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I---
CONGRATULATIONS!
You now own the REFERENCE Amplifier, the product of an
uncompromising design and engineering philosophy. Your
SoLndstream
REFERENCE amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.
To madmize the
pedorrnance
of your system, we recommend that you
thoroughly acquaint yourself with its capabilities and features. Please retain
this manual and your sales and installation receipts for future reference.
Soundstream amplifiers are the result 01 American craftsmanship and
highest quality control standards, and when
properly
installed
will
the
provide
you with many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier ever need
service or replacement due to theft, please record the following information,
which will help protect
Model
and Serial #
your
investment.
Dealer’s Name
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
Chassisink”
the
output section incorporates multiple
for faster, stronger power delivery. The transistors
between the circuit board and
Darlington Power Array -
the heatsink
Soundstream’s
outpul
transislors instead of a few
“overbuilding” of
are
sandwiched
in a design called
Chassisir&TM
to ensure cool. efficient amplifier operation.
PowerGrid Power Supply Design -
All
power supply components are
located near one another. connected by thick. wide PCB traces. which
ensures rapid, high current delivery. The entire power supply is isolated on
one side of the
circuit
board while the audio
stage
is located opposite if,
guaranteeing minimal noise
Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank-Multiple small input power capacitors
are
used
to provide a lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), which
means more power
Smart
Thermal
In the unlikely event the
in and
auf
faster.
Rollback - Most amplifiers
REFERENCE300sx
shut
off when they get too hot.
amplifier reaches 85” C, it will
gradually roil back its average power (without affecting the dynamics).
Once the amplifier has cooled off, it returns to full power
oulput.
If
overheating should continue, a second thermal sensing protection circuit
will shut off the amplifier if the
heatsink
reaches 95” C.
Unregulated Power Supply 4 ohm power ratings are measured at 12
volts, meaning substantially greater oulpui in the real world when the
vehicle is funning, where voltages range from 13.2 to 14.4 volts.
l
Fautl
Monitor LED - on
the
top panel notifies you of blown power supply
fuses.
l
0e.e
DESIGN FEATURES
. Uncompromising Design and Construction - including
epoxy circuit boards and high
current
custom gold-plated solid brass
connections that will accept up to 4 gauge power/ground wire.
. Hlgh PowerRligh Current CapabIlity - Soundstream’s exclusive circuit
which permits customization of your amplifier to its particular
application-high current, low impedance loads (multiple subwoofers, less
than 2 ohms mono) or High Paver, higher impedance loads (2 ohms mono
and up).
. Coherent
StereoTYIMlxed
Mono - selection for either “pure” stereo
operation or mixed mono for simultaneous stereo and mono.
2
mil-spec
glass
l
l/2
ohm Drlve
virtually any load-all the way down to
l Dual Discrete Class A Drive Stages
most amps, which maintains
l Drive
completely eliminates any amplifier-related
l Flexible hput Sensitivity
penitling
l Differential Balanced input Design
,by
component and vehicle electrical system interaction when using
\Inbalanced
Abiiliy
-The REFERENCE amplifiers are designed to drive
l/2
ohm stereo (1 ohm mono).
.
Over six times the drive current of
DelayTH
Muted
perfomlance
Turn-oWofl
-
accepts voltages from 200 mV to 5.0 V,
into low impedance loads.
Circuit .
A unique circuit which
turn-on/off
noises.
maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source.
-
for
added
immunity to noise caused
RCA inputs.
3
l
o.0
I
l
eoeo
0 0 0
““.a000
i
123
/-
d
Kev to Caiiouts
Fault LED - Indicates a blown fuse.
0000
I
0
0
\
I
1.
High Power LED - Indicates amplifier power on in “High Power’
2.
mode.
High Current LED - Indicates amplifier power on in “High Current”
3.
mode.
+12V -
4.
5.
6.
7.
0.
9.
IO. Main Fuse-Main power supply fuse.
11. Crossover
12. Amplifier Crossover - Select high pass, low pass or full range
13. Mixed Mono/Stereo/Bridge - Select “Bridge” for bridged mono
14. High Power I High Current Switch - Use HIGH CURRENT for
Connect to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the batfery’s
positive post.
GND
-
Main ground connection.
the vehicle.
REM - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts
Speaker Output Connections - Left and right channels.
Input Level - independent Left and Right channel input level
controls.
Inputs - Right and left channel RCA (Differential Balanced ) inputs;
only right channel input is used in “Mono” mode.
value fuse.
S.1.P.s
-Crossover frequency settings for the amplifier.
See page 9 for more details.
amplifier operation.
operation (use right channel input). Select “Stereo” for coherent
stereo operation. Select “Mixed Mono’ for simultaneous stereo
bridged mono operation.
loads at or below 1 ohm stereo (2 ohms mono).
NOT SWITCH WHEN AMPLIFIER IS TURNED ON.
Bolt
to a clean chassis ground in
Heplace
only
with
the same
CAUTION: DO
+lZV.
I
/ :
.
0
SOTlOM
VJEW (PARUALJ
4
0
/
5
l
o0.e
REFERENCE POWER SUPPLY DESIGN
6
dB/OCTA
VE
l
e0.e
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ an extremely efficient unregulated
width modulated oower
are rated at 12
voltage available when the vehicle is running. The two major advantages of the
unregulated power supply are:
l awesome dynamic power capabilities
l added continuous power with higher voltages (see chart below)
Because of the dynamic properties of most music, all audiocomponents should
be able to react accordingly. Thanks to their unregulated power supplies, the
REFERENCE amplifiers can comfortably exceed their rated power for dynamic
portions of the music.
;olts
SUDDIV.
but
&e’designed
REFERENCE amolifiers from Soundstream
to take advantage of the additional
pulse-
PASSIVE AND ELECTRONIC CROSSOVERS
Your REFERENCE amplifier is unique in its ability to switch between Coherent
StereoTM ,
ampliiiers are capable of driving a complete subwoofer and satellite system in
the Mixed Mono conliguration. However,
output, and best sound quality, we recommend that you
crossover and multiple channels of amplilication.
If a single REFERENCE amplifier is to drive a
passive high and low pass crossovers will be necessary. Use the charts on
pages 7 and 8 to determine the values of the crossover components.
Bridged Mono, and Mixed Mono output mode. The REFERENCE
lor
lowest distortion, maximum
use
an electronic
subwoder
and satellite system,
PASSIVE CROSSOVER CHART
I
6
dB/octave hiah nass
KEY
L = high quality (DCR < 1 ohm) inductor/coil
C = non-polarized 50 v (or greater) capacitor
L
4.1 mH
3.1
mH
2.4
rnH
1.6 rnH
I,2 mH
0,s mH
0,5 mti
0.41 mH
0.31 mH
0,25
mH
D.16 mH
D.08 mH
2 ohms
c
+
L
8.2
mH
6.2
rnH
4.7
mH
3.3
rnH
2.4 mH
1.6 mH
1 .O
mH
0.82
mH
0.62
mH
0.51
mH
0.33
mH
0.16fIlH
4 ohms
C
500 uF
4W
300
2W
150
100
58
50
39pF
33 pF
22PF
1OPF
FF
PF
pF
pF
pF
pF
)rF
L
16 mH
12
mH
IomH
6.8
mH
4.7
mH
3.3
mH
2.0 mH
1.6 mH
1.2 mH
l.OmH
0.6.9 mH
0.33
mH
8 ohms
C
250
200
150
100)1F
75 PF
50 VF
33 VF
26 VF
20
16
10~F
5
WF
PF
)LF
)rF
,,F
PF
6
7
0.0..
l
.0..
12 dB/octave
KEY
Ll
Cl = non-polarized 50 v (or greater) capacitor
FREQ.
80
HZ
IOOHZ
130 Hz
2wHZ
260
HZ
400
Hz
6OO Hz.
600
Hz
,wo HZ
,200 Hz
,600
Hz
4OCQ
Hz
12 dB/OCTAVE
PASSIVE CROSSOVER CHART
hiah
pass
=
high quality (DCR < 1 ohm) inductor/coil
2 ohms
Ll
5.5
mH
4.7 mH
3.3
mH
2.2
mH
1.6 mH
1.1
mH
0.76
mti
0.5
mH
0.47 mH
0.33 mH
0.27
mH
0~10 mH
Cl
660 uF
560
pF
400 pF
3W pF
2W PF
150 pF
loOtIF
68 )IF
6QPF
44 pF
30
IF
15pF
Ll
It mH
9.1 mH
6~6 mH
4.7
3.6
2.2
I,5 mH
LOmH 33 ,,F
0.9
0.75
0.50
0.22
12 dB/octave
4 ohms
Cl
330 PF
270 pF
2W
mH
mH
mH
mH
rnH
mH
rnH
15OpF
1OQwF
66llF
pF
68 pF
47
pF
27
vF
22
PF
l6PF
Ll
22mH
16mH
15mH
9.1
mH
6.6
mH
4.7
mti
3.0
mH
2~0 mH
1.6
mtl
1.5
mH
t.OmH
,
3.47 mH
lowpass
8 ohms
Cl
16OkF
t5OpF
too ,,F
75
IF
50
NF
33
UF
26 pF
t5pF
13pF
1tpF
6,6 pF
33pF
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS
In
most
car audio installations, there is a tendency for a “midbass boom.”
Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will resonate or ring at these
midbass frequencies. If we design the system so there is less musical
information in this region, the fin?. response is
sounding.
The
The high and low pass portions of the
crossover can be set independent of
one another.
Below is a chart of S.I.P. values which
can be used for changing the factory
preset
FREQUENCY RESISTOR VALUE
53
Hz
73 Hz
89 Hz
107
Hz
145
Hz
1%
HZ
286 Hz
465 Hz
8M)
Hz
30 K
22Kn
18KR
15KR
11 Kcl
6.2Kn
5.6
3.3 K
2.0 K
n
KfI
LI
0
NOTE: The following formula may be used to determine values in creating
?ustom” resistor packs. The frequency is equal to
Chdiv;dual
1 S.I.P.,
drawing
resistor value, or 1.600.000 I R ohms = X
use 4 identically valued resistors of 2% or tighter tolerance.
of
fhe S.I.
P.
fir more
information.
very
smooth and natural
REFERENCE300sx
electronic crossover.
C~OSSOVB~
points for the
COLOR CODE
Green-Green
Green-White
Vblet.Green
Violet-White
1,600,OOO
To make a custom
HI.
incorporates
divided by the
See
Ihe
SETTING THE
HIGH PO
The High Power/High Current switch allows the REFERENCE amplifier to be
one of two types of amps: either producing maximum power at higher
impedances (perfect for satellites)
subwoofers). The circuit operates by selecting a sat of power supply voltage
rails best suited to your particular application.
optimized for high impedance applications while the other is lower voltage
designed to provide more current. Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s
REFERENCE ampllfiers can be configured to
make maximum power!
Hlgh Power
Wan6
Hlgh Current
Watts
WERlHiGH
REFERENCE300sx
50x2 100x2
(100x1) (200x1) (300 x 1)
25x2
(50x1) (100x1) (150x1)
CURRENTS
or
at lower impedances (usually with mukiple
One is a higher voltage “tap”
drivevirtually
50x2 100x2
any impedance and
150x2
WlTCH
n/a
150x2
(3OOXi)
COHERENTSTEREOTM/
MIXED-MONO /BRIDGED MONO
The REFERENCE amplifiers have the ability to operate in any one of the
following modes:
I
Coherent
maximum fidelity. Best choice for satellite speakers. Use this mode unless
Mixed-Mono is necessary.
Mixed-Mono in order to drive stereo and
for center channels. It can be used anytime you
J
channel. Somewhat sacrifices sonic accuracy as additional circuitry is
introduced to one channel. In
diagmm
Bridged MOnO for dedicated single channel operation; ideal far driving
subwoofers. It is also used when large amounts of power are necessary for
single speakers. In
StereorM
below or on the bottom of the
bridged
with identical
hiked-Mono.
mcno, only
COHERENT
,L.
the
lalt
and right stereo channels for
mono
simultaneously: works well
need
a summed mono
the
left
channel Is
emplK?r.
r/ght
channel Input Is
WERE0
.I.
Inveried,
BRIDQED
.I..
actlve.
MONO
-I.
see
OTHER COMMENTS:
If
you blow fuses with the REFERENCE amplifiers, switch to the High Currant
mode. If the problem persists. it is likafy that the amplifier is seeing a dead
short, either in the speaker wire or in the speaker itself. RecWy the
before
blowing muId&%? fuses!
10
problem
!,
In
bridged mono, on/y the right channel input is active.
NOTE:
REFERENCE amp in Mono but have stereo
outputs fmm your cmssover or source
you can put the
follow lhs normal wiring for Bridged Mono.
lfyou intend
swifch
to drive a
unit.
in Mixed-Mono buf
11
l
oaoo
WIRING
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your REFERENCE amplifier, use high quality,
low-loss power and ground cables. The REFERENCE amplifiers will accept up
to 4 gauge or 8 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart
below the minimum gauge power and ground wire
CIRCUIT
BREAKERS/FUSES
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the REFERENCE amplifiers must be fused near the
battery A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within
will prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below
determine the
correct
fuse value.
INTERNAL
The REFERENCE amplifiers are fused with automotive-type fuses.
of blown power supply fuses, the “Fault” indicator an the top panel will light.
The fuses are accessible via a plastic plug on the bottom of the amplifier. See
the chart below to determine the fuse value. Never replace the luaes with a
higher value than what Is
and
will void
the
warranty!
aupplled.
This may resufl In
for
your
application.
up
fO20’
18”
of the battery This
In the event
ampliller
damage
to
REMOTE
Connect
is received, the amplifier will turn on.
NRN-ON
the “Remote” to the turn-on lead
lrom
the source unit When
+12 ~011s
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a
high-quality cable that
to guarantee optimum
SPEAKER
The REFERENCE amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a
high quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best
Soundstream Speaker120 & 160 (12 and 16 gauge) are ideal.
CABLE
will
be easy to install and
periormance.
WIRING
has
minimal signal loss
Soundstream’s DL.l and
perlormance
DIAGRAM
SL.1
are ideal.
and longevity.
REFERENCE Amplifier Fuse
Ampllfler
REFERENCE3GUsx
Amplifier
30 amp automotive
Fuse
12
Values
Battery
50
Fuse
amp
13
l
I
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
I
LEVEL SETTING
1. AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ highly efficient circuitry and a unique
Chassisinkn” design to maintain lower operating temperatures. Additional
cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly confined area
or when driving especially low impedance loads at extremely high levels.
When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a
panel in the vehicle or an amp board or
vehicle. The mounting location should be either in the passenger
compartment or in the trunk 01 the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or
moving objects. and major electrical components. To provide adequate
ventilation, mount the amplifier so that there are at least two inches of freely
circulating air above and to the sides of it.
rackthat
is securely mounted to the
2. SIMTCHES
Set High Power/High Current and Coherent
Mono switches to the appropriate positions (see page 11).
Stereo”/Mixed-Mono/Bridged
3. MOUNTING THE AMPLiFlER
a. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the mounting surface.
b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes.
c. Mount the amplifier to the surface using the provided hardware.
4.
WIRING
a. Run
amplifier from the source unit
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit
breaker within 19” of the battery.
c.
Connect the fuse or circuit breaker to the battery. Leave the circuit
breaker off or the fuse out until
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle.
be necessaty to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e.
Double check each and every connection!
f. Reconnect the fuse or circuit breaker.
5.
POWW?
Power up the system and look at the green and red
configuration, one should be lit. There may be a 2 3
time the the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on the amp
turns on. which is normal. Once the amplifier power LED is on and the
source unit is playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.
and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the
evelything
is bolted down.
UP
LEDs;
depending on the
seconddelayfrom
It may
the
The input levels are adjusted by means of the input level controls located on the
front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both level
and gain. This topology maintains better Signal to Noise ratios even when
using sources with minimal output. In the ideal situation, all components in the
audio system reach maximum undistotted output al the same time. The reason
is because an amplifier will only make what comes inlo it bigger. So. if you
send it a distorted signal from the head unit, the amplifier is going to amplify
distorted information. The same thing holds true if an outboard processor or
crossover begins to distort before you have maximum output from the amplifier.
By setting all components to reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize
the output of your system.
?
procedure for the quickest, easiest means of setting the levels.
1.
Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-clockwise).
2. Set source unit volume to approximately 34 of full volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
For the REFERENCE amplifiers, follow the below
CAUTION!
Prolonged listening af high lavels may
new Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier sounds better than
ever heard, exercise caulion ropravenr hearing damage.
resolf
in hearing loss.
Even
anyrhing
lhough your
you’ve
*
PROTECTION ClRCUlTRY
lour
REFERENCE amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of the following circuits:
l Main power supply luses
*
Circuit breakers
l Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback activating at 85°C.
l A fail-safe thermal protection circuit activating at 95°C.
Your amplifier also incorporates an innovative Fault Diagnosis system that
identifies a blown power supply fuse.
NOTE: If you experience blown main power supply fuses. Do NOT increase
values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so
may damage your
amplifier.
wi//
void your warranty and
NOTE:
to
the
There may be a sizable spark when connecting Ihe
amplifier for
Ihe first
lime. This is caused by currenl rushing info the amplifier
14
power
and
ground lead
15
l
oooa
AIRBASS TM
Soundstream’s new
REFERENCE300sx
level adjustment of the amplifier, while the low pass filler on the amplifier’s
internal crossover is engaged.
amplifier. This feature allows wireless RF remote control
ACCESSORY
A/FiBASSY
feature can be added to the
OPT/ON
SPEClFlCATlONS
l
eoo*
NOTE: The
REFERENCE3OOsx
accessory is added to a
configures
Mono/Bridged Mono switch is bypassed.) Therefore, when
follow the Eridaed Mono
Installing
adding the
labeled on the amplifier’s main circuit board. DO NOT set the
switch to the ‘IN’
NOT move the
damage your speakers.
manual for more details.)
AKBASS”
the
ampIffier
AlRBASS
A/FiBASSY
postiion
A/WASSTM
accessory is intended lo be used only
amplifier is driving subwoofers. When the
REFERENCE300sx
into
Bridged Mono
inout
and
outout wirino
TY
involves removing the bottom plate of the amplifier,
circuit board, and flipping a switch. The switch is
unlessthe
switch while the amplifier is ‘ON’. Doing so
(Please refer to the
mode.
AIRSASSY
ampkfier, it
(The Coherent
usingAIRSASSTY,
instructions. 17.)
module has been added. DO
A/fiBASSTY
owner’s / installation
wh#e
AIRBASS’
automatica&
Stereo/ Mixec
AfRBASS’”
the
may
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
No sound and
No sound and
A/,¶ASSY
Fault LED is lit. Amp has power, but l amp power supply fuse is blown or
the Power LED is not lit
LEDs
are not lit
LEDs
are lit, and
is not installed
I
l no power or ground at amp
l no remote
l blown fuse near battery
.
AI6BASS””
missing
CAUSE
iurn-on
signal
switch is engaged
High Power
watts
High Current
watts
THD
Signal to Noise
Frequency Response
Stereo Separation
Damping
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
50x2
(100X1)
25 x2 50X2
(50 x 1)
100x2
(200x 1)
(100x 1)
<cl.1
>I00 dB
20Hzto20kHz+0.5dB
>90 dB
>200
2OOmV-5.0V
12K
%
ohms
Crossover Specifications
High Pass: 12 dB/octave, factory
Low Pass: 12 dB/octave, factory set at 75 Hz
Dimensions (W x D x
REFERENCE300sx:
8.625” x 9.8” x 2.25”
H)
set
at 150 Hz
150x2
(300 x 1)
100x2
(150X1) (300x 1)
n/a
150x2
Repeatedly blown amp fuse,
activation of Smart Power
Circuit
trequent
Suppty
. check speaker configuration, amp
may
be in “High Power” mode, put
amp into “High Current” mode if
speaker load is less than 2 ohms
(see
p.10,
“Setting High Power/High
current
l speaker or leads
. verify adequate
16
Switch”)
may
be shorted
amplitier
ventilation
SERVICE
Your Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier is protected by a limited warranty.
Please read the enclosed warranty card.
17
_
_
_
-
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