REFERENCE
414s
644s
4/3/2
Channel
Power Amplifiers
OWNER’S MANUAL
AND
INSTALLATION GUIDE
SOUNDSTREAM
_
TECHNOLOGIES
l
om*o
CONGRA
YOU now own
uncompromising design and engineering philosophy. Your Soundstream
REFERENCE amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.
To maximize the performance 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 of American craftsmanship and the
highest quality control standards, and when properly installed, will
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
Model and Serial
Dealer’s Name
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
TULA TIONS!
a REFERENCE Amplifier, the product of an
will help protect your investment.
#
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Design Features ....................................................
Reference41 4s Diagram........................................
Reference644s
High Power/Auto High
Selecting Input Modes..
Balanced / Unbalanced Input
Wiring & Wiring
Installation and Mounting
Level Setting (Reference414s)
Level Setting (Reference644s)
Diagram..
Diagram ................................................ 13 -14
......................................
CurrentTM
.........................................................
.......................................................
Power Supply Design.
(Reference644s) .....................
..............................................
..............................................
4 - 5
6 - 7
8 - 9
..... 10
11
12
15
16
17
Installation Date
Crossover Adjustments .........................................................
A/RBASSTM
Sample Systems
Troubleshooting
Service ..................................................................................
Protection Circuitry.
Specifications ................................................................
2
...........................................................................
............................................................
..................................................................... 26
...............................................................
3
20 - 25
26
27
.......
27
18
19
DESIGN FEATURES
l 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.
l Auto High
automatically
CurrentTM -
Soundstream’s exclusive circuit which
customizes your amplifier to its particular
application-High Current, low impedance loads (multiple subwoofers.
less than 2 ohms mono) or High Power, higher impedance loads (2
ohms mono and up).
l Coherent StereoTMIMixed Mono selection for either “pure” stereo
operation or mixed mono for simultaneous stereo and mono.
l
ChassisinkTM
Darlington Power Array Soundstream’s “overbuilding”
of the output section incorporates multiple output transistors instead of
a few for faster, stronger power delivery. The transistors are
sandwiched between the circuit board and the heatsink in a design
called
ChassisinkTM
l
PowerGridTM
to ensure cool, efficient amplifier operation.
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 it, guaranteeing minimal noise.
. Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank Multiple small input power
capacitors are used to provide lower ESR (Equivalent Series
Resistance), which means more power in and out
9
Smart Thermal
RollbackTM -
Most amplifiers shut off when they get
too hot. In the unlikely event the REFERENCE amplifier reaches 85”
C, it will gradually roll back its average power (without affecting the
dynamics). Once the amplifier has cooled off, it returns to full power
output. If overheating should continue, a second thermal sensing
protection circuit will shut off the amplifier if the heatsink reaches 95” C.
fasfer.
mil-spec
glass
.
l/2
ohm Drive Ability -
amplifier is designed to drive virtually any load-all the way down to
(Reference644s
only) The REFERENCE6445
l/2
ohm stereo (1 ohm mono).
-1
ohm Drive Ability -
(Reference414s
only) The
REFERENCE414s
amplifier is designed to drive virtually any load--all the way down to 1
ohm stereo
. Dual Discrete Class A Drive Stages
(Zohm
mono).
-Over
12 times the drive current
of most amplifiers, which maintains performance into low impedance
loads.
TM
. Drive Delay
Muted Turn-on/off Circuit - A unique circuit which
completely eliminates any amplifier-related turn-on/off noises.
. Flexible Dual Input Level Sensitivity
(Reference644s
only) accepts
2 voltage ranges; from 200 mV to 2.0 V and from 500 mV to 5.0 V.
permitbng
unit. The
mV
maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source
Reference414s
has a single input range, varying from 200
to 5.0 V.
. Differential Balanced Input Design for added immunity to noise
caused by component and vehicle electrical system interaction when
using unbalanced RCA inputs.
. True Balanced Input (Reference644s only) for professional-quality
performance and noise cancellation. The
and
(-)
signal information for left and right channels, audio ground, and
f15
Vdc to operate the Soundstream
BLT”
6-pin
DIN plug carries
or
BLT4TM
Balanced Line
(+)
Transmitters.
.
A/RBASSTM
Upgradable - This feature allows RF remote control level
adjustment while the low pass filter on the amplifier’s internal crossover
is being used.
l Fault Monitor LED on the top panel notifies you of blown power supply
fuses.
4
l
l
l
o0.a
4
INSTALLATION STEP 1
1.
AUTO HIGH
The REFERENCE amplifier employs an extremely efficient Auto High
power supply (patent pending). This power supply circuitry automatically
customizes your amplifier for optimum efficiency and power output into virtually
any impedance load. When other brand amplifiers are driven at low impedances
(i.e., 1 ohm or
current limiting). or waste huge amounts of power (i.e., low efficiency). All of
which reduce the “real world” power the amplifier can produce in the car.
Soundstream’s Auto
amplifiers to be one of two types of amps: either producing maximum power at
higher impedances (perfect for satellites) or at lower impedances (usually with
multiple subwoofers). This is done by letting the amplifier’s power supply
continuously monitor the impedance of the load the amplifier is driving. If the
impedance drops too low, the power supply will automatically switch into
Current mode. It will stay in this mode until the amplifier is turned off. The next
time it is powered up, it will be in the High Power mode.
Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s REFERENCE amplifiers can be
configured to drive virtually any impedance and make maximum power! The
major advantages of this power supply are:
l awesome dynamic power capabilities
l added continuous power with higher voltages
l increased amplifier efficiency and reliability
Because of the dynamic properties of most music; all audio components should
be able to react accordingly. Thanks to their unique power supplies, the
REFERENCE amplifiers can comfortably exceed their rated power for dynamic
portions of the music.
less).
CURRENTTM
they shut down, squash dynamics and power output (called
H;gh CurrentT”
power supply allows the REFERENCE
POWER SUPPLY
CorrwP
High
COHERENT
MIXED-MONO /
The REFERENCE amplifier has the ability to operate in any one of the following
modes:
Coherent
maximum fidelity. Best choice for satellite speakers. Use this mode unless
Mixed-Mono is necessary.
Mixed-Mono in order to drive stereo and mono simultaneously; works well
for center channels. It can be used anytime you need a summed mono channel.
Somewhat sacrifices sonic accuracy as additional circuitry is introduced lo one
channel. In Mixed-Mono, the left channel is inverted, see diagram below or
on the bottom of the amplifier.
Bridged
subwoofers. It is also used when large amounts of power are necessary for
single speakers.
SiereOrM
MOllO
In bridged mono,
with identical left and right stereo channels for
for dedicated single channel operation; ideal for driving
COHERENT STEREO
STEREOTM /
BRlDGED
on/v
the
right
QP
n
+L.
_R.
MONO
channel
inwt
is active.
BRIDGED MONO
*L-
-R+
IO
In budged mono, only the right channel input is active.
1~
foci
NOTE: If you intend to
mono
but have stereo outputs
source unit, you can pot the switch in Mixed-Mono but
follow
the normal wiring for Bridged Mono.
dfive
a REFERENCE amp in
from
your crossover or
11
l
l INSTALLATION STEP 2
b
4 INSTALLATION STEP 3
a
BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT
The REFERENCE6445 amplifier has the ability to accept either standard
Unbalanced RCA signal inputs, or Balanced “Pro Audio” inputs with the use of
the Soundstream
balanced line audio source. Before installing your system, you should decide
upon which signal type you wish to run. There are advantages to both:
ADVANTAGES 1. Most preamplifier/ source
The REFERENCE644s amplifier’s signal input?. accept two ranges of input
signal levels: 0.2 2.0 Vrms, or 0.5 - 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and
Unbalanced inputs. The input range switch position and level settings are
dependent upon the preamplifier I source unit output signal level. For the best
system Signal-to-Noise Ratio, we recommend that the input level controls be set
as far down as possible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an
acceptable level of output.
When using the Unbalanced RCA input. the RIGHT channel (channel 2) input
signal switch MUST be in the
amplifier using this input configuration. we suggest that the remaining input
signal switches be in the “UNBAL’ position as well. If
alternator whine or other installation noise with both switches in the
,I
UNBAL”
tie BAIm This should remove any system noise due to installation.
When using the Balanced 6.pin DIN input, both switches MUST be in the
position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, the
“INPUT LEVEL” switch be in the “0.5
amplifiers be set to “minimum” (rotated counter-clockwise). The system gains
should then be adjusted on the
or other balanced line audio source.
diagram below:
7
NOTE: The pin
configuration shown
in the diagram is the
view looking into the + L&
balanced input jack
on the amplifier.
II II
position.
BLTTH
or BLT4N Balanced Line Transmitters or some other
BALANCED INPUT
1.
Improved Signal-to-Noise
Ratio.
(S/N
Ratio)
2. Excellent noise cancellation
characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in
the car audio environment.
Usino
the
try
“Unbalanced”
“UNBAL”
movioa
Usino
channels 1. 3 8 4
the “Balanced” RCA input
- 5\$’
BLTT*
or
For the pin configuration. see the
Sjsna,
RCA
inout
position. Also, when first installing the
YOU exuerience
inout sianat
position, and the gains on the
BLT4”
Balanced Line Transmitter,
RAI
ANCFn
- .- .,.-__
switches
“BAY
WIRING
POWER
To ensure maximum output from your REFERENCE amplifiers, use high quality,
low-loss power and ground cables. The REFERENCE amplifiers will accept up
to 4 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart below the
minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.
The
Soundstream REFERENCE amplifiers have
capacitance.
jower capacitors act as an internal “stiffening capacitor. Because of the large
amount
he power and ground lead to the amplifier for the first time. In order to charge
he capacitor bank without a spark, we suggest you do the following:
1.
2.
3. We have supplied a 150 ohm, 2 watt resistor with the amplifier. One leg of
t0
4.
5.
\
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 18” of the battery. This
will prevent a fire in the event of a shaded cable. See the chart on the next page
to determine the correct fuse value.
AND
GROUND
up to
I
IO’
I
up
to
20
Read this, or sparks will f/y!
t$&nsive
called the Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank. Multiple small input
of internal capacitance, there may be a sizable spark when connecting
Connect
Connect one end of the ground cable to the chassis of the vehicle.
the resistor has been connected to the ground terminal of the amplifier.
To charge the capacitor bank, touch the loose end of the ground cable to the
open leg of the resistor for at least 45 seconds.
Remove the resistor, and connect the ground wire.
Ihe +12
volt cable to the amplifier and to the battery.
13
internal power supply
/
(Continued on page 14)
(Continued From page
INTERNAL
The REFERENCE amplifiers are fused with automotive-type fuses. In the event
of blown
fuses are accessible via a plastic plug on the bottom of the amplifier.
chart below to determine the fuse value. Never replace the fuses with a
higher value than what is supplied.
and
powersupplyfuses,
will
void
fbe warranfy~
13)
the
“FaulY’indicator
on the top panel will light. The
See the
This may result in amplifier damage
Amplifier Fuse Values
Amplifier
REFERENCE414s
Amplifier Fuse
(2) 25 amp automotive
Battery
Circuit Breaker
Fuse
60 amp
/
4
INSTALLATION STEP 4
I
I.
I
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
1. AMPLIFIER LOCA
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ highly
Chassisink’” design to maintain lower operating temperatures. Additional
cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly
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 rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The
mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment
of 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.
T/ON
efficient
circuitry
donfined
and
a unique
area or
or
in the trunk
REFERENCE&l&
(2) 30 amp automotive 80 amp
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When
is received, the amplifier will turn on.
+I2
volts
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a high-quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss
to guarantee optimum performance. Soundstream’s
when using the Unbalanced RCA inputs. (While using the Balanced DIN input
on the
Reference644s,
use the cable supplied with the
DL.1
and
BLTTY
SL,l
or
BLT4TY).
are ideal
SPEAKER CABLE
The REFERENCE amps will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a high
quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
Soundstream Speaker120 & 160 (12 and 16 gauge) are ideal.
WIRING DIAGRAM
2.
SWITCHES
Set the Coherent
on the bottom of the amplifier to the appropriate positions before bolting down
the amplifier (see pages 20 - 25). Be sure to replace the hole plugs.
7
“.
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
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.
StereoTM/Mixed-Mono/Bridged
Mono and crossover switches
4. WIRING
a.
Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the amplifier
from the source unit.
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse
within 18” of the battery
c. Connect the fuse or circuit breaker to the battery
off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be
necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e. Double check each and
g.
Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.
about connecting power and
every
connection!
spark when connecting the
Please see the comment on page 11 forinformabon
gmond
wires to
your
amplifier.
Leave the circuit breaker
or
circuit breaker
14
5. POWER UP
Power up the system and look at the red High Power LED: there may be a 2 -3
second delay from the time the the source unit is turned on to the time that the
LED on the amp turns on, which is normal.
and the
source
unit is playing. you should have sound coming from the speakers.
Once the amplifier power LED is on
15
.(
INSTALLATION STEP 5
L
LEVEL SETTING
The input levels are adjusted by means of the individual channel 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
undistorted output at the same time. The reason is because an amplifier will
only make what comes into 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.
For the REFERENCE amplifiers, follow the steps below for the quickest, easiest
means of setting the levels.
Level Setting the Reference414s
1.
Turn
the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-clockwise).
2. Set source unit volume to approximately
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
4. Continue to adjust the gains independently in order to adjust the desired
balance between satellite speakers and subwoofers.
3/4
of full volume.
\,,._
Level Setting the Reference644s
1.
Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-dockwise).
If any channel is in low pass mode, set the subwoofer level pot to the 0
position (12 o’clock).
2.
Begin with the input level switches in the 0.5 5.0 Volt position.
Set source unit volume to approximately
3.
4.
While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input levels until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
5.
If you can’t get enough gain out of the amplifier, set the input level switch
to the 0.2 2.0 Volt position, and repeat steps 3 and 4.
6.
If any channel is in low
level control pot to achieve a good balance between satellites and
subwoofers.
If your preamplifier / source unit has an extremely high output level, be sure to
pay attention to the clipping indicators located on the top of the amplifier. These
indicators will notify you if you are clipping the
amplifier. If the amplifier’s output is distorted and the clipping lights are
blinking, you are most likely clipping the OUTPUTS of the amplifier, or driving
the speaker to distortion.
pas
mode, you may have to adjust the subwoofer
3/4
of full volume.
PREAMPLlFlER
stage of the
dB
not
NOTE: Even though the
with
low output sources is better
with
REFERENCE414s
the
S/N
ratio
amplifier than others, your best
combination of output level and
Signal-to-Noise
ratio
will be
achieved when the input levels
are
set between 1.0 V and 5.0 V.
16
There is an additional control for subwoofer level adjustment on the
Reference644s.
adjustment for the subwoofer signal in relation to the high pass signal. This
control adjusts the level of any channels or RCA signal outputs in low pass
mode.
The purpose of this control is to provide additional range of
17
/
INSTALLATION STEP 6
l
k
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS
The
REFERENCE644s
board staggered electronic crossover. They also have RCA outputs to drive an
external amplifier. No external electronic crossover is necessary. The high and
low pass portions of the crossover can be set independently of one another.
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 final response is very smooth and natural
sounding. The high pass filter is variable from 60 to 240 Hz at 12
while the low pass filter is variable from 30 to 120 Hz at 24
For initial crossover setup, try setting the low pass filter to approximately 60 Hz,
and the high pass filter(s) to approximately 100 Hz. Change the
points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, power handling.
and personal preference.
and REFERENCE414s amplifiers incorporate an
dB/octave,
dB/octave.
cro~swer
on-
AIRBASSTM
Soundstream’s
& REFERENCE414s
level adjustment of the amplifier, while the low pass filter on the amplifier’s
internal crossover is engaged.
RCA signal outputs.)
111
~
NOTE: The
the REFERENCE amplifiers are
AIRBASSTH
REFERENCE644q it controls the level of any channel receiving
informabon from the low pass filter in the amplifier. The Coherent
StereoTM /
nomlal.
Installing AiRBASSTMinvolves removing the bottom plate of the amplifier.
adding the
labeled on the amplifier’s main circuit board. DO NOT set the
switch to the “IN” position unless the
NOT move the
may damage your speakers. (Please refer to the
installation manual for more details.)
newA/RBASSTY
amplifiers. This feature allows wireless RF remote conlrol
A/RBASSTM
accessory is added to a
Mixed Mono / Bridged Mono switches
AIRBASSTM
A/RBASSTM
ACCESSORY
feature can be added to the REFERENCE6445
(AIRBASSTM does not control the level of the
accessory ;s intended to be used only while
diving
a
circuit board, and flipping a switch. The switch is
AIRBASSTM
switch while the amplifier is “ON”. Doing so
OPT/ON
subwoofer(
REFERENCE414.s
module has been added. DO
When the
still
function as
AIRBASS”*
and
AIRBASSTM
owner’s
I
18
full
range
is detived from ~
When the RCA
summed from Channels I,
the
REFERENCE644s
sianal outout is
2;
also
~
j
!
19
0
a
a
l
0
0
0
0
l
0
-_._A
--in
-
z
I
.E
>
a
a
a
a
0
r
l
oaao
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
No sound and power LED &
noJ
lit
No sound, power LED Is lit, and
the
AIRBASSTM
been added.
Fault LED is lit
Repeatedly blown amp fuse,
frequent activation of Smart
Power Supply Circuit
Channels
expenencing intermittent output
(Reference414s only)
Unable to adjust the subwoofer
&
midrange level separately.
(Reference414s only)
No output from channels 3 & 4 l Select “lntemal from ch’s 1 & 2” on ch 3 & 4
with 1 pair of RCA inputs input on the bottom of the amplifier. (see
(Reference414s only)
Not enough input sensitivity
while using the Balanced input
(Reference644s only)
Left and Right Input Overload
indicators lighting
(Reference644s only)
Alternator whine while using
Unbalanced RCA inputs
(Reference644s only)
option has not
1,2,3
or 4
1
No power or ground at amp
1
No remote turn-on signal
1
Blown fuse near battery
1
No signal input
)
The
A/RBASSTM
position, Move it to the “OUT” position
I
Amp power supply fuse is blown or missing
b
Speaker or leads may be shorted
)
Verify adequate amplifier ventilation
b
activation of the internal circuit breakers.
b
check to make sure channels l-4 are driving
a
112
ohm per channel load or greater
a
speaker or leads may be shorted
l Make sure that the subwoofers are wired to
channels 1 & 2
pages 14 - 17)
l Be sure both Left and Right Input Signal
Switches are set to the “BAL” position
l Input signal level is too high
gains, or select the
range
l Make sure the channel 2 Input Signal
Switch is in the
l Try the Input Signal Switch for channels
&
4 in the
switches in the quietest position. This will
not affect the performance of the amplifier.
CAUSE
switch is in the “IN”
0.55V
“UNBAL”
“BAL”
position; leave the
-
readjust input
input signal level
position.
.a...
SERVICE
Your Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier is protected by a limited warranty
Please read the enclosed warranty card.
26
.
..a*
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Your REFERENCE amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of the following circuits:
l Main power supply fuses
l Auto High
l Circuit Breaker on each channel (Reference414s only)
l Smart Power Supply Thermal
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.
[hOTE:
i
amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or in the speaker
itself Rectify the problem before blowing mu/tip/e fuses! DO NOT increase
values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so will void your warranty and may
damage your amplifier.
CurrentTM
_____
If
you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is likely that the
power supply
RollbackTM
activating at 85°C
i
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER
(Watts)
Reference41 4s
Reference644s
THD
Signal-to-Noise
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20
Stereo Separation
Damping
1,
3
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
Crossover Output 340 mV output
Crossover Specifications
Low Pass: 30 - 120 Hz at 24 dB/octave
High Pass: 60 - 240 Hz at 12 dBloctave
Dimensions
4 Q Stereo 2 R Stereo
(8 R Bridged) (4 R Bridged) (2 R Bridged) (1 R Bridged)
at 12 VDC
50 x 4
(100 x 2)
75 x 4
(150 x 2) (300 x 2)
(Ref414s): 200mV - 5.OV (Ref414s)
(Ref644s):
(Ref414s):
(Ref644s):
75 x 4
(150 x 2)
150x4
co.
1%
~100 dB
a90 dB
>200
200mV -
1 OK ohms
15.25” W x 2.25” H x
16.5” W x 2.25” H x
2.OV,
1 R Stereo
100x4
(200 x 2)
160x4 160x4
(320 x 2)
kHz *
0.5
dB
or 500mV to
w/ZOO mV
input
9.8”D
9.8”D
1
I2 R
Stereo
NA
(320 x 2)
5.OV (Ref644s)
(+4.5 dB)
27
l
l
l
l
l
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