Page 1
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
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:
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.
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
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
1-800-934-2277
Monday through Thursday, 9AM to 5PM
Friday 9AM to 2PM Eastern.
WWW.legacycaraudio.com
TECHNICAL SUPPORT HOTLINE
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED TWO YEAR
service situations.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION
necessary.
WARRANTY
date of original purchase.
LEGACY SERVICE CENTER
1600 63rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11204
LA438
LA538
LA638
LA738
LA838
LA938
LA1038
LA1438
LA1838
LA2038
HIGH SPEED
CAR AMPLIFIER
Page 2
specs
Congratulations
:
8
on your purchase of a new
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 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.
American Legacy amplifier !
USER MANUAL
table of contents
1
SPECIFICATIONS
2
LA438/538/738/938/1438/1838/2038
FEATURES & CONTROLS
3
LA638/838/1038 FEATURES & CONTROLS
4
ELECTRICAL WIRING, INSTALLATION & SETUP
5
2 CH STEREO INPUT CONNECTIONS
6
4 CH STEREO INPUT CONNECTIONS
7
BRIDGED INPUT CONNECTIONS
9
BASIC STEREO SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
MONO-BRIDGED SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
10
TROUBLESHOOTING
11
WARRANTY
13
American Legacy Amplifier Features
all amps feature:
• LED Light Bar with Hold or Scan
• Soft turn on/off circuit
• Variable gain control
• Remote turn on/off
• Hi/low level inputs
• Power on LED indicator
LA
438
LA
538
LA
Specifications
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, W x H x L, inches
(mm)
NET WEIGHT, LBS (KG)
2CH amplifier
2 X 40W
2 X 60W
2 X 300W
1 X 600W
10Hz-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 X 2.7 X 8.25
(279 X 69 X 209)
5.7 (2.5)
2CH amplifier
2 X 50W
2 X 75W
2 X 400W
1 X 800W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
15 A
11 X 2.7 X 9.25
(279 X 69 X 235)
6.2 (2.8)
638
4CH amplifier
4 X 35W
4 X 55W
4 X 250W
2 X 250W+500W
OR 2 X 500W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
20 A
11 X 2.7 X 12
(279 X 69 X 305)
8.1 (3.7)
LA438/538/638/738/838/938/1038/1438/1838/2038 also feature
• 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
738
LA
838
LA
938
LA
1038
LA
1438
LA
2CH amplifier
2 X 75W
2 X 125W
2 X 500W
1 X 1000W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
20 A
11 X 2.7 X 12
(279 X 69 X 305)
7.5 (3.4)
4CH amplifier
4 X 50W
4 X 75W
4 X 400W
2 X 400W+800W
OR 2 X 800W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
30 A
11 X 2.7 X 15
(279 X 69 X 381)
9.5 (4.3)
2CH amplifier
2 X 90W
2 X 150W
2 X 600W
1 X 1200W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
30 A
11 X 2.7 X 13.5
(279 X 69 X 343)
8.4 (3.8)
Features and Specifications
4CH amplifier
4 X 75W
4 X 115W
4 X 500W
2 X 500W+1000W
OR
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
40 A
11 X 2.7 X 17
(279 X 69 X 432)
10.6 (4.8)
2 X 1000W
2CH amplifier
2 X 125W
2 X 200W
2 X 800W
1 X 1600W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
30 A
11 X 2.7 X 15
(279 X 69 X 381)
9.2 (4.2)
1838
2CH amplifier
2 X 150W
2 X 225W
2 X 1000W
1 X 2000W
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
40 A
11 X 2.7 X 17
(279 X 69 X 432)
10.6 (4.8)
LA
203
2CH amplifier
2 X 200W
2 X 300W
2 X 1200W
1 X 2400W
1
2-4 OHMS
4-8 OHMS
50 A
11 X 2.7 X 19
(279 X 69 X 482)
11.4 (5.2)
Page 3
1 2 3
13 12 11
8 7 6 5410
LA438/538/738/938/1438/1838/2038
Features and Controls
14
9
Speaker Terminals1
These terminals are 14K Gold plated 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 output from
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.
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 to determine 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.
13
Remote Bass Boost
Plug in the Remote Bass Boost Control wire in here.
14
LED Light Bar Switch.
When switch set at"SCAN"position,the LEDs scan
automatically from left to right over top cover.
When switch set at"Hold" position light up all the
LED indicator.
(LA438 WITHOUT)
1 2 3
13 4
4
8765109
LA638/838/1038
Features and Controls
8127 6 5 10 9
11
14
1
Speaker Terminals
These terminals are 14K Gold plated 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 output from
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.
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 to determine 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.
13
Remote Bass Boost
Plug in the Remote Bass Boost Control wire in here.
14
LED Light Bar Switch.
When switch set at"SCAN"position,the LEDs scan
automatically from left to right over top cover.
When switch set at"Hold" position light up all the
LED indicator.
(LA638 WITHOUT)
3
Page 4
Making Power Connections
8
8
8
8
1. Connect the +12V terminal directly to the car battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the GROUND terminal directly to the car battery (-)
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
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 Connections
(all models)
to remote
turn-on
+12V
head unit
12V battery
Low Level Stereo Input Connection
head unit
L/R audio outputs
High Level Stereo Input Connection
head unit
LRLR
from speaker terminals
wiring harness
orange
black
black
orange
PLEASE NOTE! If using high level
inputs, do not use the low level
RCA inputs at the same time!
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
2CH AMPS
43
53
73
93
1438
1838
2038
5
Electrical Wiring and Installation
inputs
Input Connections
Page 5
LA
8
8
8
8
8
8
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
638
838
1038
Low Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 2 CH Audio Source
Left Output
head unit
to a second
amplifier
Bridged Input Connection
head unit
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
2CH AMPS
43
53
73
93
1438
1838
2038
Input Connections
Right Output
L + R Front Outputs
L + R Rear Outputs
Y adaptors
Low Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4 CH Audio Source
head unit
Input Connections
Y adaptors
4 CH Bridged Input
from 2 CH Audio Source
CH1+2 = Left Channel
CH3+4 = Right Channel
Left Output
Right Output
Y adaptors
head unit
LA
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
63
83
1038
7
Page 6
LA
8
8
8
8
8
8
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
638
838
1038
orange
black
black
orange
orange
black
black
orange
LR
LR
REAR FRONT
REAR FRONT
wiring harness
head unit
orange
black
black
orange
head unit
RLRL
orange
black
black
orange
High Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4CH Audio Source
floating ground connection
High Level 4 CH Stereo Input
from 4CH Audio Source
common ground connection
LEFT speaker RIGHT speaker
L
speakers
RL
FRONT
REAR
speakers
Basic Stereo Output
Basic 4CH Output
R
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
2CH AMPS
LA
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
43
53
73
93
1438
1838
2038
63
83
1038
9
inputs
Input Connections
speakers
Speaker Connections
Page 7
LA
8
8
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
2CH AMPS
LA
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
438
538
738
938
1438
1838
2038
638
838
1038
Speaker Connections
Bridged Mono Output
MINIMUM
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
speaker
2 CH Mono-Bridged Output
speakers
MINIMUM
LR
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
L
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.
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.
R
troubleshooting
Mono
Subwoofer
2 CH Stereo plus
Mono-Bridged
speakers
MINIMUM
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 OHMS!
sound around, Inc.
1600 63rd street.brooklyn. ny 11204
(Operating in Stereo)
ound around, Inc.
s
1600 63rd street.brooklyn. ny 11204
Subwoofer Output
2-channelA mplifier
(Operating in Stereo)
YES! NO!
Two 4-ohm speakers, wired in stereo,
will present a 4-ohm load to each
channel of the amplifier. Most twochannel amplifiers will work well in this
configuration.
4-channelA mplifier
YES!
Four 4-ohm speakers, wired in stereo,
will present a 4-ohm load to each
channel of the amplifier. Most fourchannel amplifiers will work well in this
configuration.
STOP
4 ohm
4 ohm
STOP
4 ohm
4 ohm
4 ohm
4 ohm
2-channelA mplifier
Bridged Mono)
4-channelA mplifier
(Operating in
Bridged Mono)
4 ohm
(Operating in
4 ohm
Two 4-ohm speakers, wired in parallel
to a bridged two-channel amplifier.
will present a 2-ohm mono load to the
amplifier. MOST TWO-CHANNEL
AMPLIFIERS DO NOT SUPPORT 2-OHM
MONO OPERATION! AMPLIFIER DAMAGE
COULD RESULT!
4 ohm
4 ohm
4 ohm
4 ohm
NO!
Four 4-ohm speakers, wired in parallel
to a bridged four-channel amplifier,
will present a 4-ohm mono load to the
amplifier.MOST FOUR-CHANNEL
AMPLIFIERS DO NOT SUPPORT 2-OHM
MONO OPERATION! AMPLIFIER DAMAGE
COULD RESULT!
Troubleshooting
LA
LA
LA
4CH AMPS
63
83
1038
11
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