Clarion APX600.5 User Manual

PUT TITLE HERE

INTRODUCTION

The Clarion APX600.5 is a full-featured five-channel amplifier. It comes with
the following features:

• Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal to noise
performance

• Advanced circuit design for flexibility and operation of 5, 4 or 3 channel
systems

• Independent front high pass & rear high / low / bandpass electronic crossovers,

each with a 12dB per octave slope and full adjustment range (55Hz to 5.5kHz)
to aid in audio system design

• Subwoofer electronic crossover with 12 or 24DB per octave slope and full
adjustment range (55Hz to 550Hz)

• Variable bass boost circuit to reinforce low frequency signals that may be lost

due to subwoofer enclosure design

• Adjustable input level controls (front, rear, and subwoofer) with ground loop
isolation accepting a wide range of input signals

• Remote turn-on with “soft start” muting to prevent turn-on “thump”

• Pulse-width modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply with low AM RFI and
protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts

• 2 ohm load capability to drive a variety of speaker systems

• Gold-plated input/output connectors

• Low profile, compact size for space limited installations

• Front and Rear High Level Inputs

• Front, Rear and Suwoofer gold-plated RCA Inputs

• Optional Remote Bass Control Available (BC1)

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

To start enjoying your new Clarion five-channel amplifier, please read the
following instructions listed in this manual. Keep all instructions for future
reference. Please fill out and send in the enclosed warranty card to protect your
purchase and aid in warranty service. Also, save your original sales receipt as

proof of purchase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •3
Input Connections and Audio Controls • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3
Connections for Power and Speakers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5
Crossover Selection Switches • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5
Applications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7
Installation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
Mounting Precautions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
Wiring Precautions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
Setting the Gain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13
Setting the Crossover • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13
Setting the Bass Boost • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •13
Final System Check • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14
Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •14
Product Specs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

2

INTRODUCTION

DESCRIPTION

The Clarion APX600.5 five channel car audio amplifier is an excellent choice
for creating a variety of multi-channel sound systems. It features built-in
system design flexibility that allows you to create a 3, 4, or 5 channel amplifier
system with a flip of a switch. You can also configure the front, rear and
subwoofer amplifier sections to drive a set of satellite speakers and/or
subwoofer.

The built-in 12 dB per octave electronic crossover lets you custom tailor the
sound of the front and rear channels, using two independent filters with
adjustable crossover frequencies for high-pass or low-pass filtering.

The amplifier also uses an unregulated MOSFET power supply for superior
control of output wattage. Atoroid-coil transformer yields maximum power
transfer with minimum heat loss. Careful circuit design keeps AM RFI at low
levels, so you won’t hear unwanted noise when the level is cranked up.
Protection circuits safeguard the amplifier when overheating, speaker shorts or
improper load conditions occur.

The main connections and controls are on the end panels and are easy to
understand. System configuration switches and signal flow chart are on the
bottom panel of the amplifier. Gold-plated RCAand barrier connectors are
used to ensure the best electrical connection for your system.

INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROL

The front panel of the APX600.5 contains connections for High / Low Level
Inputs and Audio Adjustments as shown below.

OWNER'S MANUAL

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DESCRIPTION

1 Speaker High Level Inputs
2 Rear RCA Input Jacks
3 Front RCA Input Jacks
4 Sub RCA Input Jacks
5 Gain Controls
6 Rear Hi / Low Frequency Control

7 Front Hi Pass Frequency Control
8 Sub Low Pass Frequency Control
9 Power Indicator
0 Rear Hi Pass Frequency Control
q Front Frequency Multiplier Switch
w Subwoofer Bass Boost Control

Figure 1-

• Gold-Plated RCA Input Connectors -The Input Connections are Gold-
Plated RCA Jacks and are labeled as Right Front, Left Front, Right Rear, Left
Rear, Right Sub and Left Sub.

• Gain Controls - The Gain Controls provide a wide adjustment range to
accommodate output levels from any brand of source unit. Seperate Front,
Rear, and Sub Gain Controls allow you to set the nominal operating level of the
amplifier. The amplifier ranges are 250mV to 2.5V for RCA inputs and 500mV
to 5V for speaker level inputs.

• Bass Boost Control - The amplifier also features a “high-Q” (i.e. narrow
frequency band) Bass Boost circuit for the subwoofer output. 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 car audio environment.
Note: If Bass Boost is undesired, set Bass Boost to 0dB.

High-pass/Low-pass Filter Controls

• Freq (Hz) Controls - The front crossover frequency is fully adjustable
between 55Hz and 5.5KHz (via the front crossover frequency multiplier). The
rear crossover frequency is fully adjustable between 55Hz and 5.5 KHz (via the
Rear Crossover Frequency Multiplier) for a wide range of crossover points.
Use this feature, along with your speaker manufacturer’s specs to adjust to
recommended crossover frequencies (see Applications on page 6.) NOTE: If
either of the X-Over Mode Switches is set to FULL RANGE, varying the Freq
(Hz) Control will produce no effect.

• Front X-Over Frequency Multiplier Switch - When engaged, this switch
increases the crossover frequency of the front channels by a factor of 10.
Example: If the Freq (Hz) dial is set for 240Hz, pushing in the Multiplier
Switch changes the setting to 2400Hz.

• Speaker Level Inputs - These provide connections for a high-level stereo
source. In addition, these connections are provided for installations where the
source unit’s RCAoutputs are unavailable such as OEM radios.

WARNING: When using the speaker (high-level) inputs, the Black wire must
be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do this will result in noise and improper
operation.

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

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CONNECTIONS

CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS

The rear panel of the APX600.5 contains power and speaker connections as
shown below.

CROSSOVER SELECTION

SWITCHES

The bottom panel of the APX600.5 contains crossover selection switches as
shown below.

OWNER'S MANUAL

5

CONNECTIONS

1 Left Rear Speaker Output
2 Right Rear Speaker Output
3 Remote Turn-on Input
4 Ground Input
5 Battery + 12v Input

6 Remote Sub Level Connector
7 Left Front Speaker Output
8 Right Front Speaker Output
9 Subwoofer Speaker Output
0 + 12 V Cap Input

Figure 2-

1 Rear Output Mode Switch
2 Band Pass Selection Switch
3 Rear X-Over Selection Switch
4 Band Pass Multiplier Switch
5 Sub Source Selection Switch

6 Input Source Selection Switch
7 Rear Crossover Multiplier Switch
8 Sub X-Over Slope Selection Switch
9 Front X-Over Selection Switch
0 Front Output Mode Switch

Figure 3-

Flow Chart

Figure 4 - Use this flow chart to set up the Crossover Switches

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

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FLOW CHART

APPLICATIONS

The Clarion APX600.5 multi-channel car audio amplifier can be used in a
variety of system applications. Enclosed are some example system layouts to
help plan your own installation.

3-Channel Mode

Figure 5 - In this application, the APX600.5 is used as a 3-channel amplifier to

drive two full-range or Satellite speakers in stereo plus a subwoofer.

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APPLICATIONS

OWNER'S MANUAL

APPLICATIONS

OWNER'S MANUAL

L Full Range

L Satellite

R Full Range

R Satellite

2-way Passive

Crossover

2-way Passive

Crossover

5-channel System

2-Channels High-Pass, 2-Channels Band-Pass Plus Sub

Figure 6 - In this 5-channel system, the APX600.5 drives a pair of stereo

satellites for the front and a pair of stereo mid bass for the rear plus a sub. Note
the system configuration settings.

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

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APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

L Satellite

L Mid Bass

2-way Passive

Crossover

2-way Passive

Crossover

R Satellite

R Mid Bass

5-channel System

2-Channels High-Pass, 2-Channels Band-Pass Plus Sub

Figure 7 - The APX600.5 can also be used to drive a pair of tweeters,

midrange, and a subwoofer. Note the system configuration settings.

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APPLICATIONS

OWNER'S MANUAL

APPLICATIONS

OWNER'S MANUAL

L Tweeter

L Midrange

R Tweeter

R Midrange

5-channel System

4-Channels High-Pass Plus Sub

Figure 8 - In this 5-channel system, the APX600.5 drives two pairs of stereo

full range or satellite speakers for the front and rear plus a subwoofer. Note the
system configuration settings.

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

10

APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

LF Full Range RF Full Range

LR Full Range RR Full Range

INSTALLATION

This section lists Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion
APX600.5. These safeguards provide enough detail to successfully complete
an installation. If you do not have the necessary skills, Clarion recommends
consulting your authorized Clarion dealer for installation.

MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS

Although the Clarion APX600.5 incorporates heat sinks and protection circuits,
mounting the amplifier in a tight space without any air movement can still
damage internal circuitry over time. Choose a site that provides adequate
ventilation around the amplifier. For easy system set-up, mount the amplifier
so the front panel controls will be accessible after installation.

In addition, observe the following precautions:

1. For the most efficient cooling, mount the amplifier so cool air runs along the
length of the fins rather than across them. Remember, any moving air will
dissipate heat.

2. Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface. Avoid mounting to subwoofer
enclosures or areas prone to vibration. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or
other combustible materials.

3. Prior to drilling, make sure proposed mounting holes will not cut into the
fuel tank, fuel lines, brake lines (under chassis), or electrical wiring.

WIRING PRECAUTIONS

Read all wiring precautions. If you are not sure of the connections, contact
your authorized Clarion dealer.

1. Before installation, make sure the source unit Power switch is in the OFF
position.

2. Disconnect the negative (-) lead of the battery 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. Asecure clean ground connection is critical to the performance of your
Clarion amplifier. Use the shortest ground wire possible and securely connect
to the car chassis to minimize resistance and avoid noise problems.

5. Add an external fuse on the amplifier’s positive (+) power lead and connect
it as close as possible to the vehicle’s (+) battery terminal. Use a rating that
equals the total current consumption at full output of all amplifiers in the
system. Adding an external fuse will protect the electrical system from short
circuits that can cause a fire.

11

INSTALLATION

OWNER'S MANUAL

APPLICATIONS

OWNER'S MANUAL

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

12

INSTALLATION

Figure 9 - Electrical connections for the APX600.5

6. Refer to Figure 9 when making electrical connections. Connect the
amplifier’s positive (+) lead via a fuse directly to the positive (+) terminal on
the battery. Do not connect this wire to the car’s fuse panel. Use red-insulated
8-gauge (or larger) wire for the amplifier’s positive (+) power lead and the
same-gauge black insulated wire for the ground.

7. When replacing the amplifier’s fuse, always use one having the same current
rating. Substituting a higher-rated fuse or a slow-blow type can result in serious
damage to the amplifier.

8. Never ground the speakers to the vehicle chassis or body.

9. Make sure that your vehicle’s electrical system (alternator, battery, etc.) is
capable of handling the additional load. If you are planning a multi-amplifier
system, you may need to add a second battery and possibly upgrade the
alternator with a higher-output rated model. Consult your authorized Clarion
dealer for recommendations.

10. To avoid noise problems, run the amplifier’s positive (+) power lead along
one side of the vehicle to the battery. Run the remote turn-on wire and RCA
audio cables down the center, and route the speaker wires along the remaining
side. If wires must cross, run them perpendicular to each other.

11. When creating passage holes for the power wire, use grommets to eliminate
any sharp edges created during drilling. This will protect the wire from being
nicked and causing a short circuit.

12. 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 or equalizer.

INSTALLATION

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

SETTING THE GAIN

After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the Gain Control to
tune the amplifier. Then perform the Final System Checks.

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

2. Turn the vehicle’s Ignition Switch to the ON position. Then 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.

Note: If the system uses an equalizer, set its frequency controls to “flat”
positions.

3. Play a CD or Tape and set the Volume Control at 75% of full level.

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

SETTING THE

CROSSOVER

The Clarion APX600.5 features fully adjustable front and rear crossovers. To
set the crossovers, follow these steps.

1. Using the X-Over Mode Selection Switch, select the desired mode - LP for
Low Pass, HP for High Pass and FULL for Full Range.

2. Using the Freq (Hz) 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 the front, sub, and rear crossovers.

SETTING THE BASS BOOST

1. Initially set the Subwoofer 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.

OWNER'S MANUAL

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SETTING THE GAIN

INSTALLATION

OWNER'S MANUAL

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

14

TROUBLESHOOTING

FINAL SYSTEM CHECK

1. Start the engine and 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.
The audio output should match the source unit settings. ( Example: source unit
setting balance is left, audio from left speaker).

3. Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces audio (at full
frequencies) without distortion. If you hear distortion, 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

Problem

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 battery 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 Audio Dealer.

Problem

Distorted audio.

Solution

Gain is not set properly, or damaged speaker cones. Review Setting Gain;
inspect each speaker cone for signs of damage (i.e. frozen cone, burning smell,
etc.)

SETTING THE GAIN

APX600.5 Power System Amplifier

OWNER'S MANUAL

15

PRODUCT SPECS

Problem

Audio lacks punch.

Solution

Speakers wired incorrectly, which causes cancellation of bass frequencies.
Check polarity of wires from amplifier to each speaker as defined by the
system design.

Problem

Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.

Solution

Incorrect wiring or short circuit. Review Installation and check all wiring
connections.

Problem

Whining or ticking noise in the audio with engine on.

Solution

Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated noise. Turn down input
gain; move audio cables away from power wires. Check power and ground
connections on amplifier; install an in-line noise filter on source unit’s power
wire; check alternator and/or voltage regulator; test for weak battery or add
water to battery.

PRODUCT SPECS

APX600.5

TROUBLESHOOTING

Frequency Response
S/N Ratio
S/N Ratio
THD
Input Sensitivity Low Level
Input Sensitivity Speaker Level
Max. Power Output
Cont. Power Output
2-Ohm Stereo Output
Dimensions
Current Consumption @ Max Power Output
Input Impedance
Crossover (Butterworth)
Sub
Bass Boost
Damping Factor
Sub

20Hz ~ 20kHz

>107dB

>92dB

.05% all channels driven

250mV ~ 2.5V

500mV ~ 5V
75w x 4 & 190W x1 @ <.07% THD
45w x 4 & 120W x1 @ <.05% THD

75w x 4 & 180W x1

2 1/8” H x 8 1/4” W x 15.75” L

80A @ 600w

33K ohms

12db Stereo 50Hz - 5.5KHz

12 / 24db 50Hz - 550Hz

0-15db @ 45Hz

>170 @1KHz
>500 @1KHz

OWNER'S MANUAL

661 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.

Gardena, CA 90247

1-800-GO-CLARION

www.clarion-usa.com

APX600.5-10 Rev.1 (02/01)