APX2181
Owner’s Manual
Manuel de L'utilisateur
Manual del Propietario
APX AND DPX AMPLIFIERS
AMPLIFICATEURS APX & DPX
AMPLIFICADORES APX Y DPX
APX2181
APX4361
DPX2251
DPX1851
DPX11551
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Thank you for purchasing this Clarionproduct.
• Please read this owner’s manual in its entirety before operating this equipment.
• After reading this manual, keep it handy, such as in your glove compartment.
• Save your sales receipt.The warranty at the end of this manual and your sales
receipt are essential for warranty service.
FCC Approval
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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Contents
1. FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Setting input voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Setting the operating level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Improving bass sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting directly to a head unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5. INSTALLATION AND WIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What is included in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mounting precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wiring precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Power and speaker connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DPX1851 and DPX11551 stackable configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setting the gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adjusting the crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting the bass boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Final system checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Amplifier shuts down after playing for a period of time . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Distorted audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Amplifier fuse keeps blowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Whining noise when engine on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Ticking noise when engine on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7. GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8. SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
APX Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DPX Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
9. 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION
(APX2181, APX4361 (Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9. 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
10. 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Manuel de L'utilisateur (French) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Manu a l d e l Propi e tario (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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The Clarion APX2181, APX4361, DPX2251, DPX1851 and DPX11551 amplifiers fit
a variety of system configurations and provide these features:
• IVS - Input Voltage Selector with three sensitivity ranges on the gain control for
the ability to connect to almost any source.
• PFS - Precise Frequency Selector, a detented crossover frequency adjustment.
• Ground loop isolation for RCA inputs.
• Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal-to-noise
performance.
• Advanced circuitry design provides bridgeable outputs for use in a variety of
applications.
• Independent electronic crossovers to aid in audio system design.
The DPX1851 and DPX11551 each have 24dB per octave slope and full
adjustment range from 30Hz to 250Hz.
The APX2181, APX4361, and DPX2251 each have 12dB per octave slope and
full adjustment range from 50Hz to 550Hz.
• Bass boost circuit on APX series amps to reinforce low frequency signals.
• Remote turn-on with “soft start” muting to prevent turn-on “thump”.
• Protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts.
• APX2181, APX4361 and DPX2251 are 2-Ohm load capable of driving a variety of
speaker systems.
• Gold-plated input/output connectors and on-board automotive-type fuses.
• Aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation.
• SLI - Speaker Level Inputs on amps for integration with factory sound systems.
• Low profile, compact footprint to accommodate space limitations.
• SSF - Adjustable subsonic filter on the DPX1851 and DPX11551 can be turned
down to 10Hz.
1. FEATURES
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2. PRECAUTIONS
• Do not operate this product in ways other than those described in this manual.
• Do not disassemble or modify this product.
• Do not pour liquid or poke foreign objects into the unit.Water and humidity will
damage internal circuitry.
• If the unit becomes wet, turn off all power and ask your authorized Clarion dealer
to clean or service the unit.
Failure to observe these precautions may damage your car or the amplifier, and may
void the warranty.
WARNING
Exposure to continuous sound levels of 85dB or higher may
result in hearing loss. Although Clarion products are capable
of producing high sound pressure levels, please use your
product at reasonable levels.
While operating your vehicle,please observe all local sound
ordinances for your safety.
Installation
Installation of mobile audio and video components requires experience with a variety
of mechanical and electrical procedures. Although this manual provides general
installation and operation instructions, it does not show the exact installation methods for your particular vehicle.
If you do not have the required knowledge and experience to successfully complete
the installation, consult an authorized Clarion dealer about professional installation
options.
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3. CONTROLS
APX4361 signal connections and audio adjustments
1. RCA Input Jacks
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector)
3. PFS (Precise Frequency Selector)
4. Gain Control
5. Output Mode Switch
6. BBC (Bass Boost Control)
7. SLI (Speaker Level Inputs)
8. Crossover Frequency Multiplier
9. Crossover Function Switch
10. RCA Input/High Input Switch
11. Status Indicator Lights
12. Source Select Switch
APX2181 signal connections and audio adjustments
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1. RCA Input Jacks
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector)
3. PFS (Precise Frequency Selector)
4. BBC (Bass Boost Control)
5. SLI (Speaker Level Inputs)
6. Gain Control
7. PCS (Polarity Control Switch)
8. RLC (Remote Level Control) Port
9. Crossover Frequency Multiplier
10. Crossover Function Switch
11. Output Mode Switch
12. Subsonic Filter Frequency Selector
13. Slave RCA Jack
14. RCA Output Jack
15. Master/Slave Selector
16. RCA Input/High Input Switch
17. Status Indicator Lights
DPX2251 signal connections and audio adjustments
DPX1851 and DPX11551 signal connections and audio adjustments
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4. OPERATIONS
Selecting input voltage
APX and DPX amplifiers accommodate a wide range of signal input voltages (0.2V
to 8V).This wide range is split up into three ranges, which are accessible through
switches located in the “Gain”area of the amplifier.
• 0.2V-0.6V selects an input sensitivity range between 200mV and 600mV.
• 0.6-2V selects an input sensitivity range between 600mV and 2V.
• 2V-8V selects an input sensitivity range between 2V and 8V.
The gain rotary control operates within these voltage windows.
Note:
Most decks, even 4V and 5V units do not operate at full output voltage.
This requires the switch to be set in the 0.6-2V range.
Setting the operating level
The gain switches allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier from
0.2 to 8V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs.This wide adjust-
ment range accommodates virtually any source unit brand.
Once you set the correct range using the IVS, you must adjust the gain to match the
amplifiers sensitivity to that of the source unit.The gain control is not a volume control. It exists only to allow an amplifier to be used with different models and brands of
head units.
Improving bass sound
The amplifiers feature a narrow-frequency band bass boost circuit (known as “highQ”). Acting much like an equalizer, the bass boost control lets you tune low-frequency audio response to compensate for a less than ideal subwoofer enclosure design.
The added boost produces rich, full bass tones that are normally difficult to reproduce in the car audio environment.
• The APX2181, APX4361, and DPX2251 have a switchable gain that is fixed at
45Hz. If you don’t want to boost the bass frequencies, set this control to “OFF.”
• The DPX1851 and DPX11551 have a variable-frequency bass boost control
from 30Hz to 125Hz.They do not have a bass boost on/off switch, but a level
control that goes from 0dB to 15dB.
CAUTION
This control can dramatically increase the power output level
and could cause speaker damage if you over use it.
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Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers
The DPX1851 and DPX11551 feature a polarity control switch for reversing the
polarity of the output signal.This can be useful when matching the acoustic output
of your subwoofers to the output of your mid-range speakers.
Connecting directly to a head unit
The amps provide connections directly to a head unit without a pre-amp output,
such as a factory-installed head unit.
WARNING!
When using the speaker (high-level) inputs,the black wire
must be grounded at the radio.Failure to do so will result
in noise and/or improper operation.
Care and maintenance
Cleaning the case
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust and dirt from the unit.
Do not use benzene, thinner, car cleaner, or other cleaners.These substances may
damage the unit or cause the paint to peel.
Servicing the unit
In the event that trouble arises, never open the case or disassemble the unit.The
internal parts are not ser viceable by the user. Opening any components will void the
warranty.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this product not approved by the
manufacturer will void the warranty and will violate FCC approval.
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5. INSTALLATION AND WIRING
Read these instructions and the following precautions carefully.
What is included in the box
In addition to this manual, the box contains:
• Amplifier
• High-level speaker input harness
Mounting precautions
If you lack the necessary skills, do not install the amplifier yourself.See your
authorized Clarion Dealer for installation recommendations.
• This unit is exclusively for vehicles with a negative ground, 12V power supply.
• This unit requires additional mobile audio components for proper operation.
• Choose a location in the vehicle that provides adequate ventilation around the
amplifier.Although any moving air dissipates heat, cool air should run along the
length of the fins rather than across them.
CAUTION
Although Clarion amplifiers include heat sinks and protection
circuits,mounting an amplifier in a tight space without any air
m ovement will reduce performance and damage the unit’s internal
circuitry over time.
The DPX1851 does not have a fan.Install it such that air can
fl ow to the bottom of the amplifier.
The DPX11551 has two fans. Mounted in the ends of the unit,
they blow through the length of the amplifier. Ensure a 3-inch
clearance between the power/speaker and the control ends for
proper ventilation.
• Mount the amplifier on a firm, flat surface away from subwoofer enclosures or to
any area that is prone to vibration. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or on any
other combustible material.
• For easy system setup, mount the amplifier so that the adjustment controls are
accessible after installation.
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• Always use great care when attaching anything to a vehicle! Check clearances on
all sides of the planned installation before drilling any holes or installing any
screws.
• Make sure the holes you plan to drill will not cut into the fuel tank, fuel lines, brake
lines (under the chassis) or electrical wiring. Don’t guess. Check first.
Wiring precautions
Read all wiring precautions. If you are not sure of the connections, contact your
authorized Clarion Dealer.
• Do not open the case.There are no user-ser viceable par ts inside. If you require
assistance, consult your Clarion Dealer or an authorized Clarion Service Center.
Power
• Before you start, make sure the source unit’s power switch is off.
WARNING!
To prevent short circuits during installation,disconnect the
vehicle’s negative (-) battery lead before making any power
connections.
Fuses
• To protect the vehicle from fire or explosion in the event of a collision, add an
external fuse to the amp’s positive (+) power lead and connect it as close as
possible to the vehicle’s plus (+) battery terminal.
Use a fuse rated to the total current consumption of the amplifier.Fuses mounted
near the battery should be ~10 Amps larger than fuses on the amplifier itself.
If you are using more than one amplifier, add the total current consumption for the
entire system and use the closest available fuse. For example, if you’re connecting
both an APX2181 and an APX4361, install a 100 Amp fuse at the battery.
• Power wire size can greatly affect the performance of your audio system.The
Power wire size table indicates the minimum power wire requirements for proper
operation.
Power wire size table
<12 feet total electrical path length 12-22 feet total electrical path length
Wire size Maximum fuse Wire size Maximum fuse
8 Awg 70 Amp 8 Awg 40 Amp
4 Awg 170 Amp 4 Awg 50 amp
2 Awg 240 Amp 2 Awg 140 Amp
0 Awg 400 Amp 0 Awg 200 Amp
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External fuse rating table
Model Fuse rating
APX2181 30 Amp
APX4361 50 Amp
DPX2251 50 Amp
DPX1851 90 Amp
DPX11551* 200 Amp
* This amplifier has no amplifiermounted fuses. Always use a 200
Amp fuse installed at the battery.
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Cables
• Whenever possible, route power wire and signal wire on opposite sides of the
vehicle.This prevents the signal cables from picking up electrically radiated noise.
• Protect all wire from damage. Where a power wire passes through the fire wall or
near exposed metal edges, protect the wire with a rubber or plastic grommet.Use
wire loom where possible for further protection.
• Extra cable can cause signal loss and act as an antenna for noise.Use only high
quality RCA cables that are no longer than necessary to make a direct
connection with the source unit and amplifiers.
• Make sure each connection is clean and secure. Insulate final connections with
electrical tape or shrink tubing.
CAUTION
Improper connections may result in
unreliable operation and damage the
amplifier or the vehicle.
Grounding the amplifier
• A good chassis ground connection is
critical to minimize resistance and avoid
noise problems.
Use the shortest wire possible.
Clean off any paint, primer or sound
deading prior to making this connection.
To minimize resistance and avoid noise
problems, securely connect the ground
wire to the car chassis and the source
unit ground. Using existing bolts is not
recommended.
• The last connection you make should
be the ground wire at the amplifier.As the
power supply capacitors in the amplifier are not charged, a spark may be
produced when you make this connection.
Use a test light with an incandescent bulb between the ground terminal and the
power wire to charge these capacitors if this is a concern.The ground wire is the
most important connection to the amplifier. Make sure it is both electrically and
mechanically sound.
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Power and speaker connections
The rear panel contains the power and speaker ports.
APX2181 power and speaker connections
APX4361 power and speaker connections
1. Left front speaker output
2. Right front speaker output
3. Left speaker output
4. Right speaker output
5. Remote turn-on input
6. Ground input
7. Battery 12V input
8. Fuses
9. Left rear speaker output
10.Right rear speaker output
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DPX1851 power and speaker connections
DPX11551 power and speaker connections
DPX2251 power and speaker connections
1. Left rear speaker output
2. Right rear speaker output
3. Mono speaker output
4. Remote turn-on connection
5. Ground input
6. Fuses
7. Battery 12V connection
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Applications
Mono subwoofer system (APX2181 and APX4361)
In this application, the rear channels are bridged for mono operation to drive a
subwoofer while the front channels are available to drive a set of full-range speakers.
Mono Amp configuration (APX2181)
• Set crossover mode to LP
• Set input mode switch to L + R (Mono)
• Set crossover frequency to ~80Hz
• Fine-tune crossover frequency to suit
musical tastes and performances
•2Ω min stereo / 4Ω min mono
Mono Amp configuration (APX4361)
• Set rear crossover mode to LP
• Set input mode switch to L + R (Mono)
• Set crossover frequency to ~80Hz
• Fine-tune crossover frequency to suit
musical tastes and performances
•2Ω min stereo / 4Ω min mono
Note:
You may bridge the front, rear or both pairs of channels using the above settings.
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Two-channel full-range or subwoofer system (APX2181)
In this application, the APX2181 is used to drive two speakers.
Subwoofers
Full-range co-axial or
Component speakers
Subwoo fer in stereo
• Set crossover mode switch to LP
• Set crossover frequency to ~80Hz
• Fine-tune as required
•2Ω min stereo / 4Ω min mono
Full-range speakers or components in stereo
• Set crossover mode switch to OFF
Subwoo fers and component speakers at the same time
• Set crossover mode switch to OFF
• Install passive crossovers on subwoofers (inductor) and components (capacitor)
Components speakers in stereo with separate subwoo fer amp
• Set crossover mode switch to HP
• Set crossover frequency to ~200Hz for 4-inch speakers
~100Hz for 5.25-inch speakers
~75Hz for 6.5-inch speakers
~65Hz for 6 x 9-inch speakers
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Four-channel high-power system (APX4361)
In this application, the APX4361 is used as a four-channel amplifier to drive four
speakers in stereo with fader control.
Rear Right
Full range
Rear Left
Full range
Front Left
Full range
Front Right
Full range
Four speakers in stereo - full range
• Set crossover mode switch to OFF
Four speakers in stereo - filtered
If the front or rear speakers are smaller than 5.25”, you may decide to enable
the crossover.The following apply to the front or rear channels with the small
speakers.
• Set crossover mode switch to HP
• Set crossover frequency to ~200Hz for 4-inch speakers
~350Hz for 3.5-inch speakers
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2-Ohm subwoofer system (DPX1851/DPX11551)
This application shows a DPX1851 or DPX11551 driving a pair of DVC 2 Ohm
subwoofers.
DPX1851/DPX11551 speaker configuration
The units produce maximum power when connected to a 2 Ohm load.Under no
circumstance should loads under 2 Ohms be used with these units.
WARNING
Do not connect a load less than 2-Ohm as permanent damage
may occur and the warranty will be nullified.
The following DPX1851 or DPX11551 configurations achieve full power.
Speaker configurations
Driver type Quantity Wiring Net load
Single-voice coil - 8 Ohm 4 Parallel 2 Ohm
Single-voice coil - 4 Ohm 2 Parallel 2 Ohm
Single-voice coil - 2 Ohm 4 Parallel/Series 2 Ohm
Dual-voice coil - 8 Ohm 2 Parallel 2 Ohm
Dual-voice coil - 4 Ohm 4 Parallel/Series 2 Ohm
Dual-voice coil - 2 Ohm 2 Series/Parallel 2 Ohm
Other speaker configurations are possible using a combination of series and parallel
wiring. See your authorized Clarion dealer for assistance.
DVC 2 Ohm
Subwoofer
DVC2 Ohm
Subwoofer
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DPX1851 and DPX11551 stackabl e configurations
In this mode, the master amp’s front-panel controls apply to all amplifiers.
For example, setting the crossover frequency on the master sets it on all slaves.This
works for all front-panel controls.
Multiple amplifiers can be daisy-chained together.For example, if you had six
DPX1851s in a show car, you could control all of them from one master unit (and
one remote).
The following describes the configuration of the amplifiers:
Master • Route input from the head into the normal mode inputs.
• Set the master/slave switch to Master.
• Route a single RCA cable from the Slave Out to first slave unit.
First slave • Set the master/slave switch to Slave.
• Route a single RCA cable from the master Slave Out to the
current amplifier’s Slave In.
Additional slave(s) • Set the master/slave switch to Slave.
• Route a single RCA cable from the previous amplifier’s Slave
Out to the current amplifier’s Slave In.
Each amplifier can independently control separate speaker loads (assuming the
phase switch on all amplifiers is set the same).
Or, to power a large single load (phase switch opposite on the amplifier), you can
bridge across the amplifiers: + and + to load, - and - to each other.The master amp
is “speaker +” for in-phase operation.
Any pair of amplifiers could also be bridged, but be careful to set the phase switches
correctly.
Setting the gain
After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the gain control and perform the final system checks.
1. Turn the gain control all the way down (counterclockwise).
2. Select the proper input voltage range using the IVS.See “Selecting Input Voltage”
in the “Operations” section of this manual.
3. Turn the vehicle’s ignition switch on.
4. Turn the audio system on with the volume turned all the way down.
5. Set all tone or equalization controls to flat positions and turn loudness off.
6. Play a CD and turn the volume up on the head unit until you hear distortion.This
should be most of the way up.
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7. Turn the volume back down slightly.
8. Slowly increase the gain control (clockwise). Stop when you hear a slight audio
distortion.
When the gain is properly set, you should achieve maximum undistorted output with
the volume turned up all the way, not half way.
If an oscilloscope is available, monitor the output of the amplifier with the scope,
watching for clipping of the waveform. Set the gain so that only minor clipping
occurs.
Adjusting the crossover
The APX2181, APX4361 and DPX2251 amplifiers feature fully-adjustable
crossovers.
The DPX1851 and DPX11551 do not have a way to disable the low-pass 24dB slope
crossover.
1. On the APX2181, APX4361, and DPX2251, use the X-Over mode switch to select
either LP (low pass) or HP (high pass) or OFF for full range.
2. Using the Frequency (Hz) selection control, select the frequency.
Setting the bass boost
1. Initially set the bass boost control to the OFF position.
2. Listen to a variety of music styles (for example, rock, rap, etc.) and switch the
bass boost control on until you notice an increase in low bass response.
Note:
Using the bass boost requires the amplifier to produce a great deal of
additional power. Use bass boost sparingly.
CAUTION
If you hear a pop caused by speaker overexertion, lower
the bass boost to prevent damage to the speaker.
Final system check s
1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit.
2. After a two-second delay, slowly increase the volume control and listen to the
audio.
If you hear any noise, static, distortion or no sound at all, check the connections
and refer to Troubleshooting. Depending on your system, the volume may become
quite loud even at moderate volume control settings. Until you get an “audio feel”
for the system’s power, use care when adjusting the controls.
3. Turn the balance controls to their extreme positions and listen to the results.
Audio output should match control settings (audio from the left speaker when
balance is left).
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4. Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces the audio at full
frequencies without distortion.
If you hear distortion check the connections and verify that the gain control is set
correctly. Another cause of distortion could be underpowered or damaged
speakers.Refer to Troubleshooting.
6.TROUBLESHOOTING
Indicator lights
The APX2181, APX4361, DPX1851 and DPX11551 have lights that indicate
amplifier status.
Blue top Red end- Blue endLED panel light panel light Meaning
On Off Off Amplifier running normally
On Alternating between In thermal protection mode
red and blue
Slow blink Slow out-of-sync Off Over voltage;
blink reduce the input voltage
Quick blink Quick in-sync Off Short circuit protection
blink
3 blinks, 3 blinks, Off Repeated shorts detected;
then pause then pause remove the short circuit, wait
5 minutes for error condition
to clear; or clear condition by
removing the main power, for
example, by pulling the fuse.
No Audio
• Low or no remote turn-on voltage: check remote connections at the amplifier
and source unit.
• Bl own amplifier fuse:replace with a new fast-blow fuse (same rating).
• Power wires not connected: check battery and ground wiring at the amplifier
and check the battery connections.
• Speaker leads shorted:check speaker continuity to ground; it should not show a
common ground.
• Speakers not connected or are blown: check speaker connections at the
amplifier and measure at speakers.Measure coil impedance at amplifier with
speaker wires disconnected.
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Amplifier shuts down after playing for a period of time
• Thermal protection circuits are shutting the amplifier off: Check the location
for adequate ventilation.Relocate amplifier as required. Consult an authorized
Clarion audio dealer.
Distorted audio
• Gain is not properly set: review the instructions for setting the gain.
• Speaker cones are damaged: inspect each speaker cone for signs of damage,
such as a frozen cone, burnt smell, separated or ripped surround or separated
spider.
Amplifier fuse keeps blowing
• Incorrect wiring or short circuit:review the installation and check all wiring
connections.
• Amplifier being driven too hard: Turn down the
volume, gain or bass boost.
• Undersized or faulty fuse installed: Replace the
amplifier fuse with the same rating fuse as the one
that shipped with the unit.
Note:
The DPX11551 ships with a 200 Amp, ANL-type
fuse; mount it external to the unit, near the battery.
Whining noise when engine on
• RCA cables too close to the power wire:Separate RCA and power cables.
Ground loops are caused by a mismatch in the ground potential (voltage)
between two sources.Current flows through the shield of the RCA cable and is
quickly picked up by the amplifier.There are several ways to solve this problem:
• Re-ground the amplifier to a more electrically conductive location.
• Re-ground the head unit to a more electrically conductive location.
• Run a ground wire from the head unit to the amplifier ground.
• Upgrade or replace the ground wire on the battery and alternator.
• Run a ground cable from the negative terminal of the battery to the amplifier.
• Wire the entire audio system using a single connection point to the chassis.
• Induced noise: Relocate components away from electrical noise sources:
• Engine control computers.
• ABS brake control modules.
Fuse rating table
Model Fuse rating
APX2181 30 Amp
APX4361 50 Amp
DPX2251 50 Amp
DPX1851 90 Amp
DPX11551 200 Amp
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Ticking noise when engine on
• High voltage ignition problem: Check for problems with the ignition system and
replace components as required.
• Cracked distributor caps
• Carbon traces on plug wires
• Loose spark plugs
7. GLOSSARY
Crossover:
A device that limits the range of frequencies sent to a speaker or
amplifier.
dB:
decibel, a measurement of the relative difference in power or intensity between
two acoustic signals.
Equalizer:
Component that boosts or cuts sound signal frequencies to improve the
quality of the sound.
Gain control:
gain is the amount of amplification (voltage, current or power) of an
audio signal expressed in dB.
Hz:
Abbreviation for Hertz, a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second.
IVS:
Input V oltage Selector
Octave:
the musical principle of dividing sound frequencies into the eight notes of
the musical scale.
Ohm:
unit of electric resistance
PFS:
Precise Frequency Selector
RCA input/output:
port through which sound travels in and out of the system;“RCA”
refers to the type of connector, which was first manufactured by the Radio
Corporation of America.
Slope:
how fast the sound gets quieter rated in dBs.The higher the dB number, the
faster the frequency drops off.
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8. SPECIFICATIONS
Note:
The technical data and the design of the equipment may change
without prior notice for the sake of technical improvements.
APX Amplifiers
Parameter APX4361 APX2181
Maximum power output 170W x 4 170W x 2
Continuous rated power 90W x 4 90W x 2
Typical power in bridged mode 320W x 2 320W x 1
Typical power in 2-Ohm load 160W x 4 150W x 2
THD (1KHz, 10W, 4 Ohms) 0.05% 0.05%
IM distortion 0.08% 0.08%
S/N (A-weighted) 86dB 86dB
Floor noise 2mV 2mV
Channel separation 70dB 70dB
Frequency response 10Hz to 50kHz 10Hz to 50kHz
Line level input sensitivity 200mV to 8 Volts 200mV to 8 Volts
Speaker level input sensitivity 600mV to 20 Volts 600mV to 20 Volts
Input impedance 33K Ohms 33K Ohms
Allowable battery voltage 10.5 to 16.5 Volts 10.8 to 16.5 Volts
Size 12-1/4"x10-1/8"x2-3/8” 10"x10-1/8"x2-3/8"
These specications are Amplier Power Standard CEA-2006 Compliant.
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