Page 1
HIGH SPEED
CAR AMPLIFIER
LA480 LA1080
LA580 LA1480
LA680 LA1880
LA780 LA2080
Page 2
Congratulations
on your purchase of a new
Legacy Blue Diamond Series amplifier!
Legacy amps are some of the most advanced car amplification products
available. These quality audio products are designed and engineered to afford
you years of uncompromised musical service. Legacy has utilized the latest
electronic technologies in order to deliver a superb listening experience.
This innovative system has been designed utilizing a 12 V DC Negative Ground
power supply. The LEGACY Blue Diamond Series amps incorporate two to
eight MOSFETS in the different models.
This design produces enough available voltage to supply the main amplifier
sections, and still have a huge amount of reserve voltage for peak “high
demand” situations.
The Legacy line has been designed to ensure adequate headroom for even
the most demanding peaks and dynamic ranges found on today’s CD’s and
recordings. Used properly, these amplifiers will provide you with years of
listening pleasure.
USER MANUAL
table of contents
SPECIFICATIONS
1
LA480/580/780/1480/1880/2080 FEATURES &
2
CONTROLS
LA680/1080 FEATURES & CONTROLS
3
ELECTRICAL WIRING, INSTALLATION & SETUP
4
2 CH STEREO INPUT CONNECTIONS
5
4 CH STEREO INPUT CONNECTIONS
6
BRIDGED INPUT CONNECTIONS
8
BASIC STEREO SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
9
MONO-BRIDGED SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
10
TROUBLESHOOTING
11
WARRANTY
12
Page 3
Legacy Blue Diamond Amplifier Features
all amps feature:
• Polished chrome finish w/plexiglass panel
• Soft turn on/off circuit
• Variable gain control
• Remote turn on/off
• Hi/low level inputs
• Power on LED indicator
LA
Specifications
480
2CH amplifier
LA
2CH amplifier
580
• Fully adjustable electronic crossover network
• Remote control Bass boost(0–+18dB @ 60Hz )
• 2 ohm stereo stable
• Bridgeable into 4 ohms
• MOSFET PWM power supplies
• LED protection indicator
LA
680
4CH amplifier
LA
780
2CH amplifier
LA
1080
4CH amplifier
LA
1480
2CH amplifier
LA
1880
2CH amplifier
LA
2080
2CH amplifier
OUTPUT POWER
RMS @ 4 OHMS
RMS @ 2 OHMS
MAX OUTPUT
BRIDGE MODE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
INPUT IMPEDANCE
LOW LEVEL INPUTS
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
INPUT SENSITIVITY
LOW LEVEL INPUTS
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MATCHING SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
STEREO MODE
BRIDGED MODE
MAXIMUM CURRENT DRAW
DIMENSIONS,WxHxL,inches
(mm)
NET WEIGHT, LBS (KG)
2 X 40W
2 X 60W
2 X 300W
1 X 600W
10-30 kHz
10 k-Ohms
100 Ohms
250 mV
2.5V
14.4 VDC/NEG GD (10.5-16V)
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
15 A
11.5X2X8.25
(292 X 51 X 209)
5.4 (2.45)
2 X 50W
2 X 85W
2 X 400W
1 X 800W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
15 A
11.5X2X9.25
(292 X 51 X 241)
6 (2.72)
4 X 35W
4 X 55W
4 X 250W
2 X 500W
(2 X 250W+1X500W)
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
20 A
11.5X2X12
(292 X 51 X 305)
8.1 (3.66)
2 X 75W
2 X 125W
2 X 500W
1 X 1000W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
20 A
11.5X2X12
(292 X 51 X 305)
7.4 (3.35)
4 X 75W
4 X 125W
4 X 500W
2 X 1000W
(2 X 500W+1X1000W)
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
40 A
11.5X2X15
(292 X 51 X 381)
9.5 (4.3)
2 X 125W
2 X 200W
2 X 800W
1 X 1600W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
30 A
11.5X2X15
(292 X 51 X 381)
9.24 (4.2)
2 X 150W
2 X 230W
2 X 900W
1 X 1800W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
40 A
11.5X2X17
(292 X 51 X 432)
10.3 (4.66)
2 X 200W
2 X 320W
2 X 1200W
1 X 2400W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
50 A
11.5X2X19
(292 X 51 X 482)
11.44 (5.2)
Features and Specifications
specs
Page 4
23
12V12
V
REMREM
GNDGND
FUUSEFUSE
1
–
+
BRIDGED
+–+–
LR
Speaker Terminals1
These terminals are 14K Goldplated for high conductivity
and minimum impedance loss. The terminals face
upwards for easy wiring in tight situations.
Fuse
2
Protects the amplifier as well as the automobile electrical
system from short circuit conditions.
Power Supply Terminals
3
Input Level Control
4
Use this control to match the output of the head unit
to the amplifier. If distortion is present, reduce the
setting of this control.
5
Crossover Mode Switch
In a full range system, set this to FULL. If the amp is
being used to power a crossover system, set to either
HPF or LPF as needed.
Bass Boost Control
6
Allows you to increase the bass signal level sent to the
speakers
Low Pass Control
7
Permits you to adjust the crossover frequency from 35
Hz to 400 Hz to suit the subwoofers
High Pass Control
8
Permits you to adjust the crossover frequency from
80 Hz to 2.5 kHz to suit the tweeters
High Level Input (Low Impedance)
9
Use these if your car stereo does not have
RCA output jacks: connect the speaker outputfrom
the head unit to these inputs
Low Level Input (High Impedance)
10
This unit is provided with gold-plated RCA input
jacks. Using RCA-RCA type patch cords, connect
these inputs to the RCA outputs from your head
unit.
LOW IN
REMOTE
BASS BOOST
13
12
LA480/580/780/1480/1880/2080
Features and Controls
HPF
POWERPROTECT
80 2.5k
H
11
2
35 400
78
LPF
0 18db
H
2
BASS
BOOST FREQ. LEVEL
MIN MAX
HPF
LPF
FULL
5
6
L
RL
R
HI IN
9
10
4
Power LED Indicator
11
This LED is illuminated when the REMOTE ON
system is turned on.
1212
Protection LED Indicator
The protection circuitry in the amp will disable it if it
senses an input overload, speaker short circuit, or
thermal overload conditions. Should this occur, the
PROTECT LED will be illuminated. At that time, it is
important that you check todetermine what has caused
the protection circuitry to become activated.
If the amp shut off because of a thermal overload,
allow it to cool down before attempting to restart.
If the shutdown occured because of an input overload,
or speaker short circuit, be sure to correct these
conditions before attempting to restart the amp.
To reset the amp, turn the REMOTE power off and on
again.
Remote Bass Boost(LA480 Without)
13
Plug in the Remote Bass Boost Control wire in here.
Page 5
2
3
–
FUUSEFUSE
4
GNDGND
12V12
V
REMREM
1
–
CH
2
BRIDGED
+–
1
+
+–
CH
+
BRIDGEDBRIDGED
+ –
+–
CH4CH
CH
3
1
Speaker Terminals
These terminals are 14K Goldplated for high conductivity
and minimum impedance loss. The terminals face
upwards for easy wiring in tight situations.
Fuse
2
Protects the amplifier as well as the automobile electrical
system from short circuit conditions.
Power Supply Terminals
3
Input Level Control
4
Use this control to match the output of the head unit
to the amplifier. If distortion is present, reduce the
setting of this control.
5
Crossover Mode Switch
In a full range system, set this to FULL. If the amp is
being used to power a crossover system, set to either
HPF or LPF as needed.
Bass Boost Control
6
Allows you to increase the bass signal level sent to the
speakers
Low Pass Control
7
Permits you to adjust the crossover frequency from 35
Hz to 400 Hz to suit the subwoofers
High Pass Control
8
Permits you to adjust the crossover frequency from
80 Hz to 2.5 kHz to suit the tweeters
High Level Input (Low Impedance)
9
Use these if your car stereo does not have
RCA output jacks: connect the speaker outputfrom
the head unit to these inputs
Low Level Input (High Impedance)
10
This unit is provided with gold-plated RCA input
jacks. Using RCA-RCA type patch cords, connect
these inputs to the RCA outputs from your head
unit.
3
LA
4
CH
CH4CH
3
HI IN
CH
3
LOW IN
10
9
680/1080
4
5
Features and Controls
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ. HPF
MIN MAX
6 7 8 8 7 6
18db 80 2.5k
35 400
0
LPF
HPF
FULL
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
BASS BOOST CH
13
12
Power LED Indicator
11
This LED is illuminated when the REMOTE ON
system is turned on.
1212
Protection LED Indicator
The protection circuitry in the amp will disable it if it
senses an input overload, speaker short circuit, or
thermal overload conditions. Should this occur, the
PROTECT LED will be illuminated. At that time, it is
important that you check todetermine what has caused
the protection circuitry to become activated.
If the amp shut off because of a thermal overload,
allow it to cool down before attempting to restart.
If the shutdown occured because of an input overload,
or speaker short circuit, be sure to correct these
conditions before attempting to restart the amp.
BASS
BOOSTLPFHPFLEVEL
FREQ. LEVEL
80 2.5k
35 400
0 18db
H
3/4
POWERPROTECT
HPF
2
H
2
11
2
CH
CH2CH
LOW IN
1
HI IN
CH
1
10
4
5
9
MIN MAX
LPF
FULL
To reset the amp, turn the REMOTE power off and on
again.
Remote Bass Boost
13
Plug in the Remote Bass Boost Control wire in here.
Page 6
Making Power Connections
CH
1
+–
CH
2
+–
CH
3
+–
CH4CH
+ –
FUUSEFUSE
4
REMREM
GNDGND
12V12
V
1. Connect the +12V terminal directly to the car battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the GROUND terminal directly to the car battery (-)
+
BRIDGED
–
+
BRIDGEDBRIDGED
–
terminal OR to a good clean, paint-free chassis ground point.
3. To ensure a good ground, and to prevent “motor-boating” noise
in the system, make an additional connection from the car battery
(-) terminal to the chassis of the stereo unit, using 12 gauge
minimum wire.
4. Connect the REMOTE terminal to an external switch for positive
Electrical Connections
(all models)
to remote
turn-on
+12V
12V battery
head unit
12V turnon-off. This may be connected to the head unit power
antenna lead.
Installation Precautions
This amplifier comes complete with all mounting harware required. Please remember that this is a high-power unit, which generates considerable
electrical energy and heat. Therefore, be sure to install the unit in a place with sufficient airflow, a minimum of dust, and no moisture. Allow enough
space around the cooling fins to permit reasonable airflow and cooling.
• Before you drill or cut any holes, investigate your car’s layout very carefully. Take care when you work near the gas tank, fuel lines, hydraulic line
and electrical wiring.
• Do not operate the amplifier when it is unmounted. Attach all audio system components securely within the automobile to prevent damage, especially
in an accident.
• Do not mount this amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or in a pinched condition, or likely to be damaged by nearby objects. Be
sure to select a location inside your vehicle which has adequate ventilation.
• Before making or breaking power connections in your system, disconnect the vehicle battery. Confirm that your head unit or other equipment is
turned off while connecting the input jacks and speaker terminals.
• If you need to replace the power fuse, only replace it with a fuse identical to that supplied with the system. Using a fuse of a different type or
rating may result in damage to your system which isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Setting Up and Turning On Your New Amplifier
After all electrical connections have been made, and physical installation is complete, turn on your stereo and listen for the amplifier to turn on. If
there are any unusual noises from the speakers, turn the stereo off and recheck ALL wiring.
Assuming the amplifier turn on normally, you may have to adjust the LEVEL control(s) to match the output levels from your head unit. Follow these
steps:
1. Set the volume control on your head unit to about the 2/3 position.
2. Adjust the amplifier LEVEL control(s) to an average listening position.
3. Turn the head unit volume all the way down, and listen for background noise.
4. Start your vehicle, and again, listen for background noise.
5. By fine tuning the LEVEL control(s), you can reduce background and engine noise, if present.
These adjustments should only be made once. After that, use the head unit volume control to adjust the system volume, not the LEVEL control(s).
CAUTION: Never turn the LEVEL control(s) up any higher than you need to get clear sound at 2/3 volume on the head unit.
Electrical Wiring and Installation
Page 7
Low Level Stereo Input Connection
LA480
LA580
LA780
High Level Stereo Input Connection
REMOTE
BASS BOOST
REMOTE
BASS BOOST
HPF
POWERPROTECT
80 2.5k
H
2
head unit
HPF
POWERPROTECT
80 2.5k
H
2
BOOST FREQ. LEVEL
LPF
35 400
0 18db
H
2
LPF
35 400
0 18db
H
2
BASS
MIN MAX
HPF
LPF
FULL
L/R audio outputs
BASS
BOOST FREQ. LEVEL
MIN MAX
HPF
LPF
FULL
LOW IN
LOW IN
L
LA1480
RL
R
HI IN
PLEASE NOTE! If using highlevel
inputs, do not use the low level
RCA inputs at the same time!
L
RL
R
HI IN
LA1880
LA
2CH AMPS
2080
5
head unit
LRLR
from speaker terminals
wiring harness
orange
black
black
orange
Input Connections
inputs
Page 8
LA680
LA1080
4CH AMPS
CH4CH
4
CH
LEVEL
3
LOW IN
MIN MAX
CH
3
HI IN
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ.
LPF
HPF
FULL
18db 80
0
35 400
HPF
2.5k
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
3/4
BASS BOOST CH
POWERPROTECT
HPF
80 2.5k
H
BASS
BOOSTLPF
FREQ. LEVEL
35 400
0
18db
LPF
2
HPF
H
2
FULL
MIN MAX
LOW IN
2
CH
CH2CH
1
HI IN
CH
1
Low Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 2 CH Audio Source
CH4CH
Left Output
head unit
Right Output
Y adaptors
CH
4
LEVEL
3
LOW IN
MIN MAX
CH
3
HI IN
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ.
LPF
HPF
FULL
18db 80
0
35 400
HPF
2.5k
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
3/4
BASS BOOST CH
POWERPROTECT
HPF
80 2.5k
H
BASS
BOOSTLPF
FREQ. LEVEL
35 400
0
18db
LPF
2
HPF
H
2
CH
2
CH2CH
LOW IN
1
HI IN
CH
1
MIN MAX
FULL
Low Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4 CH Audio Source
L+RFrontOutputs
head unit
Input Connections
L + R Rear Outputs
Page 9
CH4CH
4
CH
LEVEL
3
CH
LOW IN
3
MIN MAX
HI IN
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ.
LPF
HPF
FULL
18db 80
0
35 400
HPF
2.5k
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
3/4
BASS BOOST CH
POWERPROTECT
HPF
80 2.5k
H
BASS
BOOSTLPF
FREQ. LEVEL
35 400
0
18db
LPF
2
HPF
H
2
FULL
MIN MAX
CH
CH
LOW IN
2
CH2CH
1
HI IN
1
LA680
LA1080
4CH AMPS
CH4CH
wiring harness
High Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4CH Audio Source
floating ground connection
head unit
orange
black
black
orange
LR
LR
orange
black
black
orange
REAR FRONT
7
CH
4
LEVEL
3
CH
LOW IN
3
MIN MAX
HI IN
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ.
LPF
HPF
FULL
18db 80
0
35 400
HPF
2.5k
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
BASS BOOST CH
3/4
POWERPROTECT
HPF
80 2.5k
H
BASS
BOOSTLPF
FREQ. LEVEL
18db
35 400
0
HPF
2
LPF
H
2
CH
2
CH2CH
CH
LOW IN
1
HI IN
1
MIN MAX
FULL
High Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4CH Audio Source
common ground connection
orange
black
black
orange
head unit
RLRL
orange
black
black
orange
REAR FRONT
Input Connections
inputs
Page 10
LA480
LA580
REMOTE
BASS BOOST
LOW IN
LPF
BOOST FREQ. LEVEL
35 400
0 18db
H
2
BASS
MIN MAX
HPF
LPF
FULL
HPF
POWERPROTECT
80 2.5k
H
2
L
RL
R
HI IN
LA780
LA1480
LA1880
LA2080
2CH AMPS
LA680
LA1080
4CH AMPS
CH4CH
Bridged Input Connection
to a second
amplifier
head unit
Y adaptors
4
CH
LEVEL
3
CH
LOW IN
3
MIN MAX
HI IN
BASS
BOOST LPF
FREQ.
LPF
HPF
FULL
18db 80
0
35 400
HPF
2.5k
H
2
H
2
REMOTE
BASS BOOST CH
3/4
POWERPROTECT
HPF
80 2.5k
H
BASS
BOOSTLPF
FREQ. LEVEL
18db
35 400
0
LPF
2
HPF
H
2
FULL
MIN MAX
LOW IN
2
CH
CH2CH
1
HI IN
CH
1
4 CH Bridged Input
from 2 CH Audio Source
CH1+2 = Left Channel
CH3+4 = Right Channel
Input Connections
Left Output
Right Output
head unit
Y adaptors
Page 11
LR
+–+–
FUUSEFUSE
GNDGND
REMREM
12V12
V
BRIDGED
–
+
LEFT speaker RIGHT speaker
FUUSEFUSE
CH4CH
CH
1
+–
BRIDGED
+
CH
2
+–
–
CH
+–
+
3
BRIDGEDBRIDGED
4
+ –
–
GNDGND
REMREM
LA480
LA580
Basic Stereo Output
LA780
LA1480
LA1880
LA2080
2CH AMPS
9
12V12
V
LA680
LA1080
L
FRONT
speakers
R
RL
REAR
speakers
Basic 4CH Output
Speaker Connections
speakers
4CH AMPS
Page 12
LR
+–+–
FUUSEFUSE
GNDGND
REMREM
12V12
V
LA480
LA580
LA780
LA1480
LA1880
LA2080
2CH AMPS
LA
LA
680
1080
+
speaker
CH
1
+–
BRIDGED
+
BRIDGED
CH
2
+–
–
–
MINIMUM
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
CH
3
+ –
+–
BRIDGEDBRIDGED
+
Bridged Mono Output
GNDGND
REMREM
12V12
V
FUUSEFUSE
CH4CH
4
–
4CH AMPS
Speaker Connections
2 CH Mono-Bridged Output
speakers
MINIMUM
LR
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
Page 13
CH
1
+–
CH
2
+–
CH
3
+–
CH4CH
4
+ –
FUUSEFUSE
GNDGND
REMREM
12V12
V
BRIDGED
–
+
L
R
BRIDGEDBRIDGED
–
+
Mono
Subwoofer
Amplifier will not power up.
• Check for good ground connection.
• Check that remote DC terminal has at least +12v DC.
• Check that there is battery power on the + terminal.
• Check all fuses.
• Check that Protection LED is not lit. If it is lit, shut off amplifier
briefly and then repower it.
High hiss or engine noise (alternator whine) in
speakers.
• Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifier(s) – if hiss/noise
disappears, then plug in the component driving the amplifier
and unplug its inputs. If hiss/noise disappears, go on until the
faulty/noisy component is found.
• It is best to set the amplifier's input level as insensitive as
possible. The best subjective S/N ratio is obtainable this way.
Try to drive as high a signal level from the head unit as possible.
Protection LED comes on when the amplifier is
powered up.
• Check for shorts on speaker leads.
• Check that the volume control on the head unit is turned
down low.
• Remove speaker leads, and reset the amplifier. If the
Protection LED still comes on, then the amplifier is faulty.
speakers
MINIMUM
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
2 CH Stereo plus
Mono-Bridged
Subwoofer Output
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before removing your amplifier, refer to the list below
and follow the suggested procedures. Always test the
speakers and their wires first.
Amplifier(s) gets very hot.
• Check that the minimum speaker impedance for that model
is correct.
• Check for speaker shorts.
• Check that there is good airflow around the amplifier. In
some applications, an external cooling fan may be required.
Distorted sound
• Check that the Level control(s) is set to match the signal
level of the head unit.
• Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set.
• Check for shorts on the speaker leads.
High squeal noise from speakers.
• This is almost always caused by a poorly-grounded RCA
patch cord.
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
680
1080
11
troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Page 14
WARRANTY
LEGACY SOUND CORP. warrants this unit to be free from defective material or workmanship and will repair or
replace this unit or any part thereof if it proves defective in normal use or service within two (2) years from
the date of original purchase.
Our obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at our discretion, the defective instrument
or any part thereof when it is returned, transportation prepaid to the Legacy Service Center at the address
below. This warranty will be considered void if the unit has been tampered with, improperly serviced, subjected
to abuse or misuse or if installed in a commercial vehicle. This warranty does not cover accidental damage.
When returning this unit for service, please include $15.00 for return postage and handling. Send your unit to:
LEGACY SERVICE CENTER
1600 63rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11204
IMPORTANT: Pack carefully in original carton if possible. We are not
responsible for damage incurred in returning items for repair. A letter
stating your exact street address, daytime phone number, and the
problem you are experiencing should be included. You must also enclose
a copy of the original receipt as proof of date of purchase.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION
Completely and immediately mail the Product Registration Card
so that we may contact you directly in the event a safety
notification is issued in accordance with the 1972 Consumer
Product Safety Act, or for other reasons Legacy may deem
necessary.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT HOTLINE
Our technical department will gladly answer any questions
you may have about our products. They cannot, however
tell you the status of a repair, or handle other customer
service situations.
1-800-934-2277
Monday through Thursday, 9AM to 5PM
Friday 9AM to 2PM Eastern.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED TWO YEAR
WWW.legacycaraudio.com
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