Phoenix Gold GX1200.6, GX800.4, GX1200.1 User guide

Page 1

Models: GX1200.6 ● GX800.4 ● GX1200.1

New for 2021 is Phoenix Gold’s GX line of ampliers.

Designed to cover a multitude of installation needs, GX is packed with the features and power you can expect from the Phoenix Gold brand. Included in the line are our proprietary PG quick connects for high current capability and reliability while delivering uber clean and quick installations. The chassis has been optimized by utilizing BFD (Balanced Flow Dissipation)

to keep the amplier running cool when the music is hot.

GX Series

Amplier Manual

Features

• Class D Topology

• Selectable Balanced / Unbalanced Inputs

• Surface-Mount Component Technology

• Multi-Input Selector

• Low Pass and Subsonic Crossovers (GX1200.1)

• Proprietary PG Quick Connects

• Flush Mountable Bass Knob

• Full Radiation Heat Sink

• Single-sided Control Panel

• Onboard Short/Therm/Imped Protection

• 0-180° Variable Phase Shift (GX1200.1)

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A Power Brand of AAMP Global. 15500 Lightwave Drive, Suite 202

Clearwater, Florida 33760

P: 866-788-4237 [email protected] www.phoenixgold.com

Phoenix Gold Product Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY ON AMPLIFIERS

Phoenix Gold warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) years from the original date of purchase. This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized Phoenix Gold dealer in the United States of America only. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction, Phoenix Gold will (at its discretion), repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused by the following is not covered

under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse, product modication or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions,

unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is not covered under warranty. Additional warranty coverages are available, see your warranty

card for specic options based on your geographic region and product.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTIES:

Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country’s Authorized Phoenix Gold reseller and not by Phoenix Gold. Consumers needing service or warranty information for these products must contact that country’s reseller for information.

Designed and Engineered in the USA

Expertly Manufactured in China

Page 3

Amplifier Owner’s Manual

GX 1200.6 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 6

4Ω: CH 1-6 125W x 6 2Ω: CH 1-6 200W x 6 4Ω Bridged: 400W x 3

Total RMS Power (Sum of rated power): Bridgeable: Yes Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: FULL/HP/LP

Input Selection: 0.4-10V Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB Frequency Response: Full Range 10-40k

1200W

40Hz - 500Hz @ 12dB/Oct

GX1200.6 SPECIFICATIONS

Topology Class D Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum Cooling Type: Radiation Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V Switchable Auto-Turn On: No Power Supply Type: Unregulated Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect Speaker Terminal: 8 Gauge Quick Connect Recommended Fusing: 80A Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.54” x 6.5” x 2.03” 344mm x 165mm x 51.5mm

13.54in / 344mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

6.5in / 165mm

2.03in / 51.5mm

IMPORTANT: A power birth certicate is included for each amplier. GX ampliers are

conservatively rated and will exceed their RMS power rating shown here. All RMS power ratings and measurements are at 14.4 volts with no more than 1% THD.

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GX800.4 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 4

4Ω: CH 1-4 125W x 4 2Ω: CH 1-4 200w x 4 4Ω: Bridged 400w x 2

Total RMS Power Bridgeable: Yes Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: FULL/HP/LP 40Hz - 500Hz @ 12dB/Oct Input Selection: 0.4-10V Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB Frequency Response: Full Range 10-40k

(Sum of rated power):

800W

11.57in / 294mm

Amplifier Owner’s Manual

Topology Class D Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum Cooling Type: Radiation Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V Switchable Auto-Turn On: No Power Supply Type: Unregulated Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect Speaker Terminal: 8 Gauge Quick Connect Recommended Fusing: 60A Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.57” x 6.5” x 2.03” 294mm x 165mm x 51.5mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

6.5in / 165mm

2.03in / 51.5mm

IMPORTANT: A power birth certicate is included for each amplier. GX ampliers are

conservatively rated and will exceed their RMS power rating shown here. All RMS power ratings and measurements are at 14.4 volts with no more than 1% THD.

Page 5

Amplifier Owner’s Manual

GX1200.1 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 1

1Ω: CH 1 1200W x 1 2Ω: CH 1 800W x 1 4Ω: CH 1 500W x 1

Total RMS Power Bridgeable: N/A Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: LP 50Hz - 250Hz @ 24dB/Oct Input Selection: 0.4-10V Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB Frequency Response: Sub 15-250Hz

(Sum of rated power):

1200W

11.57in / 294mm

GX1200.1 SPECIFICATIONS

Topology Class D Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum

Cooling Type: Radiation Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V Switchable Auto-Turn On: No Power Supply Type: Unregulated Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect Speaker Terminal: 8-12 Gauge Quick Connect Recommended Fusing: 80A Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.57” x 6.5” x 2.03” 294mm x 165mm x 51.5mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

6.5in / 165mm

2.03in / 51.5mm

IMPORTANT: A power birth certicate is included for each amplier. GX ampliers are

conservatively rated and will exceed their RMS power rating shown here. All RMS power ratings and measurements are at 14.4 volts with no more than 1% THD.

Page 6

GX1200.6

Multi-Channel Power Amplier

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplier is on. Red

indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car’s battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of

amplier issues, make sure the amplier is grounded correctly and securely.

2 3

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an

ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car’s battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be

fused at, or above, the ampliers fuse rating.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS CH1-6

Used to connect the amplier to speakers. The GX1200.6 minimum impedance is 2

Ohms Stereo or 4 Ohms Bridged for all channels.

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

This port is for connecting the remote level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of

volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the signal. The remote only controls CH 5/6.

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4 5 6

INPUT GAIN (SENS) CH 1/2, 3/4, 5/6

Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal on the channels. Continuously variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

CROSSOVER (X-OVER) CH 1/2, 3/4, 5/6

High Pass Filter (HPF): When set, activates a highpass crossover for the channels. Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

Full Range (FULL): Select FULL to amplify a full range signal. Low Pass Filter (LPF): When set, activates a low pass crossover for the channels.

Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

INPUTS (F/R CHs, SUB CH) If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If

you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplier select BAL.

INPUT CONFIG (4CH / 6CH)

Input signal selectable for 4 or 6 channels. If only 4 channels of input signal are

available, select 4CH to allow signal to split to CH 5+6. Select 6CH if 6 channels of input are being used.

INPUT (CH1-6)

Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals.

Use of 4 or 6 channels of input signal selectable with INPUT CONFIG switch.

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GX800.4

Multi-Channel Power Amplier

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplier is on. Red

indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

2 3

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car’s battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of

amplier issues, make sure the amplier is grounded correctly and securely.

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an

ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car’s battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be

fused at, or above, the ampliers fuse rating.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS CH1-4

Used to connect the amplier to speakers. The GX800.4 minimum impedance is 2 Ohms

Stereo or 4 Ohms Bridged for all channels.

INPUT GAIN (SENS) Front Channel, Rear Channel

Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal on the channels.

Continuously variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

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4 5 6

CROSSOVER (X-OVER) Front Channel, Rear Channel

High Pass Filter (HPF): When set, activates a highpass crossover for the channels. Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

Full Range (FULL): Select FULL to amplify a full range signal. Low Pass Filter (LPF): When set, activates a low pass crossover for the channels.

Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

INPUTS

If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If

you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplier select BAL.

INPUT CONFIG (2CH / 4CH)

Input signal selectable for 2 or 4 channels. If only 2 channels of input signal are

available, select 2CH to allow signal to split to REAR Channels. Select 4CH if 4 channels of input are used.

INPUT (Front / Rear)

Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals.

Use of 2 or 4 channels of input signal selectable with INPUT CONFIG switch.

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

This port is for connecting the remote level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of

volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the signal. The remote only controls REAR Channel level.

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GX1200.1

Monoblock Power Amplier

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplier is on. Red

indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car’s battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of

amplier issues, make sure the amplier is grounded correctly and securely.

2 3 4

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an

ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car’s battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be

fused at, or above, the ampliers fuse rating.

SPEAKER OUTPUT

Used to connect the amplier to speakers. The GX1200.0 minimum impedance is 1

Ohms

INPUT GAIN (SENS)

Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal. Continuously

variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

PHASE

Controls the Phase from 0-180°. Properly adjusting phase will allow enhanced bass

response, dynamics and impact at any volume.

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5 6

7 9

LOW PASS FILTER (LPF)

Sets low pass crossover frequency. Continuously variable from 50Hz to 250Hz

SUBSONIC

Continuously variable lter from 10Hz-55Hz to remove low inaudible frequencies to increase system efciency and protect speakers.

10 11 12

BOOST

Controls the bass boost from 0 to +18dB

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

This port is for connecting the remote subwoofer level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the low pass signal.

INPUTS

If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplier select BAL.

INPUT

Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals.

OUTPUT

Used to connect to a secondary amplier without degrading signal strength.

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Amplifier Owner’s Manual

SYSTEM TUNING

1. Install all system fuses.

2. Set the amplier’s input sensitivity controls to their minimum

positions (full counterclockwise).

3. Set all amplier crossover switches according to your system’s

design.

4. Make preliminary adjustments to the crossover frequency, usually 80Hz is a good starting point for high and low pass. It may be

necessary to ne tune the crossover frequency later for the best

overall sound quality.

5. If using a Remote Subwoofer Level Control, set it to maximum (full clockwise).

6. Turn the headunit on with the volume set to minimum.

7. Visually check the amplier has turned on via the power LED.

8. Check the condition of all other components to make sure they are powered up.

9. Set the headunit’s tone controls, balance, and fader to the

center (at) position. Turn off any loudness or other signal

processing features.

10. Set the volume control of the headunit to 3/4 of maximum volume. Play music you typically listen to through the system.

11. Turn up the sensitivity or input level control on the amplier until

the speakers reach maximum undistorted output.

12. Repeat sensitivity level adjustments for all other ampliers.

13. Reduce the headunit’s volume to a comfortable level.

14. Listen to various musical selections to check overall system balance. Compare front to rear, midbass to midrange, etc. If one speaker set is too loud compared to another, then its level must be lowered to blend correctly with the other speakers.

Note: For subwoofers controlled by the Remote level control,

keep the level setting from step 11 or 12. Use the control to blend subwoofers with the rest of the system. The correct subwoofer volume will change depending on road noise and differences in recordings.

15. Fine tune crossover frequencies to achieve the smoothest possible blending of each speaker set.

16. Adjust the Bass Equalization Controls on the amplier, headunit or

processor upstream if necessary to increase output.

Note: Use these controls sparingly. Every 3dB of boost requires

double the power at 45Hz. If your subwoofer system requires a lot of boost to sound good, there may be a problem. Look for out-ofphase woofers, a leaking subwoofer box, or incorrect box size.

17. With all levels set correctly, the system will reach overall maximum undistorted output at the volume level set in step 10.

TROUBLESHOOTING

NO POWER:

Check voltage at the amplier with a DMM (volt meter), +12v and R

(with head unit on) the voltage should register between 11.5V and

14.4V when using the attached ground lead of the amplier. Check that the amplier’s ground is good and has a solid connection. Check

fuse at the battery. Use a meter to verify connection from one end of the fuse to the other, breaks may not always be visible. If the fuse is

blown, check the power wire and also the amplier for a short. If the short is in the amplier itself, see your Phoenix Gold dealer. If no short is

present, replace the fuse.

POWER WITHOUT SOUND:

Turn the amplier off and check all input and output signal cables and

power connections. Check the speakers for shorts with a DMM (volt meter) or by connecting them to another audio source. After making

sure everything is correct, turn the amplier on again.

POWER, NO SOUND, PROTECT LED LIT:

The red PROTECT LED lights when the amplier shuts down for either thermal or over-current protection. A high internal amplier operating

temperature will trigger thermal shutdown: after it cools about 5°C, the

amplier will restart. A shorted speaker lead or operation into unusually

low impedance loads will trigger over-current shutdown: cycle power

at the amplier R terminal to restore operation. Check for shorted

speaker wiring or damaged speakers or crossover systems if overcurrent shutdown occurs.

NO SOUND FROM ONE OR MORE CHANNELS:

Check the balance control in the head unit. Check speaker connections. Check signal input connection. Very low output: Check

your head unit’s fader control or the amplier’s input sensitivity level.

Make sure subsonic frequency control is not set too high and LPF frequency control is not set too low at the same time.

FREQUENT AMPLIFIER SHUTDOWN WITH AUTOMATIC RECOVERY:

This indicates chronic amplier thermal shutdown because of

operation at consistently high internal temperatures. High operating temperature can be caused by inadequate ventilation. Make sure you are not running a lower than recommend impedance. Also check for damaged speakers or passive crossover systems. Finally, chronic thermal shutdown may result from otherwise normal operation of the

amplier at elevated output power levels, which can be resolved by providing additional amplier cooling, installing a higher-power amplier, or reducing amplier output level.

POWER CYCLES ON/OFF QUICKLY:

If the power indicator if going off repeatedly when the audio system is

on, check all ground connections. Check the amplier’s connection

to the battery. Check battery voltage. If low, recharge or replace the battery.

REV 081420