JL Audio, an innovator in high-end audio solutions, has unveiled the VXi car amplifier line at their exhibitor booth during the 2018 KnowledgeFest Spring Event in Indianapolis. The VXi amplifier line consists of eight models, all equipped with an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
JL Audio VP of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Stephen Leigh said: "The VXi project has been in the works for three years and combines the efforts of multiple JL Audio engineering teams – electrical, DSP, firmware, software, and mechanical. The goal was to deliver true high-fidelity amplifiers with integrated, full-featured DSP tuning capabilities. Our engineering team is thrilled with the end result and we are very excited to be launching these products into the marketplace.”
JL Audio collaborated with AKM™, known for its outstanding digital micro-devices. AKM™ created a special configuration of their triple-core DSP, with filter blocks optimized for the VXi™ project. Thanks to this powerful DSP, the tuning feature set is robust and flexible, offering the following features on each amplifier channel: signal routing and mixing, parametric equalization, delay in 0.01 ms increments, all-pass filter (phase correction), polarity, and precise level control in 0.1 dB increments. All processing is done at 24 bits/96 kHz.
All tuning and adjustment of the parameters is done via external devices running JL Audio’s TüN™ software. Accompanying the introduction of VXi is a bundle of software releases, expanding the universe of devices that can be used to control VXi: TüN 3.0 for PC and Mac OS, TüN Mobile for Android and iOS Tablets, and TüN Express for Android and iOS Smartphones. TüN™ 3.0 and TüN™ Mobile offer full control of the entire DSP feature set, while TüN™ Express delivers a simplified experience for quick setups.
VXi amplifiers offer sophisticated and flexible input sections, beginning with differential-balanced, analog input stages with matched gain blocks and high-perforamnce AKM™ analog-to-digital converters. Also on-board each amplifier is an optical S/PDIF digital input, capable of receiving up to 24 bit/192 kHz signals. All inputs are configurable and mixable via TüN™ software. VXi amplifiers also provide both analog, and digital, pre-out channels. The analog pre-outs offer a full set of the same powerful DSP features as the amplified channels, permitting the tuning of a second non-DSP amplifier. An optical, digital pre-out at 24 Bit/96 kHz is also provided. This digital pre-out can be level-controlled and equalized, if desired.
VXi also marks the debut of the second generation of JL Audio’s core Class D amplifier technology, dubbed NexD2™. With NexD2TM the full-range amplifier channels are fed by high-performance AKM™ DAC’s and are fully synchronized by the AKM™ DSP, to improve fidelity and audio performance. VXi’s advanced amplifier designs employ DirectFET™ technology and place capacitor banks right at the outputs, greatly reducing loop area to further refine audio quality.
The all-metal chassis design consists of high-quality alloy castings for the main body and bottom panel, with an extruded and machined decorative plate. The LED-lighted logo feature on the top surface can be customized via the TüN™ software.
In addition to the complete lineup of DSP-enabled amplifiers, JL Audio has also introduced several peripheral pieces to simplify the installation process. A BLUETOOTH® communicator – VXi-BTC – for wireless connectivity from mobile devices, a network hub – VXi-HUB – to network up to 5 amplifiers, and a digital remote controller with dual-concentric rotary control, plus push-button preset selection function – DRC-205.
“The VXi amplifier lineup has been designed to simplify the process of achieving great audio results by offering control full control of all aspects of system tuning, from one device. We are incredibly excited to release these amazing products and are looking forward to working with our authorized dealers to deliver great audio experiences to our customers.” said Manville Smith, VP of Marketing.
VXi Models:
VX600/1i Class D, Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
400W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 500W x 1 @ 3 ohms, 600W x 1 @ 2 ohms
MSRP USD: $799.99
VX1000/1i Class D, Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
600W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 800W x 1 @ 3 ohms, 1000W x 1 @ 2 ohms
MSRP USD: $999.99
VX400/4i Full-Range, Class D Four-Channel Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
75W x 4 @ 4 ohms, 100W x 4 @ 2 ohms, 200W x 2 @ 4 ohms bridged
MSRP USD: $899.99
VX600/2i Full-Range, Class D Two-Channel Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
180W x 2 @ 4 ohms, 300W x 2 @ 2 ohms, 600W x 1 @ 4 ohms bridged
MSRP USD: $999.99
VX600/6i Full-Range, Class D Six-Channel Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
75W x 6 @ 4 ohms, 100W x 6 @ 2 ohms, 200W x 3 @ 4 ohms bridged
MSRP USD: $1,099.99
VX800/8i Full-Range, Class D Eight-Channel Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
75W x 8 @ 4 ohms, 100W x 8 @ 2 ohms, 200W x 4 @ 4 ohms bridged
MSRP USD: $1,299.99
VX700/5i Five-Channel, Class D System Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
75W x 4 + 180W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 100W x 4 + 300W x 1 @ 2 ohms
MSRP USD: $999.99
VX1000/5i Five-Channel, Class D System Amplifier with Integrated DSP
Rated power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N:
75W x 4 + 400W x 1 @ 4 ohms, 100W x 4 + 600W x 1 @ 2 ohm
MSRP USD: $1,199.99
Availability: all models available now
Features:
• Higher performance Differential-Balanced Analog Inputs accept speaker level signals up to 16V RMS, including those from factory systems. Outstanding noise rejection to prevent alternator whine and other noises.
• Optical Digital (Toslink) Inputs permit direct connection of S/PDIF digital sources, bypassing A/D converter. Accepts up to 24 bit/192 kHz input
• Automatic turn-on option via Signal-Sensing or DC-Offset sensing
• RCA Analog, or Digital Pre-Outs at 24 bit/96 kHz
• Flexible Input Router and Mixer
• 10-bands of Fully Parametric EQ per output channel
• High-Pass & Low-Pass Filters for each channel:
• 12, 24, 48dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley
• 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 dB/octave Butterworth
• Signal Delay in 0.01 ms steps (1/8-inch, 3 mm)
• All-Pass Filter (Phase EQ), with variable “Q” and corner frequency
• Polarity reversal
• Output Level Trim in 0.1 dB steps
• JLid connection ports for accessories
About JL AUDIO– Guided by a philosophy that great audio has real value, JL Audio develops innovative products that improve the audio experience on the go, in the home, and in the studio. Committed to unique engineering and quality manufacturing, JL Audio operates three U.S. engineering facilities, and builds many of its home, car and marine loudspeaker products at the company’s Miramar, Florida, USA factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network. For more information, visit www.jlaudio.com or follow the company on Facebook or Twitter.