DaytonAudio SA230 User Manual

HIGH PERFORMANCE
SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER

Model: SA230 User Manual

(2)

(3)

Thank you for purchasing the Dayton Audio® SA230 subwoofer amplifier. Its tabletop design is compatible with many
other popular electronic devices and multimedia furniture. The SA230 offers its owner the freedom to use a stand-alone,
high quality amplifier to operate a subwoofer speaker system

FEATURES:

• Low-level, high-level, and LFE inputs

• Mono Class AB output stage for solid, well defined output

• Manual, auto, or triggered on/off modes for integration into any automated system

• Selectable bass boost

• Draws less than 1 watt in stand-by mode

• Heavy-duty steel chassis with brushed aluminum faceplate

• Adjustable phase, gain, and crossover

• Pop-out adjustment knobs keep settings from being disturbed easily

• Switchable 120/240V input voltage

INSTALLATION:

The SA230 is designed to provide high fidelity subwoofer amplification and is tailored for home audio and home theater audio
systems. It is not recommended for use in DJ, pro sound, or other high-duty-cycle applications. For home audio systems, use
the unit as it comes out of the box. Care should be taken to leave some room for air circulation above the amplifier. Stacked
components that utilize rubber or plastic feet should provide adequate clearance in most situations.

FRONT PANEL:

1. Power Switch / Indicator LED

Front panel pushbutton power switch turns the amplifier on
and off. When the indicator LED is lit dimly, the amplifier is
in standby mode. When the LED is lit brightly, the amplifier
is fully active.

2. Phase

Adjustable phase compensation from 0 to 180 degrees.
Corrects phase anomalies that result from differing listening
distances between the subwoofer and main speakers, which
can cause poor acoustic summation around the crossover
point. In most situations the control knob should be left at 0
degrees, but for the advanced user it can be set either by
ear or with the aid of measurement instruments.

3. Frequency

Adjusts the low-pass crossover frequency from 40 Hz to
180 Hz. When using the Left/Right inputs, this adjustment
will allow you to properly integrate the subwoofer with the
satellite or main speakers. It is recommended to experiment
with different settings until the smoothest transition between
subwoofer and speakers is achieved.

4. Gain

Sets the overall level of the amplifier, used to match the output
of the subwoofer to the rest of the speakers in the system. If
the source output has a variable control, we recommend that
the user spend a moment or two determining the best balance
between the two controls. When a balance is found between
low noise, linear level control, and sufficient level to drive the
amp to the required output, the gain knob can be considered
to be the “volume control” for the subwoofer system.

(4)

REAR PANEL:

5. High-Level Inputs

Speaker level inputs terminated with binding post jacks that
are compatible with banana-type plugs, bare wires, or spade
terminals. These inputs facilitate connection of a full-range
amplifier's speaker level output to the input of the subwoofer
amp, using standard speaker wire. A mono signal is derived
from the stereo source, which then feeds the subwoofer
amplifier crossover input.

6. Line Inputs

RCA-style jacks receive the audio signal from standard
line-level audio sources. When used in a two-channel stereo
system, both the left and right audio inputs should be con­nected and are internally summed to a mono output. The
adjustable crossover is in effect when using the left or right
inputs. When using an amplifier with an audio source that
is mono and pre-filtered, the LFE input should be used; this
bypasses the onboard low-pass crossover for more accurate
reproduction of the incoming signal.

NOTE: Bass Boost is active on LFE and L/R inputs.

7. Bass Boost

Allows the user to add boost to the low end response by
selecting a bass boost frequency from 25 Hz to 50 Hz and
a boost level from 0 to 12 dB. Simply remove clear acrylic
cover to access controls.

8. Remote Turn On

Selects the turn-on stimuli that will put the amplifier in "Ready"
mode. “12V trigger” setting relies on voltage going into the
12V trigger input to activate the amplifier. “Auto” setting
senses a signal on the RCA line-level inputs and automati­cally puts the amp in ready mode. “On” setting puts the amp
constantly in "Ready" mode so that it can be controlled by
the master power switch on the front panel. In “Auto” mode,
the amplifier will take approximately 15 minutes to turn off
from "Ready" to "Standby" mode.

9. 12V Trigger Input

The 12V trigger input is a handy feature when connecting
the amplifier to an automated audio system. The Phoenix
connectors will accept up to a 12V DC output from another
device, or from a separate power supply. When the trigger
input is energized, the amp turns from "Standby" to "On"
mode. When using the SA230 with a home theater receiver
without a trigger output, the voltage can come from a 12V
"wall wart" plugged into the receiver’s switched outlet and
the amplifier's trigger input.

10. Speaker Outputs

Speaker level output connections carry the amplified signal
to the subwoofer drivers. The binding posts will accept bare
wire, banana plugs, or spade plugs.

NOTE: The output load must have a minimum of 4 ohms
impedance!

11. Voltage Selector Switch

This switch allows the user to select 120V or 240V operation.
The unit is set at the factory for 120V operation and contains
a 5A, 250V fuse. When operating at 240V be sure to change
the fuse to a 2.5A, 250V fuse.

12. AC Power

The SA230 is shipped standard for U.S. operation; simply
connect the included IEC power cord to your wall outlet. For
overseas operation, a separate power cord may be required
and is not included. In stand-by mode it draws less than 1 watt.

(5)

SPECIFICATIONS:

Rated Power Output: (1 % THD) 156 Watts RMS into 8 ohms, 233 Watts RMS into 4 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio: 85 dB A-weighted
Input Impedance: 12K ohms
Bass Boost: 25 Hz – 50 Hz
Low Pass Adjustment: 40 Hz – 180 Hz
Phase Adjustment: 0° – 180°
Gain: 0 dB – +10 dB
Dimensions: 17-1/4" W x 3-3/4" H x 13-7/8" D
Power Requirements: 120/240 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Stand-by Power Rating: 120V 0.82W
Weight: 18 lbs.

NOTES ABOUT HUM:

While the SA230 has been designed to minimize the possibility of hum in the subwoofer system, it is still possible that a hum
will occur in rare circumstances. Its safety grounding can create a path for small amounts of 60 Hz energy to travel trough the
line-level audio system. While not dangerous, this energy can cause diffi culty with the subwoofer auto signal sensing circuit,
and at the very least will interfere with the quiet enjoyment of your system. The fi rst course of action should be trying to ensure
that all of the audio components are connected to either the same electrical outlet, or at least into the same circuit branch.
Next, cable TV systems are notoriously the culprit, so be sure to try disconnecting all coaxial feeds that are connected to the
system. If this solves the problem, install a coaxial line isolator and reconnect the system. In the very worst case, a line-level
audio isolator/transformer connected to the line-in of the subwoofer amplifi er will usually solve the problem.

Important Safety Instructions

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualifi ed personnel. To reduce the risk of fi re
and shock do not expose unit to rain or moisture. The unit should be connected to an earth grounded AC electrical socket. The unit should be operated in a
well ventilated area. Minimum clearance is 2 inches from the ventilation openings.

Note: Unit is set at the factory for 120V operation. Be sure to change the fuse to a 2.5A rating before switching to 240V operation.

Dayton Audio products are warranted free from defects in material and workmanship for 5 years from date of purchase. 1 year warranty applies to the
following products: powered subwoofers and electronic devices (e.g. subwoofer amplifi ers, and plate amplifi ers, as well as the Omnimic V2 and DATS
loudspeaker testing devices). In the rare case of a product failure, please contact your place of purchase or call our Customer Support Department at
[phone].

There are no other warranties, either expressed or implied, that extend the foregoing, and there are no warranties of merchantability or fi tness for any
particular purpose. Dayton Audio is not responsible for any consequential or inconsequential damage to any other unit or component or the cost for
installation or extraction of any component of the audio system, or for the improper use of products. This includes but is not limited to burnt voice coils,
overheating, bent frames, holes in the cone, or broken lead wires.

This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Non-Warranty Service: If non-warranty service is required, the product may be sent to the Company for repair/replacement, transportation prepaid, by
calling [phone] for details, complete instructions, and service fee charges.

Warranty Information

Warranty Limitations

daytonaudio.com

tel + 937.743.8248
[e-mail]

(6)

705 Pleasant Valley Dr.
Springboro, OH 45066
USA

© Dayton Audio®Last Revised: 5/14/2015