Coustic 241SE, 401SE, 601SE User Manual

241SE/401SE/601SE AMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL

(MODE D’EMPLOI)

877 COUSTIC	COUSTIC.COM

WELCOME

. . . to the Coustic world of power and clarity. The new 241/401/601SE amplifiers deliver the cleanest music you’ve ever heard at any power level in the 12-volt environment. Besides the sleek contoured design, the 241/401/601SE amplifier has all the latest and most sophisticated audio features. This manual offers you a guided tour of all these exciting features. For the best sonic reproduction, please follow the installation suggestions and recommendations as closely as possible. The time you spend will prove to be worthwhile when you sit back and enjoy the high fidelity music!

To further explore the potential of your Coustic amplifier, we recommend you match it with our dynamic full-range speakers or subwoofers and electronic crossovers.

Whatever you need for your ultimate car audio system, look to Coustic - for a wide range of car audio components to meet the most critical demands.

That’s because . . . COUSTIC ROCKS!

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Coustic or Mitek Corporation.

Please take a moment to register your purchase on line @ coustic.com.

Please also record the serial number of your amplifier in the space provided below and keep this manual for future reference, as well as your sales receipt as proof of ownership. (The serial number of your amplifier is marked on the bottom of its metal chassis.)

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

COUSTIC.COM

FEATURES

BUILT-IN ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER WITH CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTABLE CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES

An electronic crossover has many advantages over passive crossovers - lower cost, simplified yet more flexible system design, lower distortion and higher gain structure. The 241/401/601SE power amplifiers are equipped with built-in 18dB per octave continuously adjustable electronic crossovers that can be configured for full-range, high-pass or low-pass applications.

OVER-CURRENT, SHORT CIRCUIT AND DC OFFSET PROTECTION

The sophisticated circuitry monitors abnormal conditions such as voltage spikes, oscillation, DC offset or short circuit. When any of these undesirable conditions exceed their respective preset limits, the circuit will shut down the audio system briefly and lights up the protection indicator to identify the problem for immediate attention. Once the problem is resolved, the amplifier will resume operation automatically.

HIGH SPEED HIGH CURRENT MOSFET SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY

High current MOSFET transistors are used in the power supply section to minimize internal heat and maximize reliability. Furthermore, the combination of the very high pulse-width-modulated (PWM) switching frequency and the extra large filter capacitance guarantees stronger and deeper transient bass response.

TRIPLE DARLINGTON HIGH CURRENT/HIGH VOLTAGE FULLY COMPLEMENTARY OUTPUT STAGE

Complementary output stage audio circuitry has long been a hallmark of "exotic" home amplifier design. Coustic is one of the very few car audio manufacturers to incorporate such elaborate audio circuitry into its power amplifiers. Triple Darlington configuration ensures the audio amplifier is always operating at its optimum conditions.

LINE OUPTUTS

The full-range line outputs can be used to feed signals to another amplifier for your future expansion or for setting up a more sophisticated system.

WIDE RANGE INPUT SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT

The input sensitivity level of the Coustic 241/401/601SE amplifiers can be easily varied from as low as 100 mV to as high as 5.0 volts by adjusting the control on the Input Panel.

LINE LEVEL AND SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS

These ampliifers feature pre-amp inputs for use with head units that have RCA or line level outputs. These amplifiers also feature speaker level inputs allowing the amplifier to work with head units that do not have RCA or line level outputs. The audio signal can be obtained by simply connecting the amplifiers speaker level input wires to the head units speaker level outputs wires. If you are using a floating or common ground car radio, this amplifier is the best fit for your system. It is compatible with floating or common ground car radio speaker outputs even without a floating ground adapter.

ADJUSTABLE BASS BOOST

This feature allows you to enhance the bass performance of your sound system. The control is continuously variable with a maximum boost level of 18dB.

REMOTE SUBWOOFER GAIN CONTROL PORT (R S)

This amplifier has a built-in remote subwoofer level control input port. With the optional R S remote control, the subwoofer output level can be adjusted to compensate for bass fluctuations in a moving vehicle.

MULTI-FUNCTION PROTECTION INDICATOR

When the red protect indicator lights up it signifies a high operating temperature is detected and the amplifier is temporarily shut down to allow for a cooling period. As soon as the temperature returns to a safe level, the amplifier will restart and resume normal operation.

This indicator also lights up when the amplifier detects either an over-current situation, shorted speaker outputs or a DC offset at the outputs. Turn off the amplifier, double-check all inputs and speaker connections to make sure there is no short or inappropriate inputs. If all connections are in order, turn on the amplifier to resume operation.

3

COUSTIC.COM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS, AND TERMINALS

INPUT PANEL

OUTPUT PANEL

Figure 1: Input Panel Terminals and Controls

1.FILTER MODE SELECT SWITCH (MODE)

"HPF": Slide switch to this position if the amplifier is used as a mid/tweeter amplifier. "OFF": Slide switch to this position if the amplifier is used as a full-range amplifier. "LPF": Slide switch to this position if the amplifier is used as a subwoofer amplifier.

2.HIGH-PASS/LOW-PASS FREQUENCY SELECTOR KNOB (FREQ) Adjust high/low-pass crossover frequency between 30 to 300Hz.

3.BASS BOOST CONTROL (BOOST)

Select a boost level between 0dB and +18dB to enhance the bass performance of your sound system.

4.INPUT SENSITIVITY LEVEL CONTROL (SENS)

The input sensitivity level can be varied from 5.0 volts to 100 mV depending on the output voltage of the source unit (refer to sub-section titled INPUT SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT).

5.HIGH IMPEDANCE INPUT (RCA)

To be connected to RCA pre-amp outputs from a source unit (i.e., radio, tape deck or CD player).

6.LOW IMPEDANCE INPUT (SPKR LEVEL)

To be connected to speaker outputs from a source unit (i.e., radio, tape deck or CD player) when RCA outputs are not available.

7.LINE LEVEL OUTPUT

This output can be used to connect to another amplifier for system expansion. Note: This line level output is full range.

8.REMOTE SUBWOOFER GAIN INPUT (R S)

To be connected to the optional R S remote subwoofer volume control.

Figure 2: Output Panel Terminals and Indicators

9.POWER AND PROTECT INDICATOR (PWR/PRT) Green light indicates that the amplifier is "ON".

Red light indicates either a high current, short circuit or DC offset is detected at the speaker outputs. The amplifier will revert to normal operation once the problem is rectified.

The Red indicator also lights up at a high operating temperature. Under this condition, the amplifier will automatically shut down. As soon as the temperature falls to a safe level, the amplifier will automatically resume operation.

10.POWER INPUT TERMINAL (B+)

To be connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle’s battery or other constant +12 V source.

11.GROUND INPUT TERMINAL (GND)

To be wired to the vehicle’s chassis for ground.

12.REMOTE TURN-ON INPUT TERMINAL (REM)

To be connected to the remote control wire or power antenna lead of the source unit for remote ON/OFF.

13.FUSE RECEPTACLE

14.LEFT/RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINAL For connection to the speaker system.

5

INSTALLATION

By purchasing the 241/401/601SE power amplifiers, you are already one step closer to experiencing the purest and most natural sound quality in the automobile environment. To take full advantage of the potential of this amplifier, before installation, we strongly recommend that you acquaint yourself with all its available features and then spend some time in designing a system most suitable for you. Consider the components you have now and those that you plan on adding or upgrading in the future.

The 241/401/601SE power amplifiers are designed for use with a 12-Volt negative ground system. Installing this amplifier in a vehicle with a POSITIVE ground system will result in severe damage to the amplifier, other audio components and/or the vehicle’s electrical components. If your vehicle happens to run on a positive ground system, please consult your Coustic dealer.

Caution: Please follow all the installation recommendation and instructions in this manual. Installing and/or using the amplifier in methods other than those outlined herein may reduce the performance capability of the amplifier. Any such installation or usage renders the product

warranty void.

Warning: The battery ground should remain DISCONNECTED at all stages of installation.

LOCATION

Ventilation: The primary deciding factor of amplifier location is heat dissipation. Despite its highly efficient heat dissipation design, the amplifier can be crippled by inadequate ventilation.

Prolonged operation at high volumes, combined with inadequate ventilation, may cause the amplifier to overheat and trigger the automatic shut down circuit until the temperature returns to a safe level. To ensure adequate ventilation, the ideal location for the amplifier is a spot away from any heat source, with at least 2 inches of clearance above and around the unit.

Figure 3: Upright Mount on Horizontal Surface Figure 4: Parallel Mount on Vertical Surface

The amplifier may be mounted upright on a horizontal surface (see Figure 3) or parallel to a vertical surface (see Figure 4). However, the amplifier should never be mounted upside down (see Figure 5) for the simple reason that the hot air generated by the amplifier would have to go through the unit internally on its natural upward path (i.e., "feedback" into the unit) and would result in increased internal temperature. This would speed up the thermal shut down of the amplifier.

Figure 5: Inverted Mount

(Not Recommended)

COUSTIC.COM

Vibration: Constant vibration could eventually cause the amplifier to come off its mount, resulting in stress on wire connections, which, in turn, results in "open" or "short" circuit. For this reason, a location with minimum vibration and a flat surface for secure and firm mounting should be chosen for the amplifier.

Moisture: The amplifier should never be exposed to moisture and water.

Taking all the above into consideration, the best mounting position for the amplifier would be the floor of the trunk or behind the rear seat back.

Once the location of all the components has been determined, plan the best routes for all the necessary wiring, making sure that the wires are easily accessible without dismounting the various components.

MOUNTING

1.Place the amplifier at the desired location and use it as a template to determine the exact position of the mounting holes.

2.Mark the mounting holes with a felt pen.

3.Put the amplifier aside.

4.If the mounting surface is carpeted, cut out small circles of the carpet and padding around the four mounting holes to expose the metal underneath.

5.Use a center punch to ensure drilling the exact position for the screws. DO NOT BEGIN DRILLING UNTIL YOU HAVE PUT THE AMPLIFIER ASIDE. USING THE AMPLIFIER AS A DRILLING GUIDE MAY CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER.

6.Mount the amplifier with the screws provided.

7

COUSTIC.COM

Figure 7. Typical Multi-amplifier system

Figure 6. Typical System connection

BI-AMPLIFICATION

A bi-amplified system normally consists of an active crossover and two amplifiers. The active crossover divides the audio frequency spectrum into two ranges: frequencies below the crossover point are directed to the amplifier driving the subwoofer(s), while all frequencies above the crossover point are directed to the amplifier driving the mid-range/tweeters.

9

INSTALLATION continued

INPUT CONNECTIONS

Connect the RCA input jacks of the Amplifier to the output of the Source Unit (i.e., radio, cassette player or CD player). If line level output is not available, connect the speaker outputs of the source unit to the Speaker Level input of the amplifier.

Figure 8: High/Low Impedance Inputs

Note: Connect the black ground wire to the source unit ground only if alternator noise is present.

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

Connect the Amplifier to the Speakers. Use heavy gauge speaker wires (e.g. 8 - 10 gauge desirable) for these connections.

FOR STEREO MODE

Note: We recommend a total speaker load of 2, 4 or 8 ohms per channel

1.Connect the left negative ("–") speaker output of the amplifier to the negative terminal of the left speaker.

2.Connect the left positive ("+") speaker output of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the left speaker.

3.Connect the right negative ("–") speaker output of the amplifier to the negative terminal of the right speaker.

4.Connect the right positive ("+") speaker output of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the right speaker.

Figure 9: Stereo Connection

COUSTIC.COM

FOR BRIDGED (MONO) MODE

Note: For bridged mono mode, we recommend a total load of 4 or 8 ohms.

1.Connect the left positive ("+") speaker output of the amplifier to the positive input terminal of the speaker.

2.Connect the right negative ("–") speaker output of the amplifier to the negative input terminal of the speaker.

3.Make sure that BOTH RCAs (left/right) are plugged in, otherwise bass response and output will suffer.

Figure 10: Bridged Single Woofer Connection

CAUTION: ANY DEVIATION FROM THE ABOVE SPEAKER CONNECTION MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER AND/OR SPEAKERS. PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THE CONNECTION BEFORE TURNING THE SYSTEM ON.

11