Overview

The JL Audio XDM is a line of Class D car and marine audio amplifiers for powering speakers and subwoofers on board without giving up a lot of mounting space. Across the range, you will find 1 to 8 channel configurations with total power ratings from 200 W up to 1000 W, including models intended for 12 V systems and specific versions intended for 24 V systems.

This amplifier family is built around noise rejection that matters on boats, where long cable runs and charging systems can introduce hum. Setup access is straightforward because the controls sit on top under a gasketed, removable cover, so it can be mounted under a seat, inside a console, or behind a bulkhead while still staying serviceable.

Key features

• Class D design using high-speed switching technology to keep heat and current draw in check in tight mounting locations.
• Dual-mode input filtering with differential-balanced inputs to help reduce alternator and ignition noise that can show up in marine installs.
• Built-in 12 dB per octave filtering on channel banks with selectable high-pass or low-pass operation and adjustable cutoff from 50 to 500 Hz.
• Automatic turn-on capability via signal sensing or DC-offset sensing for systems where a dedicated remote turn-on lead is not available.
• Controls protected beneath a gasketed, removable top cover for installs where splash and vibration are part of normal use.
• Optional remote level control support using HD-RLC or MHD-RLC (water-resistant) controllers, sold separately, for quick adjustment from the helm or cockpit.
• Range includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 channel models with total power ratings from 200 W to 1000 W, depending on configuration.

Variants

This page covers the full Garmin JL Audio XDM amplifier range. Configurations vary by channel count (1 to 8) and total rated power (200 W to 1000 W), so the same family can support anything from a small two-speaker cabin setup to multi-zone speaker layouts with a dedicated subwoofer channel.

System voltage also varies across the line. Some models are intended for 12 V negative-ground electrical systems, while select versions are intended for 24 V negative-ground electrical systems only, so matching the amplifier to the boat’s supply voltage is part of the fit check.

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting spot the same way you would for any high-output marine amplifier: a location that stays dry, has airflow, and keeps the chassis away from extreme heat. Under-seat lockers, inside consoles, and protected compartments work well when they are ventilated and wiring can be secured to avoid chafe.

Power and speaker wiring should be routed away from moving parts and sharp edges, with protection where it passes through bulkheads. Leave enough slack and access to reach the top-mounted controls during tuning after the unit is fastened down.

Electrical and system integration

The input architecture is meant to play nicely with real-world boat systems, including installs where noise has been a problem. Differential-balanced inputs and the dual-mode input filter help keep the signal clean, and automatic turn-on options can simplify integration when the source unit does not provide a traditional remote lead.

On-board tuning is handled with adjustable filters on channel banks, which helps when you need to high-pass small coaxials in the cockpit, low-pass a subwoofer channel, or shape how different speaker runs share the load.

Use on board

Channel count is the practical difference you feel day to day. The 1-channel configurations are commonly used when the system needs dedicated subwoofer power, while multi-channel models support pairs of full-range speakers across the cockpit and cabin, and the higher channel-count units suit boats running more speakers across multiple listening areas.

This range is a good match for boats where amplifier space is tight under seating or inside a helm console, and for systems where charging noise and long wiring runs have made clean audio harder to achieve.