Rockford FNQ1404, FNQ1504, FNQ1604 Owner's Manual

® ®

car audio

component systems

for

fanatics

operation &operation &

operation &

operation &operation &
installationinstallation

installation

installationinstallation

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio speakers. At

Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical reproduction at its best, and we are
pleased you chose our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand craftsman­ship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that
reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.

For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford Fosgate
product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer, as we provide specialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.

Great product and competent installations are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes
to your system. Make sure that your installer is using 100% authentic installation
accessories from Connecting Punch in your installation. Connecting Punch has
everything from RCA cables and speaker wire to Power line and battery connectors.
Insist on it! After all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.

To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
wearables, which include everything from T-shirts and jackets to hats and sunglasses.

To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S. call 602-967-3565 or FAX [phone]. For all other countries, call +001-602­967-3565 or FAX [phone].

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS OVER 100dB

CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. HIGH POWERED AUTOSOUND

MAY
SYSTEMS

MAY PRODUCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS WELL OVER

130dB. USE COMMON SENSE AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.

If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product,
we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further
assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-9899. Be sure to have your serial
number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.

The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it in
the space provided below as your permanent record. This will serve as
verification of your factory warranty and may become useful in recovering your
product if it is ever stolen.

Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number:________________________________

T

ABLE OF

C

ONTENTS

Introduction................................................................................................ 1

Package Contents ....................................................................................... 1

Design Features .......................................................................................... 2

Installation Considerations ........................................................................... 5

Mounting Location ...................................................................................... 6

Installation ................................................................................................. 7

Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 11

Specifications ........................................................................................... 12

Warranty Information ................................................................................ 14

International Information............................................................................ 15

G

ETTING STARTED

Welcome to Rockford Fosgate! This manual is designed to provide information
for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you who want quick
information on how to install this product, please turn to the

Section

of this manual or refer to the icons listed below. Other information can

Installation

be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at Rockford Fosgate, have
worked very hard to make sure all the information in this manual is current. But,
as we are constantly finding new ways to improve our product, this information
is subject to change without notice.

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Sections marked

INSTALLATION

include “slam dunk”

wiring connections

TROUBLE-

Sections marked

TROUBLESHOOTING

include recommendations for

curing installation problems

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I

NTRODUCTION

This manual provides information on the features and installation of the
Fanatic Q Systems. We suggest you save this manual for future reference.

We strongly recommend you have your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer
install the Fanatic Q System. If you do choose to install the system yourself,
please be sure to read the entire manual before beginning.

P

ACKAGE

C

ONTENTS

FNQ1414

(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters

Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,

wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1404 4" Midrange Speakers
(2) 4" Speaker Grilles
(2) 4" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire

FNQ1614

(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters

Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,

wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1406 61⁄2" Midrange Speakers
(2) 61⁄2" Speaker Grilles
(2) 61⁄2" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire

FNQ1514

(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters

Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,

wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1405 51⁄4" Midrange Speakers
(2) 51⁄4" Speaker Grilles
(2) 51⁄4" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire

– 1 –

D

ESIGN FEATURES

4

8

2

3

1

5

6

7

14

11

12

Tweeter

1. 3/4" Aluminum Dome Tweeter – To ensure accurate high frequency reproduc-

tion, the tweeter dome must be both light and strong. The Fanatic Q Component
Systems use an aluminum dome with a silk surround. This combines the low
mass and strength of aluminum with the smoothness of silk for the ultimate in
high frequency reproduction.

2. Ferrofluid Cooling – This synthetic fluid is held in place in the magnetic gap. The
fluid bathes the voice coil allowing higher power handling and greater reliability.

3. Neodymium Magnet – What good would a tweeter be if it was too big to mount
in your favorite spot? The Fanatic Component Systems use a highly efficient
neodymium magnet to enable a very small tweeter to have very big performance.

16

13

15

9

10

– 2 –

D

ESIGN FEATURES

Midrange

4. Rubber Surround – The durable rubber surround withstands the

extremes of the automotive environment. It also improves sound quality
by reducing 2nd and 3rd order harmonics and provides wider frequency
response.

5. 3-Layer Glass Fiber Composite Cone – The ideal cone material would
be infinitely strong, very light and would have very high damping to
ensure great sound quality. The Fanatic Q Series Component Systems
use a 3 layer glass fiber composite cone that is strong, light and has high
internal damping to provide excellent reproduction of sound.

6. Flat Spider – The spider has the job of centering the voice coil and
providing the rear suspension for the speaker. The Fanatic Q Component
Systems use a durable flat spider to ensure great sound with long life and
durability.

7. Large 1-1/4" Voice Coil with Anodized Aluminum Former – Just like
all Rockford Fosgate woofers, all Fanatic Component System midrange
drivers use an aluminum voice coil former for more efficient dissipation
of heat. Dissipating the heat is key to long life and high power handling,
so go ahead and crank it up! The voice coil in the Fanatic Q series
component system is larger than the voice coil in some manufacturer's
woofers.

8. Proprietary Cast ABS Basket – This basket has unique cosmetics and
provides a solid platform for the midrange, reducing coloration of the
sound.

9. Vented Pole Piece – The pole piece extends from the back of the speaker
into the voice coil area. The Fanatic Q Component System uses a vented
pole piece to allow cool air to circulate in the voice coil gap which allows
greater power handling and increased reliability.

10. Aerovent Backplate – The curved shape of the backplate opening
reduces “huffing” noises caused during high excursions. The air moving
in and out of the pole piece is handled much more quietly and efficiently
than in conventional systems.

– 3 –

Crossover

11. Competition Quality 2-Way Butterworth Crossover – Features a 24dB

per octave high-pass crossover for the tweeter and a 24dB/octave low­pass crossover for the midrange. The steep slope of the tweeter crossover
gives better power handling. The low-pass crossover provides a
seamless transition between the tweeter and midrange.

12. Optical Compression – This built-in protection circuit limits power to
the tweeter when the “danger” threshold is exceeded. Because it simply
limits power and doesn't shut the tweeter off, this circuit is completely
inaudible.

13. Gold-Plated Screw Terminals – Terminals plated in gold for maximum
resistance to corrosion ensure great sound for years to come. These
terminals accept bare wire or 1/4" spade lug connectors.

14. 0dB/–3dB/–6dB Tweeter Pad – In some installations, you may find that
the tweeter location is much closer to your ears than the midrange. This
pad allows you to match the tweeter level to the midrange for the best
balance.

15. Tweeter Phase Switch – This 0°/180° switch allows easy comparison
of tweeter phase without disconnecting speaker wires. Simply leave the
switch in the position that sounds best in your particular installation.

16. Mylar Capacitors – These high-end, “low loss” capacitors are used to
maintain maximum sound quality.

– 4 –

I

NSTALLATION

Tools Needed

The following is a list of some of the tools necessary for the installation of your
speakers.

Power Drill with assorted bits #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Tape Measure Voltmeter

General

1. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning
the installation.

2. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle
provides the best protection.

3. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber of plastic
grommets to protect any wires routed through metal.

4. Mount the speakers/crossovers away from electrical sources (other than the
amplifier) i.e., power cables, electronic fuel pumps, vehicle computers,
and other potential noise sources.

5. Mount the speakers/crossovers away from areas of extreme heat or
moisture.

Speakers

1. Make sure there is an area large enough of the speaker to mount. Warning!
Failure to do this can cause damage to the speaker if the speaker frame
is bent during installation.

2. Check to see that the location is deep enough for the speaker(s) and the
location does not interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle.

3. When mounting the speaker(s) in the door of a vehicle, make sure the
speaker(s) do not interfere with either the door or window operation.

4. When mounting the speaker(s) on the rear deck of the vehicle, check the
operation of the rear hatch or trunk lid. Make sure the torsion bars and other
moving parts are not obstructed by the speaker(s) installation.

• Please refer to the Specifications section of this manual for proper mounting
diameter and depth of the speaker(s).

C

ONSIDERATIONS

Crossovers

1. Make sure there is a flat area large enough for the crossover to mount.

2. For best results, mount the crossover(s) next to the amplifier for a decorative
finish to the installation and provide an easy upgrade (no new wires to run)
for a bi-amp Rockford Fosgate system in the future.

– 5 –

M

OUNTING LOCATION

A solid front stage with a good image is one of the most difficult tasks to achieve
in a vehicle. No car has the optimum listening environment. This makes proper
sound staging very difficult to accomplish. Most speakers tend to be placed
where they will fit easily, as opposed to where they can perform the best.

mounting location of your speakers will have a great effect on the sound quality
of your stereo system. The special care taken to place the speakers will yield
many hours of listening enjoyment in return. Several important recommenda­tions should be followed.

• Place the speakers where they have a direct
path to the listening area.

• For the best integration between the midrange
and tweeter, the tweeter should be placed
less than 2" from the midrange. (Figure 1)

• If you cannot place the tweeter less than 2"
from the midrange, then place the tweeter
more than 7" from the midrange. Placing
the tweeter 2"-7" from the midrange can
cause destructive interference (frequency
response problems) which will affect the
speaker's ability to reproduce the frequency range around the crossover
frequency of the system.

• Whenever possible, place the tweeter directly above or below the midrange
as this maximizes the imaging (point source) capability of the speakers.
(Figure 2)

Figure 1

The

2" or less

Figure 2-A

Figure 2-B

– 6 –