Rockford Fosgate 250 sERIES, 250X2, 250m Installation & Operation Manual

®®

INTRODUCTION

The “250 Series” Power amplifiers represent the best Rockford Fosgate has to offer! Our engineers devised technical features which would be considered overkill by other audio manufacturers, but not at Rockford Fosgate! Trans•nova, DIABLO, and TOPAZ, exclusively designed by Rockford, are just a few of these features which are described in the Technical Design Features section of this manual.

The 250x2 is a two-channel amplifier which is optimized to drive 2Ω stereo and 4Ω bridged loads. The 250m is a single channel amplifier optimized to drive a 2Ω (single amp) or a 4Ω bridged load (pair of amps bridged to a single load.)

The 250x2 and 250m utilize Rockford's innovative technologies for awesome sound quality, reliable performance ad tremendous amounts of output power. The “250 Series” represent exactly what Rockford Fosgate designs: Car Audio for Fanatics!

Dear Customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers. 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 fanatic image order your Rockford Fosgate wearables, which include everything from T-shirts and jackets to hats and sunglasses.

To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford wearables, please call 602-967-3565 or FAX 602-967-8132. For International orders, FAX +001-1-602-967-8132 or call +001-1-602-967-3565.

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS OVER 100dB MAY CAUSE PERMANENT

HEARING WELL

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 1-800-795-2385. 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 amplifier if it is ever stolen.

LOSS. HIGH POWERED AUTOSOUND SYSTEMS MAY PRODUCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS

OVER 130dB. USE COMMON SENSE AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.

Serial Number: __________________________________________

Model Number:__________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Punch Accessory Pack ..............................................................................................................................................1

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

250x2 Design Features ..............................................................................................................................................5

250m Design Features...............................................................................................................................................7

Installation Considerations ........................................................................................................................................9

Mounting Locations ................................................................................................................................................10

Battery and Charging...............................................................................................................................................10

Wiring the System ...................................................................................................................................................11

Using the XCard......................................................................................................................................................13

Customizing the XCard ...........................................................................................................................................13

XCard Resistor Chart ...............................................................................................................................................14

250x2 Installation....................................................................................................................................................15

Using the 250x2 Internal Switching Network...........................................................................................................18

Using the 250x2 Balanced Line Inputs.....................................................................................................................23

250m Installation ....................................................................................................................................................25

Using the 250m Internal Switching Network ...........................................................................................................30

System Diagrams.....................................................................................................................................................33

Rockford Fosgate Accessories..................................................................................................................................37

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................................42

Autosound 2000’s Quick Check for Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................45

250x

Specifications................................................................................................................................................47

250m Specifications................................................................................................................................................48

Warranty Information..............................................................................................................................................49

International Information.........................................................................................................................................50

GETTING 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 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.

▲

Sections marked

ADVANCED

OPERATION

include in-depth

technical information

® ®

N S T A L L A T

I O N

Sections marked

INSTALLATION

include “slam dunk”

wiring connections

Installation

TROUBLE-

Sections marked

TROUBLESHOOTING

include recommendations

for curing installation

problems

S H O O T

I N G

Our Dream

nova

The “250 Series” Power amplifiers represent the best Rock-

ford Fosgate has to offer! Our engineers devised technical

features which would be considered overkill by other audio

manufacturers, but not at Rockford Fosgate! Trans•

DIABLO and TOPAZ, exclusively designed by Rockford, are

just a few of these features which are described in the

Technical Design Features section of this manual.

is a two-channel amplifier

250x

The

drive 2Ω stereo and 4Ω bridged loads. The

channel amplifier

4Ω bridged load (pair of amps bridged to a single load).

The 250x

nologies for awesome sound quality, reliable performance

and tremendous amounts of output power. The “250 Series”

represent exactly what Rockford Fosgate designs:

for Fanatics!

optimized to drive a 2Ω (single amp) or a

and 250m utilize Rockford's innovative tech-

which is optimized to

250m is a single

Car Audio

PUNCH AMPLIFIER ACCESSORY PACK

The accessory pack shipped with the “250 series” Power amplifiers include the mounting hardware necessary to secure it to the vehicle as well as attaching the end caps.

Installation & Operation Manual Punch Verification Certificate (8) Allen Head screws for speaker and power connectors (250x2) (6) Allen Head screws for speaker and power connectors (250m) (4) Mounting screws for end caps (4) Mounting screws for amplifier (1) Allen wrench 7/64" (1) Allen wrench 3/32"

– 1 –

TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES

Many of the solutions to common design problems encountered by Rockford Fosgate engineers created entire new circuit designs as well as new ways to construct the Punch 250x amplifiers, no expense was spared in design and construction from the unique circuitry design to the manufacturing process that has proven to be the industry reference for many years. Described below are just some of the accomplishments achieved by our engineering and manufacturing staff.

and 250m Power Amplifiers. In our flagship

◆ trans•

The trans• allows the audio signal to pass through the amplifier at floating” power supply and is configured to increase power gain. The increase in power gain allows the drive stage to operate at a lower voltage. A low voltage drive stage is the same principle used in high quality preamplifiers to produce high linearity and wide bandwidth.

The resulting design utilizes an output stage with a simpler gain structure and a shorter total signal path than conventional high voltage (bi-polar) designs. The number of stages is reduced from five or more to three. The output stage is further refined into a trans-impedance stage (current to voltage converter) to achieve a short loop (fast) negative feedback. The output stage is driven cooperatively by a transconductance stage (voltage to current converter).

THE RESULT: Superior sound quality, greater efficiency and higher reliability.

nova

(TRANS conductance NOdal Voltage Amplifier) is a patented circuit (U.S. Patent 4,467,288) that

E-I I-E

(TRANSconductance NOdal Voltage Amplifier)

low voltage

trans•nova circuitry

. Each amplifier channel utilizes its own “fully

◆ DIABLO (Dynamically Invariant A-B Linear Operation)

DIABLO

in circuit design which reduces high frequency distortion. Amplifiers which utilize a large array of output MOSFETs cause a high capacitive load on the driver stage. This load can make the high frequencies sound harsh. The DIABLO circuit eliminates high frequency distortion by allowing the driver to operate with 20dB or more of current headroom, whereas traditional drives have only 6dB of current headroom.

THE RESULT: Lower distortion and greater inherent stability.

(Dynamically Invariant A-B Linear Operation - patent application in process) is an important advance

◆ TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone)

The

TOPAZ

automotive amplifier design. This innovative new development allows vastly improved isolation of the input signal grounds from the power supply ground of the amplifier. This is accomplished by allowing the source unit to control the potential “environment” of the entire input structure or “zone” of the amplifier. This process improves the noise rejection of the amplifier by 30-40dB – an astounding 20-100 times better than amplifiers without TOPAZ.

THE RESULT: Elimination of troublesome ground loop noise between source and amplifier.

(Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone) circuitry solves ground loop noise problems common to

– 2 –

◆ DSM (Discrete Surface Mount Technology)

The

DSM

(Discrete Surface Mount) manufacturing process combines the advantages of both discrete components and integrated circuitry. Rockford Fosgate is the only American amplifier manufacturer to have invested millions into this process. DSM components differ from conventional discrete components in different ways. They are more compact, more rugged, and they efficiently dissipate generated heat. Using them wherever appropriate allows the advantages associated with discrete circuitry to be retained while also providing room for both highly advanced processing features and generous PC board copper paths where needed. Their short lead-out structures allow maximum audio performance and highest signal-to-noise ratios to be obtained in amplifiers of desirable package size without resorting to “amplifier-on-a-chip” shortcuts. These advantages are shown below in Figure 1.

Solder

Component

Solder

PC Board

Figure 1

PC Board

Thru-Hole Surface Mount

THE RESULT: Less connections, improved reliability, shorter signal paths, superior signal-to-noise ratio and awesome sonic performance.

◆ XCard (Internal Crossover)

The Power amplifiers utilize internal active crossovers. These crossovers have many performance advantages such as using discrete components for exact frequency adjustments which are far superior to potentiometers. Additionally, the modification, many crossover frequencies and slope configurations can be achieved.

THE RESULT: Increased system design flexibility with a precise electronic crossover without the limitations of conventional potentiometer designs.

XCard

can be configured for high-pass, low-pass and full range operation. With slight

◆ Stereo Pass-Thru

The

Pass-Thru

for extra RCA cables or “Y” adapters. The 250m Pass-Thru provides constant Full Range stereo output. The 250x has the ability to provide constant Full Range stereo output as well as distribute one of its internal XCards to the Pass-Thru for a dedicated High-Pass or Low-Pass output.

THE RESULT: Convenient signal level output for adding extra amplifiers.

output provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without the need

– 3 –

◆ Balanced Line Inputs (250x2)

Using the 250x2 with the

BLT

(Balanced Line Transmitter) provides the last word in achievable rejection of noise induced in the cable between the source and the amplifier. The differential input circuitry (Figure 2) used in the balanced input system rejects whatever signals are common to both of the shielded, twisted-pair conductors. Balanced line is universal in concert installations where the stage and

Figure 2

Center

Conductor

Outer Shield

Differential inputs only amplify the difference between two conductors. Note: the noise spikes appear on both the center conductor and the outer shield and therefore are not amplified.

RCA Input

Differential

Input

mixing consoles are hundreds of feet apart. Long signal cables and electrically-noisy environments make signal integrity and noise rejection an extremely difficult challenge.

THE RESULT: Quiet transmission of audio from source to amplifier.

◆ NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision)

The Power amplifiers use an operating conditions. The innovative sophisticated version of this technique ever used, bringing previously unavailable levels of accuracy, stability, temperature immunity and reliability to this critical process. NOMAD makes advanced decisions based on device voltages to precisely control the awesome levels of current available in the output MOSFETs to safe values – but only when absolutely needed.

analog computer process

NOMAD

(NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) system is the most

to absolutely maximize safe output power under all

THE RESULT: Extremely fast protection system that always protects the amplifier and never degrades the sound.

◆ MOSFET Devices (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor)

Rockford Fosgate is one of the few manufacturers in any of the sound communities to utilize MOSFET devices in both the

power supply

and the

output stages. MOSFET

(Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) devices offer several important inherent advantages over the 30 year old technology of bi-polar design. These advantages include: thermal stability, switching speed, ultra low output impedance and wider bandwidth linearity. In addition, MOSFET and vacuum tubes share many important operating characteristics. However, the MOSFET device is much faster, wider in bandwidth, measurably lower in distortion and far more linear than vacuum tubes.

THE RESULT: Operational characteristics of vacuum tubes without the performance limitations of tube design.

◆ ITS (Increased Thermal Stability)

The

ITS

(Increased Thermal Stability) Power Supply design is new in Rockford Fosgate amplifiers. A major problem associated with any amplifier design is how to get rid of the heat generated by its circuitry. Clearly, it is highly desirable to minimize the amount of heat generated in the first place. The “250 series” Power amplifiers employ a new toroidal power transformer design in which the high current input leads are carried directly to the switching power MOSFETs. This both minimizes PC board heating and takes advantage of natural air cooling of these leads.

THE RESULT: Maximizes power supply efficiency by eliminating unnecessary heat generation.

– 4 –

250X2 DESIGN FEATURES

1. Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch Power amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of cooling over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.

2. End Caps – Interchangeable end caps conceal the wiring and input cables, giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.

3 13 8

Unbal.

Speaker

+ L –

0°-180

Power

Bal.

REM Dual GNDDual B+

Pass Thru

L (Mono)

697

Bal.

Input

EZ-180°-0

Bridged

Speaker

– R +

GainGain

Punch Status

Display

312

16 5 4 4 17

3. Speaker Terminals – The heavy duty, gold-plated terminal block connectors (+ and –) will accept wire sizes from 8 AWG to 18 AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion that can cause signal deterioration.

4. Power Terminals – The dual power and ground connectors on the Punch Power amplifier are gold-plated and will accommodate up to two 8 AWG wires maximizing the input current capability of the amplifier.

5. REM Terminal – This gold-plated spade terminal is used for the AP (auto power) or remote turn on of the Punch 250x2 Power amplifier.

6. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy connection for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.

7. Balanced Line Input– This input will allow the balanced inputs to be used in conjunction with the Punch 250x2 Power amplifier to provide better noise rejection.

8. Signal Input Switch – This switch allows selection of either the RCA or Balanced Line inputs.

9. RCA Pass-Thru Jacks – The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisychaining an additional

amplifier. This eliminates the need for additional RCA cables or “Y” adapters. One of the internal crossovers can be designated to the Pass Thru output creating a dedicated low-pass, high-pass, or full range output.

– 5 –

10. Input Sensitivity Controls – The input level controls are preset for 500mV which will match the output

Low-Pass Full RangeHigh-Pass

ROCKFORD CORPORATION

ADE IN THE USA

AMPLIFIER

XCard 1

XCard 2

Audiophile Bypass

Not Used

XCard 1

XCard 2

Pass Thru

XCard Options

XCard 1

XCard 2

14 & 15

XCard 1

XCard 2

Amplifier

XCard 1

XCard 2

XCard Options

Not Used

Audiophile Bypass

Not Used

Amp Only

Pass Thru

Amplifier

➝

FULL

↕

250

*Bridging Note: The Punch 250x

can be

bridged in many configurations. Refer to your

owner's manual to determine which mode will

work best in your system.

125 Watts X 2 into 4 Ohms

with less than 0.05% THD + N from 20-20kHz

225 Watts X 2 into 2 Ohms

with less than 0.10% THD + N from 20-20kHz

of most source units. They can be adjusted to match input levels ranging from 300mV to 5V.

11. Internal Crossovers – These built-in crossover cards are configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The orientation of the card in its socket determines its function of high-pass, low-pass or full range operation.

12. E-Z Bridge Switch / 0

°-180° Phase Switch – This dual purpose switch enables you to E-Z bridge the

amplifier or invert the signal phase of the right channel.

13. Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily invert the phase of the left channel without having to disconnect the speaker wires.

14. Crossover Switching – These internal switches allow the crossover to be distributed to the amplifier and Pass-Thru in many different configurations.

15. Audiophile Bypass – One of the crossover switching configurations allows the internal crossover circuit to be bypassed, maintaining Audiophile sound quality due to a shorter signal path.

16. LED Power Indicator – The LED gives a visual indication of the status of the amplifier, lighting when the unit is turned on.

17. Punch Status Display – The RJ11 interface allows connection of an LED display used to monitor amplifier performance.

– 6 –

250m DESIGN FEATURES

2. End Caps – Interchangeable end caps conceal the wiring and input cables, giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.

Punch Status

Display

Speaker

– +

R Pass ThruL Pass Thru

REM Dual GNDDual B+

5 4 4

9 7

RL (Mono)

Gain

13 1112

Power

24dB/12dB/0dB

L + R / L

(Mono)

X-Over

0°–180°

5. REM Terminal – This gold-plated spade terminal is used for the AP (auto power) or remote turn on of the Punch 250m Power amplifier.

6. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy connection for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.

7. Summed Stereo / Mono Switch – This switch is used to select whether 1 or 2 signal inputs will be used to drive the amplifier.

8. Pass-Thru RCA Jacks – The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisychaining an additional amplifier.This eliminates the need for additional RCA cables or “Y” adapters. The Pass-Thru output is Full Range only.

9. Input Sensitivity Control – The input level control is preset for 500mV which will match the output of most source units. It can be adjusted to match input levels ranging from 300mV to 5V.

– 7 –

10. Internal Crossover – This built-in crossover card is configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies.

Low Pass Full RangeHigh Pass

FULL

↕

ROCKFORD CORPORATION

MADE IN THE USA

XCard 1

–

Do Not Chassis

Ground Any

Speaker Wire.

+ –

➝

250 Watts X 1 into 4 Ohms

with less than 0.10% THD + N from 20-20kHz

500 Watts X 1 into 2 Ohms

with less than 0.15% THD + N from 20-20kHz

250

POWER

AMPLIFIER

The orientation of the card in its socket determines the function of high-pass, low-pass or full range operation.

11. Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily invert the phase without having to disconnect the speaker wires.

12. Crossover Switch – This multi-function switch enables you to select a 12dB per octave slope or 24dB per octave slope of the internal crossover. When switched to 0dB, the internal crossover circuit can be bypassed, maintaining Audiophile sound quality due to a shorter signal path.

13. LED Power Indicator – The LED illuminates when the unit is turned on.

14. Punch Status Display – The RJ11 interface allows connection of an LED display used to monitor amplifier

performance.

– 8 –

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Tools Needed

The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Punch 250x2 and 250m Power amplifiers:

Allen wrenches 7/64" & 3/32" (included) Wire Cutters Wire strippers Voltmeter Battery post wrench Wire crimpers Electric hand drill and assorted bits Assorted connectors

This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new Punch amplifier. Checking your battery and present sound system, as well as pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on the layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be easily accessible for making adjustments.

Before beginning any installation, be sure to follow these simple rules:

1. Carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the amplifier.

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

3. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your amplifier in place.

4. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current wires.

5. Use high quality Connecting Punch accessories for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.

6. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.

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

8. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.

9. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install a fuseholder and fuse on the +12V power wire within 18" (45.7cm) of the battery terminal.

10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground connection. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and always be connected to metal that is welded to the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.

– 9 –

MOUNTING LOCATIONS

The mounting location and position of your amplifier will have a great effect on its ability to dissipate the heat generated under normal operation. The design of our cast aluminum heatsink serves to easily dissipate the heat generated over a wide range of operating conditions. However, to maximize the performance of your amplifier, care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation.

Trunk Mounting

Mounting the amplifier vertically on a surface with the fin grooves running up and down will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.

Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will work but provides less cooling capability than vertical mounting.

Mounting the amplifier upside down to the rear deck of the trunk will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is strongly

Passenger Compartment Mounting

Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a sufficient amount of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink.

not

recommended.

Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the heatsink in the passenger compartment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is strongly

not

recommended.

Engine Compartment Mounting

Rockford Fosgate amplifiers should warranty but could create an embarrassing situation caused by the ridicule from your friends.

never

be mounted in the engine compartment. Not only will this void your

BATTERY AND CHARGING

Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We recommend checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Rockford amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance of your Rockford Fosgate amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery, high output alternator and an energy storage capacitor.

– 10 –

WIRING THE SYSTEM

CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system.

1. Configure the internal XCard crossovers prior to installation. Refer to the “Using the Internal Switching Network” (page 18 for the 250x2 and page 30 for 250m) for further information.

2. Plan the wire routing. Take care when running signal level RCA cables to keep them close together but isolated from the amplifier's power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done to prevent coupling the noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When feeding the wires through the firewall or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to prevent short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for a precise fit at a later time.

3. Prepare the Power cable for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 5/8" of insulation from the end of the wire. The use of 8 gauge power cable can interfere with the installation of the end caps. Proper wire dress can prevent this from occurring. To prevent the wire from fraying, strip the insulation at a 45° angle. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal with the long side of the insulation on the top. Bend

STRIP WIRE

AMP

5/8"

INSULATION

the cable down at a 90° angle. Tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place. We recommend using (2) 8 gauge cables for power and for ground. This will give you the best performance possible.

4. Strip 3/8" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp a large ring terminal to the cable. Use the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal. Do not install the fuse at this time.

5. Prepare a length of cable to be used for the ground connection. Strip 5/8" of insulation from the end of the cable as described above and connect to the appropriate terminal of the amplifier. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non-anodized screw and a star washer.

6. Prepare the REM turn-on wire for connection to the amplifier by stripping 5/8" of insulation from the wire end and crimping an insulated spade connector in place. Slide the connector over the REM terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end of the REM wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched signal is usually taken from the source unit's auto antenna or the accessory lead. If the source unit does not have these outputs available, the recommended solution is to wire a mechanical switch in line with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.

7. Securely mount the amplifier (with supplied screws) to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier on cardboard or plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due to road vibrations or sudden vehicle stops.

8. Connect the source signal to the amplifier by plugging the RCA cables into the input jack(s) at the amplifier. If using Balanced Line Inputs, refer to page 23.

9. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 5/8" and insert into the appropriate terminal on the amplifier. Insert the bared wire into the speaker terminal and tighten the set screw to secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity.

may result.

DO NOT chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable operation

– 11 –

10. Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause problems from road vibrations.

11. After the final inspection is complete, install the power fuse and enjoy listening. During the initial listening period, you may need to “fine tune” any phasing and level settings within your particular vehicle. To aid in this procedure, play a track with high musical content and cruise around your neighborhood. After fully evaluating the transient response of your system and making any final adjustments, all your neighbors within a 1 mile radius will assume that you have just successfully completed another upgrade to your audio system for which they will probably spill thumbtacks on your driveway.

NOTICE!

Amplifiers using the trans• warming up. We recommend operating the 250x2 and 250m for approximately 15 minutes prior to evaluation under judging criteria or tune-ups to establish its normal operating temperature.

* Your friends will call it MAGIC, you can call it Rockford technology! *

nova

topology improve in sound quality after

– 12 –

USING THE XCARD

↕

➝

The crossover functions are controlled through the use of an XCard and can be set for high-pass, low-pass or full range operation. The 100Hz XCard shipped with your amplifier is set for Full Range. Each crossover card has two faces: one face operates Full Range, the other has arrows to indicate the edge for selecting HP (high-pass) or LP (low-pass) operation. Orient the card with the desired operating edge, indicated by the arrow, toward the socket terminals inside the amplifier. Firmly, but carefully, plug the card into the socket.

Low-Pass Full RangeHigh-Pass

CUSTOMIZING THE XCARD

The crossover point can be altered by changing the resistor value. Use the following formula to select the appropriate resistor value to be placed on the XCard.

3386

7234

= R (in kΩ) for .047µf cap

= R (in kΩ) for .022µf cap

The actual formula is: R =

Where: R = Ω

FULL

2πfoc

fo = desired crossover frequency c = capacitor in farads ex: .047 x 10-6 for .047mf cap

▲

Crossover Card

High Pass

Low Pass Full Range

FULL

– 13 –

XCARD RESISTOR CHART

▲

Butterworth Alignment Q = .707 1% resistors used with 0.047

µµ

µF capacitors

µµ

Frequency R1 R2

20Hz 169kΩ 169kΩ 25Hz 133kΩ 133kΩ 30Hz 110kΩ 110kΩ 35Hz 95.3kΩ 95.3Ω 40Hz 84.5kΩ 84.5kΩ 45Hz 75kΩ 75kΩ 50Hz 68.1kΩ 68.1kΩ 55Hz 61.9kΩ 61.9kΩ 60Hz 56.2kΩ 56.2kΩ 65Hz 52.3kΩ 52.3kΩ 70Hz 48.7kΩ 48.7kΩ 75Hz 45.3kΩ 45.3kΩ 80Hz 42.2kΩ 42.2kΩ 84Hz 40.2kΩ 40.2kΩ 90Hz 37.4kΩ 37.4kΩ 200Hz 16.9kΩ 16.9kΩ 300Hz 11.3kΩ 11.3kΩ 400Hz 8.45kΩ 8.45kΩ 500Hz 6.65kΩ 6.65kΩ 600Hz 5.62kΩ 5.62kΩ 700Hz 4.75kΩ 4.75kΩ 800Hz 4.22kΩ 4.22kΩ 900Hz 3.74kΩ 3.74kΩ 1kHz 3.40kΩ 3.40kΩ

1.2kHz 2.80kΩ 2.80kΩ 2kHz 1.69kΩ 1.69kΩ 3kHz 1.10kΩ 1.10kΩ 4kHz 845Ω 845Ω 5kHz 665Ω 665Ω 6kHz 562Ω 562Ω 7kHz 487Ω 487Ω 8kHz 422Ω 422Ω

Butterworth Alignment Q = .707 5% resistors used with 0.047

µµ

µF capacitors

µµ

Frequency R1 R2

21Hz 160kΩ 160kΩ 26Hz 130kΩ 130kΩ

30.8Hz 110kΩ 110kΩ 37Hz 91kΩ 91Ω 41Hz 82kΩ 82kΩ 45Hz 75kΩ 75kΩ

49.8Hz 68kΩ 68kΩ

54.6Hz 62kΩ 62kΩ

60.5Hz 56kΩ 56kΩ

66.4Hz 51kΩ 51kΩ 72Hz 47kΩ 47kΩ N/A N/A N/A

78.7Hz 43kΩ 43kΩ

86.8Hz 39kΩ 39kΩ 94Hz 36kΩ 36kΩ 212Hz 16kΩ 16kΩ 308Hz 11kΩ 11kΩ 413Hz 8.2kΩ 8.2kΩ 498Hz 6.8kΩ 6.8kΩ 605Hz 5.6kΩ 5.6kΩ 720Hz 4.7kΩ 4.7kΩ 787Hz 4.3kΩ 4.3kΩ 940Hz 3.6kΩ 3.6kΩ 1kHz 3.3kΩ 3.3kΩ

1.2kHz 2.7kΩ 2.7kΩ

2.1kHz 1.6kΩ 1.6kΩ 3kHz 1.1kΩ 1.1kΩ

4.1kHz 820Ω 820Ω 5kHz 680Ω 680Ω 6kHz 560Ω 560Ω

7.2kHz 470Ω 470Ω

7.9kHz 430Ω 430Ω

– 14 –

250X2 INSTALLATION

® ®

N S T A L L A T I O N

250x

Power Connections (Option #1)

Power

REM

Connect to remote

turn-on lead of

source unit.

Dual B+ Dual GND

Connect to chassis ground of vehicle*

Less than 18"

+ –

Connect to B+ of battery

with a 60 amp fuse.

*Keep ground connections as close to each other as possible.

Punch Status

Display

Connect to

optional

PSD

250x2 Power Connections (Option #2)

Power

Less than 18"

*Keep ground connections as close to each other as possible.

REM

Connect to remote

turn-on lead of

source unit.

Connect to B+ of battery

with two 30 amp fuses.

Dual B+ Dual GND

Connect to chassis ground of vehicle*

+ –

Punch Status

Display

Connect to

optional

PSD

– 15 –

+ 44 hidden pages

Rockford Fosgate 250 sERIES, 250X2, 250m Installation & Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual