 160 Hz
- Delay adjustable from 0 to 25 ms
- E.L.F. trim at 25 Hz, between -12 and +3 dB
- D.A.R.O. calibration (microphone sold separately)
- RCA and high-level inputs, speakON subwoofer outputs
- Automatic power-on or 12 V trigger
Class D amplification
The high-speed switching design synchronises the power supply with the output channels, for faithful sound with very low noise and distortion. A proprietary feedback circuit, built from discrete parts, keeps the damping factor high and improves behaviour on transients.
Signal processing
The low-pass is adjustable and the RCA line outputs can work as high-pass or as pass-through, for the main loudspeakers. Level is fixed at reference or variable from -50 to +15 dB in 0.5 dB steps; delay, polarity, E.L.F. trim and the three-band equaliser complete the set-up. D.A.R.O. calibration relies on an internal DSP to optimise, automatically, how the subwoofer responds in the room and needs a microphone, sold separately.
Connections
Inputs are line level on two RCA sockets, in stereo or mono, or high level with a removable plug; the input ground can be isolated or connected. The subwoofer outputs are on 2-pole Neutrik speakON connectors. The 12 V trigger output is on a 3.5 mm mini jack.
Supplied accessories
The box contains the amplifier, the power cord and two tabs for rack mounting.
