Crown CMA-1 Owners manual

CMA-1

Installation Instructions

1

PLEASE NOTE: Read the enclosed warranty statement before

installation.

Installation of the CMA-l is complex and should not be attempted by
anyone without the proper tools or knowledge. This amplifier is
intended for state-of-the-art mobile fidelity and requires state­of-the-art installation methods for full benefits.

**CAUTION**

Because this amplifier can draw extremely large current from the
battery, the standard automobile charging system may not be
sufficient. Even With the engine running, the amplifier may draw
enough current to discharge the battery. The owner/operator
should consider installing a higher-amperage alternator and a
secondary battery. Power consumption is 73 amps DC maximum, 10-40
amps DC nominal at 12-14 VDC.

Use only a minimum size of #8 gauge stranded cable (#6
recommended) between the battery and the CMA-l, for both positive
and negative leads, with no splices. Thinner cable may overheat
and cause a fire. Thinner cable also reduces the l2VDC power
available to drive the unit, thus reducing total output power and
performance. Use of a cable smaller than #8 gauge could void the
warranty.

Number 6 gauge stranded cable is highly recommended for lengths
over 12 feet or with installations demanding the highest possible
performance from the amplifier. Use cable intended specifically
for automotive use.

2

.275 DIA. TYP.

Fig. 1 Fuse-Size Nomograph

14 1/2"

13 5/8"

1/2"

8"

15 1/2"

16"

Fig 2 CMA-1 Mounting-Hole Locations

3

**Caution**

It is very important to install a 60-amp fuse in the +12VDC power
wire at the battery. This fuse prevents fires caused by wiring
shorts to the vehicle chassis due to improper installation or
unforeseen accidents.

As in any professional installation, fusing the speaker lines is
highly recommended to protect the speakers. Refer to Figure 1 to
determine proper speaker-fuse values.

If speaker cables must be spliced to shorten or lengthen them, the
splices must be mechanically and electrically sound. Simply
twisting wires together and wrapping with electrical tape is not
adequate. We strongly recommend insulated crimped terminals, wire
nuts wrapped with electrical tape, or solder connections with wire
nuts wrapped with electrical tape.

Avoid pinching or piercing the speaker cable during installation.
Route speaker cables separate from amplifier- input cables to
prevent oscillations. Observe proper polarity of plus and minus
wires when adding wire.

Due to extreme output power, the CMA-1 could, when abused, damage
certain models of loudspeakers. Use speakers that can handle the
amplifier power output. After installation, turn up the volume
slowly and avoid overdriving the speakers.

Accessories Supplied: The CMA-1 comes complete with:

60-amp fuse
Fuse Holder
Input cable harness
Remote on/off cable

Mounting: Mount the CMA-1 securely, say to the vehicle chassis or to a wooden panel. Allow
adequate airspace (at least 1”) and sufficient airflow around the heat fins for cooling. The CMA-1
may be mounted horizontally or vertically in the trunk or behind rear car seats. DO NOT place the
CMA-1 in the engine compartment or in an area exposed to a harsh environment. Do not mount near
the vehicle heater.

Dimensions of the CMA-1 are 16”L x 14-1/2”W x 1-5/8”H. Mounting-hole locations are shown in
Figure 2. The amplifier can be used as a hole template.

4

_

+

60-A Fuse

THE USE OF WIRE SMALLER

AND CREATE A FIRE HAZARD

CAUTION:

THAN #8 GUAGE COULD

DEGRADE AMPLIFIER

PERFORMANCE

_

+

CMA-1

Fig. 3 Power-Wiring Connections

}

4

3

5

CMA-1

CONNECT GREEN

REMOTE WIRE TO:

Fuse Box

Terminal

Controlled

By Key

or or

Fig. 4 Remote On/Off Wire Connection

Ignition

Green Wire

Tuner/Tape Deck

12V Terminal

5