EarthQuake XJ-300ST User Manual

XJ-300ST

Earthquake Sound Corp. | [phone] | www.earthquakesound.com

User’s Manual

XJ-300ST

2 Channel or Monoblock Class “J” Amplifier

The Sound That Will Move You

®

TRI GGER IN

The Sound That Will Move You

®

2 XJ-300ST Manual Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com

Earthquake Sound Corporation
2727 McCone Avenue
Hayward, CA 94545
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Customer Support
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

© 2016 Earthquake Sound Corporation. All rights reserved.

This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Earthquake
Sound Corporation. The information is subject to change without notice. Earthquake
Sound Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within
this document.

Safety Instructions

Safety First

This documentation contains general safety, installation, and operating
instructions for XJ-300ST. It is important to read this user’s manual before
attempting to use these products. Pay particular attention to the safety
instructions.

Symbols Explained:

Note:

Appears on the component to indicate the presence of
uninsulated, dangerous voltage inside the enclosure –
voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or death.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
damage to or destruction of part or all of the product.

Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight.

XJ-300ST Manual 3Specifications are subject to change without notice

Safety Instruction

2) Store this manual and packaging in a safe place.

1) Read these instructions in their entirety.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow instructions (do not take short cuts).

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with a dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatuses that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plus has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding­type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the pint where they exit from the
apparatus.

11) Only use attachments & accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only compatible rack or cart for final resting position.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightening storm or when unused for a long

period of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in anyway, such as: power­supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15) To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus

to rain or moisture.

Unpacking System Components

• Keep the original carton and packing materials for future shipment or

storage.

• Check for any visual signs of damage. If you encounter any concealed

damage, consult your Earthquake Sound dealer before proceeding with unit
installation.

• Retain the sales receipt as it establishes the duration of the limited warranty

and provides information for insurance purposes.

System Installation Considerations

There are several factors to consider before installing Earthquake Sound’s
XJ-300ST.

• What are the intended listening zones?

• What system options and accessories might be required for features such

as local sources, etc.?

• From where in each zone will the listener prefer to control the system? Where

will the remote gains be located? Where will the speakers be located?

• Where will the source equipment be located?

Connection Tips

• Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent humming from

induced noise.

• Choose reliable signal cable cords (Earthquake Sound also specializes in

high-performance RCA cables and patches).

• All speaker wires that are ran through the walls should be twisted to reduce

potential hum noise pick up.

• Label both ends of all wires with the corresponding room location.

• It is best to use a grounded electrical outlet to power the amplifier. Lack of

input ground reference could be unsafe. Consult your electrical contractor
about proper grounding.

4 XJ-300ST Manual Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com

Included in the Box

1 XJ-300ST Stereo Class “J” Amplifier
4 Short Mounting Ears

12 Screws for Mounting Ears

1 Back Bracket
4 Screws for the Back Bracket
4 Rubber Feet
1 Power Cord

Introduction

The XJ-300ST amplifier is an extremely versatile and modular amplifier. It can
be used as a two channel, 2.1 channel, or bridged as a 1 channel amplifier.
The XJ-300ST runs completely cool while outputting twice the power of most
amplifiers its size. Therefore, it is extremely flexible and can be used in many
different applications.

Multiple Mounting Options

The XJ-300ST is only one rack space tall and has a half-rack width chassis.
This smart design features a patented interlocking design so two XJ-300STs
can be connected side by side and be rack mountable. Other amplifiers of
the same size run too hot to mount them near anything else which defeats
the purpose of their size. Because the XJ-300STs run completely cool, you
can comfortably mount other components directly above or below them in
the rack. This means ultimate convenience for the installer. There are also
additional mounting holes on the sides of the amplifier so that short brackets
can be attached and the amp can be mounted directly to a wall or inside a
cabinet.

Speaker Set-up Options

One or two XJ-300STs can power a 2.1 channel system. This depends on
how much power you want to output to your speakers. One XJ-300ST can
be used for two speakers while the other can be bridged as a monoblock.
Alternatively, you can use two linked XJ-300STs as a 4 channel system. For
a more high powered system, bridge both of them and designate one speaker
or sub to one amplifier and another speaker or sub for the other. The installer
is completely in charge of how the amplifier’s power is distributed.

Applications

The XJ-300ST has countless applications because of how customizable the
channel set-up is. If you need to install in-ceiling speakers in the kitchen,
tower speakers in the living room, or rock speakers outside, the XJ-300ST
can perform accurately in every situation.

XJ-300ST Manual 5Specifications are subject to change without notice

XJ-300ST

Front Panel Overview

1) Power Switch

Turns the amplifier unit ON or OFF.

2) LED Status Light

This green LED indicates the power status of the amplifier.

3) Signal Sensing Toggle Switch

When set to “AUTO ON”, the amplifier will only turn on whenever signal
(50mV minimum) is present. Once signal is no longer present, the amplifier
will shut off automatically after about 20 minutes. Note that the power switch
must be in the ON position at all times for the AUTO sensing to work.

Set to “+12V TRIG” if the amplifier is being powered by an external source.
The power switch can either be in the ON or OFF position. However, we
suggest keeping the power switch in the OFF position so the amplifier shuts
off once the external source is turned off.

4) Bypass/Lowpass Toggle Switch

Setting the switch to “BYPASS” will turn the crossover control OFF. This
setting is best when using the XJ-300ST in the 2-channel or 2.1
configuration.

Setting it to “LOWPASS” turns the crossover control ON. This setting is best
when using the XJ-300ST as a mono block or subwoofer amplifier.

Power

Signal Sensing

audio signal?

+12V signal?

LED

ON

AUTO ON

Yes

n/a

On

No

n/a

Off

ON

+12V TRIG

Yes

Yes

On

No

No

On

OFF

+12V TRIG

Yes

Yes

On

No

No

Off

6 XJ-300ST Manual Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com

1 2

3

4

5

6 7

5) Phase Setting

If you are using the XJ-300ST to power a subwoofer, use this knob to correct
the arrival time of the subwoofer’s frequencies to that of your speakers. Note
that this feature only works when the amplifier is set to “LOWPASS”.

To do this with the highest accuracy, you will need an SPL meter - available
at most electronics stores. To set the phase:
a) Send a 50Hz continuous tone signal through the speakers and the

subwoofer at the same time.
b) Turn the phase knob to 0° and place the meter in the listening position.
c) While the system is playing the 50Hz tone, read the meter.
d) Rotate the phase knob until the meter reads the highest possible.
e) Take note of the position for future reference.

6) Crossover Setting

Sets the 3dB down maximum frequency range. This feature only works
when the amplifier is set to “LOWPASS”.

As a rule of thumb:
a) If you are powering the THOR In-Wall SUB10, the Q10B tactile

transducer, or a large subwoofer (12-inch - 18-inch), set the crossover to

50Hz - 100Hz.
b) If you are powering an MQB1 tactile transducer, a 10-inch subwoofer, or a

small front speakers, set the crossover to 70Hz or the 9 o’clock position.
c) If you are powering a small subwoofer (8-inch or smaller) or small

speakers, set the crossover to 100Hz or the 12 - 2 o’clock position.

7) Volume Setting

Always start at MIN position and slowly increase the volume to reach the
desired sound level. Set based on the input level and power rating of your
load.

XJ-300ST Manual 7Specifications are subject to change without notice

TRI GGER IN

Back Panel Overview

2

3

4

1

5

1) RCA Inputs

This is the most common audio input. If you are using the XJ-300ST as a
mono block (1-channel amplifier), connect to both RCA input terminals to
get the fulll 300W output.

2) +12V Trigger Input

Used when an external source is powering the XJ-300ST. For this to work,
the Signal Sense toggle switch in the front of the amplifier must be set to
“+12V TRIG.”

3) Speaker Outputs

To use the XJ-300ST as a stereo 2-channel amplifier, connect the right
speaker to the R+ and R- terminals. Then, connect the left speaker to the L+
and L- terminals.

If using the XJ-300ST as a monoblock/1-channel amplifier, connect the
positive speaker wire to the L+ terminal and connect the negative speaker
wire to the R- terminal. Do not connect anything to the lower speaker
terminals.

To use the XJ-300ST as a 2.1-channel amplifier (TRI-MODE), connect the
right speaker to the R terminals (R+/R-) and connect the left speaker to the L
terminals (L+/L-). Then, connect the subwoofer positive to the L+ terminal
and the subwoofer negative to the R- terminal.

4) 110V/220V AC Selector

The XJ-300ST can operate in a 110-120V or 220-240V environment. The
amplifier should already be set to the correct voltage depending on your
region.

If not, make sure the amplifier is not connected to any power source. Set the
selector to the required power setting and replace the fuse to the proper
rating prior to connect the amplifier back to a power source.

8 XJ-300ST Manual Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com

Wall (or anywhere) mountable

The XJ-300ST can be mounted to a wall or
inside a cabinet. Simply screw in the four short
mounting ears to the matching holes on the side
of the amplifier chassis. Then, secure the
amplifier to any vertical or horizontal surface.

The XJ-300ST also comes with four ruber feet
to prevent any damages to the bottom of the
amplifier when it simply sits on a shelf or
cabinet.

Mounting Options for 1 XJ-300ST

5) AC Power with Built-in Fuse

This AC line connector is fused to protect the amplifier from unwanted power
surge. Be sure to use the proper fuse rating when replacing the fuse:
110-120V~60Hz: ø5x20mm, T2AL/250V
220-240V~50Hz: ø5x20mm, T1AL/250V

To access the fuse compartment, simply unplug the
amplifier from any power source, place a flat-head
screw driver in the small notch and pry it open as
illustrated.

XJ-300ST Manual 9Specifications are subject to change without notice

Rack mountable

To rack mount an XJ-300ST amplifier, install the long rack mounting ears (sold
separately - model no. RM-300FR) to each side of the amplifier.

XJ-30 0ST

Linking 2 XJ-300STs

TRI GGER IN

3

2

1

1

The XJ-300ST’s ingenious design lets the user link two amplifiers together
depending on the desired channel setup.

DO NOT APPLY ANY PRESSURE TO THE FRONT OR
BACKPLATES OF THE AMPLIFIERS AS DOING SO WILL
CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE KNOBS, TOGGLE SWITCHES
AND/OR TERMINALS. AMPLIFIERS DAMAGED IN THIS
MANNER ARE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.

1) Line up the linking bolts on one amplifier with the linking holes of the other
amplifier and push them towards each other.

2) Once the linking bolts are in the linking holes, push the amplifier with the
linking bolts towards the faceplate while pushing the other amplifier towards
the backplate to lock the two amplifiers together. The amplifiers are linked
correctly when their faceplates are flush.

3) Install the linking bracket to the backplates of the linked amplifiers for added
reinforcement (as shown below).

10

Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com XJ-300ST Manual

Mounting 2 XJ-300STs

Wall (or anywhere) mountable

To wall mount two linked XJ-300ST amplifiers, install two short mounting ears to
the each outer sides of the linked amplifiers as shown below.

Be sure to bracket the backplates of the amps together for added reinforcement.

Be sure to bracket the backplates of the amps together for added reinforcement.

XJ-300ST Manual

11

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Rack mountable

To rack mount two linked XJ-300ST amplifiers, install one short rack mounting
ear to each side of the amplifier as shown below.

XJ-30 0STXJ-30 0ST

TRI GGER IN

TRI GGER IN

Connecting to a Subwoofer/Tactile Transducer

To Power the THOR In-Wall Subwoofer

To Power the Q10B Tactile Transducer

+



NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to LOWPASS.

Then, set the CROSSOVER
between 50Hz - 100Hz.

NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to LOWPASS.

Then, set the CROSSOVER
between 50Hz - 100Hz.

THOR IW-SUB10
In-Wall Subwoofer



+

Q10B

Tactile Transducer

Receiver/

Processor

Receiver/

Processor

12

Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com XJ-300ST Manual

TRI GGER IN

TRI GGER IN

Connecting to Tactile Transducers

To Power the MQB1 Tactile Transducers

NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to LOWPASS.

Then, set the CROSSOVER to
70Hz (9 o’clock position).

NOTE:
Make su re the f r ont
toggle switch is set to
LOWPASS.

T h e n , s e t t h e
CROSSOVER to 70Hz
(9 o’clock position).

Receiver/

Processor

Receiver/

Processor





+

+



+

MQB1

Tactile Transducer

MQB1

Tactile Transducers

XJ-300ST Manual

13

Specifications are subject to change without notice

TRI GGER IN

TRI GGER IN

Connecting to Outdoor Speakers

To Power the All Weather Speakers

To Power the Rock-ON Outdoor Speakers

NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to BYPASS.

DO NOT set the volume too
high as doing so may overload
the speakers.

Receiver/

Processor



+



+

AWS602 / AWS802

Indoor/Outdoor Speakers

NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to BYPASS.

DO NOT set the volume too
high as doing so may overload
the speakers.

Receiver/

Processor



+



+

Granite-52

Rock-ON Speakers

14

Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com XJ-300ST Manual

TRIGG ER IN TRIGG ER IN

TRIG GER IN

To Power the Rock-ON Outdoor 2.1 System - Option 1

To Power the Rock-ON Outdoor 2.1 System - Option 2

NOTE:
Make sure the front toggle
switch is set to BYPASS.

DO NOT set the volume too
high as doing so may overload
the speakers.

+

+



Receiver/

Processor





+



+

Granite-52

Rock-ON Speakers

Granite-10D

Rock-ON

Subwoofer

+ ++ +

  

Granite-52

Rock-ON Speakers

Granite-10D

Rock-ON Subwoofer

XJ-300ST Manual

15

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Specifications

16

Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com XJ-300ST Manual

1 x 170 Watts RMS @ 8-Ohm Mono
1 x 300 Watts RMS @ 4-Ohm Mono

2 x 170 Watts RMS @ 4-Ohm

Output Power 2 x 110 Watts RMS @ 8-Ohm

Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion

< 0.08%

Signal to Noise Ratio

> 97 dB

Input Connections

RCA

Damping Factor

> 400

Input Impedance

10 kOhm

Output Connections

5-way binding posts

0 - 5V

Rack Mountable

Yes (1U)

Fuse Ratings 110-115V~60Hz: ø5x20mm, T2AL/250V

220-240V~50Hz: ø5x20mm, T1AL/250V

Input Sensitivity for

Full Output

Dimensions

1-7/8”
(47mm)

1-1/4”

(31.5mm)

15/16”
(22.5mm)

Long Mounting Ear

5-1/4” (133.5mm)

sold separately
(model no. RM-300FR)

8-11/16” (220mm)

1-7/8” (47mm)
without feet

9-11/16” (246m)
with terminals & knobs

X

J

-3

00S

T

+

+

+

+

+

+

XJ-300ST Manual

17

Specifications are subject to change without notice

15/16”
(22.5mm)

Short Mounting Ear

1-7/8”
(47mm)

1” (25mm)

included with
every XJ-300ST

1-1/4”

(31.5mm)

5 Year Limited Warranty

Earthquake warrants the original purchaser that all Factory Sealed New Audio
Products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal
and proper use for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase (as shown
on the original sales receipt with serial number affixed/written on it).

The five (5) year limited warranty period is valid only if an authorized
Earthquake dealer properly installs the product and the warranty registration
card is properly filled out and sent to Earthquake Sound Corporation. If a non­authorized party installs the product, a ninety (90) day warranty period will be
applied.

(A) Five (5) years limited warranty plan coverage guidelines:



First year: Earthquake pays for labor, parts, and ground freight (only in
US mainland, not including Alaska and Hawaii. Shipping to us is not
covered).



Second, third, fourth & fifth year: Earthquake pays labor only.
Customer must pay for parts and freight both ways.

(B) Warning:

 Products (sent in for repair) that are tested by Earthquake technicians

and deemed to have no problem will not be covered by the limited
warranty. Customer will be charged a minimum of one (1) hour of labor
(at ongoing rate) plus shipping charges back to customer.

 Each product sent in for repair must be packaged in its original

packaging. Otherwise, repackaging charges will apply in addition to
the labor, parts and shipping charges.

(C ) Earthquake will repair or replace at our option all defective
products/parts subject to the following provisions:



Defective products/parts have not been altered or repaired by anyone
other than an Earthquake factory approved technician.



Products/parts are not subjected to negligence, misuse, accident or
damage by improper line voltage.



Products/parts were used with incompatible products.



The serial number or any part of the product has been altered, defaced or
removed.



Products/parts have been used in any way that is contrary to
Earthquake’s written instructions.

(D) Warranty Limitations:

Warranty does not cover products that have been modified or abused,
including but not limited to the following:



Damages to speaker cabinet and cabinet finish due to misuse, abuse or
improper use of cleaning materials/methods.

18

Earthquake Sound Corp. | www.earthquakesound.com XJ-300ST Manual



Bent speaker frame, broken speaker connectors, hole(s) in speaker
cone, hole(s) in surround &/ dust cap, and burnt speaker voice coil.



Fading and/or deterioration of speaker components & finish due to
improper exposure to elements.



Bent amplifier casing, damaged finish on the casing due to abuse,
misuse or improper use of cleaning material.



Burnt tracers on PCB.



Product/part damaged due to poor packaging or abusive shipping
conditions.



Subsequent damage to other products.

A warranty claim will not be valid if the warranty registration card is not properly
filled & returned to Earthquake with a copy of the sales receipt.

(E) Service Request:

To receive product service, contact Earthquake Service Department at
[phone] and request an RMA number (Return Material
Authorization). Items shipped without a valid RMA number will be refused.
Make sure you provide us with your complete/correct shipping address, a
valid phone number, and a brief description of the problem you are
experiencing with the product. In most cases, our technicians might be able
to resolve the problem over the phone, thus eliminating the need to ship the
product.

(F) Shipping Instructions:

Product(s) must be packaged in its original protective box(es) to minimize
transport damage and prevent repackaging cost (at the ongoing rates).
Shipper claims regarding items damaged in transit must be presented to
carrier. Earthquake Sound Corporation reserves the right to refuse
improperly packed product. A copy of the original sales receipt must
accompany product returned to service. We encourage you to include with
the package a written description of the problem. Ship product to:

Earthquake Sound Corp.

2727 McCone Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545

Tel: [phone]

You are responsible for the cost of shipping the product to Earthquake
Sound Corporation.

(G) Disputes Resolution:

All disputes between clients and Earthquake Sound Corporation resulting
from the five (5) year limited warranty policy must be resolved according to
the laws & registration of the county of Alameda, California.

XJ-300ST Manual

19

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Earthquake Sound reserves the right to amend details of the

specifications without notice.

© Copyright Earthquake Sound Corporation

Earthquake Sound Corporation

2727 McCone Avenue, Hayward CA, 94545

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

The Sound That Will Move You

®