PYLE Audio PLA-2260, PLA-4120, PLA1200, PLA2230 User Manual

congratulations...

on your purchase of a Pyle Chopper Series amplifier.
This amplifier extends the Pyle tradition into a
totally new series of amps, designed from the
ground up to deliver the power, performance and
flexibility the modern car audio enthusiast demands.

When you check the list of features offered by the
PLA-1200, PLA-2230, PLA-2260, and PLA-4120
you’ll know you made the right choice with a Pyle
Chopper amplifier.

table of contents

general features

features and specifications

PLA-1200

PLA-2230/PLA-2260

PLA-4120

electrical connections

PLA-1200/2230/2260

PLA-4120

stereo input connections

PLA-2230/PLA-2260

mono input connections

PLA-2230/PLA-2260

2-3
4-5

6-7
8-9

10
11

12

13

2/4 channel input connections

PLA-4120

high level input connections

PLA-4120

mono input connections

PLA-4120

system wiring speaker connections

PLA-2230/PLA-2260

speaker connections

PLA-4120

system wiring

PLA-1200

mounting and installation

protection circuitry and troubleshooting

precautions

14

15

16
17

18-19

20
21

22
23

1

general features

PLA-1200

1900W Mono Block MOSFET Amplifier

· Mono Block Subwoofer Amplifier

· 1 Ohm Stable

· MOSFET Power Supply

· PWM (Pulse-Width-Modulation) System

· Glass Epoxy PCB

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs for Line Input & Bypass Output.

· Gold Plated Terminals for Speaker Output and Power Input.

· Thermal, Overload and Short Protection

· Variable Bass Boost

· Variable Sub-sonic Filter (15Hz~40Hz, 24dB/Octave)

· Variable Low-pass Filter (20Hz~250Hz, 24dB/Octave)

· Phase Control 0-180 degree

· Remote Bass Control

· Input Impedance : 10K Ohms

· Soft Turn On/Off

· Advanced Protection Circuitry

· S/N Ratio:>90dB

· Heavy Duty Power Coated Heatsink

PLA-2230

High Performance 3000 Watt 2 Channel
High Power MOSFET Amplifier

· 1500 Watts x 2 Output

· 3000 Watts x 1 Bridged Output

· Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network

· Variable Input Level (Gain) Control

· Sub Sonic Filter

· Variable Bass Boost

· Thermal / Overload / Short Circuit Protection

· MOSFET PWM Power Supply

· Power & Protection LED Indicators

· Low Level Inputs

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs & Outputs

· Slim Size Amplifier Design For Easy Installation

· Remote Turn On/Off

· Soft Turn-On Circuit

· Anti-Thump Turn-On

· S/N Ratio:

· T.H.D:

· FREQ. RESPONSE:15Hz- 30kHz

<

0.04%

>

95dB

2

general features

PLA-2260

High Performance 4000 Watt 2 Channel
High Power MOSFET Amplifier

· 2000 Watts x 2 Output

· 4000 Watts x 1 Bridged Output

· Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network

· Variable Input Level (Gain) Control

· Sub Sonic Filter

· Variable Bass Boost

· Thermal / Overload / Short Circuit Protection

· MOSFET PWM Power Supply

· Power & Protection LED Indicators

· Low Level Inputs

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs & Outputs

· Slim Size Amplifier Design For Easy Installation

· Remote Turn On/Off

· Soft Turn-On Circuit

· Anti-Thump Turn-On

· S/N Ratio:

· T.H.D:<0.04%

· FREQ. RESPONSE:15Hz- 30kHz

>

95dB

PLA-4120

High Performance 1000 Watt 4 Channel
High Power MOSFET Amplifier

· 250 Watts x 4 Output

· 500 Watts x 2 Bridged Output ( 250 x 2 + 500W x 1)

· Dual Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network

· Dual Switchable Bass Boost

· Dual MOSFET PWM Power Supplies

· Variable Input Level (Gain) Control

· Thermal / Overload / Short Circuit Protection

· Power & Protection LED Indicators

· Low Level Inputs

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs & Outputs

· Slim Size Amplifier Design For Easy Installation

· Remote Turn On/Off

· Soft Turn-On Circuit

· Anti-Thump Turn-On

· Tri-Mode Configurable

· S/N Ratio:>95dB

· T.H.D:<0.04%

· FREQ. RESPONSE:15Hz- 30kHz

3

features and specifications

MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIER PLA-1200

power supplies

sub sonic control

bass boost level control

crossover low pass filter

high pass subsonic filter

protection circuitry

remote dash-mount gain control

Stiffly regulated PWM power supplies. MOSFET switches maintain
rated power over a wide range of battery voltages.

When the sub sonic selector switch is in "ON" mode, this filter control
permits continuously variable adjustment from 10 to 100Hz.

This control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of
approximately up to 18dB.

Adjustable from 20Hz to 250Hz with a slope of 24dB per octave.This
allows for the adjustment of the upper point of the frequency bandwidth
and the respective subwoofer.

Adjustable from 15Hz to 40Hz with a slope of 24dB per octave.This allows
for the attenuation of frequencies that are mostly inaudible and cause
unnecessary strain on the amplifier.

Protection against thermal, overload and short circuit conditions.
This amplifier come complete with a compact remote GAIN CONTROLLER

which can be conveniently mounted on or under the dashboard of your
car.

output power @ 14.4v DC, 50Hz

RMS Power at @ 4 Ohms
RMS Power at @ 2 Ohms

RMS Power at @ 1.3 Ohms

Maximum Power Output

frequency response

input impedance

input sensitivity

power supply voltage 14.4V DC Neg. Ground (10.5-16V)

T.H.D

S/N ration

fuse

dimensions (W x H x L)

mm

inches

PLA-1200

200W MONO
350W MONO
600W MONO
1900W MONO

20 Hz-250 Hz (-3dB)
10K Ohms
250mV~4V Adjustable

2-4 Ohmmin speaker lmpedance

0.1%
>90dB
20A x 2

270 x 36 x 305

10.63 x 1.42 x 12

4

PLA-1200

features and controls

MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIER PLA-1200

5

features and specifications

2 ch amp PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

crossover mode selector

input level controls

crossover frequency control

bass boost level selector

bass boost level control

sub sonic control

low level input

high level input

AUX line outputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connectors

When used with normal, full range system, set this switch to "FULL" .
If you wish to use the internal crossover to power a driver or specific
frequency range, use the "LPF"or "HPF" FOR the "LOWPASS" OR
HIGHPASS" settings.
Enables the matching of input levels to the output levels from head unit
(or other signal source). The input sensitivity of adjustment ranges from
6V to 200mV.
When crossover mode selector is in HIGHPASS mode, this control sets
the lower frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.
When crossover mode selector is in LOWPASS mode, this control sets
the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.
The crossover is continuously variable adjustment from 40 t0 250 Hz.
This selector switch permits the bass level an increase of 18dB.
This control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of
approximately up to 18dB.
When the sub sonic selector switch is in "ON" mode, this filter control
permits continuously variable adjustment from 10 to 100Hz.

This amp features gold-plated RCA type jacks for high
impedance input. Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA type
connector cables.
If your car stereo jacks RCA type output, use this adaptor to connect the
high-low level input adaptor to connect the speaker output leads of car
stereo and the RCA input jacks of amp.
This amp features gold-plated RCA jacks for AUX line outputs. Use these
outputs. Use these for unlimited system expansion to the next CHOPPER.
This indicator is illuminated in GREEN when power is applied.
This indicator is illuminated in RED when the built-in protection circuitry
is actirated.
The fuse protects the amplifier and your car's electrical system from short
circuit conditions.
Use these connectors to deliver power, ground, and remote turn-on control
to the amplifier.
These terminals are 14K gold plated to guarantee high conductivity and
minimum signal loss.

output power @ 14.4v DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 Ohms

THD @ 4 Ohms

RMS Power @ 2 Ohms

THD @ 2 Ohms

Maximum Power Output

bridged Power at 4 Output

frequency response

input impedance

low level inputs

input sensitivity

low level inputs

S/N ration >95dB

channel separation

crossover filters

low Pass

high Pass

bass boost

matching speaker impedance

stereo mode

bridged mode

maximum current draw

power supply voltage

dimensions (W x H x L)

mm

inches

PLA-2230 PLA-2260

200 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
1500 Watts x 2
3000 Watts x 1

300 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
00 Watts x 2
2000 Watts x 2
4000 Watts x 1

15 Hz-30 KHz

10K Ohms

250mV

>65dB

40 Hz-250 Hz
40 Hz-250 Hz

0~ +18dB

2-4 Ohms
4-8 Ohms

00Ax2

00Ax2

14.4V DC Neg. Ground (10.5-16V)

270 x 36 x 432

10.63 x 1.42 x 17

270 x 36 x 532

10.63 x 1.42 x 21

6

PLA-2230
PLA-2260

features and controls

2 ch amp PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

7

features and specifications

4 ch amp PLA-4120

crossover mode selector

input level controls

crossover frequency control

bass boost level selector

bass boost level control

sub sonic control

low level input

high level input

AUX line outputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connectors

When used with normal, full range system, set this switch to "FULL" .
If you wish to use the internal crossover to power a driver or specific
frequency range, use the "LPF"or "HPF" FOR the "LOWPASS" OR
HIGHPASS" settings.
Enables the matching of input levels to the output levels from head unit
(or other signal source). The input sensitivity of adjustment ranges from
6V to 200mV.
When crossover mode selector is in HIGHPASS mode, this control sets
the lower frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.
When crossover mode selector is in LOWPASS mode, this control sets
the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.
The crossover is continuously variable adjustment from 40 t0 250 Hz.
This selector switch permits the bass level an increase of 18dB.
This control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of
approximately up to 18dB.
When the sub sonic selector switch is in "ON" mode, this filter control
permits continuously variable adjustment from 10 to 100Hz.

This amp features gold-plated RCA type jacks for high
impedance input. Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA type
connector cables.
If your car stereo jacks RCA type output, use this adaptor to connect the
high-low level input adaptor to connect the speaker output leads of car
stereo and the RCA input jacks of amp.
This amp features gold-plated RCA jacks for AUX line outputs. Use these
outputs. Use these for unlimited system expansion to the next CHOPPER.
This indicator is illuminated in GREEN when power is applied.
This indicator is illuminated in RED when the built-in protection circuitry
is actirated.
The fuse protects the amplifier and your car's electrical system from short
circuit conditions.
Use these connectors to deliver power, ground, and remote turn-on control
to the amplifier.
These terminals are 14K gold plated to guarantee high conductivity and
minimum signal loss.

output power @ 14.4v DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 Ohms

THD @ 4 Ohms

RMS Power @ 2 Ohms

THD @ 2 Ohms

Maximum Power Output

bridged Power at 4 Output

frequency response

input impedance

low level inputs

input sensitivity

low level inputs

S/N ration >95dB

channel separation

crossover filters

low Pass

high Pass

bass boost

matching speaker impedance

stereo mode

bridged mode

maximum current draw

power supply voltage

dimensions (W x H x L)

mm

inches

PLA-4120

35Watts x 4
00 Watts x 4
00 Watts x 4
00 Watts x 4
250 Watts x 4
500 Watts x 2

15 Hz-30 KHz

10K Ohms

250mV

>65dB

40 Hz-250 Hz
40 Hz-250 Hz

0~ +18dB

2-4 Ohms
4-8 Ohms

20Ax2

14.4V DC Neg. Ground (10.5-16V)

270 x 36 x 330

10.63 x 1.42 x 13

8

features and controls

4 ch amp PLA-4120

PLA-4120

18dB

0dB

BASS BOOST

CH 1/2

HPF

FULL

LPF

X-OVER

X-OVER

CH 3/4

HPF
FULL
LPF

BASS BOOST

18dB

0dB

9

PLA-2230
PLA-2260

electrical connections

2 ch amp • PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

10

PLA-4120

electrical connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

11

PLA-2230
PLA-2260

stereo input connections

2 ch amp • PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

12

PLA-2230
PLA-2260

mono input connections

2 ch amp • PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

13

PLA-4120

2/4 channel input connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

14

PLA-4120

high level input connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

4 CH floating ground connections

15

mono input connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

PLA-4120

4 CH mono input connections using low level inputs

16

2 CH mono input connections using low level inputs

speaker connections

2 ch amp • PLA-2230 • PLA-2260

PLA-2230
PLA-2260

Stereo Output Mode

17

Bridged Mono Output Mode

speaker connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

PLA-4120

4 CH Output Mode

18

Bridged Dual Mono Output Mode

PLA-4120

speaker connections

4 ch amp PLA-4120

2 CH Stereo Output Mode with Mono Bridged Subwoofer Output

19

PLA-1200

system wiring

MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIER PLA-1200

20

mounting and installation

mounting

Your new Pyle Chopper Series amplifier comes complete with all required mounting hardware. When determining a suitable location in your vehicle for the amp, please remember
that it is a high-power electronic device capable of generating high heat.

For this reason, always choose a location in your vehicle which has low vibration, adequate ventilation, a minimum of dust, and no moisture. Be sure to mount
the amp in such a manner as to allow reasonable airflow over the cooling fins.

Mark the location for the mounting screw holes by positioning the amp where you wish to install it and use a scribe (or one of the mounting screws) inserted in each of the
mounting holes to mark the mounting surface. If the mounting surface is carpeted, measure the hole centers and mark with a felt tip pen.

Before attempting to drill the mounting holes, take note of any wires, lines or other devices in your vehicle which may be located behind the mounting
surface! Then drill pilot holes in the mounting surface for the mounting screws and insert them. Tighten the screws securely.

wiring tips

When making electrical connections to your amplifier, please observe the
following:

Use at least 8 gauge wire for power and ground connections.
Wire the amplifier directly to the car battery.
For the ground connection, use the shortest possible wire to a good chassis ground point.
Wire the Remote connection to the auto start lead of your head unit, equalizer or power antenna.

fuses

About power fuses:

Pyle Chopper Series amplifiers feature built-in fuse systems. These fuses protect both the
amplifier and the electrical system in your vehicle from fault conditions. If you ever need to
replace the fuse in your Pyle Chopper Series amp, use a fuse of exactly the same type and
rating. A different type or rating of fuse may result in damage or fire.

21

troubleshooting

No output.

Confirm that all terminal strip connections are secure and tight.

protection
circuitry

The built-in protection circuitry in the Pyle Chopper

Series amplifiers will disable the amplifier if it senses

an input overload, a speaker short circuit, or extreme
temperature conditions.

When the protection circuit is activated by any of
these conditions, the Protection LED will be
illuminated.

If this occurs, carefully inspect the system to
determine the source of the problem.

• If the shutdown was a result of a thermal overload
condition, allow the amplifier to cool down before
attempting to restart it.

• If the shutdown was a result of an input overload,
or speaker short circuit, be sure to correct the
condition before restarting.

The amplifier can be restarted by turning the remote
power OFF and then ON again.

Check both in-line and built-in fuses. Both the +12V and the Remote terminals must have +12v referenced to chassis
ground.

Confirm that the audio signal source (car radio, equalizer, etc.) is connected and is supplying output signal. To
check if the amp is supplying signal, unplug the cables from the signal source (but leave them plugged into the
amp). Briefly tap the center pin of each of the disconnected RCA plugs with your finger . This should produce a noise
(feedback) in your speakers.

Only one channel works.

Confirm that all terminal strip connections are secure and tight.
Check the Balance control on the head unit (or other source) to verify that it is set to its midpoint.
If you are using the Low Level RCA input, reverse the input plugs at the amplifier (i.e., switch the L with the R). If

the channels which is silent switches to the other side, the problem is either in the head unit/other source or the
connecting cables.

Weak output.

Readjust the Input Level Control(s) to better suit the input signal.

Noise in the audio.

If the noise is a “whine” whose pitch follows the engine speed, confirm that the amplifier and any other signal
sources (head unit, etc.) are properly grounded.

If the noise is a “clicking” or “popping” noise whose rate follows the engine speed, this usually means that the
vehicle is equipped with resistor spark plugs and wires, or that the ignition is in need of service.

Check the rounting of the speaker and input wires to make sure they are not adjacent to wires which interconnect
lights and other accessories.

If the above steps fail to improve or clear noise interference, the system should be checked by a professional mobile
audio installer.

22

precautions

notes

STOP

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.

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, do so only
with a fuse identical to that supplied with the amplifier .
Using a fuse of a different type or rating may result
in damage that isn’t covered in the manufacturer’s
warranty.

4 ohm

2 -c hannel Amplifier

(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 ohm

2 -c hannel Amplifier

(Operating in

Bridged Mono)

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!

STOP

4 ohm

4 -c hannel Amplifier

(Operating in Stereo)

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.

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 -c hannel Amplifier

(Operating in

Bridged Mono)

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!

4 ohm

4 ohm

23

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 ohm

limited warranty policy

amplifiers

All Pyle products are carefully constructed and thoroughly tested before
shipment. Products purchased in the USA are warranted to be free of defects
in material and workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase. This
warranty is limited to the original retail purchase.

Should the product fail due to factory defects in material or workmanship,
your unit will be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of Pyle.

To obtain warranty service you must first call our Consumer Return Hotline
number at [phone] to obtain a Return Authorization number. This
R.A.# must appear on the outside of your package and on all paperwork
relating to your return.

When returning a product to us for warranty service it must be carefully packed
and shipped prepaid to:

R.A.#
Pyle Service Center
1600 63rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11204

You must also include the following items:

• A copy of your sales receipt or other proof of purchase

• A brief letter indicating the problem you are experiencing

• include in your letter your return address, daytime phone number,
and R.A. number

• also include a check or money order for $18.00 for return shipping,
handling, and insurance, or provide your Visa/MC number with
expiration date.

Our obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of the defective unit when it is returned to us prepaid.
This warranty will be considered void if the unit was tampered with,
improperly serviced, or subject to misuse, neglect, or accidental
damage.

www.pyleaudio.com