Soundstream Technologies 702, 1002, 502 User Manual

SOUNDSTRE/4lVI@
T
E C H N 0 L
RUBICON
502
0 G I
E S
SOUNDSTREAM@
T
E C H lV 0 L 0 G I E
SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES
120
Blue
Ravine Road . Folsom
ph 916.351.1288 . fax
rev 8 - 30 O/98
-
916.351.0414
California 95630
USA
S
702
1002
Power Amplifiers
Owner’s Manual
and
Installation Guide
Conaratulations!
You
now own the Soundstream RUBICON amplifier, the product of compromising design and engineering philosophy. Your Soundstream
RUBICON 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 capabilites and features. Please retain
manual and your sales receipt
for future reference.
an
un-
this

Table of Contents

Design Features
Rubicon
Amplifier Diagram
Crossover Adjustments
.............................................................
............................................
..................................................
p4-5
~6-7
p8-9
Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American
innovation and the high­est quality control standards. When properly installed, they 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 will help protect your investment.
Model and Serial #
Dealer’s Name
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop Installation Date
Hawkins Bass
Installation: Speaker Output Modes
Installation: Balanced / Unbalanced Inputs
Installation: Wiring and Diagram
Installation: Mounting
ControlTM
.....................................................
Theory and Use
...............................
....................................
...................... p 10 - 11
....................
Installation: Level Setting and Front Spoiler.
Protection Circuitry and Troubleshooting
Service
Specifications
...........................................................................
.................................................................
.......................
PI2
p 13
pl4-15
Pl6
.................. p 17
p 18
PI9
PI9
2
3
RUBITM(_Rapid-Be _Branched -Impulse)
This new proprietary power sup­ply topology eliminates “power sags” during low frequency reproduction by rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the power supply and allowing it to deliver the power required when reproducing low frequen­cies. Also, greater reserve gate power is stored for low voltage condi­tions that occur during extreme conditions.
Output Clipping Indicators indicate clipping on the output stage of the amplifier. Monitoring the clipping indicators allows the user to achieve maximum Sound Pressure Level without clipping the amplifier.
Dynamically Optimized Power Grid
TM.Power grid is evenly distrib-
uted between primary and secondary power supplies, providing greater dynamics and improved RF filtering.
STACTTM (STabilized
Apex
orrent _Topology)
Reduces power supply stress by 50%. Typical designs degrade the stereo image due to phase reversal of even-order harmonic distortion that occurs between the in­verted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is done at the power amplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical power amplifier pro­duces no even-harmonic distortion itself and all preamplifier circuitry is run completely in-phase, no even harmonic distortion phase reversal occurs.
4
TridentTM
Protection Topology
provides three types of protection:
1. Output protection against short circuits or improper loads.
2. Ground fault detection: Shuts down the amplifier when a significant voltage (> Welts) fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on lead) and battery ground.
3. Thermal Protection: Puts the amplifier into thermal rollback or shuts the amplifier down in extreme thermal conditions.
Hawkins Bass Control - Fully adjustable subwoofer equalizaton circuit
providing frequency and boost (“Q”) adjustment for optimum subwoofer
performance. A frequency tracking subsonic filter protects woofers from potentially
harmfull
low frequency information and maximizes output in
a usable range.
TM
Harmonic Bass Alignment
The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic peaks are critically aligned to fundamental peaks at low frequencies. This produces tighter, more accurate bass reproduction.
Auto High
CurrentTM
automatically matches the amplifier to the load being driven allowing greater system flexibility, greater output, higher reliability, and high efficiency 1 ohm (stereo) operation.
ChassisinkTM
tween the circuit board and the heatsink to provide coo
All transistors are ideally located and sandwiched be-
efficient ampli-
fiea operation.
id
Differentially Balanced RCA Input eliminates grou
loop related
noise in the audio.
Fully Balanced 6-pin DIN Input
for professional-quality performance and noise cancellation. The 6-pin DIN plug carries (*) signal informa­tion for Left and Right channels, audio ground, and the Soundstream
BLT / BLT4
Balanced Line Transmitters.
Continuously Variable Crossover Networks:
*
15
Vdc to operate
12 dB/Octave highpass variable from 70 to 160 Hz, and 24 dB/Octave lowpass crossovers vari­able from 55 to 220 Hz.
Flexible Dual Input Level Control allows 300 mV to 5 V input sen- sitivity Separate Left and Right level controls allow user to optimize system level control.
Symmetrical Discrete Balanced Class A Drive Boards
Auto-adjust
for linear performance while driving low impedance loads.
TM
Drive Delay II
Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after the
power supply eliminating turn-oncand off pops. The turn off process is
reversed: Amplifier section turns off first, followed by the power
supply.
4
Removable Front Spoiler allows for stealth installation of RCA, Bal­anced Line, Speaker and Power wiring.
5
KEY TO
CALLOUTS
8
-16
-17
-18
Power LED
1.
Current.
2.
Clip Indicators
stage of the amplifier is clipping.
3.
Subsonic, Hawkins Bass Control, H.P. Xover Switch
filter frequency range. with no boost. Use the knob indicated by callout
13-30Hz).
with available boost. Use the knob indicated by
frequency: 30 Hz to 70 Hz. Select high pass filter for running satellite speakers. Use the knob indicated by
callout
4.
Low Pass XOVER Switch
Use the knob indicated by callout
Do not have the time.
MONO/SUM/ST Switch
5.
input signal (right channel only). ming two input signal (left and right).
Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector
6.
to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the RCA signal inputs.
7.
Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - Select “BALANCED”
to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the
RCA signal inputs.
RCA Inputs - Right and Left channel RCA (Unbalanced) inputs.
8.
Balanced Signal Input Connector
9. with the Soundstream
10.
Input Levels
Il.
Hawkins Bass Control “Boost” Adjustment
boost when the Hawkins Bass Control circuit is engaged.
12.
High Pass Filter Control Adjustment
High Pass filter, the Hawkins Bass Control filter, or the Sub Sonic filter.
Low Pass Filter Control Adjustment
13.
Low Pass filter.
14.
Line Outputs
The outputs are full-range.)
Speaker Connection Terminal
15.
REMOTE
16.
17.
GND
-
18.
+12V
-
Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive
terminal
FUSE - Main power supply fuse. Warning: Replace only with the same
19.
value fuse!
-
Indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto High
-
Indicates the signal output level is too high and the output
-
Selectable high pass
Select “SUB SONIC” to engage the Sub Sonic filter
#I2
to set the frequency:
Select “Hawkins Bass Control” to engage the Sub Sonic filter
callout #I2
“H.P.
XOVER” to engage the amplifier’s
#I2
to set the frequency: 70-I 60 Hz.)
-
Selectable low pass filter for driving subwoofers.
#I3
to set the low pass frequency.
*‘L.P
XOVER” and the
“MONO”
-
“HR
XOVER” engaged at the same
for bridged mono operation with a single
‘SUM” for bridged mono operation sum-
“ST’ for normal stereo operation,
-
Select “BALANCED”
-
6-Pin Balanced input connector for use
BLT/BLT4
-
Independent Left and Right input level controls.
-
Line level RCA outputs to drive an external amplifier (Note:
-
Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts
Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.
Balanced Line Trasmitter.
-
Varies from 0 to +9 dB of
-
Frequency adjustment control for the
-
Frequency adjustment control for the
-
Speaker connections for Ch’s 1 & 2.
+12V.
to set the
Note:
Front View
6
7
The
RUBICON
amplifiers incorporate an on-board staggered
elec­tronic crossover, with 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.
To engage the High Pass filter, set the left top of the amplifier to
“H.P.
X-OVER”, and use the frequency adjust-
crossover
switch on the
ment knob marked “H.P. X-OVER”. To engage the Low Pass filter,
set the left crossover switch to either “SUB SONIC” or “HAWKINS
BASS CONTROL” (see pages 1 O-1 1 for more details), and set the right crossover switch “L.P. X-OVER” to the “IN” position.
Cros
Crossover
HP
XOVER-73 192
.L
P
XOVER
I
HA’NWS SLBSCNC
l 30
l 13
Hz
70Hz
30Hz
In many car audio installations, there is a tendency for a boom.” Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will nate or ring at these
midbass
frequencies. If we design the system
“midbass
reso-
so there is reduced output in this region, the final response is very smooth and natural sounding. The high pass cossover is
indepen-
dently variable from 70 to 160 Hz at 12 dB/Octave, and the low pass crossover is independently variable from 55 to 220 Hz at 24
dB/Oc-
tave.
For initial crossover setup, try setting the low pass filter to approxi-
mately 60 Hz, and the high pass filter to approximately 100 Hz. Change the crossover points to accommodate a good mixture of
frequency response, power handling, and personal preference.
12
d6Dctave
High Pass
24 dB/Octave Low Pass
blF~R7%N~
Pass
damage
nal will be
.
filter buth
the amplifier, the
Do
not
have the
engaged at the same time.
frquency range
severJ’y
limited.
law
Pass
filter
and
the
While
this
of the amplified sig-
High won’t
9
Hawkins Bass Control (parametric)
su8
rlTml KVER
SONIC
HAWKINS
BASS
CONTROL
r
HAWKINS
FREQ FREQ
110
1
BOOST
subwoofer control circuit included with the Soundstream RUBICONSM, 702
plifiers. It is capable of removing subsonic en­ergy in program material while boosting subwoofer frequencies. The circuit consists of two controls. One adjusts the frequency of op­eration and the other adjusts the range of boost. With both controls adjusted fully counter-clock-
wise, no boost is applied and the amplifier is flat
in response down to 20 Hz.
FIG. 1 BASS CONTROL
The frequency control (Hz)
adjusts the starting point of the subsonic fil­ter. On the RUBICON502,702 and 1002, the high pass filter has two fre­quency ranges. When the bass con­trol switch is set to “SUB SONIC”, the high pass filter frequency can be adjusted from 13 Hz up to a maxi­mum of 30 Hz. In this setting, no boost “Q” control is available. This control is useful for setting the low­est frequency that your subwoofer will see (see figure 1). When the bass control switch is set to “HAWKINS BASS CONTROL”, the high pass filter frequency can be ad-
justed from 30 Hz to a maximum of
70 Hz. In this setting, there is an available boost control of 0 to +9
10
dB
5
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-3010
1
I
I
I
I
Frequency (Hz)
IIIIIII
50 100 200
FIG. 4 VARIABLE BOOST
dB.
I
1
is a unique
and 1002
10
5 0
-5
dB
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
10
-5
dB
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
lOFrequency
5 0
10
Frequency(Hz)
FIG. 2 VARIABLE
50 100
“Q”
FIG. 3 VARIABLE HIGH PASS
The Boost control
adjusts the amount of level applied at the set frequency. This is adjustable from flat
dB.
(See figure 2)
(OdB)
to
When the Boost is set to 0, Hawkins acts as a sub-sonic filter only. (See figure 3) The simple act of removing potentially harmful low frequencies can improve system output by as much as 3
dB.
(see figure 4)
10
am-
200
+9
Application
Subwoofer drivers in general have excellent power handling character­istics over their operational band­width. This bandwidth is determined by many factors, including driver de­sign, and enclosure type. It is pos­sible to overdrive any subwoofer
(,?I$0
80 70 60
5.0
30 20
IO
0.0
10
Frequency(Hz)
FIG. 5 LIMITED EXCURSION
100
50
200
driver by sending powerful signals outside of its operational bandwidth. These potentially damaging signals can be removed by adding a subsonic filter. Figure 5 shows the effective­ness of the Hawkins Bass Control on woofer excursion in a vented enclo­sure. The woofer travels 7.5 mm at 10 Hz. With Hawkins Bass Control properly adjusted, this excursion can be reduced to less than 1 mm. This is of great benefit to lowering woofer distortion and increasing output.
Adjustment
An easy method of optimizing your existing subwoofer enclosure with
Hawkin’s “Hz” control is as follows.
1.
Adjust frequency and boost control to full CCW position.
2.
Set the bass control switch to “HAWKINS BASS CONTROL”.
3.
While listening to music with strong bass content at a moderate level, slowly adjust frequency control clockwise. Listen for a reduction of bass
response. Now, rotate frequency control slightly backwards. This serves
the purpose of removing the “subsonic” bass energy.
With Soundstream’s Hawkins Bass Control, the boost and frequency con­trol can provide virtually any combina­tion of boost and cut to suit your de­signs. So, Hawkins Bass Control can provide the “tailoring” needed for any type of “assisted” design and any woofer in any type of installation.
10
5
0
-5
dB
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
10
Frequency(Hz) 50 100
FIG. 6 VARIOUS SETTINGS
200
11
[
INSTALLATION STEP 1
INSTALLATION STEP 2
The RUBICON502, 702 and 1002 amplifiers have the ability to operate in any one of the following modes:
Stereo
@TACT/Mixed
and right channels) or for Mixed Mono operation (stereo left and right channels plus bridged mono for a subwoofer).
Summed Mono: Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using both
the left and right inputs and gain controls.
Bridged
the right channel input and gain control (for use with a singular mono input).
Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation:
Mono: Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using only
Mono); Use this mode for either stereo operation (left
SUMM
cl
BRIDGED
-
L+- R+
MONO
SUMMED MONO
-
L+
-R+
The RUBICON502, 702 and 1002 amplifiers have the ability to accept either a standard Unbalanced RCA signal input, or a Balanced “Pro Audio” style input signals with the use of the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other balanced line audio source. decide upon which signal type you wish to run, There are advantages to both:
UNBALANCED INPUT
1. Most preamplifier / source units have Unbalanced RCA outputs
ADVANTAGES
The
RUBICON
300 mVrms
S/N 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.
amplifiers’ signal inputs accept a wide range of input level: from
to 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. For the best
(Industry
2. No Interface module is necessary.
Before installing your system, you should
BALANCED INPUT
1. Improved Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio).
Standard).
2. Excellent noise cancellation characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in the car audio environment.
Using the “Unbalanced” RCA Input
When using the Unbalanced RCA input, the RIGHT channel input signal switch
MUST be in the “UNBAL” position. Also, when first installing the amplifier using this input configuration, we suggest that the left channel input signal switch be in the “UNBAL” position as well. If vou
lation noise with both switches in the “UNBAL” position. channel
system noise due to the installation.
inPut sianal
switch to the
experience alternator wine or other instal-
trv
movina the LEFT
“BAL”
Position. This should remove any
STEREO
-
L+
-
R+
12
v
MIXED MONO
r
- L+
- R+
Using the “Balanced” RCA Input
When using the Balanced 6-pin DIN audio input, both switches MUST be in the
“BAL” position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, the
input level controls be set to the “minimum” position (rotated counter-clockwise).
1
The system gain should then be adjusted on the BLT Balanced Line Transmitter,
other other balanced line audio source. For the pin configuration, see the dia-
gram below:
BAIANCED
I
+
left
Signal
13
(
INSTALLATION STEP 3
]
WIRING
POWER
To ensure maximum output from your
loss
power and ground cables and connections. The accept up to 4 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.
I
RUBICON
AND
502
GROUND
I
up to
4
or 8 gauge
RUBICON
10’
amplifier, use high quality, low-
RUBICON
I
4
amplifiers will
up to
20’
gauge only
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.
+12
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a high quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss
guarantee optimum performance.
to
SPEAKER CABLE
The
RUBICON
I
quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable.
Use a high
RUB/CON
I
RUB/CON
702 4
1002
or 8 gauge
4
gauge only
4 4
only
gauge gauge only
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the RUBICON amplifiers must be fused near the battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. correct fuse value.
INTERNAL
The
RUBICON
event of a blown power supply fuse(s), replace with the correct value fuse found in the chart below. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is sup-
plied. This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty1
amplifiers are fused with an automotive-type or Maxi-fuse. In the
See the chart below to determine the
batterv.
This will
RUB/CON Amplifier Fuse Values
RUBICON
I
RUB/CON 702
I
1
RUB/CON 1002
502
I
I I
1
Amplifier Fuse
(2) 30 amp automotive
60 amp Maxi-fuse 80 amp Maxi-fuse
Battery Fuse / Circuit Breaker
I
I
T
80 amp 80 amp
-1
100 amp
Fuse
at the Battery
I-
+
1
To Chassis Ground
To
+lZV
Battery Terminal
SPEAKERS
I ’
To 2nd
Amplifier
I_ (optIona<)
[Head Unit
iw
1
I I
14
15
f
INSTALLATION STEP 4
INSTALLATION STEP 5
)
AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The
RUBICON
heat sink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain lower operating temperatures. 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 rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk 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.
amplifiers employ highly efficient circuitry, a custom-engineered
Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
a.
Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.
b.
C.
Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.
WIRING
Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the ampli-
a.
fier from the source unit. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit breaker
b.
within 18” of the battery.
C.
Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuit breaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be
d.
necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e.
Double check each and every connection!
f.
Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.
LEVEL
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. when using sources with minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum undistorted output at the same time. it is simply going to amplify distorted information. The same 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 follow these steps for setting the input levels:
1.
Turn the amplifiers’ input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)
2.
Set the source unit volume to approximately
3.
While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’ input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
The clipping indicators on the top of the amplifier let you know when the output of the amplifier is reaching its maximum level, and has begun to clip.
SETTlNG
This topology maintains better S/N Ratio even
If you send a distorted signal to an amplifier,
3/4
of full volume.
RUBICON
amplifiers,
FRONT SPOILER
Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set, place the front spoiler in
position, and secure it on using the supplied hardware.
POWER UP
Power up the system, there may be a 2-3 second delay from the time the source unit is turned on to the time that the amplifier turns on, which is normal. Once the
amplifer LED is on and the source unit is playing, you should have sound coming
from the speakers.
16
17
TRIDENT
Your
Rubicon
by means of main power fuses and the following circuits:
Auto High Current power supply
+
Sneaker
+
Ground Fault Differential
+
Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback & a Thermal Protection Circuit
+
r
NOTE:
that the amplifier is seeing a dead the speaker itself.
amplifier is protected against both overheating and short circuits
Output Protection
If you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is
PROTECTlON
shorf,
Rectify the problem before blowing
CIRCUITRY
either in the speaker wire or in
muttiple
like@
fuses! DO NOT increase values beyond fhe original fuse value! Doing so will void your warrant and may damage your amplifer.
Your Soundstream
Please read the enclosed
POWER
502
/ (8 fi Bridged)
(12.6 Vdc)
4 R Stereo
1oow
x2
(2OOW
x 1)
RUBICON
warranty card
SERVICE
amplifier is protected by a limited warranty.
for details.
2 n Stereo
(4 n Bridged)
(14.4 Vdc)
250w x 2
(5OOW x 1)
1 R Stereo
(2 R Bridged)
(14.4 Vdc)
250w x 2
(5OOW x 1)
Maximum
Rated
output
500 Watts
700 Watts
1000 Watts
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE
1. No power or ground at the amp.
No Sound and power LED is not lit 2. No remote turn-on signal
3. Blown fuse near the battery
1. No signal input
No sound, power LED is lit.
Repeatedly blow amp fuse; frequent activation of Smart Power Supply Circuit
Not enough input sensitivity while
using the Balanced Input
Very little output, or output is
muffled.
Left and Right “Clip” indicators
lighting
Alternator whine while using
Unbalanced RCA inputs
2. The AlRBASS/Accessory switch is in the “OUT” position.
1. Speaker or leads may be shorted
2. Verify adequate amp ventilation
Be sure both Left and Right input signal switches are set to the position.
Make sure that the H.P. engaged
Output signal level is too high and the amplifier output is clipping.
Reduce the level either at the source or at the input level controls.
1. Make sure the Right Input Signal
Switch is in the
2.
in the “BAL” and “UNBAL” position:
leave the switch in the quietest setting. This will not effect the performance of the amplifier.
“IN”
position. Move it to the
both
the L.P. and
crossvers
Try the Left Input Signal switch
aren’t
“UNBAL”
position.
18
“BAL”
THD
Signal
to Noise
Frequency Response
Stereo
Separation
Damping
input Sensitivity Input
Impedance
<O.l%
A00 dB
20 Hz to 20
kHz *
0.5
>90 dB
>200
300 mV to 5.0 Volts
10k
Ohms
dB
Crossover Specifications
Low Pass: 55 Hz - 220 Hz at 24
High Pass: 70 Hz
-
160 Hz at 12 dB/Octave
dB/Octave
Hawkins Bass Control
Sub Sonic Filter: No boost, High Pass filter from 13 to 30 Hz.
Hawkins
Bass
Control: 0 to
+9 dB
Boost; Boost and Sub Sonic filter,
variable from 30 to 70 Hz.
Dimensions (W x D x H)
CON502: 11
RUB
CON702: 13.0” X 9.8” X 2.25”
RUB
CON1002: 15.0” X 9.8” X 2.25”
RUB
.O”
X 9.8” X 2.25”
19
Loading...