Jensen JPX720

As can be seen by the graphs, this amplifier did not pass our reactive load tests. We saw a good deal of oscillation when paralleling the speaker outputs with a 0.1uF capacitor. We tried this test again with just 1 foot of #12 speaker wire in series with the caps. In this case the output was clean, so we don't expect these oscillations to show up in any installation.

Listening Test
We heard a slight turn-on "pop", and a somewhat loud turn-off pop. The sound was due to the source deck's turn-off noise not being muted by this amps 2.5 second turn-off mute time.

The amp sounded clean and tight over the full frequency spectrum, despite its poor slew rate. During our blind A/B tests, we believe we heard high frequency harshness, but it was too subtle to be certain.

Conclusion
The Jensen JPX720 is a good value at $199.99. It makes a substantial 372 watts into a 4-ohm mono load; that equates to a very reasonable 54 cents per watt. While this Jensen amplifier may not contain all of quality components found in some of the more expensive amps we have tested, it should be powerful and clean enough for most systems. And, given its built-in crossover and bass boost, we expect this amp to satisfy any budget-minded audio enthusiast's needs.

Pros
High level inputs
Input RF inductor
Variable Bass Boost
Remote level control
Good S/N ratio
Low distortion

Cons
85 C. secondary capacitors
Single sided PCB
Bass boost center frequency moves from 30-45Hz depending on gain setting.
Long turn off delay
No over voltage protection
Low damping factor
High inter-modulation distortion

www.Jensen.com
Brand: Jensen
Model: JPX720
MSRP: $199.99