Hifonics Zxi1008, Zxi4408, Zxi1308, Zxi6008, Zxi6408 User Manual

ZEUS 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
HIGH PERFORMANCE AMPLIFIERS

As Hifonics celebrates it’s 25th anniversary of producing the finest high end car audio products available, we
would like to thank you for your continued support.

The Zeus ZXi 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 bass control module(some models) that allows subsonic bass 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.

INDEX PAGE

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

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

ZXi6008 / ZXi1008 / ZXi1308 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................3

Full range stereo / Full range mono / 2 way active with mono bass using two 2 channel models

ZXi4408 / ZXi6408 / ZXi8808 4 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS....................................................................................4-6

4, 3 and 2 channel full range / 2 way active, with mono bass /
front/rear high pass using a 2 channel model for mono sub bass

ZXi8408 5 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS..................................................................................................................7-8

5 channel discrete, one being mono low pass / 3 or 4 channel discrete, one being mono low pass / 3 way active
front/rear high pass, with constant sub bass

Setting up systems after installation for best performance.........................................................................................................9

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics...............................................................................................................................................10

Features and Specifications........................................................................................................................................................11

Product Warranty..........................................................................................................................................................................12

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.

Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 11 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 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 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.

NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule
of thumb. Please refer to the
manufacturers specific
requirements. Zeus specifications
can be found on page 11.

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.

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AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

ZEUS ZXi SERIES AMPLIFIERS

! !

Each model is capable of 4 & 2 ohms stereo per channel, or 4 ohms mono bridged Crossover filter slopes are 12 dB/octave for stereo filters, and 24 dB/octave for mono

operation. filters.

!

Tri-Mode operation with any stereo pair of amplifier channels is possible, as with all

bridgeable amplifiers.

!

The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2 volt to 6 volt.

!

All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges.

!

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 DIAGNOSTIC, or PROTECT LED.

ZXi6008 / ZXi1008 / ZXi1308 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

LINE INPUT

CH1

REMOTE

CH2

HFR-3

BOOST

MIN MAXX

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.

- HI: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 10 Hz to 150Hz.

- FLAT: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.
LP/BP: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter, variable from 30 Hz to 150 Hz.

ZXi4408 / ZXi6408 / ZXi8408 4 CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

LINE INPUT

CH1

CH3

CH4

CH2

MODE

CH2-CH4

REMOTE

HI PASS LOW PASS

10Hz-150Hz

HI PASS LOW PASS

10Hz-150Hz

The AMPLIFIER CH 1/2CH X-OVER slide switch selects the input signal for channel
pair 1 & 2:

- HI: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 10 Hz to 150Hz.

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

- LP/BP: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter, variable from 30 Hz to 150Hz.

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO:

- In the LP/BP position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

- When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10 dB, at 45 Hz, BASS EQ is also switched
in.

1/2 CH
X-OVER

HI FULL LP/BP

3/4 CH

X-OVER

HI FULL LP/BP

LINE OUT

HI PASS LOW PASS

10Hz 150Hz

HP FULL LP/BP

30Hz 150Hz

BASS EQ

0dB 10dB

LEVEL POWERX-OVER

6V 0.2V

PROTECT

L

R

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

- In the LP/BP position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.
When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10 dB, at 45 Hz, BASS EQ is also switched
in.
The REMOTE jack enables dash mount level control of the LOW PASS signal.

30Hz-150Hz

30Hz-150Hz

BASS EQ

0dB-10dB

BASS EQ

0dB-10dB

LEVEL

6V 0.2V

LEVEL

6V 0.2V

POWER

PROTECT

LINE OUT

L

R

The AMPLIFIER CH 3/CH 4 X-OVER slide switch selects the input signal for channel
pair 3&4

- Hi: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 10 Hz to 150Hz.

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

- LP/BP: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter, variable from 30 Hz to 150 Hz.

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

- In the LP/BP position, the HIGH PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

- When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10 dB, at 45 Hz, BASS EQ is also switched in.

- Full range signal from channels 1 / 2 inputs are routed to the Line OUT RCA jacks,
regardless of the setting of the X-OVER switches.

- The REMOTE jack enables dash mount level control of the LOW PASS signal, CH3/4 only.

ZXi8008 5 CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

LINE INPUT

CH1

CH3

5CH

CH2

CH4

The ZXi8006 has three sets of inputs:
Line inputs on RCA jacks for channel pairs 1&2, 3&4, and MONO channel 5. These inputs
can be used in various combinations, to suit the application, depending on the settings of
the INPUT MODE switch, and the X-OVER switches for channels 1&2, and channels 3&4,
respectively.

INPUT MODE slide switch:

- In the CH2 position, ALL five amplifier inputs are selected from the CH1/CH2 RCA jacks.
Channel 5 receives a mono mixed signal.

- In the 4CH position, channel pair 1&2 receive input signal from RCA jacks CH1 and CH2,
and channel pair 3&4 receive input signal from RCA jacks CH3 and CH4. A mono mixed
signal from these four RCA jacks are also fed to channel 5.

- When 5CH DISCRETE is selected, each channel receives an input signal from its
respective input RCA jack. Channel 5 has two jacks on its LINE INPUT, which are summed
together.

2

MODE

Ch2 Ch5

Ch4

REMOTE

HI PASS

50Hz- 4Khz

LOW PASS

30Hz-150Hz

1/2 CH

X-OVER

HI FULL

BASS EQ

0dB-10dB

HI PASS

3/4 CH
X-OVER

HI-FULL BP

LOW PASS

250Hz-4KHz

LEVEL

6V 0.2V

POWER

PROTECT

LEVEL

6V 0.2V

LEVEL

6V 0.2V

50Hz- 150hz

5CH

CH1/2 X-OVER slide switch:
FULL: Sets this pair to full range operation.
HP: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 50 Hz to 4 KHz.

CH3/4 X -OV ER sli de switch:

- FU LL: S ets this pai r to fu ll ra nge o peration .

- B.P. : In this mode, the HIGH PASS ranges fr om 50Hz t o 150Hz a nd the LOW

PASS filter ranges from 250Hz to 4KHz, are selected to fo rm a BA ND PASS
c r os so ve r fi l te r.

- HP: S el ec ts the HIGH PASS filter, variable from 50Hz to 4KHz.

CH 5:

- The channel 5 functions were chosen to be very specific to mono bass operation, and not
switchable:

- The LOW PASS filter has a variable range from 30 Hz to 150 Hz.

- The BASS EQ gives a bass boost, 0 to +10 dB, at 45 Hz.

ZXi6008 / ZXi1008 / ZXi1308 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS

FULL RANGE STEREO

This is the most basic application for the ZEUS 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 FLAT 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”

5. Bass Remote Module:
Plug in the Bass Remote Module to the amplifier “REMOTE” jack.

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

LINE INPUT

CH2

CH1

REMOTE

10Hz 150Hz

HI PASS LOW PASS

HP LP/BP FLAT

30Hz 150Hz

0dB 10dB

BASS EQ

6V 0.2V

LEVEL POWERX-OVER

PROTECT

LINE OUT

R

L

HFR -3

BOOST

MIN MAXX

FULL RANGE 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. 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 -.

Important:

FULL RANGE

SPEAKERS

--

MONO

SPEAKER

CH1 CH2

++

TO BATTERY +12v
VIA FUSE

POWER

GND REM +12V

REMOTE TURN-ON
CHASSIS GROUND

Switch setting checklist:

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

Crossover frequency control setting checklist:

N/A for full range operation.
TIP: If you are using the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, there is
nothing wrong with switching in the low pass filter in these amplifiers for a
steeper low pass rolloff.

Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:

- 4 ohm mono.

FULL RANGE

MONO LINE INPUT

VIA Y-ADAPTER

FROM MONO SOURCE

LINE INPUT

CH2

CH1

REMOTE

10Hz 150Hz

HI PASS LOW PASS

HP LP/BP FLAT

30Hz 150Hz

0dB 10dB

BASS EQ

6V 0.2V

LEVEL POWERX-OVER

PROTECT

LINE OUT

R

L

HFR -3

BOOST

MIN MAXX

FULL RANGE

MONO SPEAKER

--

MONO

SPEAKER

CH1 CH2

++

TO BATTERY +12v
VIA FUSE

POWER

GND REM +12V

REMOTE TURN-ON
CHASSIS GROUND

3