Hifionics ZRX1500.1D, ZRX2000.4, ZRX600.4, ZRX500.2, ZRX3000.1D User Manual

...

ZRX500.2 / ZRX1200.2

ZRX600.4 / ZRX1000.4 / ZRX2000.4

ZRX1000.1D / ZRX1500.1D / ZRX2000.1D / ZRX3000.1D

ZEUS HIGH PERFORMANCE AMPLIFIERS

The Zeus ZRX Series products have been designed to a very high level of performance, with features unavailable in any other product. All of the amplifiers have variable crossovers built in, with added touches such as subsonic filter, bass equalization and a remote Level control module(some models) that allows subwoofer Level control from the drivers seat.

To ensure years of listening pleasure, all amplifiers have a built in diagnostic mode that will detect shorted speaker leads, low impedance, dangerous high temperatures, DC shorts and will shut down the amp to prevent serious damage.

General Installation Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................................................1

Amplifier Feature Descriptions...........................................................................................................................................................................................2

ZRX500.2 / ZRX1200.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS.................................................................................................................................3

Full range stereo / mono

ZRX600.4 / ZRX1000.4 / ZRX2000.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS.........................................................................................................4-5

4, 3 and 2 channel operation / front/rear high pass using a 2 channel model for mono sub bass

ZRX1000.1D / ZRX1500.1D / ZRX2000.1D / ZRX3000.1D 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS............................................................................. 6

Class D Mono

Features and Specifications.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Setting Up Systems After Installation For Best Performance.............................................................................................................................................. 8

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................................................................9

Product Warranty.............................................................................................................................................................................................................10

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The contents of this manual may not be reproduced or copied with out the written consent of MAXXSONICS USA, Inc.

GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

System Design

The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.

Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom capability, to reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when overdriven, due to the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.

Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality RCA cables you can afford, for reliability and less engine noise interference in the audio system.

Installation

WOOD

It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for optimal heat dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as this can cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a location for mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical devices and brake lines etc.

General:

Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.

ZEUS

Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 7 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):

Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Zeus series amplifiers require at least 4 gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within 12” of the vehicles battery.

Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the amplifiers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis as short as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time.

TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to

the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.

WIRE LENGTH

SYSTEM AMPERAGE

35-50

50-65

68-85

85-105

105-125

125-150

7-10 ft. 10-13 ft. 13-16 ft.

16-19 ft. 19-22 ft. 22-28 ft.

NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule

WIRE GAUGE

of thumb. Please refer to the manufacturers specific requirements. ZRX specifications can be found on page 7.

Safe connection sequence:

After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the main fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.

Power up the system:

The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly immediately. First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.

AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

ZEUS ZRX AMPLIFIERS:

Each model is capable of 4 & 2-Ohms stereo per channel, or 4-Ohms mono bridged operation except the mono amps which are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm loads.

The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2V to 6V. All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges. Crossover filters are 12dB/Octave. A POWER LED indicates the powered up and turned on condition. All Hifonics amplifiers feature a comprehensive diagnostic system, with speaker lead short circuit, and amplifier DC faults indicated by the red “PROTECT” LED.

The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:

-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

-HPF: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 60Hz to 13kHz.

-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.

-LPF: Selects the built in LOW PASS , variable from 30Hz to 250Hz. BASS EQ: Fixed 45Hz bass boost variable from 0dB to 12dB. LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE ANY AMPLIFIER BELOW THE INTENDED IMPEDANCE. YOU WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY PRINTED IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL. 2 & 4 Channel amps are capable of 4 and 2-Ohms wired stereo and 4-Ohms wired mono bridged. The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm.

ZRX500.2 / ZRX1200.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

INPUT

OUTPUT

LEVEL BASS EQ X-OVER HPF LPF MODE

HPF

6V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60HZ 13KHZ 30HZ 250HZ

FULL

LPF

POWER PROTECT

MONO

STEREO

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

-In the LPF position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

-When the LPF mode is selected, a 0 to +12dB, at 45Hz, BASS EQ is also switched in.

The 4 channel amps have the same features as the 2 channel models accept that there are 2 sets of controls. 1 set for channels 1 & 2 and 1 set for channels 3 & 4. In addition, the 4 channel models have a Mode switch. Switch to 2 channel if you only have 1 set of RCA’s in CH 1/2 and the unit will automatically supply signal to channels 3/4. Select 3 channel if you are running stereo on ch 1&2 and mono on ch 3&4. Select 4 channel if you are providing RCA’s to channels 1/2 and 3/4. The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:

-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

-HPF: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 60 Hz to 13kHz.

-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.

-LPF: Selects the built in LOW PASS , variable from 30 Hz to 250Hz. BASS EQ: Fixed 45Hz bass boost variable from 0dB to 12dB. LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

-SUBSONIC: Allows you to adjust the crossover filter from 15Hz to 35Hz.

-LOW PASS: Allows you to adjust the LOW PASS crossover filter from 30Hz to 250Hz. LEVEL: Adjusts the input sensitivity from 0.2 volts to 6 volts. BASS EQ: The Bass EQ is adjustable from 0db to 10dB. REMOTE: This is the input jack for the remote Level control. LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

ZRX600.4 / ZRX1000.4 / ZRX2000.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

FULL

CH 3 / 4

CH 1 / 2

LINE OUT

POWER

HPF

LPF

HPF

LPF

PROTECT

2 3 4

CH 3 / 4

CH 1 / 2

LEVEL BASS EQ X-OVER HPF LPF

6V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60HZ 13KHZ 30HZ 250HZ

LEVEL BASS EQ X-OVER HPF LPF MODE

6V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60HZ 13KHZ 30HZ 250HZ

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

-In the LPF position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

-When the LPF mode is selected, a 0 to +12dB, at 45Hz, BASS EQ is also switched in.

ZRX1000.1D / ZRX1500.1D / ZRX2000.1D / ZRX3000.1D 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

INPUT

OUTPUT

LEVEL BASS EQ REMOTE SUBSONIC LOW PASS

6V 0.2V 0dB 10dB 15HZ 35HZ 30HZ 250HZ

POWER PROTECT

ZRX500.2 / ZRX1200.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS

FULL RANGE STEREO

This is the most basic application for the ZRX Series 2 channel amplifiers.

1. Interconnect cable checklist:

Connect the LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD with good quality RCA cables.

2. Crossover Switch:

The X-OVER switch must be in the FULL position.

3. Crossover frequency control checklist:

N/A for full range operation.

4. Line Level:

Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best performance”

NOTE: Minimum final loudspeaker impedances: 4 & 2 Ohms stereo mode or 4-Ohms mono mode This amplifier will not do 1 Ohm stereo or 2/1 Ohm mono operation.

FULL RANGE

STEREO LINE INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT

6V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60HZ 13KHZ 30HZ 250HZ

LEVEL BASS EQ X-OVER HPF LPF MODE

FULL

LPF

HPF

MONO

STEREO

PROTECT

POWER

ZEUS

MONO

This application illustrates the basic mono bridging method for all Hifonics amplifiers.

Interconnect cable checklist:

A MONO signal source is required, such as would be available from the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, whether stand alone, or built into a head unit or equalizer. Important: Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive outputs, from any source together to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well damage the output stage of that source. It is necessary to feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Yadapter RCA cable. Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the LEFT +, and its negative terminal to RIGHT -.

FULL RANGE

SPEAKERS

BRIDGED

RIGHT LEFT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

- + - +

FUSE

TO BATTERY +12v VIA FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

REMOTE TURN-ON CHASSIS GROUND

Switch setting checklist:

- The AMPLIFIER X-OVER switch should be in the LP/BP position.

Crossover frequency control setting checklist:

LPF: 11 o’clock

Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:

- 4 ohm mono.

FULL RANGE

MONO LINE INPUT

VIA Y-ADAPTER

FROM MONO SOURCE

OUTPUT

INPUT

6V 0.2V 0dB 12dB 60HZ 13KHZ 30HZ 250HZ

LEVEL BASS EQ X-OVER HPF LPF MODE

FULL

LPF

HPF

MONO

STEREO

PROTECT

POWER

ZEUS

BRIDGED

RIGHT LEFT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

- + - +

FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

MONO SPEAKER

or SUBWOOFER

TO BATTERY +12v VIA FUSE

REMOTE TURN-ON CHASSIS GROUND

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