Adire Audio ADA-300 Owners manual

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual rev 1.1 1

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual

ADA300 - ADA600 - ADA1200

series amplifiers only. Specifications and documentation subject to change without notice.

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual rev 1.1 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. WELCOME............................................................................................................................................................3

2. WARNINGS! ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

3. GENERAL FEATURES .....................................................................................................................................5

3.1. CONNECTIONS..................................................................................................................................................5

3.1.1. Signal Input...........................................................................................................................................5

3.1.2. Power Input...........................................................................................................................................5

3.1.3. Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2. ADJUSTMENTS..................................................................................................................................................7

3.2.1. EQ............................................................................................................................................................8

3.2.2. Crossover...............................................................................................................................................9

3.2.3. Phase.......................................................................................................................................................9

3.2.4. Gain.........................................................................................................................................................9

4. ADVANCED FEATURES ...............................................................................................................................10

4.1. LINKWITZ TRANSFORM ................................................................................................................................11

4.2. DIPOLE EQUALIZATION................................................................................................................................12

4.3. PHASE ENABLE WITH CROSSOVER BYPASSED..........................................................................................12

5. SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................13

6. WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................................14

6.1. LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................................................................................................14

6.2. SATISFACTION G UARANTEE ........................................................................................................................15

6.3. LIFE SUPPORT/MISSION CRITICAL APPLICATIONS...................................................................................15

6.4. CERTIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................15

series amplifiers only. Specifications and documentation subject to change without notice.

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual rev 1.1 3

1. Welcome

Thanks for purchasing the Adire Audio ADA™ series subwoofer amp! This amp represents the most advanced subwoofer amplifier on the market today. Based on a fully custom in-house developed switching topology, this class D amp uses high frequency switching FETs to maximize efficiency.

The ADA series amps use an output topology generically classified as class D. Rather than a continuous sine wave like output, a class D amp uses a switched output signal. The output FETS are switched on and off at a very high rate. The average output level of this signal is representative of the typical “sine-wave” like output you get from regular linear amps. The result is extreme efficiency of operation. Note the absence of heatsinking – that plate is all that’s needed for 1200W of operation!

Our power ratings are true power ratings, too! The amps are capable of supplying continuous rated power for 1 hour, non-stop. These aren’t duty-cycle, peak, music power, or other lower-grade ratings; it’s a true continuous power rating. Something you’ll almost never see in real-life, but it’s nice to know it’s there when needed!

The ADA series amps also boast the most complete feature set on the market. It has the following externally adjustable features:

- Two bands of fully parametric EQ (independently adjustable bandwidth, Fc, and gain)

- Two 2nd order low pass crossovers with independently adjustable corner frequencies

- Defeatable EQ and crossover switches

- Continuously adjustable phase alignment

- Fine resolution 30 dB window of gain

- Two internally summed inputs with oversized entries to accommodated large-sized RCA connections

- Detachable IEC power cord

- Externally accessible fuse

Additionally for advanced users there is are on-board Linkwitz transform and dipole equalization circuits.

The ADA series amps are intended for mounting in a cabinet. They are sealed with high-density foam gaskets and will not leak in typical applications. This greatly simplifies cabinetry, and allows the home hobbyist to make a subwoofer with more power and features than just about any commercially available subwoofer system.

All amps have the exact same set of features, dimensions, and save for power output the same ratings. Every ADA amp owner gets the best, from the quality of the PCBs (with 2 ounce copper plating) to properly gauged IEC cables to the oversized toroidal transformers. No compromise throughout.

Before using or operating this amp we recommend you read through this manual. At the very least read the entire WARNINGS! section prior to installation or use.

series amplifiers only. Specifications and documentation subject to change without notice.

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual rev 1.1 4

2. WARNINGS!

READ THIS SECTION PRIOR TO ANY OPERATION OR

CONNECTION OF THE AMPLIFIER!

DANGER! WALL VOLTAGE PRESENT ON BACKSIDE OF AMP! This amp runs off the AC power in your house. The power supply has a live feed of AC. Do NOT touch the back of the amp in any way when it is plugged into the wall. Doing so can result in PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH. It MUST be mounted in a way that access to the rear is restricted prior to connection to the AC mains.

Dangerous voltage levels are present on components for at least 20 minutes after the power is turned off. Wait for a minimum of 30 minutes for the capacitors to properly discharge before exposing the backside of the amp.

This is a SUBWOOFER AMP. DO NOT CONNECT IT TO A FULL RANGE SPEAKER. The switching frequency of this amp is 60 kHz; it is NOT compatible with wideband or full range drivers. Do not use this amplifier with signals above 300 Hz.

Do NOT replace the fuse with a size greater than that provided. If the fuse consistently pops, check your load on the amp. These amps are designed for a 4 Ohm nominal load for maximum power output. Operation with lower impedance loads can result in fuses blowing. Don’t do it.

The amp is NOT waterproof. Do not install it in a location where it can get wet. AC voltages and water do NOT mix! If the amp does get wet, immediately disconnect the AC power plug FROM THE WALL. DO NOT TOUCH THE AMP ITSELF. Wait for the amp to dry off. If you suspect any water has seeped inside the amp, return the amp to Adire Audio.

There are no user serviceable parts within this amp. We will not provide schematics or repair instructions. PERIOD. Any and all service is by Adire Audio or it’s designated repair centers. Modifications or self-service will immediately void any and all warranties.

This amp can generate tremendous amounts of output power. It can easily overdrive and destroy nearly any subwoofer on the market. Proper use and matching of this amp to your subwoofer is critical to ensure a long and healthy lifespan for your subwoofer.

Along with high output power, this amp can generate lethal output voltages. Do NOT touch the output connections or any wires/bare connections attached to the amp output at any time the amp is plugged in. Touching the live outputs of the amp can result in PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH.

This amp, when connected to high power subwoofer systems, can generate extreme SPL levels. Long-term listening to such SPL levels can cause temporary or PERMANENT hearing damage! Respect your ears. If they are ringing or things sound dull or muted IMMEDIATELY reduce the volume.

ALWAYS RESPECT ELECTRICITY. IT CAN KILL YOU. WHEN IN DOUBT,

TURN EVERYTHING OFF, AND DISCONNECT ALL POWER PLUGS. NEVER

WORK ON LIVE AC POWERED EQUIPMENT. IF THERE ARE ANY

PROBLEMS CONTACT THE FACTORY IMMEDIATELY.

series amplifiers only. Specifications and documentation subject to change without notice.

Adire Audio® ADA™ Series Subwoofer Amp Manual rev 1.1 5

3. General Features

The ADA series amps have the most complete feature set on the market. There isn’t another subwoofer plate amplifier on the market with this set of features and abilities. You have the most advanced amp on the market.

3.1. Connections

There are two external connections of the ADA series amplifiers: the input and power connections.

3.1.1. Signal Input

The inputs are made with industry standard RCA connections. The center-to-center spacing is 0.75”, and the cutouts around the connectors are oversized to allow use of heavy jacketed connectors. If you have an RCA that won’t fit in these cutouts, let us know, because we weren’t able to find one that wouldn’t fit.

The inputs are internally summed to create a mono signal. If you have a stereo signal, feed it to the inputs and the amp will generate the mono subwoofer signal on its own.

If you have a single mono bass signal (like the LFE/SUB OUT from a home theater processor or multichannel audio decoder) then you can use either input – you do not need to use both inputs!

3.1.2. Power Input

Power connection is via the supplied IEC cable. There is an industry standard IEC receptacle on the amp plate. Note that we recommend 16 AWG for the 1200W amp; the lower power amplifiers can be powered with an 18 AWG power cord. Use of larger gauges is fine; just don’t use smaller wire than what is listed here.

There is a power switch and fuse holder integrated in the power receptacle. The power switch will turn the amp on or off. The fuse is contained between the switch and the power connector. DO NOT CHANGE THE FUSE WITH THE POWER CORD CONNECTED! Only use the original size/value of fuses when replacing blown fuses.

series amplifiers only. Specifications and documentation subject to change without notice.

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Adire Audio ADA-300 Owners manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual