Radio Shack PLMRA420 User Manual

www.pyleaudio.com

amplifiers

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

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

expiration date.
handling, and insurance, or provide your Visa/MC number with

• also include a check or money order for $18.00 for return shipping,
and R.A. number

• include in your letter your return address, daytime phone number,

• A brief letter indicating the problem you are experiencing

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

You must also include the following items:

limited warranty policy

user’s manual

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

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

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

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

PLMRA220
PLMRA420

high performance car audio amplifier

congratulations...

on your purchase of a Pyle
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 PLMRA220,PLMRA420
you’ll

know you made the right choice with a Pyle

Marine

table of contents

Series amplifier. This amplifier

Marine

amplifier.

general features

features and specifications

PLMRA220

features and specifications

PLMRA420

electrical connections

PLMRA220/PLMRA420

stereo input connections

PLMRA220

mono input connections

2/4 channel input connections

PLMRA220
PLMRA420

2
3-4

5-6

7-8

9

10

11

high level input connections

PLMRA420

mono input connections

high level mono input connections

protection circuitry and troubleshooting

PLMRA420
PLMRA420

speaker connections

PLMRA220

speaker connections

PLMRA420

speaker connections

PLMRA420

mounting and installation

precautions

12

13

14

15

16

17
18

19
20

general features

PLMRA220

High Performance 600 Watt 2 Channel
Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier

· 300 Watts x 2 Output

· 600 Watts x 1 Bridged Output

· Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network

· Variable Bass Boost (0 - +18 dB @ 60Hz)

· Variable Input Level (Gain) Control

· Remote Turn On/Off

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs

· High Level MOLEX Input

· Power ON LED Indicator

· LED Protection Indicator

· S/N Ratio: > 95 dB

· THD: <0.04%

· Thermal Protection

· Overload Protection

· Short Circuit Protection

· Anti-Thump Turn-On

· Blue LED Level Display

PLMRA220

power LED

protection LED

high pass frequency control

low pass frequency control

PLMRA420

High Performance 1000 Watt 4 Channel
Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier

· 250 Watts x 4 Output.

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

· Dual Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network

· Dual Variable Bass Boost (0 - +18 dB @ 60Hz)

· Variable Input Level (Gain) Control

· Remote Turn On/Off

· Gold Plated RCA Inputs

· High Level MOLEX Inputs

· Power ON LED Indicator

· LED Protection Indicator

· S/N Ratio: > 95 dB

· THD: <0.04%

· Thermal Protection

· Overload Protection

· Short Circuit Protection

· Anti-Thump Turn-On

· Tri-Mode Configurable

· Blue LED Level Display

features and controls

2 ch amp PLMRA220

high level inputs

low level inputs
input level control
crossover mode selector
bass boost level

2

3

speaker connections

power fuse

power terminals

crossover mode selector

input level control

low pass frequency control

high pass frequency control

bass boost level control

low level inputs

high level inputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connections

features and specifications

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL.” If
you wish to use the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency
range, use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

use this control to match the outputs of your head unit to the amplifier.
Starting with your head unit set at about the 2 o’clock position, increase
the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly
from this point.

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control sets
the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control
sets the lower frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

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

this amp features gold-plated RCA input jacks for high impedance input.
Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

if your car stereo lacks RCA-type output jacks, you may connect speaker
output leads to these input connectors.

this indicator is illuminated when power is applied.
this indicator is illuminated when built-in protection circuitry is activated.
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.

2 ch amp PLMRA220

output power @ 14.4v DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 Ohms
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms

Maximum Power Output

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)

PLMRA220

2 channel amplifier

40 Watts x 2
70 Watts x 2
300 Watts x 2

15 Hz-30 KHz

10K Ohms
100 Ohms

250mV

2.5V

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

2-4 Ohms
4-8 Ohms

15A

mm

276 x 69.5 x 209

inches

10.9 x 2.7 x 8.25

4

PLMRA420

ch 3/4 high pass frequency control

ch 3/4 low pass frequency control

ch 3/4 bass boost level control

ch 3/4 crossover mode selector switch

ch 3/4 input level control

ch 3/4 high level inputs

speaker connections

ch 3/4 low level inputs

protection LED

features and specifications

4 ch amp PLMRA420

ch 1/2 high pass frequency control
ch 1/2 low pass frequency control
ch 1/2 bass boost level control
ch 1/2 crossover mode selector switch

ch 1/2 input level control
ch 1/2 low level inputs

power LED

power terminals
power fuse

ch 1/2 high level inputs

5

crossover mode selector

input level control

low pass frequency control

high pass frequency control

bass boost level control

low level inputs

high level inputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connections

features and specifications

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL.” If
you wish to use the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency
range, use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

use this control to match the outputs of your head unit to the amplifier.
Starting with your head unit set at about the 2 o’clock position, increase
the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly
from this point.

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control sets
the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control
sets the lower frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

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

this amp features gold-plated RCA input jacks for high impedance input.
Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

if your car stereo lacks RCA-type output jacks, you may connect speaker
output leads to these input connectors.

this indicator is illuminated when power is applied.
this indicator is illuminated when built-in protection circuitry is activated.
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.

4 ch amp PLMRA420

output power @ 14.4v DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 Ohms
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms

Maximum Power Output

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)

PLMRA420

4 channel amplifier

35 Watts x 4
50 Watts x 4
250 Watts x 4

15 Hz-30 KHz

10K Ohms
100 Ohms

250mV

2.5V

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

2-4 Ohms
4-8 Ohms

20A

mm

276 x 69.5 x 305

inches

10.9 x 2.7 x 12

6

PLMRA220

electrical connections

head unit

2 ch amps PLMRA220

REM

FUSE

+12V BATT

GROUND

12V battery

to remote turn-on

+12V

7

PLMRA420

electrical connections

4 ch amps PLMRA420

8

PLMRA220

using low level inputs

head unit

using high level inputs

L L RR

from speaker terminals

head unit

to remote turn-on

+12V

stereo input connections

head unit

2 ch amps PLMRA220

L/R Audio

Outputs

12V battery

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs,
do not use the low level RCA inputs at
the same time!

wiring harness

9

PLMRA220

using low level inputs

mono input connections

2 ch amps PLMRA220

To a second amplifier

PLMRA420

head unit

Y Adaptors

using high level inputs

head unit

RRLL

from speaker terminals

2/4 channel input connections

4 CH input connections using low level inputs

L/R REAR

Audio Outputs

2 CH input connections using low level inputs

To a second amplifier

4 ch amps PLMRA420

Y adaptors

L/R FRONT

Audio Outputs

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs,
do not use the low level RCA inputs at
the same time!

wiring harnesswiring harness

L

R

head unit

10

11

PLMRA420

high level input connections

4 ch amps PLMRA420

4 CH floating ground connections

12

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs, do not
use the low level RCA inputs at the same time!

4 CH mono input connections using low level inputs

PLMRA420

2 CH input connections using low level inputs

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

ORANGE

4 CH harness wiring for common ground connections

L R FRONTRLREAR

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

from speaker terminals

mono input connections

RIGHT REAR Audio Outputs

ORANGE

4 ch amps PLMRA420

RIGHT FRONT Audio Outputs

CH 3/4

LEFT FRONT Audio Outputs

LEFT REAR Audio Outputs

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

ORANGE

Y adaptors

L R FRONTRLREAR

L

R

from speaker terminals

ORANGE

ORANGE

head unit

BLACK
BLACK

CH 1/2

13

PLMRA420

high level mono input connections

4 ch amps PLMRA420

4 CH floating ground connections

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs, do not
use the low level RCA inputs at the same time!

Stereo Output Mode

PLMRA220

Bridged Mono Output Mode

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

ORANGE

R L

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

from speaker terminals

speaker connections

2 ch amps PLMRA220

ORANGE

4 CH harness wiring

for common ground connections

LEFT speaker RIGHT speaker

REM

FUSE

+12V BATT

GROUND

MINIMUM

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

4 OHMS!

speaker

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

ORANGE

14

CH 3/4

CH 1/2

R L

ORANGE

BLACK
BLACK

ORANGE

from speaker terminals

REM

FUSE

+12V BATT

GROUND

15

PLMRA420

4 CH Output Mode

speaker connections

4 ch amps PLMRA420

PLMRA420

FRONT speakers

Bridged Dual Mono Output Mode

L R

4 CH Stereo Output Mode with Mono Bridged Subwoofer Output

L R

R L

speakers

speaker connections

4 ch amp PLMRA420

L

SPEAKERS

MINIMUM
SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

4 OHMS!

R

SUBWOOFER

REAR speakers

MINIMUM

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

4 OHMS!

16

17

mounting and installation

mounting

Your new Pyle Marine 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.

When making electrical connections to your amplifier, please observe the

wiring tips

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 Marine 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 Marine 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.

troubleshooting

No output.

Confirm that all terminal strip connections are secure and tight.
Check both in-line and built-in fuses. Both the +12V and the Remote terminals must have +12v referenced to chassis

protection
circuitry

The built-in protection circuitry in the
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.

Marine

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.

18

19

precautions

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.

notes

20

STOP

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.

sound around, Inc.

1600 63rd street. brooklyn. ny 11204

4 ohm

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!

4 ohm

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.

sound around, Inc.

1600 63rd street. brooklyn. ny 11204

STOP

4 ohm

4 ohm

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

4 ohm

21