How to install and operate the DLS
CA22, CA23, CA31, CA41 and CA51
car audio amplifiers.
Welcome!
This owners manual is written in easy english and
uses a lot of drawings to simply the installation and
use of the above amplifiers.
Your DLS amplifiers must be installed correctly in
order to work well. This manual will show you how
to install the amplifier like a pro. Please read the
entire manual before beginning the installation.
Install the amplifier yourself if you feel confident with
our instructions and if you have the proper tools.
However if you feel unsure, turn over the installation job to someone better suited to it.
Warranty Service
This amplifier is covered by warranty, depending
on the conditions in the country where it is sold. If
the amplifier is returned for service, please include
the original dated receipt with the product.
Contents
Features……………………………..2
Installation…………………….…….2
Tools and materials needed……….3
Amplifier installation kit…………....3
Routing Wires……………………....3
Wiring
Power and Outputs……………..….4
Inputs and controls………………...5
Input level control.........................6
Grand Bass,Crossovers…………....6
CA 31, CA 41, CA 51 Crossovers…7
CA 22 and CA 23 speaker wiring:
Front speakers…...………………....8
Subwoofer…………………………...8
CA 31 speaker wiring:
Front speakers…...………………....9
Subwoofer…………………………...9
CA 41 speaker wiring:
Four speakers……………………....10
Two speakers + bridged subwoofer.10
Two way front system with
active crossovers……………………. 11
CA 51 speaker wiring:
Four speakers……………………....12
Subwoofer......................................12
Testing………………………………..13
Troubleshooting……………………... 13
Professional tips……………………..14
Specifications………………………... 15
For technical assistance ask the shop where the
product was sold or the distributor in your very country.
You can always phone the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden
+ 46 31 84 00 60 or send an e-mail to info@dls.se.
Information can also be found on our WEB-site
www.dls.se
Bass boost feature (only on CA23 & CA41)
Remote turn on / off
Automatic remote turn on/ off on high level
input without connecting any remote wire
Electronic protection circuitry against
short-circuit, DC offset and thermal overload.
Bridgeable design to direct full power to
one or two subwoofers etc.
Installation
CA22
2 x 60 Watt RMS / 2 x 100 Watt max in 2 ohm
1x 200 Watt RMS bridged
CA23
2 x 135 Watt RMS / 2 x 200 Watt max in 2 ohm
1 x 400 Watt RMS bridged
CA31
2 x 65 Watt RMS / 2 x 90 Watt max in 2 ohm
1 x 170 Watt RMS bridged
1 x 170 W RMS on sub channel
CA41
4 x 70 Watt RMS / 4 x 125 Watt max in 2 ohm
2 x 200 Watt RMS bridged
CA51
4 x 50 Watt RMS / 4 x 80 Watt max in 2 ohm
2 x 150 Watt RMS bridged
1 x 170 Watt RMS on sub channel
All above RMS power ratings with 4 ohm load
at 13,8 Volt DC.
Before you begin installation
Before you begin you need to read the manual, to have
some tools, cables and other material available. There
is one such list of material on the following page.
Amplifier location
Important
Allow air circulation around the amplifier.
The DLS Classic series of amplifiers have a
compact design that allows great flexibility in
mounting. You can mount it under a seat or in the
trunk.
When you select a location, do remember that the
amplifier generates a lot of heat.
Choose a location where air can circulate freely
around the amplifier. Do not cover the amplifier
with carpets or hide behind trim panels.
Do not mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside
down position.
Disconnect Battery
Before starting the installation, always disconnect
the negative terminal of
the battery.
DLS logo on amplifier cooling flange
The DLS logo on top of the amplifier is attached
with two hex. screws. The logo can be removed
and twisted 90 or 180 degrees, and then screwed
back in wanted position. The logo can be mounted
in four different ways to match your installation.
Check all locations and placements carefully
before making any cuts, drilling any holes or making any connections.
This is the best way to
mount the amplifier to get
the best cooling.
2
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Tools and material needed
Tools:
Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
Wire cutter
Wire stripper
Electric drill with drills
Crimping tool
Digital multimeter or test lamp
Wire brush, scraper or a piece
of an abrasive sheet to remove
paint for a good ground connection
Grease to protect the ground
connection from oxidation
Material:
Speaker wire: minimum
12 AWG = 4 mm2 for subwoofers
13 – 16 AWG = 1,5-2,5 mm2 for other
speakers
Sheet metal screws for mounting the
amplifier to the amplifier board and the
amplifier board to the car + some extra
for fuse holder, amplifier ground etc.
Electrical insulation tape
½ inch thick plywood or particle board for
the amplifier to be mounted upon.
Routing wires
Stereo
head unit
Amplifier installation kit:
If available,buy an amplifier installation kit. It
contains normally all you need. This is what you
have to buy if you buy the items separately
20- 25 feet = 6- 7.5 meter power cable,
minimum AWG 8 = 10 mm2 or heavier
1 pc of fuseholder to install close to the
car battery + fuse 50 Ampere.
20 feet of AWG 15 = 1,5 mm2 wire for
remote turn on / off cable from radio.
RCA-cable for input from radio.
- 20 feet or 5 meter for trunk installations
-12 feet or 2 – 3 meter for under seat
installations
Two ring crimp terminals –one
for connection to the battery plus and one
for the amplifier ground connection.
Two heavy fork crimp terminals to connect
+ and – to amplifer – but you do only need
them if you use heavy cable or to make the
installation look nicer.
Four to ten fork crimp terminals to
connect the speaker cables – but you do
only need them if you use heavy cables or
want the installation to look nicer.
One fork crimp terminal to connect the
remote wire to the amplifier, but you need it
only to make it look nicer.
Four to eight splicers to connect speaker
cables to high level input cable, if high level
input is used.
Wire ties
Insulating grommet or insulating tube
Professional Tip:
If amplifier installation kits are available with different size of power cable, chose the most heavy
power cable to improve sound quality and to allow
more amplifiers to be installed now or later.
If possible buy AWG 4 = PL 21 mm2 cable for best
performance.
These are the minimum sizes we recommend for
the different models:
CA2210 mm2 (7AWG)
CA2316 mm2 (5AWG)
CA3121 mm2 (4AWG)
CA4121 mm2 (4AWG)
CA5121 mm2 (4AWG)
This is for cable lengths up to 5 meters.
The ground cable must have the same size.
3
Wiring
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Power and Outputs
Power terminal ( +12V)
Connect the fuse holder as close to the vehicle
battery + as possible, using AWG 8 = 10 mm2 or
heavier cable. Use ring crimp terminal cable to
connect to battery +. Apply silicon grease to the
fuse to prevent corrosion.
Use a 50 Amp fuse for all
amplifiers except for CA51
that requires 80 Amp fuse.
DLS
DLS FH1
fuse holder
Connect the battery cable by a crimp fork terminal (
spade ) to the +12 Volt on the amplifier. If you use a
AWG 8 = 10 mm
without the crimp terminal and put the cable right
into the connector.
Be sure to use a rubber grommet or a plastic
insulating tube where the cable passes the firewall
or other places when it can easily be jammed.
Use ty-wraps to secure to existing cables in the
engine compartment.
2
or thinner cable, you can do
Ground Terminal ( GND )
Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be clean, unpainted metal to
provide a good electrical connection. Use a wire
brush, a scraper or a piece of an abrasive sheet to
clean the metal. Use a lock washer or two to secure
contact. Protect with silicon grease or by paint
applied afterwards.
Power
+12V REM GND
Power
+12V REM GND
Remote terminal ( REM )
For RCA cable signal input:
Connect the radio power antenna lead = remote
turn on/off from the car stereo to the amplifier
remote connection. This turns on the amplifier
whenever the car stereo is turned on.
You can either use the built in remote cable in the
RCA cable itself or use a separate cable as seen
on page 4.
Sometimes a small disturbance may enter the
amplifier coming from the remote voltage , through
the built in remote wire and into the RCA cable.
Thus we recommend to use a separate remote wire
and run the RCA lead separate from remote wire,
power cables and speaker cables.
You can either use a crimp fork terminal or insert
the cable directly into the amplifier terminal. If there
is no remote voltage available from the stereo, you
must connect to the ignition key through the radio
or any accessories fuse.
For High Level input:
We recommend you to connect the remote wire as
described above. The amplifier will produce soft
on / soft off operation this way. You must set the Hi
level/Low level switch to High level position in this
case.
In the case that there is no remote voltage available
from the car stereo or you want to simplify the installation, the amplifier can be turned on/ turned
off by the high level input voltage. This is done when
the Hi level/Low level switch is set to Hi level position. There is a small disadvantage that this function
gives soft turn on operation but some pop sound
when switching off.
Power
+12V REM GND
Fuses
Use only one or two 30
ampere ATC blade type fuses.
CA 51 uses three 30 ampere
fuses. CA22 uses one 25 A
fuse.
4
Power Light / Protect light
The power light (green ) comes on when
Power
(Green)
Protect
(Red)
the amplifier is turned on.
The protect light ( red ) comes on
when the amplifier shuts down from
overheating, or a short circuit ( speaker failure)
Input and controls
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Input Wiring
Inputs may be low level from the RCA output of the
car stereo or high level from the car stereo speaker
output. Low level = RCA is to prefer for the best sound
quality.
Important
On CA22 & CA23 use either the low level or high
level input, do not use both at same time.
Low level input
Use a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with RCA
type jack. Most trunk-mount
amplifiers need a 20 feet
RCA cable ( appr 5 – 6 meters). Most under the seat
installations require 12 feet
( 2 – 3 meters) RCA cables.
Avoid placing the RCA cable
close to speaker cables,
power cables and remote
control cable. Connect to input socket A/B. CA41
and CA51 are also equipped with separate inputs
for channel C/D. CA31 & CA 51 has also a separate
input for the mono sub channel.
High Level Input
Connect left and right speaker wires coming from
the car stereo to the high level input as shown. You
must connect both plus and minus as the inputs
are balanced, connecting plus only gives lower level
and bad sound quality. By changing the polarity of
plus and minus, you can change the phase.
CA 22, CA23 & CA31
High Input
(C/D Ch)
Hi level input
plug on amp.
CA31
On CA31 the high level signal is fed internally to
channel C when using high level input.
Automatic turn on when using high level input.
With the Hi/Low input swich set to Hi, the amplifier
turns on automatically on high input. You dont need
to connect a separate remote wire from your head
unit.
White: A ch.+
White/Black: A ch.Grey/Black: B ch.Grey: B ch.+
CA41
The CA41 four channel amplifier is connected
likewise, however we have four channels.
You can feed two channels from RCA and two
channels using high level input from rear speaker
cables.
High Input
(A/B Ch)
Hi level input plug on amp for CH A/B.
High Input
(C/D Ch)
Hi level input plug on amp for CH C/D.
White: A ch.+
White/Black: A ch.Grey/Black: B ch.Grey: B ch.+
Violet: C ch.+
Violet/Black: C ch.Green/Black: D ch.Green: D ch.+
CA51
The CA51 five channel amplifier is connected
likewise, however only Channels A, B, C and D can
be fed with high input. The signal is then connected
internally to channel E.
Parallel input on CA 31, CA41 & CA51
Parallel Input CA41
Off PCD
Parallel Input CA31
Off PC
Parallel Input CA51
Off PE
On CA41 the PCD position
internally connects the A/B and C/
D inputs.
On CA31 & CA51 the PC (PE)
position internally connects the A/
B (C/D) input with the input for
channel C (E).
In OFF-position you must use dual
signal cables or Y-splits.
RCA Output
Input Output
Use RCA Outputs to
AA
BB
connect additional
amplifiers (not available on
CA31 & CA51).
5
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Hi / Low level input switch
To ensure best possible performance from the
amplifiers a switch is installed to select between Hi
and Low input.
When using High Level input:
Push in the button to position
”Hi Level”
Hi level
Low level
When using Low level input:
Push out the button to position
”Low Level”
If the switch is set to wrong position, the amplifier
still works, but the risk for disturbances or distortion
increases.
Input Level control
The input level control, 5V – 0,25 V,
matches the output of your radio to
the input of the amplifier. After installation is complete, make sure the input of the amplifier is turned down all
the way ( counter-clockwise at 5V ).
Play a tape or CD, make sure all bass or treble
settings or equalizer are flat, and turn the volume
of the radio up until you just start to hear distortion.
Turn the volume control down just a bit. On the
amplifier increase the input level control ( clockwise
or to the right ) until you just start to hear distortion,
then back the level control just a bit. Now your radio and amplifier levels are matched.
Level
5V
0,25V
Grand bass on CA23 & CA41
Grand Bass
40Hz
60Hz
25Hz 80Hz
0dB18dB
Grand Bass is used to increase the bass volume
at an interval of bass frequencies. You can select
the center frequency between 25Hz and 80 Hz
and the amplification between 0 dB ( no
amplification ) and 18 dB ( full amplification ).
The slope of the filter is 10 – 12 dB at maximum
setting.
This function is used to compensate for the bass
box function and to adjust for your own taste of
bass. Set level control at 0 dB if you want it to be
inoperative.
Phase control CA31 & CA51
Crossovers
All DLS Classic amplifiers include high pass filter
( HPF ) and low pass filters ( LPF). On CA23 the
high pass filter is used as a subsonic filter.
All filters are continously variable and all filters can
be switched on and off. CA31 & CA51 also includes
a subsonic filter.
Subsonic filter CA31 & CA51
The Subsonic filter blocks the very
deepest frequencies from reaching the
subwoofers. It has a fixed frequency
of 25 Hz and can be switched On / Off.
For sub channels C (CA31) and E
(CA51) only.
High Pass Filter / Subsonic filter
Subsonic
40Hz 100Hz
15Hz
Off On
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
CA22CA23
The HPF ( high pass filter ) blocks very low
frequencies from reaching the speakers. It is mostly
used at say 60 Hz to protect small speakers ( like
6 inch and smaller ) from deep bass. It can also be
used as subsonic filter to take away the very
deepest frequencies from a bass box. The typical
setting is then around 25 – 40 Hz. In CA23 the
high pass filter is designed as a subsonic filter
variable from 15 Hz to 150 Hz.
The slope of the High pass filter is 12 dB / octave.
The filter can be switched off if you want to run the
amplifier in full range mode.
Low Pass Filter
LPF
80Hz 200Hz
50Hz
Off 24 dB
12dB
Off On
LPF
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
CA22CA23
Subsonic
Off On
150Hz
500Hz
The phase control on CA31 & CA51 can be set
continuously from 0 - 180 degrees. This is very
useful when you want to adjust the bass sound for
best front stage image. Start on 0 and turn the
control slowly clockwise until you experience that
the bass sound is coming from the front. If you dont
get the result you want, also try to
PHASE
phase reverse the subwoofer
connections and make
a new adjustment.
0 180
6
The LPF ( low pass filter ) mostly used for
subwoofers. It will allow low frequencies only and
blocks higher frequencies.
A typical setting is 50 – 80 Hz.
The filter can be switched in and out. In the CA23
amplifier you can select between two different
slopes, 12 dB/ octave or 24 dB/ octave.
Choose the slope and the setting that sounds best
in your car.
Crossovers of CA31, CA41 & CA51
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
CA-51
The CA41 is a four channel amplifier. It is mostly
used with a front system connected to channels C/
D and a subwoofer connected to channel A/B. You
will find speaker wiring and filter setting example on
page 10. Please observe the proper settings of the
channel A/B LPF multiplier switch and of the channel
C/D HPF multiplier switch.
The CA41 can also be used to feed a 2–way front
system with active crossovers between midbasses
and tweeters. This is described in a speaker wiring
and filter setting example on page 11.
Off On
LPF
80/800Hz
50/500Hz
Multiply
200/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
Off On
HPF
50/500Hz 220/2(k)Hz
15/150Hz
Multiply
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
Channel A/B is equipped very much like the CA22
and CA23, however the LPF has a multiplier. Thus
the frequency range of the LPF can be varied from
50 Hz – 500 Hz in the x1 position or 500 Hz – 5 kHz
in the x10 position. This way we can use this
amplifier to feed a 2-way system, where the
midbasses are feed from 80 Hz – 4 kHz.
The tweeters connected to channel C/D , operate
from 4 kHz upwards using the HPF in multiplier position x 10 150 Hz – 5 kHz.
The CA31 is a three channel amplifier. It has a
variable high pass filter, 50-150 Hz, for channel A/
B. The C channel is for subwoofers and has a
subsonic filter, a variable low pass filter, 50-120 Hz,
and a phase control variable from 0 - 180 degrees.
The subsonic filter can be switched IN-OUT and has
a fixed frequency of 25 Hz.
The CA51 is a five channel amplifier. On channel
A/B, C/D the filter configuration is exactly the same
as for CA41.
Channel E is a subwoofer mono channel with a
lowpass filter adjustable from 60 to 120 Hz. Channel
E has also a subsonic filter that can be switched INOUT. The subsonic filter has a fixed frequency of
25 Hz. The CA51 has also a phase control variable
from 0 - 180 degrees.
7
Speaker wiring CA 22 & CA23
CA22, 23
Two fullrange speakers to CA22 or CA23
Filter settings
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
Subsonic
Off On
40Hz 100Hz
150Hz
15Hz
CA22CA23
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 25 – 40 Hz.
LPF
Off 24 dB
12dB
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
Off On
LPF
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
CA22CA23
The LPF-filter should be OFF.
One subwoofer connected in bridge mode to
CA22 or CA23
NOTE!
4 ohm minimum load when using bridge mode
connection. Lower impedances may damage the
amplifier. In bridge mode the amplifier sees a 4
ohm load as 2 ohm.
Filter settings
Subsonic
Off On
40Hz 100Hz
150Hz
15Hz
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
CA22CA23
The HPF filter is here used as subsonic filter to take
away the very deepest frequencies. The typical setting is around 25 – 40 Hz.
LPF
Off On
LPF
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
Off 24 dB
12dB
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
CA22CA23
The LPF will allow low frequencies only and blocks
higher frequencies. A typical setting is 70 – 90 Hz.
In the CA23 amplifier you can select between two
different slopes, 12 dB/ octave or 24 dB/ octave.
Choose the slope and the setting that sounds best
in your car.
8
Speaker wiring CA 31
CA31
Two fullrange
speakers to
channel A/B
With the HPF-filter in OFF
position the amplifier allows
the speakers to play
fullrange. If you for some
reason want to limit the low
bass reproduction switch on
the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 60 –
80 Hz.
90Hz
50Hz
HPF
120Hz
150Hz
Off On
One (or two)
4 ohm
+ + C CH - -
subwoofers
to channel C
Filter settings channel C
The subsonic filter takes away the very deepest
frequencies. Turn on the subsonic filter if you want
to remove these frequencis.
The LPF will allow low frequencies only and blocks
higher frequencies. A typical setting is 70 – 100 Hz.
The phase control can be set continuously from 0 180 degrees. This is very useful when you want to
adjust the bass sound for best front stage image.
Start on 0 and turn the control slowly clockwise until
you experience the bass sound coming from the
front. If you dont get the result you want, also try to
phase reverse the subwoofer connections and make
a new adjustment.
9
Speaker wiring CA 41
CA41
Four fullrange speakers to CA41. One pair in
front and one pair in rear.
Rear speakersFront speakers
Filter settings A/B Channels
Off On
LPF
80/800Hz
50/500Hz
Multiply
200/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
Two fullrange speakers and one subwoofer to
CA41.
Rear subwoofer Rear or front speakers
Filter settings A/B Channels
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
Off On
LPF
80/800Hz
50/500Hz
Multiply
200/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz.
The LPF-filter switch should be in OFF-position
Filter settings C/D Channels
Off On
HPF
50/500Hz 220/2(k)Hz
15/150Hz
Multiply
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz.
10
The subwoofer should be connected to channel A/
B in bridge mode.The Grand Bass mode can now
be used for the subwoofer.
Set the HPF-filter switch to ON-position. Adjust the
filter setting to 25-40 Hz.
Set the LPF-filter switch to ON-position and the
Multiply swich to x1. Adjust the frequency setting to
70-90 Hz.
Filter settings C/D Channels
Off On
HPF
50/500Hz
15/150Hz
Multiply
220/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz.
Speaker wiring CA 41
One 2-way speaker system to CA41 using
active crossover between tweeter and
midrange
CD
CA41
MidrangeTweeters
Filter settings A/B Channels
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
Off On
LPF
80/800Hz
50/500Hz
Multiply
200/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
We want a crossover point of 4 kHz between tweeter
and midrange. If you for some reason want to limit
the low bass reproduction switch on the HPF-filter.
The typical setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz. Switch
the LPF-filter switch to ON and the Multiply switch
to x10 position. Now you can adjust the filter setting
from 500 Hz to 5 kHz. Adjust the setting to 4 kHz.
Filter settings C/D Channels
HPF
50/500Hz 220/2(k)Hz
Multiply
Off On
15/150Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
Channel C/D are used for tweeters and must be
set to play from 4 kHz and up. The HPF-filter switch
must be ON and the multiply swich in x 10 position.
Now you can adjust the filter setting from 150Hz to
5 kHz. Adjust the setting to 4 kHz.
11
Speaker wiring CA 51
CA51
Four fullrange speakers to CA51. One pair in
front and one pair in rear.
Rear speakersFront speakers
Filter settings A/B Channels
Off On
LPF
80/800Hz
50/500Hz
Multiply
200/2(k)Hz
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
Off On
HPF
50Hz 220Hz
500Hz
15Hz
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz.
The LPF-filter switch should be in OFF-position
Subwoofer to CA51
The CA51 is a five channel amplifier. On channels
A/B, C/D the filter configuration is exactly the same
as for CA41. For speaker connections on these
channels you can use the examples for CA41.
Channel E is a subwoofer mono channel with a
lowpass filter adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz. Channel
E has also a subsonic filter that can be switched
IN-OUT. The subsonic filter has a fixed frequency
of 25 Hz.
You can connect one 4 ohm subwoofer to channel
E.
Filter settings E Channel
The subsonic filter takes away the very deepest
frequencies. Turn on the subsonic filter if you want
to remove these frequencis.
The LPF will allow low frequencies only and blocks
higher frequencies. A typical setting is 70 – 100 Hz.
Filter settings C/D Channels
Off On
LPF
80Hz 200Hz
500Hz
50Hz
Off On
HPF
50/500Hz 220/2(k)Hz
15/150Hz
Multiply
500/5(k)Hz
x1 x10
With the HPF-filter in OFF position the amplifier
allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for
some reason want to limit the low bass
reproduction switch on the HPF-filter. The typical
setting is then around 25 – 40 Hz.
The LPF-filter switch should be in OFF-position
12
The phase control can be set continuously from 0 180 degrees. This is very useful when you want to
adjust the bass sound for best front stage image.
Start on 0 and turn the control slowly clockwise until
you experience the bass sound coming from the
front. If you dont get
the result you want,
also try to phase reverse
the subwoofer
connections and make
a new adjustment.
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Testing
Before you finish the installation, you should do the
following tests to make sure the wiring is correct and
everything is operating properly.
Reconnect Battery
When wiring is complete,
reconnect the battery
negative terminal.
Test power wiring
1.Turn on the head unit but do not turn up the
volume. The amplifier power light should
come on. If not, check the remote and +12
volt wires. Also check the ground
connection.
2.Turn up the head units volume slightly. All
speakers should operate. if not, check wiring
connections at amplifier and speakers.
Test speaker connections
Make sure the speakers are connected right. Use
the balance control on the head unit to make sure
right channel is on right speaker etc. If speakers
don´t play at all, one or both speaker wires may
be disconnected.
Troubleshooting
If problems occour during the installation, or later,
this guide might help you to find out whats´s wrong.
THE AMPLIFIER IS DEAD:
1. Check power lead, ground and remote
connections at the amplifier using a multi meter.
2. Check the battery terminal connections.
3. Check the power lead fuse or circuit breaker. If
fuse damage continues, inspect the power lead
for short circuits.
4. Check the amplifier protection fuses. Are these
broken change to new ones with the same value.
If short circuiting continues, contact your local
DLS dealer. A fault may exist in the amplifier.
5. To start the amplifier requires a remote voltage of
9-15 volt. Check the voltage with a multi meter.
AMPLIFIER PROTECTION FUSE BLOWS AT LOW
VOLUME :
1. One or more speaker cables are shorted. Make an
insulation test with a multi meter. The cables must not
have a connection to earth.
THE AMPLIFIER TURNS OFF AFTER 10 - 30 MINUTES.
The amplifier is overheating due to inadequate ventilation. Check mounting position is free from obstruction.
Do this:
1.Move the amplifier to a place with better ventil-
ation.
2.Install one or two fans to cool down the heat-
sink.
3.Overheating can also be caused by an
impedance load below the level permitted.
NO OUTPUT FROM ONE OR MORE SPEAKERS:
Check the following:
1.Balance control position.
2.Fader control position.
3.Speaker cable connections to both amplifier and
drivers.
4.Signal lead plugs and cables.
5.Change left and right signal lead plugs in the
amplifier to see if the problem moves to a different speaker, the lead has a fault.
If the problem remains, the speaker or amplifier
are at fault.
13
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Professional Tip:Professional Tip:
NOISE PROBLEMS
WHINING NOISE VARYING WITH ENGINE
REVOLUTIONS:
Do this:
1.Rewire the power supply (12 V) to source
unit direct from battery.
2.Rewire ground wire from source unit to
clean position on chassis.
3.Check all power connections to ensure that
they are clean and tight.
4.Check quality of system ground connection.
5.Install a Power Cap capacitor. This can be
helpful against most noise problems.
CONSTANT WHINING NOISE:
Do this:
1.Ensure that all equipment has a common
ground point.
2.Check quality of earth strap connection from
battery negative terminal to chassis.
3.Disconnect signal cables from amplifier to
see if noise disappears. If so the leads are
picking up noise. Test this by laying a new
cable over the seats and reconnecting to the
amplifier. If the noise does not return, reroute original cable away from source of
interference.
If noise remains regardless of cable position,
try to use so called Quasi-balanced signal
cables. DLS PRO-cables are
Quasibalanced.
SPEAKER POLARITY CHECK.
All speakers in a car audio system should be
connected in phase (the same polarity). All speaker cones must move in the same direction. Out of
phase speakers will cause a lack of bass, and a
poor stereo soundstage.
Checking polarity:
Hold the - connection of the speaker wire to the terminal of a 1,5 Volt flashlight battery. Tap the +
wire on to the + terminal of the battery, and observe
the movement of the cone. The cone should move
outwards when the wire touches the battery, and
inwards when the battery is removed. If it is the
other way around, the speaker has been connected
backwards and it must be removed and connected
correctly.
If your system also has a subwoofer connected
through a passive 6 or 12 dB crossover, try to
connect this with various polarity and judge what
sounds best. The phase shift in passive crossovers
sometimes makes it necessary to change polarity.
+
Battery
1,5 Volt
+
-
-
NOTE! Tweeters can not be tested this way,
double check the connections instead.
Professional Tip:Professional Tip:
Installing in trunk
When installing the amplifier in the trunk, run the
power wires along the same path as the other
vehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated channels
for wiring. you will have to remove the door sill trim
and the carpet.
Securing wires
Use wire ties to bundle together when possible.
(But never bundle speaker wires or signal cables
together with power wires.
Professional Tip:
Crimp connections
Purchase crimp connectors and crimping tool.
Connectors are color coded.
1. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from the wire.
2. Insert into connector
3. Crimp tightly
14
Professional Tip:
Speaker and power wires
Do not run speaker and power wires next to each
other. Power wires can generate a ”siren” sound in
the speakers. Run speaker and power wires on
opposite sides of the car.
CA22, 23, 31, 41 & 51
Specifications
DLS CLASSICCA 22CA 23CA41
Number of channels224
RMS power out, 4 ohm (0,1% THD) 2 x 60 W2 x 135 W4 x 70 W
RMS power out, 2 ohm (0,2% THD) 2 x 100 W2 x 200 W4 x 125 W
RMS power out, 4 ohm bridged1 x 200 W1 x 400 W2 x 200 W
Signal to noise ratio, A-weighted>100 dB>100 dB>100 dB
Damping factor>100>100>100
Frequency response10 Hz - 35 kHz10 Hz - 35 kHz10 Hz - 35 kHz
Input impedance, low level>10 kohm>10 kohm>10 kohm
Input impedance, high level100 ohm100 ohm100 ohm
High level input with auto startYesYesYes
Low output (RCA output)YesYesYes
Input sensitivity0,25 - 5V0,25 - 5V0,25 - 5V
Grand bass adjustable frequency -25 Hz - 80 Hz25 Hz - 80 Hz
Grand bass adjustable gain0 - 18 dB0 - 18 dB0 - 18 dB
Filter highpass /subsonic15-500 Hz*15-150 Hz*see spec. below
Filter lowpass50-500 Hz*50-500 Hz*see spec. below
* can be switched in/out
Power consumption, idle0,5 A0,7 A1,0 A
Fuse1 x 25 A2 x 30 A2 x 30 A
Dimensions HxWxD(mm)67x212x25067x295x25067x354x250
Dimensions (inch)2,63x8,35x9,842,63x11,6x9,842,63x13,93x9,84
Weight2,5 kg3,6 kg4,2 kg
All above output power
ratings at 13,8 VDC
DLS CLASSICCA 31CA51
Number of channels35
RMS power out, 4 ohm (0,1% THD) 2 x 65 W4 x 50 W
RMS power out, 2 ohm (0,2% THD) 2 x 90 W4 x 80 W
RMS power out, 4 ohm bridged1 x 170 W2 x 150 W
Power out mono sub ch. 4 ohml1 x 170 W1 x 150 W
Power out mono sub ch. 2 ohm1 x 280 W1 x 225 W
Signal to noise ratio, A-weighted >100 dB>100 dB
Damping factor>100>100
Frequency response10 Hz - 35 kHz10 Hz - 35 kHz
Input impedance, low level>10 kohm>10kohm
Input impedance, high level100 ohm100 ohm
High level input with auto startYesYes
Low output (RCA output)NoNo
Input sensitivity0,25 - 5V0,25 - 5V
Variable phase shift control0-180 degrees0-180 degrees
Filter highpass CH A & B50-150 Hz*see spec.
Filter lowpass CH C / E50-120 Hz*see spec.
Subsonic filter CH C / EFixed 25 Hz*Fixed 25 Hz*
* can be switched in/out
Power consumption, idle1,0 A1,0A
Fuse2 x 30 A3 x 30 A
Dimensions HxWxD(mm)67x340x25067x419x250
Dimensions (inch)2,63x13,38x9,842,63x16,5x9,84
Weight4,2 kg5,3 kg
We follow a policy of continuous advancement in
development.
For this reason all or part of specifications & designs
may be changed without prior notice.