Congratulations on your purchase and thank you for supporting AUTOTEK! The STREET MACHINE Series products
have been designed to a very high level of performance, with features unavailable in similarly priced amplifiers. These
amplifiers have variable crossovers built in, with added touches such as subsonic filter, bass equalization and a
remote Level control module (some models) that allows subwoofer Level control from the drivers seat. The multi
channel models have kept your factory headunit and existing controls in mind by offering high level inputs which
allow for your OEM radio to remain in place. The STREET MACHINE amplifiers also feature an integrated Power Level
meter on top of the amplifier with displays the percentage of power output in real time during listening. Please read
through this manual completely as we have compiled a guide that will keep you on the road and enjoying your music
for years to come.
The car audio professionals at Maxxsonics recommend that you only use one of the MAXXLINK amplifier installation
kits to install this amplifier. The MAXXLINK amplifier installation kits are designed to deliver proper power and fusing
to the amplifier from the vehicles electrical system. Additionally, the kit includes signal cables (RCA's) that are
designed to reject noise and improve signal quality from the source unit to the pre-amplifier section. This amp is
going to sound unbelievable.
Use of MAXXLINK products ensures that your amplifier will deliver maximum performance for years to come.
Maxxsonics is so confident in this amplifier, installed properly with a qualifying MAXXLINK amp kit, you can add up to
12 months of additional warranty coverage to this amplifier! For more information, please check out
MAXXLINKAudio.com/WarrantyMAXXLINKAudio.com
. Check out all the MAXXLINK products for your installation at
TREAD LOUDLY!
General Installation Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................................................1
Features and Specifications...............................................................................................................................................................................................7
Setting Up Systems After Installation For Best Performance...............................................................................................................................................8
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................................................................9
The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please
remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.
Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom capability, to
reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when
overdriven, due to the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.
Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality RCA cables you can
afford, for reliability and less engine noise interference in the audio system.
Installation
+3dB
+3dB
-10 dB
-10 dB
-6
-10
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
POWER LEVEL
FRONT
-20
-6
-10
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
POWER LEVEL
REAR
WOOD
-20
It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid
structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the
amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting
the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for
optimal heat dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as
this can cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a location for
mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical
devices and brake lines etc.
General:
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause
electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.
Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 7 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Street Machine series amplifiers require at
least 4 gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some
applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at
the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of
each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse
must be within 12” of the vehicles battery.
Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the amplifiers’
power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis as short
as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical
contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than
the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten
the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time.
TIP:Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to
the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure
that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
AMPERAGE
35-50
50-65
68-85
85-105
105-125
125-150
7-10 ft.10-13 ft.13-16 ft.
8
6
4
4
4
2
6
4
4
2
2
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
16-19 ft.19-22 ft.22-28 ft.
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
0
NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule
WIRE GAUGE
of thumb. Please refer to the
manufacturers specific
requirements. SM specifications
can be found on page 7.
Safe connection sequence:
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on
leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the main
fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.
Power up the system:
The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly
immediately.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no
boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and crossover
switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of
the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the
system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.
1
AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
STREET MACHINE AMPLIFIERS:
Each model is capable of 4 & 2-Ohms stereo per channel, or 4-Ohms mono bridged operation except the mono amps All Autotek amplifiers feature a comprehensive diagnostic system, with speaker lead short circuit, and amplifier DC
which are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm loads.
The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2V to 5V on the multi channel amplifiers and 0.2V to
6V on the mono models.
All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges.
Crossover filters are 12dB/Octave.
A POWER LED indicates the powered up and turned on condition.
SM1600.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS
L L
+ - gnd - +
HI INPUT
R R
LINE OUT LINE INPUT
The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:
-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.
-HPF: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 60 Hz to 1.2kHz.
-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.
-LPF: Selects the built in LOW PASS , variable from 30 Hz to 250Hz.
-BASS EQ: Adjustable 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 12dB.
MODE: The mode switch allows you to choose Stereo for full range 2 channel operation or MONO for bridging operation
HIGH INPUT: If your radio/CD player does not have unbalanced (RCA) outputs, you can use the HIGH level (wire) inputs.
LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 5V.
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.
Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.
-In the LPF position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.
-When the LPF mode is selected, a 0 to +12dB, at 45Hz, BASS -EQ is also switched in.
LEVEL BASS EQ HPF LPF
5V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60Hz 1.2KHz 30Hz 250Hz
faults indicated by the red “PROTECT” LED.
CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE ANY AMPLIFIER BELOW THE INTENDED IMPEDANCE. YOU WILL CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY PRINTED IN THE BACK
OF THE MANUAL. 2 & 4 Channel amps are capable of 4 and 2-Ohms wired stereo and 4-Ohms wired mono
bridged. The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm.
X-OVER MODE
FULL LPF HPF MONO STEREO
SM1400.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS
CH1/2
CH3/4
R R
L L
LINE INPUT
The 4 channel amps have the same features as the 2 channel models accept that there are 2 sets of controls. 1 set for channels 1 & 2 and 1 set for channels 3 & 4.
In addition, the 4 channel models have a Mode switch which allows you to select 2, 3 or 4 channel operation. Switch to 2 channel if you only have 1 set of RCA’s in CH 1/2 and
the unit will automatically supply signal to channels 3/4. Select 3 channel when you only have RCA’s in CH 1/2 but plan to run channels 3/4 bridged. Select 4 channel if you
are providing RCA’s to channels 1/2 and 3/4.
The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:
-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.
-HPF: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 60 Hz to 1.2kHz.
-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.
-LPF: Selects the built in LOW PASS , variable from 30 Hz to 250Hz.
-BASS EQ: Adjustable 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 12dB.
LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 5V.
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.
Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.
-In the LPF position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.
-When the LPF mode is selected, a 0 to +12dB, at 45Hz, BASS -EQ is also switched in.
-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.
-SUBSONIC: Allows you to adjust the crossover filter from 15Hz to 55Hz.
-LOWPASS: Allows yo to adjust the LOW PASS crossover filter from 40Hz to 150Hz.
LEVEL: Adjusts the input sensitivity from 0.2 volts to 6 volts.
BASSBOOST: 45Hz bass boost adjustable from 0db to 12dB.
REMOTE CONTROL: This is the input jack for the remote Level control.
LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V.
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.
The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 & 1-Ohm loads.
2
Operating the amp below 1-Ohm can cause damage to the amp not covered in the warranty.
0dB 12dB 15Hz 55Hz 40Hz 150Hz 6V 0.2V
R R
SM1600.2 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS
FULL RANGE STEREO
This is the most basic application for the SM Series 2 channel amplifiers.
1. Interconnect cable checklist:
Connect the LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD with good quality RCA cables.Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best performance”
2. Crossover Switch:
The X-OVER switch must be in the FULL position.
3. Crossover frequency control checklist:
N/A for full range operation.This amplifier will not do 1 Ohm stereo or 2/1 Ohm mono operation.
FULL RANGE
STEREO LINE INPUT
LINE OUT LINE INPUT
R R
L L
4. MODE:
Should be in the STEREO position.
5. Line Level:
NOTE: Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:
4 & 2 Ohms stereo mode or 4-Ohms mono mode
FULL RANGE
SPEAKERS
-20
+ - gnd - +
HI INPUT
LEVEL BASS EQ HPF LPF
5V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60Hz 1.2KHz 30Hz 250Hz
FULL LPF HPF MONO STEREO
X-OVER MODE
-10
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
POWER LEVEL
FRONT
MONO
This application illustrates the basic mono bridging method for all Autotek
amplifiers.
Interconnect cable checklist:
A MONO signal source is required, such as would be available from the mono
sub bass output of an active crossover, whether stand alone, or built into a head
unit or equalizer. Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive
outputs, from any source together to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well
damage the output stage of that source.
It is necessary to feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Y-adapter
RCA cable. Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the RIGHT -, and its
negative terminal to LEFT +.
MONO LINE INPUT
FROM MONO SOURCE
Important:
FULL RANGE
VIA Y-ADAPTER
LINE OUT LINE INPUT
R R
L L
+ - gnd - +
HI INPUT
LEVEL BASS EQ HPF LPF
5V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60Hz 1.2KHz 30Hz 250Hz
-20
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
-10
POWER LEVEL
+3dB
-10 dB
-6
-20
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
-10
POWER LEVEL
REAR
+3dB
-10 dB
-6
BRIDGED
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
+ - + -
POWER
FUSE
POWER INPUT
GND REM BATT+12V
PROTECT
TO BATTERY +12v
VIA FUSE
REMOTE TURN-ON
CHASSIS GROUND
Switch setting checklist:
- The AMPLIFIER X-OVER switch should be in the LPF position and the MODE
should be in the position.
MONO
Crossover frequency control setting checklist:
LPF: 11 o’clock
Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:
- 4 ohm mono.
MONO SPEAKER
+3dB
-10 dB
-6
FRONT
-20
-0 10 25 50 65 80 100%
-6
-10
POWER LEVEL
REAR
+3dB
-10 dB
BRIDGED
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
+ - + -
PROTECT
POWER
FULL LPF HPF MONO STEREO
X-OVER MODE
The HIGH LEVEL inputs are used when the radio/CD player does not have RCA cable outputs. You can connect the radio/CD player speaker wires directly to the
amplifier via the high Level Inputs.