Clarion APX290M User Manual

OPERATION/INSTALLA-

TION

MANUAL

MANUEL D'OPERATION/

INSTALLATION

MANUAL D E

OPERACIÓN/INSTALACIÓN

APX290M/

APX490M

APX290M/APX490M Power System Amplifier

1

English

INTRODUCTION

The Clarion APX290M is a full-featured, two-channel amplifier incorporating the
following features:

• Specially coated circuit boards that resist mold, mildew and moisture damage.

• Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply for maximum
performance with minimal distortion.

• Remote turn-on with "soft start" muting to prevent turn-on "thump".

• Variable high-pass/low-pass electronic crossover with a 12dB per octave
slope (adjustable range: 55Hz to 5.5kHz).

• Variable bass boost circuit to reinforce low frequency signals that may be lost
due to subwoofer enclosure design.

• Adjustable input level controls with ground loop isolation to minimize noise
and distortion.

• 2-ohm stereo stable, 4-ohm mono stable.

• Gold-plated power, speaker, and RCA connectors.

• Speaker level input.

• Low profile construction with aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation.

The Clarion APX490M is a full featured, four-channel amplifier adding the following
feature:

• Advanced circuitry design featuring bridgeable and mixed mode operation for
use in various system configurations including 4, 3, or 2 channel systems.

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

This manual describes the basic requirements to install the Clarion APX290M and
APX490M amplifiers.The installation of this amplifier can be quite complex to install,
if you do not posses the necessary knowledge and tools to perform this installation,
please contact your local Clarion Marine Audio dealer.
Keep all instructions and sales receipt for future reference and warranty information.
Warranty information can be found on page 18 of this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Input Connections and Audio Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Connections for Power and Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mounting Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wiring Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

APX490M Wiring and Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

APX290M Wiring and Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting the Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting the Crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting the Subwoofer Bass Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Final System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Product Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Clarion Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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DESCRIPTION

The APX290M and APX490M use an unregulated MOSFET power supply for
superior sound and output wattage. In addition, a toroid-coil is used to transfer
power with minimal performance loss due to heat.To avoid unwanted noise, a
double-sided conformal printed circuit board with strategically placed compo­nents keeps AM RFI subdued.
All of the connections and controls for the APX290M and APX490M are conve­niently located at the ends of the amplifier and labeled appropriately. To ensure
the best possible electrical connections, the power, speaker, and RCA inputs
are gold-plated. An additional benefit of the APX490M is the ability to create a
2, 3, or 4 channel amplified system with a flip of a switch (see Application sec­tion). In the event of component failure or a short circuit, the APX290M and
APX490M incorporate safe guards and outboard ATC fuses to prevent damage
to the amplifier.

INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROLS

The front panel of the APX490M and APX290M contain both connections for
RCA and speaker level inputs, along with the audio controls as shown below.

Fig. 1
APX490M

1. CH1/CH2 High Input

2. CH 1/2 RCA Input

3. CH 3/4 RCA Input

4. CH1/CH2 Gain Control

5. CH 3/4 Gain Control

6. Bass Boost

7. Source Select

8. CH 1/2 Mode Switch

9. CH 3/4 Mode Switch

10. CH 3/4 High Input

11. CH 1/2 Frequency Control

12. CH 1/2 Crossover Mode Switch

13. CH 3/4 Frequency Control

14. Frequency Range Multiplier

15. CH 3/4 Crossover Mode Switch

16. Power Light Indicator

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2 3456 7 8 916

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1. CH1/CH2 RCA Input

2. Gain Control

3. Bass Boost

4. CH1/CH2 Frequency (Hz)

5. Frequency Range Multiplier

6. Crossover Mode

7. Output Mode Selector Switch

8. High Input

9. Power Light Indicator

The RCA connections are gold plated for optimum performance and low signal loss.
The RCA connectors are labeled CH 1 (front left), CH 2 (front right) [for APX490M:
CH 3 (rear left), and CH 4 (rear right)]. In applications where RCA signals are not
present, the speaker level output from the head unit can be used. (Use one or the
other input, not both.)

• Gain Controls: For the APX490M, separate CH 1/2 and CH 3/4 gain controls

allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier. The amplifier's input
range, 200mV to 6.0V for RCA inputs and 500mV to 13V for speaker level inputs,
can accommodate input levels from virtually any head unit.

• Bass Boost: The amplifier features a "high-Q" (i.e. narrow frequency band)

Bass Boost circuit. It acts much like an equalizer with an adjustable gain from 0 to
+15dB fixed at 45Hz. Use this feature to 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 marine
audio environment.
NOTE: Bass Boost setting should only be used for subwoofer applications.

• Source Select (APX490M only )

2 CH BASS:

Uses CH 1/2 inputs and has output from all 4 channels with Bass

Boost.

2 CH:

Uses CH 1/2 inputs and has output from all 4 channels.The Bass Boost

will work only on CH 1/2 and have no effect on CH 3/4.

4 CH:

Uses all 4 channel inputs and has output from all 4 channels.The Bass

Boost will work only on CH 1/2 and have no effect on CH 3/4.

APX290M

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• Output Mode Selector Switch: CH 1/2 and CH 3/4 (APX490M only)

STEREO:

Full left and right stereo operation.

CH 1Mono / CH 2 Mono:

Single channel input for bridged operation.This is

especially useful in high-powered systems. (Uses CH 2 and CH 4 inputs.)

CH 1/2 Mono / CH 3/4 Mono:

Allows for a stereo input to be summed into a mono

output.

• CH 1/2 FREQ / CH 3/4 FREQ (APX490M only) The CH 1/2 crossover frequencies

are adjustable from 55Hz to 550Hz. While CH 3/4 crossover frequencies are
adjustable from 55Hz to 5500Hz (via the Frequency Range Multiplier) for a wider
range of crossover points. Use this feature along with your speaker
manufacturer's recommended crossover frequencies to quickly design a more
advanced system.
NOTE: If either of the Crossover Mode Switches is set to OFF, varying the
frequency control will have no effect.

• CH 1/2 Filter / CH 3/4 Filter (APX490M only) A filter is activated by sliding the CH

1/2 and CH 3/4 filter switch to either HP = High Pass or LP = Low Pass. CH 1/2 is
fully adjustable from 55-550Hz (via CH 1/2 Freq) and CH 3/4 is fully adjustable
from 55-5500Hz (via CH 3/4 Frequency and Frequency Range Multiplier). Use
this feature along with your speaker manufacture's recommended crossover
frequencies to design a more advanced system.

CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS

The rear panel of the APX490M and APX290M contains power and speaker
connections as shown below.

Fig. 2
APX490M

1. CH1 Speaker Output

2. CH2 Speaker Output

3. Ground

4. Remote Turn-on

5. Battery +12V Input

6. 2 - 35 Amp Fuse

7. CH3 Speaker Output

8. CH4 Speaker Output

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3 4 5 6

7 8

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Fig. 3
APX290M

1. CH1 Speaker Output

2. CH2 Speaker Output

3. Ground

4. Remote Turn-on

5. Battery

6. 40 Amp Fuse

APX490M - Electr ical Connection

APX290M - Electrical Connection

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Front Left Speaker (+)

Front Left Speaker (-)

Front Right Speaker (+)

Front Right Speaker (-)

2 3 4 5 61

Remote Turn-On

Rear Right Speaker (+)

Rear Left Speaker (-)

Rear Left Speaker (+)

Rear Right Speaker (-)

F
U
S
E

Left Speaker (-)

Remote Turn-On

Right Speaker (+)Left Speaker (+)

Right Speaker (-)

F
U
S
E

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INSTALLATION

This section suggests Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion
APX290M and/or APX490M amplifier(s). If you do not posses the necessary tools
and installation experience, do not attempt to install these amplifiers.Instead,
contact your local Clarion Marine Audio dealer to perform the installation.

MOUNTING PRECA

UTIONS

Prior to mounting the amplifier, make sure it is safe to mount the amplifier in that
location. Failure to do so can result in serious damage to the boat. In addition,
stainless steel hardware should be used to mount the amplifier and additional
accessories. When possible, use a nut and bolt with a lock washer to secure the
amplifier. Extra care and attention is necessar y in marine installations due to the
uncertainty of water conditions.
Additional precautions and suggestions:

1. For the most efficient cooling, mount the amplifier so cool air runs along the

length of the heat sink, rather than across them.To increase air movement and
circulation, a cooling fan can be installed.

2. Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface; avoid mounting to subwoofer enclosures or

areas prone to vibration.

3. Prior to drilling and holes, make sure the proposed mounting holes will not cut

into the fuel tank, fuel lines, electrical wiring, or through the boat.

4. Do not mount the amplifier where it is susceptible to water.

WIRING PRECA

UTIONS

Read all of the wiring precautions prior to making any connections. If you are
unsure and/or don't have the necessary installation hardware, contact your local
Clarion Marine Audio dealer to perform the installation.

1. Before you begin the installation, make sure the source unit Power switch is in the

OFF position.

2. Disconnect the negative (-) lead of the battery (or batteries) before making any

power connections.

3. When making connections, be sure that each connection is clean and secure.

Insulate final connections with electrical tape or shrink tubing. Failure to do so
may damage your equipment.

4. A good ground is critical for the performance of the amplifier.A ground wire

should be run directly from the battery to the amplifier. Use black insulated
10-gauge or larger wire for the amplifier's ground (-) power lead.

5. Add an additional fuse holder and fuse at the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

The fuse rating should equal the total current consumption at full output of the
amplifier(s). Use red insulated 10-gauge or larger wire for the amplifier's positive
(+) power lead. Do not install the fuse until the complete installation has been
performed.

6. When replacing the amplifier's fuse, always use one having the same amperage

rating. Substituting a higher rated fuse or a slow-blow type can result in serious
damage to the amplifier.

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7.When creating passage holes for power cables, RCA's cables, and speaker wires,
use grommets to eliminate any sharp edges created during drilling. This will
protect the wire from being nicked and causing a short circuit.

8. 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.

9. In multiple amplifier systems, it is recommended to use a relay on the remote

turn-on lead of the radio.

APX490M WIRING AND APPLICATIONS

The Clarion APX490M 4-channel marine audio amplifier can be used in a variety of
system applications. Here are some examples to help plan your own installation.

Fig. 4
4-Channel Full Range Stereo System

In this application, the APX490M is used as a 4-channel amplifier to drive four full
range speakers in stereo.

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Front Left Speaker Front Right Speaker

Rear Left Speaker

Rear Right Speaker

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2-Way Passive

Crossover

2-Way Passive

Crossover

Left Satellite Right Satellite

Left Subwoofer Right Subwoofer

Fig. 5
4-Channel Stereo System,
2-Channel High-Pas,2-Channel Low-Pa ss

In this 4-channel system, the APX490M drives a pair of stereo satellites for the front
and a pair of subwoofers for the rear. Note the filter settings.

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2-Way Passive

Crossover

2-Way Passive

Crossover

Left Satellite Right Satellite

Subwoofer

Fig. 6
2-Channel Stereo System with Low-Pass Bridged Mono Channel

The APX490M can also be used to drive a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a
single mono subwoofer for the rear. Note the filter settings.

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Fig. 7
2-Channel High Power System (Satellite or Subwo ofer)

The APX490M can be set up as a 2-channel high power amplifier to drive a pair of
satellites (or subwoofers)

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Bridged Left Satellite Bridged Right Satellite

2-Way Passive

Crossover

2-Way Passive

Crossover

OR

Bridged Left Subwoofer Bridged Right Subwoofer

APX290M/APX490M Power System Amplifier

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Left Speaker

C

C

L
Left
Full Range
Speaker

Subwoofer

Right
Full Range
Speaker

Right Speaker

Fig. 8
Mixed Mode System On Rear,Full Range Speakers On Front

The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operation on either
channels 1/2 or 3/4 amplifier sections.The table provides component
values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies. Use
components that have a +

5% tolerance and capacitors rated at 100V.
NOTE: Choose the same frequency for both LP and HP crossovers. Do not
overlap frequencies, as this may damage the amplifier.

FREQ (Hz)

80
100
125
150
200

L (mH)

8.0

6.4

5.1

4.2

3.2

C (uF)

497
398
318
265
199

NOTE: Char t values based on 4 Ohm speakers.

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APX290M WIRING AND APPLICATIONS

The Clarion APX490M 4-channel marine audio amplifier can be used in a variety of
system applications. Here are some examples to help plan your own installation.

Fig. 9
Bridged - Mono Subwoo fer System

Set X-Over Mode to LP and adjust

FREQ to speaker specifications.

In this application the amplifier is bridged for mono operation to drive a subwoofer.

Subwoofer 4 Ohms

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Fig. 10
2-Channel Full-Range,Satellite, or Subwoofer Stereo System
(Set INPUT SELECT Switch to STEREO)

In this application, the amplifier is used in stereo and drives two full-range (or satellite
or subwoofer) speakers.NOTE: A passive crossover must be used with satellite
speakers.

Set X-Over Mode as
shown.

Set X-Over Mode
as shown.
Adjust FREQ to speaker
specifications.

Set X-Over Mode as
shown.
Adjust FREQ to speaker
specifications.

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Left Full Range Speaker Right Full Range Speaker

Left Satellite

2-Way Passive

Crossover

Left Subwoofer Right Subwoofer

2-Way Passive

Crossover

Righft Satellite

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Fig. 11
Mixed-Mode Satellite and Subwoofer System
(Set INPUT SELECT Switch to STEREO)

The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operation.The table provides
component values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies.
Use components that have a + 5% tolerance and capacitors rated at 100V.
NOTE: Choose the same frequency for both LP and HP crossovers. Do not over­lap frequencies, as this may damage the amplifier.

FREQ (Hz)

80
100
125
150
200

L (mH)

8.0

6.4

5.1

4.2

3.2

C (µF)

497
398
318
265
199

NOTE: Chart values based on
4 Ohm speakers.

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Left Speaker

Right Speaker

C

C

L

Subwoofer

Subwoofer 4 Ohms

APX290M/APX490M Power System Amplifier

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SETTING THE GAIN

After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the Gain Control and
then perform the Final System Checks.

1. Turn the Gain Control all the way counter-clockwise.

2. Turn the ON/OFF Switch on the source units to the ON position. Set all Tone or
Equalization Controls to "flat" positions and turn Loudness off.

3. Play a CD, set the Volume Control at 75% of full level.
NOTE: If the system uses an equalizer, set its frequency controls to "flat"
positions.

4. Slowly increase the Gain Control. Stop when you hear a slight distortion of audio.

SETTING THE CROSSOVER

The Clarion APX290M features a fully adjustable crossover, the APX490M features
fully adjustable front and rear crossovers. To set the crossover, follow these steps.

1. Using the X-Over Mode Switch, select the desired mode: LP for Low Pass, HP
for High Pass or OFF for Full Range.

2. Using the Freq (Hz) Selection Control, select the desired frequency. If the
desired frequency exceeds the range of the Freq (Hz) Selection Control, press
the Crossover Frequency Multiplier Switch to increase the value by a multiplier
of 10.

• For example, 55Hz x 10 = 550Hz or 550Hz x 10 = 5.5kHz.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for both the front and rear crossovers on the APX490M.

SETTING

THE SUBWOOFER BASS BOOST

1. Initially set the Bass Boost control to its full left position (i.e. 0dB).

2. Listen to a variety of music styles (e.g. Rock, Rap, etc.) and slowly increase
the Bass Boost control until a noticeable increase in low bass response is
perceived.

3. Slowly adjust the Bass Boost control (up or down) to realize the best bass
response.

CAUTION: If you hear a "pop" (due to speaker over-excursion), lower the
Bass Boost to prevent speaker damage. If the system sounds muddy and
distorted (due to amplifier clipping), lower Bass Boost to avoid shutdown from
overheating.

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FINAL SYSTEM CHECK

1. Turn on the source unit. 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 also refer to Troubleshooting. Depending
on your system design, the levels may become quite loud even at low Volume
Control settings. Until you get an "audio feel" of the system's power, use care
when adjusting controls.

2. Turn the Balance Controls to their extreme positions and listen to the results.
Audio imaging should match control settings (audio from the left speaker when
balance is left).

3. Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces audio (at full
frequencies) without distortion. If you hear distor tion, check the connections and
verify that the Gain Control is set correctly. Another possibility is damaged
speakers or under-powered speakers. Once again refer to Troubleshooting for
additional help.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Pr

oblem

No Audio.

Solution

Low or no remote turn-on voltage. Check remote connections at amplifier and
source unit.

Blown amplifier fuse. Replace with new fast-blow fuse (same rating).
Power wires not connected. Check batter y and ground wiring at amplifier ;

also check 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 amplifier,

measure coil impedance.

Problem

Audio cycles on and off.

Solution

Thermal protection circuits are shutting amplifier off. Check location for
adequate ventilation; consult an authorized Clarion Marine Audio Dealer.

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