Apex PA1254 - Hi-Fi System JBL - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Hi-Fi System
Brand	JBL
Model	Apex PA1254
Power Output	2 x 50 W RMS
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Speaker Configuration	2-way bass reflex
Supported Media	CD, CD-R/RW, MP3
Radio Tuner	FM/AM with RDS
Inputs	Aux (3.5 mm), USB, Bluetooth
Outputs	Headphone jack, Speaker terminals
Dimensions (W x H x D)	430 x 145 x 320 mm
Weight	5.2 kg
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption	60 W (standby <0.5 W)
Remote Control	Included
Display	LCD with backlight
Clock/Timer	Yes
Equalizer Presets	Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic
Cleaning Instructions	Use a soft dry cloth; avoid liquids
Safety Certifications	CE, RoHS

Frequently Asked Questions - Apex PA1254 JBL

How do I connect my smartphone to the JBL Apex PA1254?

Press the Bluetooth button on the remote or front panel. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, select 'JBL Apex PA1254' from the list, and confirm pairing. Once connected, you can stream music wirelessly.

Can I play CDs on this system?

Yes, the JBL Apex PA1254 supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs. Insert a disc with the label side up and press the CD source button. Use the remote to control playback.

How do I set the clock?

Press and hold the Clock button on the remote for 3 seconds. Use the +/- buttons to adjust hours, then press Clock again to set minutes. Finally, press Clock again to confirm.

What should I do if there is no sound?

Check that the system is not in mute mode (press Mute button). Ensure the volume is turned up. Verify that the correct input source is selected (e.g., CD, Bluetooth, AUX). Check speaker connections.

How do I clean the system?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use any liquids, abrasive cleaners, or solvents. For the CD lens, use a lens cleaning disc if needed.

Can I connect external speakers?

The system comes with built-in speakers. However, you can connect additional speakers via the speaker terminals (ensure impedance is 4-8 ohms). Do not exceed the rated power output.

How do I reset the system to factory settings?

Turn off the system. Press and hold the Source button on the front panel while turning it back on. Continue holding until 'RESET' appears on the display. Release the button.

What is the recommended placement for best sound?

Place the system on a stable, flat surface. Keep at least 10 cm of space around the ventilation openings. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. For optimal stereo effect, position the speakers at ear level.

Does the system have an alarm function?

Yes, the JBL Apex PA1254 includes a dual alarm feature. You can set two different alarms to wake you with a buzzer or radio. Refer to the manual for detailed programming steps.

What should I do if the remote control doesn't work?

First, replace the batteries (CR2025). Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the sensor. If the issue persists, check if the remote is paired (some models require pairing).

USER MANUAL Apex PA1254 JBL

OWNER'S MANUAL

by HARMAN

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE ...

Your product has been designed to provide you the performance and ease of operation you expect from JBL. Take time to read this manual before operating or installing your amplifier. This manual describes general installation guidelines and operation instructions. Please note that proper installation of mobile audio components requires qualified experience with mechanical and electrical procedures. If you do not have the knowledge and tools to perform this installation, we strongly recommend consulting an authorized JBL dealer about your installation options.

JBL APEX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE ... 1

WHAT'S IN THE BOX 3

INSTALLATION AND WIRING 4

POWER AND GROUND CONNECTIONS 4

Power/Protect indicators 5

SIGNAL INPUT 5

SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTIONS 6

SETTING THE SOUND 11

Setting the input level 11

Crossover filters 11

SPECIFICATIONS 13

TROUBLESHOOTING 15

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

1 amplifier
② tie wraps
③ spare fuse
4 Stainless steel mounting hardware
⑤ high-level input adapters
6 JBL stickers
7 owner's manual

JBL APEX

INSTALLATION AND WIRING

IMPORTANT: Disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery terminal before beginning the installation.

• Wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Choose a safe mounting location. Check clearances on both sides of the location. Be sure that screws will not puncture brake or fuel lines or wiring harnesses, and that wire routing will not interfere with vehicle operation. Use caution when drilling or cutting.
• When making electrical connections, make sure they are secure and properly insulated.
• Do not mount the amplifier with the heat sink facing downward, as this interferes with cooling.
• Using the amplifier as a template, mark the locations of the holes on the mounting surface.
  • Drill pilot holes in the mounting surface.
• Attach the amplifier to the mounting surface with sheet metal screws (not included).

POWER AND GROUND CONNECTIONS

- Power: Connect the +12V power wire to the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery. Make sure the fuse and fuse holder are within 18" (457mm) of the battery.

- Ground: Connect the GND wire to the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery, or to the vehicle's chassis near the battery with a screw. NOTE: If possible, remove any paint from the chassis for best contact. It's recommended to use a star washer below the ring connector for a secure connection.

- Remote: Connect the remote turn-on wire to the "Remote Out" lead of the source unit, if using low-level signal inputs with an aftermarket stereo. NOTE: If you're using high-level signal inputs (your vehicle's speaker wires), the Apex amplifier's 12-volt DC offset feature will turn the amplifier on when it senses audio signal. In this case, you will not have to connect the remote turn-on wire and can tape or cap it off to prevent the introduction of noise.

Power/Protect indicators

The power light will illuminate in green when the amplifier is getting power and playing. The light will illuminate in red if the amp enters protect mode in the event of conditions such as over/under voltage, short circuit, amplifier output circuit failure, or excessive heat.

SIGNAL INPUT

- Line-level inputs: If your source unit offers preamp outputs, connect to the amplifier's L and R preamp inputs using RCA patch cables.

Diagram of two connected audio/video cables with circular connectors (no text or symbols)

- High-level inputs: If your audio system's source unit does not have line-level outputs, use the supplied high-level input adapters to connect to either the front or the rear speaker output wires of your source unit. Use solder, butt connectors, or your preferred splicing method. The 12-volt DC offset feature will turn the amplifier on when it senses signal.

- Input level selection: If you're sending signal to the amplifier using low-level outputs from your source unit, slide the input level selector to "LO." If using high-level outputs from your source unit, slide the selector to "HI."

JBL APEX

SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Connect your speakers to the amplifier's speaker output wires, observing proper polarity: connect each amplifier's positive (+) lead to the appropriate positive (+) speaker terminal, and negative (-) lead to the appropriate negative (-) speaker terminal. NOTE: Speaker-wire extensions might be necessary.

- PA454 4-channel operation: Connect the front left speaker leads (white and white/black) to the front left speaker's + and - terminals, and the front right speaker leads (gray and gray/black) to the front right speaker's + and - terminals. Next, connect the rear left speaker leads (green and green/black) to the rear left speaker's + and - terminals, and the rear right speaker leads (violet and violet/black) to the rear right speaker's + and - terminals.

- PA1254 4-channel operation: Connect the front left speaker leads (white and white/black) to the front left speaker's + and - terminals, and the front right speaker leads (gray and gray/black) to the front right speaker's + and - terminals. Next, connect the rear left speaker leads (green and green/black) to the rear left speaker's + and - terminals, and the rear right speaker leads (violet and violet/black) to the rear right speaker's + and - terminals.

JBL APEX

- PA1254 3-channel (bridged) operation: Connect the front left speaker leads (white and white/black) to the front left speaker's + and - terminals, and the front right speaker leads (gray and gray/black) to the front right speaker's + and - terminals. Next, connect the rear left + speaker lead (green) to the single speaker's + terminal, and the rear right - speaker lead (violet /black) to the single speaker's - terminal.

NOTE: To prevent electrical interference or short-circuiting, terminate the unused speaker leads with a wire cap or electrical tape.

- PA1254 2-channel (bridged) operation: Connect the front left + speaker lead (white) to the front single speaker's + terminal, and the front right - speaker lead (gray/black) to the front single speaker's - terminal. Next, connect the rear left + speaker lead (green) to the rear single speaker's + terminal, and the rear right - speaker lead (violet /black) to the rear single speaker's - terminal. NOTE: To prevent electrical interference or short-circuiting, terminate the unused speaker leads with a wire cap or electrical tape.

JBL APEX

- PA1502 2-channel operation: Connect the left speaker leads (white and white/black) to the left speaker's + and - terminals, and the right speaker leads (gray and gray/black) to the right speaker's + and - terminals.

- PA1502 bridged operation: Connect the amplifier's left positive (+) wire (white) to the single speaker's + terminal, and the right negative (-) wire (gray/black) to the speaker's - terminal.

NOTE: To prevent electrical interference or short-circuiting, terminate the unused speaker leads with a wire cap or electrical tape.

SETTING THE SOUND

Setting the input level

To match your amplifier's input sensitivity (gain) to your source unit's output level, we recommend the following procedure:

• Turn the input level control counterclockwise to MIN (minimum).
• Play a dynamic music track through your source unit. Turn the source unit's volume control to the 3/4 position.
• Turn the input level control dial clockwise towards MAX until you hear distortion in the music (it's no longer clear), then turn it counterclockwise until the music sounds clear again. Your input sensitivity is now set.

Crossover filters

You can adjust your Apex amplifier's filters to suit your listening preferences and speaker configuration.

The PA454 lets you select no filter (OFF) for a full-range signal, or engage a high-pass filter (HPF) on the front and rear channels, if you're powering speakers and have an independently powered subwoofer in your system. Slide the switch to choose your desired crossover point.

JBL APEX

The PA1254 lets you select either no filter (OFF) for a full-range signal, or a high-pass filter (HPF) for your front channels if you're powering a subwoofer with the rear channels. Slide the switch to choose your desired crossover point.

For the rear channels, you can select between no filter (OFF); a high-pass filter (HPF) if you're powering a subwoofer independently, or a low-pass filter (LPF) if you're using the rear channels to power a subwoofer in bridged mode. Slide the REAR – HZ switch to choose your desired crossover point.

The PA1502 lets you slide the X-OVER switch to select no filter (OFF) for a full-range signal; a high-pass filter (HPF) if you're powering speakers and have an independently powered subwoofer in your system; or a low-pass filter (LPF) if you're powering a subwoofer in bridged mode. Slide the FREQ switch to choose your desired crossover point.

The PA1502 also includes a bass boost (BOOST) switch for a +6dB or +12dB boost at 45 Hz.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model	PA454
Operating voltage:	9V – 16V
RMS power @ 4 ohms:	45W x 4
RMS power @ 2 ohms:	N/A
RMS bridged power @ 4 ohms	N/A
Total peak power:	450W
Fuse size:	15A
High input maximum sensitivity:	500mV – 15V
Line input maximum sensitivity:	200mV – 6V
Signal-to-noise ratio (reference to 1 watt):	>75dB
THD + N at rated power:	<1%
Frequency response:	20Hz -20KHz
Crossover filter	Selectable hi-pass filter: off, 60-, 80-, 120Hz @ 12dB/ octave
Bass boost	N/A
Amplifier Class	Class D
Turn-on Modes	12V & DC offset
Recommended wire gauge	10 AWG
Dimensions (H x W x D):	8.25" (208.50mm) W x 1.75" (43.00mm) H x 3.3" (83.80mm) D
Weight	2.4lbs (1.1kg)

JBL APEX

PA1254	PA1502
9V – 16V	9V – 16V
75W x 4	100W x 2
125W x 4	150W x 2
250W x 2	300W x 1
1250W	750W
40A	25A
500mV – 15V	500mV – 15V
200mV – 6V	200mV – 6V
>75dB	>75dB
<1%	<1%
20Hz – 20kHz	20Hz -20KHz
Front selectable hi-pass filter: off, 60-, 80-, 120Hz @ 12dB/octaveRear slectable all-/hi-/lo-pass filter: 60-, 80-, 120Hz @ 12dB/octave	Selectable all-/hi-/lo-pass filter: 60-, 80-, 120Hz @ 12dB/octave
N/A	0, +6dB, +12dB selectable @45Hz (only when LPF is engaged)
Class D	Class D
12V & DC offset	12V & DC offset
10 AWG	10 AWG
9.4" (238.50mm) W x 1.75" (43.00mm) H x 3.3" (83.80mm) D	8.25" (208.50mm) W x 1.75" (43.00mm) H x 3.3" (83.80mm) D
2.9lbs (1.3kg)	2.4lbs (1.1kg)

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	No audio and POWER INDICATOR is off.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	No voltage at BATT+ and/or REM terminals, or bad or no ground connection. Check voltages at amplifier terminals with VOM.
PROBLEM	No audio and PROTECT and POWER INDICATORS flash.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	Voltage less than 9V on BATT+ connection. Check vehicle charging system.
PROBLEM	No audio and PROTECT INDICATOR is on.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	Amplifier is overheated. Make sure amplifier cooling is not blocked at mounting location. Verify that speaker-system impedance is within specified limits. Or, there may be voltage greater than 16V (or less than 8.5V) on BATT+ connection. Check vehicle charging system.
PROBLEM	Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	The wiring is connected incorrectly or there is a short circuit. Review installation precautions and procedures. Check wiring connections.
PROBLEM	Distorted audio.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	Gain is not set properly. Check INPUT LEVEL setting. Check speaker wires for shorts or grounds. Amplifier or source unit may be defective.
PROBLEM	Distorted audio and PROTECT INDICATOR flashes.
CAUSE and SOLUTION	Short circuit in speaker or wire. Remove speaker leads one at a time to locate shorted speaker or wire, and repair.
PROBLEM	Music lacks dynamics or "punch."
CAUSE and SOLUTION	Speakers are not connected properly. Check speaker connections for proper polarity.

HARMAN International Industries, Inc.

8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA

www.jbl.com