elcome to the world of Zed Audio amplifiers. Designed for mobile use, these
amplifiers are the cumulation of more than 25 years of cutting edge design. This
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they have the “experience” of 25 years of manufacturing and design. Car stereo has come
a long way since the early days in the late seventies and early eighties. Cassettes have
disappeared from the high end and CD rules in this department. Loudspeaker technology
has advanced with new materials and designs. The rigors of the car environment have
forced speaker designers and manufacturers to reinvent the proverbial wheel. Today’s
speakers are a quantum leap ahead of those we used 20 years ago.
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amplifiers was the name given to 50 watt per channel designs (If in fact they delivered 50
watts per channel). Power ratings were done at 14.4v battery levels so that inflated
figures could be quoted. Most amplifiers of 20+ years ago contained only a full range preamplifier which allowed the unit to accept the very low output voltages of head units from
that era. (Typically 100mV was a norm) Built in processing was almost unheard of and if
one required crossovers and equalizers they had to be outboard units, again of dubious
design and audio quality.
is not to say that these new products took 25 years to design, but rather that
imilar leaps have been made in power amplifier technology. Early amplifiers were
plagued by unreliable power supplies and shoddy mechanicals. The audio
amplifiers were also not a model of reliability and sonic delight. High power
oday’s amplifiers normally contain crossovers and equalizers with variable controls
which allow the installer to match the electronics to the speakers and car interior. A
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This kind of power is entry level and large amplifiers are now in the Kilowatt range. Mono
blocks, two channel and multi channel amps each fill a particular need for the installer and
of course the end consumer. Zed Audio has experience designing and building all of
these amplifiers.
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higher powered amplifiers. Of course all speakers are not power hungry and so we have
smaller amplifiers in the line up. Audio quality was of prime consideration and the
designs we have used reflect our philosophy on sound quality. The amplifiers all have
outstanding feature sets without going overboard with superfluous buttons and knobs.
Last but not least the amplifiers have to look good. Who would buy a picture that was not
attractive to the eye. We hope that our designs please all who see them.
Please read this manual in it’s entirety before installing and operating your new amplifier.
Thank you for purchasing our product and we at Zed Audio shall do our best to ensure
that you enjoy this product for many years.
50 watt per channel amplifier today is probably on the lowest rung of the food chain.
fter some research we designed products which we wanted to present to the
world. The power points, audio quality, features and of course the cosmetics each
has a role to play. Power is not everything but today’s inefficient speakers demand
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Index
IntroductionInside Cover
About Zed AudioPage 1
Installation ProceduresPages 2 and 3
Technical talkPages 4 to 8
SpecificationsPage 9 and 10
Mono Block InstallationsPages 11 to 16
Two channel InstallationsPages 17 to 21
Four channel InstallationsPages 22 to 27
Fault findingPages 28
Warranty Pages 29 and 30
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Our design philosophies have been influenced by both the professional and home audio markets. Traditionally the
professional market has been driven by reliability with sound quality as second. The home market was the reverse. Today
however both reliability and sound quality carry equal weight in both sectors. Cosmetics for obvious reasons are important in
any sector. My experience in designing and building professional amplifiers has helped me in taking a similar approach in the
design of mobile audio amplifiers. No matter how pretty or good sounding an amplifier may be, if it fails then it is a bad
amplifier. The lesson learned many years ago was “silicon”, and use lots of it. All things being equal, if an amplifier drive
circuit is stable, then adding an output stage (itself stable as well) with enough power devices will make the amplifier reliable.
This assumes of course that mechanical issues are taken care of. Zed has always been a proponent of using a generous
amount of power transistors in the output stages of our amplifiers. In addition we design at temperatures of 80 degrees
Celsius. All semiconductors must be derated at these elevated temperatures and we use enough power devices for safe
operation into the lowest load impedance the particular amplifier has been designed to drive.
Our personal opinion about “fancy” cables and exotic passive components may shock some of you. I have never been able to
hear the difference between a cheap or an expensive RCA patch cord. My listening has been done using double blind A-B
comparisons. Electrons are not very clever things and they have no knowledge of the type of material through which they are
flowing at the speed of light (312,000 Km/second). The ONLY reason we recommend high quality double shielded RCA patch
cords in mobile installations is to reject noise. My opinion about speaker cables is the same. As long as the wire is thick
enough, it’s construction makes no difference. As long as the amplifier is stable into reactive loads with phase angles of up to
60 degrees, the amplifier is none the wiser what type of speaker cable is used.
The use of teflon, polypropylene, tantalum or other capacitors does not make a good sounding amplifier. There are too many
other variables in the audio chain that one capacitor can make a difference. The use of metal film resistors is only of use in
low noise circuits and where tolerance is of an issue. Never forget what the music signal had to go through to get onto your
CD or vinyl.. The signal began as a micro volt specimen at the microphone, sent through a high gain pre-amplifier, passed
through equalization circuits, possible compressors, limiters or other processing gear and then mixed with all the other tracks.
In analog days and today still, this signal was sent to a 24 track tape recorder again through a multitude of transformers, preamplifiers, equalizers and yikes the tape heads themselves. Then the signals were passed back through the tape deck’s
playback circuits including the equalizer for playback, then back into the mixing console for mix-down to two track and then
this was repeated again onto a two track tape recorder, then sent to the cutting head amplifier where the masters were then
cut. A torturous journey one could say for this fragile audio signal. Semiconductors have more tolerance in their specifications
than any capacitor or resistor. A well known fact is that different types of capacitors work better at certain jobs than others.
Example, disc ceramic capacitors are better in high frequency compensation circuits than film types. Film types work better in
audio frequency selective circuits than ceramics. So we at Zed choose our components to suit the application.
Our quality control (QC) program and testing procedures work well for us. Over the years we have refined these processes to
what we have today. Our philosophy is to design around potential or real problems. If we feel that a particular item could
cause a problem now or in the future, we either change the design or improve upon it. The goal is ZERO defects.
QC begins with the initial design. The electronic design goes through as many prototype iterations as is necessary to make
sure it is working the way we want. These prototypes are bench tested, put in to vehicles, listened to both in the vehicle and at
home then retested on the bench. We bake them in ovens and retest again. Heat is the enemy and we want to make sure that
it will not hurt our products. Mechanicals of course do not have to be put in an oven (we do anyway). Fit and finish must be to
our standard. Samples are minutely inspected for fit and finish. Once we approve them only then can the hard tooling be
done.
Each and every product manufactured at Zed is tested using Audio Precision test equipment. Software is written for each type
of amplifier and then on final test the amplifier must pass these rigorous tests. If not it is rejected and returned the production
line for repair. Samples are pulled from the line for further testing.
Mechanical inspection is done throughout the manufacturing process. Before each amplifier is packed it is fully inspected
again for any cosmetic flaws. Any damaged or any part which is out of specification is replaced.
Zed takes pride in what we design and manufacture and we trust that this shows in the final product.
Stephen Mantz
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Installation Instructions
Location:
Choose a suitable location in the vehicle which will allow sufficient airflow over the
amplifier. The preferred mounting direction is with the heatsink fins in a vertical direction.
However we do recognize that this is not always possible. DO NOT mount the amplifier
upside down as this reduces the ability of the heatsink to dissipate heat effectively.
Mounting the amplifier(s)-Fig 1
These amplifiers have a unique method of mounting which allows the installation to look
attractive. At each corner of the amplifier is a pillar and the bottom plate at each pillar has
been punched with a 5mm hole. You will also notice that the top covers are packaged
separately and these are only bolted on once the amplifier has been screwed down.
Using the supplied washer set bolt the amplifier into position. DO NOT MOUNT
WITHOUT USING THE WASHERS as the bottom plates may be damaged. This damage
is NOT covered under warranty. Once the amplifier has been bolted down, place and bolt
each corner top panel using the supplied hardware (M4x6 SHC machine screws) and hex
tool. Please keep this tool in a safe place for future use. The size of this hex tool is 3mm
and these are available from any hardware store. Note that each pair of top corner panels
can ONLY fit in their unique positions. Please be careful when bolting these top panels
so as not to cross thread the tapped bosses.
Fig 1
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W
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Connecting the Amplifier
Once the amplifier has been correctly mounted the electrical connections can now be
made. The first step is to connect the loudspeakers. Using the appropriate size of wire
(we recommend a min of #14) connect the speakers as shown in later diagrams,
depending on which amplifier(s) are being installed. The next step is to connect the line
inputs using high quality RCA-RCA cables. The source to which the line inputs are
connected depends on the amplifier type and the particular installation. Again refer to
later diagrams.
The next step is to connect the power inputs. The first is the ground wire. This wire is
connected to the (-) connection on the 3 terminal power connector. Using #8 wire or
larger(#4 max) insert one end into the connector’s (-) terminal after stripping off about
19mm (0.75”) of insulation. Trim the wire to a maximum length of 1 metre (39”) this
ground wire (normally BLACK in colour) is then crimped (and preferably soldered) into an
appropriate size ring lug. This lug is then bolted to the chassis of the car (normally in the
trunk). The hole to which the lug shall be bolted must be rust and paint free. It is also a
good idea to use a star washer between the lug and the chassis of the vehicle. We prefer
the use of a machine bolt and nut rather than a self tapper. The torque that the machine
bolt can exert is greater than that of a self tapper and due to the large currents flowing
through this ground connection the contact resistance shall be lower with the machine
screw.
Next is the remote turn on wire. This is normally connected to the remote output of the
head unit. Using #14 wire, stripping one end to 19mm (0.75”), insert one end into the
smaller centre hole of the power connector. Run this cable to the head unit’s location and
connect to the “remote out” terminal of the head. Please be sure to use a 0.25A fuse at
the head. This fuse will blow if any portion of the remote wire is accidentally shorted to
chassis ground.
Last is the +12volt connection. Using #8 (#4 max)or larger, strip the wire to 19mm (0.75”)
and insert in to the hole marked (+) on the power connector. Run the cable (away from all
audio cables) to the location of the vehicle’s battery. At the battery location install the
supplied fuse holder no further away from the battery (+) terminal than 300mm (12”).
Insert this end of the +12volt power cable into the fuse holder. Making sure that the fuse
is removed, connect the other end of the fuse holder to the battery’s (+) terminal using
appropriate high quality battery connectors. Insert the supplied fuse. DO NOT
OVERFUSE as this can be a fire hazard.
The power connector on our amplifiers can accommodate wire with a copper diameter of
up to 9mm (0.35”).
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Zed does not recommend the use of power distribution blocks for the purpose of
distributing the +12volt voltage to several amplifiers. The reason is that the vehicle’s
battery is the lowest AC impedance point in the power grid of the vehicle. We want each
amplifier to draw it’s current from this low impedance point. Thus any modulation on any
+12v power cable (which is inevitable) is then shunted to ground by the massive
capacitance of the battery. This is the reason that “star” grounding is used in grounding
circuits/equipment so that ground current is drawn from a common point and thus no
ground loop can occur. Fortunately for us, the body of a vehicle made of steel is so large,
and is thus a very low impedance path for ground currents, that it is not necessary to
ground all equipment at one point. In fact we do not advocate it at all as this would then
necessitate the head unit’s ground running all the way to the battery location and the
amplifier’s ground(s) also running all the way to the battery.
If multiple amplifiers are being used we highly recommend the use of separate ground
points at the amplifiers’ location. This spreads out the amount of current being drawn
through one bolt connection.
tiffening capacitors - These are of NO use with our amplifiers due to the fact that the
amplifiers have fully regulated power supplies. The power supplies will compensate
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for small volt drops which exist on the +12v power cable. The amount of current drawn by
a particular amplifier would drain a fully charged 1 Farad capacitor almost instantly.
Consider the theory. Energy(Joules) = Power(Watts) x Time(Seconds). The energy in a 1
Farad capacitor = 0.5CV.V= 0.5x1x12x12= 72 Joules. Let us assume a medium size
amplifier such as Draconia. Let us assume that we are playing it such that all four
channels(into 4 ohms each) are just clipping on the loudest musical peaks. This means
that we are delivering 300 watts on peaks. The amplifier’s average efficiency is about
45%. The peak to average power ratio is about 20% so average power is 20% of 300 = 60
watts. The input power is therefore 133 watts. If the 1 Farad capacitor was charged to 12
volt and we remove the main source of power -- the battery, the amp would remain
playing for 0.54 seconds! (Put the numbers in the formula (E=PxT above and solve for
time T). Now compare this to the battery. The amplifier will play for some hours (depends
on actual battery of course) as compared to 0.54 seconds! So what good is a 1 Farad
capacitor? Assign the above example to a Megalith playing into a 1 ohm load. Going
through the mathematics the 1 Farad capacitor would keep the amplifier playing for 0.14
seconds. So if the voltage at the amplifier’s power terminal dropped by say 1volt the
amplifier’s power supply will correct for this on a continuous basis. The stiffening
capacitor however has nowhere close to the energy reserve to compensate for a 1 volt
drop.The main internal power supply capacitors hold 100 Joules of energy and these are
more effective than any stiffening capacitor since they do not have to contend with the inefficiencies of the amplifier’s power supply.
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Setting the controls on amplifiers
evel control - This control is the most misunderstood control on any amplifier. It’s sole
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purpose in life is to level match the head unit’s output voltage to the gain structure of
the amplifier so that the user can use the head unit’s volume control in the “best
physiological position”. To best understand this let us look at a simple example. Assume
that the head unit is rated at 1 volt output. Now what this means is rather ambiguous.
Does the head deliver 1volt with the volume control at maximum, at 75% or where?
Unfortunately no head manufacturers supply this information. Also it depends on the
modulation level of the program material. Be it a CD/Mini Disc or FM we have no control
of this specification. Most consumers never want the volume control to be turned past 3
o’clock (We use a traditional rotary control for reference since all digital controls do not
have the same amount of digits or “little blocks” on their LCD displays to show relative
volume level). On head units which we have tested the results are all over the page so we
shall assume the 3 o’clock position as the maximum we want the control to be turned to.
So far you can see that the need for level matching is critical indeed as there are no
standards from head manufacturers. So we now have this 1 volt level. What this means is
that the output voltage from the head will approach 1 volt on musical peaks. Let assume
we have an amplifier of 100 watts. This implies that we can deliver 20 volts across a 4
ohm load. Let us assume that the amplifier needs 1 volt in for the 20 volt out - a gain
structure of 20x. So in this case with the head delivering 1 volt on peaks, the amplifier will
deliver 100 watts into 4 ohms on the same musical peaks. Well this sounds all well and
good but we have a small problem and it is that all heads are not rated at 1 volt, and all
amplifiers have variable level controls. This actually means we can change the gain
structure of the amplifiers from “x” to “y”. With no standard levels we have to set the level
control on the amplifier to “match” to that of the head. We have tested no head units
whose output level corresponds with that of the printed specifications. Typically the output
level is substantially lower than the specification. Here is our recommendation. With your
favorite music playing set the amplifier’s level control to minimum (CCW) and set the
head unit’s volume control to 3 o’clock. Assuming all crossover controls have been set,
advance the level control on the amplifier until the music is as loud as desired. This is the
only way to do this without the use of an oscilloscope.
rossover and equalizer controls - The crossover controls must be set to suit the
speakers being used.
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The equalizer controls can be set by ear or with instruments. This is a personal
preference. Most users only have ears and not instruments so ears must suffice!
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amping Factor - This amplifier specification has been blown out of all proportion.
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What it means is the ability of the amplifier to resist a change in it’s output voltage.
The formula is DF= Speaker Z / Amplifier output Z (where Z is impedance). So many
manufacturers have claimed ridiculous, and often false damping factors. A damping factor
of 1000 implies that the output impedance of the amplifier is 0.004 ohms (4 ohm load).
The only way to attain this figure is to apply masses of negative feedback (or use positive
feedback) and too much feedback makes amplifiers sound harsh and clinical. Also
damping factor changes with frequency. The lower the frequency the higher the DF
number. Typically the DF can be ten times larger at higher frequencies.
Let us take this amplifier whose output impedance is 0.004 ohms (Zout). The speaker
circuit is a series circuit and the following impedances(resistances) are in series with this
0.004 ohms. Let us assume that this DF measurement was made at the amplifier’s
speaker terminal. The first extra contact resistance is the speaker wire to the speaker
terminal (WT ohms). Then there is that of the wire itself for two conductors (W). Next is
the contact resistance of the wire to the speaker terminal (WS). Next there is the contact
resistance of the wire from the speaker terminal to the voice coil (WV) and lastly there is
the DC resistance of the voice coil itself (DCR). So what we have is a series circuit with
the following resistances in series and adding up. WT+W+WS+WV+DCR+Zout.
WT,W,WS,WV and Zout are very small indeed. Certainly less than 0.1 ohms. Whoa, look
what has happened the EFFECTIVE DAMPING FACTOR has been reduced from 1000 to
40 by just taking into account those pesky unavoidable contact resistances. Now for the
cruncher, remember that the DCR is also in series and is typically 3.2 ohms for a nominal
4 ohm speaker. So we must add 0.1+3.2 = 3.3 ohms and now EFFECTIVE DAMPING
FACTOR is now a magnificent 1.212! (4 divided by 3.3)This is the real world. We see that
the DCR of the speaker swamps all other resistances in the speaker circuit and the 0.004
ohms amplifier output impedance is almost meaningless. It has been found that a DF of
about 20 is quite sufficient to dampen the voltage spikes from the speaker. An eye opener
this one is it not? Good tube amps sound marvelous - low damping factors!!
utput Power of Amplifiers - This spec has been so badly abused it is not even funny.
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have been given to the power spec of amplifiers. The above all mean nothing. Peak
power needs to be associated with a time period, Maximum power is just nonsense,
Transient power is even more nonsense and RMS power is just not a specification. The
ONLY meaningful way to specify an amplifier’s output power in watts is CONTINUOUS
POWER. The formula for power is: (RMS volts x RMS amps) or (RMS volts x RMS
volts/Impedance) or (RMS amps x RMS amps x Impedance). In each of these formulae
there is an RMS number multiplied by another RMS number (or by itself) and RMS x RMS
cannot = RMS. So THERE IS SIMPLY NO SUCH THING AS RMS POWER. RMS means
root mean square and it is the same as saying 4 x 4 = 4 Which we know is not true.
The answer is just 4 with no root sign attached.
Peak power, Maximum power, Transient power, RMS power these are titles that
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ridging two channels of an amplifier is not a magical thing. Most are mystified by the
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power figures quoted under the “bridge” column. It is actually very simple. When two
channels are driving a common load, one channel is out of phase with the other by 180
degrees. So when one channel swings positive the other swings negative. There is a
catch however. Each channel “sees” fifty percent of the common load and that means that
each channel of the bridged pair must be capable of delivering current to this lower load
impedance. Thus a 4 ohm bridged load presents a 2 ohm load to each of the bridged
channels. The power into a 4 ohm load in bridged mode is twice the rated 2 ohm power.
otal Harmonic Distortion - This specification has for years been a benchmark with
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which to compare one amplifier to another. This is all fine on the test bench where
pure resistive loads are used and sinewaves are amplified. Unfortunately it tells us very
little about the audible performance of an amplifier. Today it is relatively easy to build an
amplifier with THD figures in the “triple oh” region, but what do they sound like. Normally
not very good. To obtain these low THD numbers all we do is design an amplifier with
high open loop gain. That is before negative feedback is applied. Once we apply a lot of
global feedback, we improve all measured parameters such as THD, Noise, Frequency
response, Damping factor. Our amplifiers are designed a little differently. We use very
little global feedback but rather optimize each stage with local feedback. This allows us to
design an amplifier with lower open loop gain and thus we only have to apply about 8dB
of global feedback. Ultra low THD was not our goal but rather an amplifier which sounds
the way we want it to. Other factors affect THD such as PCB layout, grounding and power
distribution to the amplifier channels. Our class A/B amplifier do however achieve very
low distortion due to the fact that we follow the “rules” and their circuit design is
conduscive to low distortion.
ecibel is a unit of measurement. A 100w amplifier has 3dB more power than a 50
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watt amplifier. This difference is just discernable. A 100 watt amplifier has 1.54dB
more power than a 70watt amplifier. This is not audible. I has been determined that to
hear a difference in “loudness” between to like designed amplifier, one must double the
power. To hear a doubling in loudness one must have TEN TIMES the power (10dB).
eadroom - This term does not refer to how much room there is above your head!
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Rather it is a specification that signifies how good or bad the power supply is. Zed
Audio has NEVER quoted a headroom specification. Why you may ask? Simple our
amplifiers have no headroom, zero dB, zip dB, nada dB however you look at it. A
regulated power supply does not allow the amplifier to have any headroom. A quote from
a well respected designer who said that amplifiers with many dB of headroom simply
have poorly designed power supplies, either through ignorance or to save costs. When
one sees a specification of an amplifier quoting a headroom figure of 3dB this means that
the droop of the power supply is such that when unloaded it is capable of twice the power
as compared to it’s loaded condition.
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o a 100w/ch amplifier running into 4 ohms must develop 20 volts across the speaker
terminal. This requires a net (under load) rail voltage of about +/- 33 volts. Now for it
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to have 3dB of headroom it must be capable of delivering 28.28 volts across the speaker
terminal. This requires a rail voltage of +/- 43 volts. So the above power supply will droop
a total of +/- 10 volts (a 23% droop!). This puts additional stress on the output devices
(Mosfets or Bipolars) because they still have to deal with this higher rail voltage . To us
this kind of power supply sounds like the amplifier is “breathing” and not the kind of
amplifier we want to listen to. Regulated power supplies are more expensive to
manufacture, are less efficient but we feel those are tradeoffs we can live with!
f one examines the specification of an amplifier, it is relatively easy to tell apart those
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with well regulated power supplies and those with sloppy unregulated power supplies.
The ratio of 4 ohm as to 2 ohm power will readily inform us of the quality of that power
supply. Typically if the amplifier can double or almost double it’s continuous power rating
from 4 ohm to 2 ohm at ALL battery voltages this is indicative of a well regulated power
supply. There are a few manufacturers who manipulate the rail voltages at lower speaker
impedances so that the 4,2 and 1 ohm power specs are the same. We believe that this is
a cop out to save putting in a beefy power supply which is capable of the higher currents
needed for these low impedance loads.
ubsonic filters and CLIPPING. The former are simply steep slope high pass filters
with a frequency range between 10 to 50Hz. Their only function is to filter out those
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frequencies which lie below audibility. The woofer’s cone will not “flop” around as it does
without the use of the filter and because all the low frequency energy that we cannot hear
is filtered out, the amplifier runs more efficiently since it does not have to amplify all those
inaudible low frequencies. Remember one fact, ALL amplifiers are pretty dumb. They will
amplify anything you put into them (assuming the amplifier’s frequency response is wide
enough) and whether we can hear a particular frequency range is not the amplifier’s
concern. Put in an inaudible frequency and the amplifier dutifully does it’s thing. It does
not care about the load. This is why tweeters are easily burnt when amplifiers are
clipping. The amplifier generates high frequency harmonics and this energy is thrown to
the unsuspecting tweeter. When an amplifier is driven into clipping it basically generates
a square wave. This contains a large amount of energy but also due to the fact that the
square wave sits at a positive (or negative) state for a “long” period of time, the natural
cooling effect of a continuously moving cone/voice coil is inhibited and can lead to failure
of a speaker. Typically woofers are more tolerant of clipped power than mids and
tweeters due to the fact that they are more robust and that they do not respond to those
high frequency harmonics very well (but do not be fooled, woofers can be hurt by these
harmonics even if we cannot hear them). The inductive reactance is (2 x 3.14 x freq x
inductance) and so the higher the frequency the higher the inductive reactance of the
speaker becomes. However it’s DCR does not change with frequency.
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Specifications
Specification
Output Voltage (volts into 2 ohm) per channel17.3228.2816.73
Output Voltage (volts into 4 ohms) per channel17.3228.2816.73
Output Current (amps into 2 ohm) per channel8.6614.148.36
Output Current (amps into 4 ohms) per channel4.337.074.18
Continuous Output Power into 2 ohm per channel150wx2400wx2140wx4
Continuous Output Power into 4 ohm per channel75wx2200wx270wx4
Typical Output Power into 4 ohm per channel (0.8% THD) 95wx2 250wx2 85wx4
Continuous Output Power 2 channels bridged into 4 ohm300wx1800wx1280wx2
Continuous Output Power 2 channels bridged into 8 ohm150wx1400wx1140wx2
Minimum Speaker Impedance per channel2 ohm2 ohm2 ohm
Minimum Speaker Impedance in Bridge Mode4 ohm4 ohm4 ohm
Power Response at any power into 4 ohms/channel10-100KHz -3dB10-100KHz -3dB10-100KHz -3dB
Frequency Response at rated power into 4 ohms/channel10Hz-25KHz -0.1dB10-25KHz -0.1dB10-25KHz -0.1dB
Input Voltage range for rated power into 4 ohms0.26-8 volt0.26-8 volt0.26-8 volt
Power Source ----------------------10-14.5v DC Negative Ground ----------------------
Current Consumption with Sinewave at 4 ohms20A54A40A
Current Consumption with Music at 4 ohms6A17A12A
Idling Current<1.5A<2A<2A
Fuse rating with 4 ohm load/channel 25A60A50A
Fuse rating with 2 ohm load/channel **** 35A 80A 70A
Size W x H (302.22mmx74mm/11.9”x2.91”) x L314.4mm/12.4”444mm/17.48”444mm/17.48”
Shipping Weight (Kg/Lbs) 7.3/16 11.8/26 11.8/26
**** Under normal operating conditions the fuse rating for 4 ohm loads will suffice for 2 ohm loads. If the amplifier is driven for long periods of time into
2 ohm loads per channel the fuse rating may be increased as shown. DO NOT OVER FUSE ANY AMPLIFIER.
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Specifications
Specification
Output Voltage (volts into 1 ohm) 45 24.5
Output Voltage (volts into 2 ohm) 52 28.3
Output Voltage (volts into 4 ohms) 54 28.3
Output Current (amps into 1 ohm) 45 24.5
Output Current (amps into 2 ohm) 26 14.15
Output Current (amps into 4 ohms) 13.5 7.075
Continuous Output Power into 1 ohm 2,000wx1 600wx1
Continuous Output Power into 2 ohm1,350wx1 400wx1
Continuous Output Power into 4 ohm730wx1 200wx1
Typical Continuous Output power into 1 ohm2,200wx1 650wx1
Typical Continuous Output Power into 2 ohm1,560wx1 480wx1
Typical Continuous Output Power into 4 ohm750wx1 260wx1
Continuous Output Power 2 channels bridged into 2 ohm4,000w x 1 * 1,200w x 1 *
Continuous Output Power 2 channels bridged into 4 ohm2,700w x1 * 800w x 1 *
Continuous Output Power 2 channels bridged into 8 ohm1,400w x 1 * 400w x 1 *
* With TWO Miniliths or Megaliths bridged
Minimum Speaker Impedance 1 ohm 1 ohm
Minimum Speaker Impedance in Bridge Mode2 ohm 2 ohm
Frequency Response at 1 watt into 4 ohms/channel11-150Hz -3dB 11-150Hz -3dB
Frequency Response at rated power into 4 ohms/channel 11-150Hz-3dB 11-150Hz -3dB15
Input Voltage range for rated power into 4 ohms0.22-7.4 volt 0.22-7.4 volt
Megalith
Minilith
Input Impedance (10K ohm on “mono-bridge” input)39K ohm 39K ohm
Current Consumption with Sinewave at 4 ohms70A 20A
Current Consumption with Music at 4 ohms15A 6A
Idling Current<5A <3A
Size W x H (302.22mmx74mm/11.9”x2.91”) x L494mm/19.45” 314.4mm/12.4”
Shipping Weight (Kg/Lbs) 13.6/30 7.3/16
Fuse rating ***150A 35A
*** May have to be increased by 40% when driving high power into 1ohm loads
Page 10
Page 14
Megalith
For those of you acquainted with ancient history we know that the Egyptians amongst
others built massive temples and monoliths. These monoliths were single massive stone
structures, wider at the base and tapering at the top and exuded a feeling of power and
mass. We wanted our new mono block to do the same and we believe that we have
succeeded. With an output capability of 2Kw into a 1 ohm load, Megalith takes it’s place
as one of the most powerful amplifiers available today.
Megalith is the culmination of more than 2 years of development. We asked ourselves
what consumers want in a subwoofer amplifier. Requirements are for sharp cut off low
pass and high pass filters, good quality equalization, the ability to bridge two amps
together, a remote level control and multiple inputs. We incorporated ALL of these
features into this amplifier.
The heart of any great amplifier is the power supply. After all this is where all the energy is
derived from. A well regulated power supply with low noise is essential for good audio
performance. We at Zed have been building regulated power supplies for over 25 years
and feel that they sound superior to unregulated or “sloppy” power supplies. A small
lesson here. The audio section of an amplifier is only a variable valve from the power
supply to the speaker. How the valve is varied depends on the class of amplifier. In this
case we use a Pulse Width Modulated system (Class D). Any voltage fluctuations on the
power supply rails will manifest themselves as a form of distortion. So if the source of
energy is poor, sound quality will be poor no matter how well the audio amplifier (valve) is
designed. It is synonymous with adding a poor quality fuel to your automobile. It will
perform poorly if the source of energy is poor. The same argument applies to amplifiers.
The PWM amplifier utilizes a high frequency carrier which is modulated by the incoming
audio signal. The resultant series of variable width pulse trains are switched by the main
high current switching amplifier. This section uses ultra high speed precision integrated
circuits to precisely control the on and off times of the output Mosfets. A total of 10 high
current, high voltage Mosfets are used. Each has a current capability of 50 amps in a
circuit limited to less than 50 amps. With an output stage having a current capability of
500 amps there is a substantial safety factor built in. The output filter utilizes low loss iron
cores and high quality film capacitors.
A servo control amplifier monitors the DC conditions at the speaker terminals and keeps
the DC offset at less than 3mV (0.003v).
The turn on/off function of the audio section is done with opto-isolators which allows us to
keep the control circuits fully isolated from the audio circuits.
Page 11
Page 15
Our power supplies use massive amounts of capacitance on the 12 volt side and this
capacitance is spread over 19 capacitors in parallel. A total of 41,800mfd is used.
Fourteen (14) high current low Rds on Mosfets are used as the main switching elements.
Each is rated at 110 amps but we derate them to 50 amps for safety and each has an “on”
resistance of 0.01 ohms at 80 deg C. With seven Mosfets in parallel on each half of the
supply the total on resistance is 0.0014 Ohm (One point four thousandths of an ohm!)
We further temperature derate this for a final on resistance of 0.002 ohms. With 14
Mosfets each rated at a theoretical 110 amps we have a reserve of 1,540 amps. Well this
number is wishful thinking and the figure we work with is 50 amps per Mosfet for a total
current capability of 700 amps in a circuit limited to about 240 amps. So we have a large
safety factor built in. This does not tell the whole story about how the switching Mosfets
behave. We must turn them on and off quickly, minimize the overshoot and make sure
their junction temperature remains in the safety zone. We achieve some of these
parameters by using the Mosfets as source followers, which means that they operate
without any voltage gain and only current gain. Pretty much all car amplifiers use their
Mosfets with voltage gain which causes various ills. Our Mosfets operate with maximum
bandwidth and due to the circuit design the main power transformer (of which there are
two in Megalith) has it’s design greatly simplified. Less turns are required, which means
lower copper losses and we can minimize leakage inductance in the transformer(s) by
better winding methods.
The above describes what happens on the primary side of the power supply. The
secondary side has some equally impressive specs. Two pairs of high current fast
recovery diodes are used to rectify each transformer’s secondary voltages to the required
rails used by the output stages of the amplifier. A total of 22,400 mfd of capacitance is
used for the main rails and this stores 71 Joules of energy. A pair of fully regulated +/- 14
volt supplies feeds all the small signal stages of the PWM amplifier.
A separate transformer supplies the isolated supplies for the pre-amplifiers. These are
again fully regulated. The grounding system for the pre-amplifiers is 100% floating from
the rest of the circuits. This ensures that no ground loops can be formed which in turn will
reject alternator whine. A fully balanced differential drive circuit is used to couple the preamplifier’s outputs to the inputs of the PWM amplifier section.
The protection circuits are extensive and incorporate DC sensors on the speaker
terminals, a thermal shut down should the heatsink reach 80 deg C, a muting circuit which
ensures quiet turn on/off of the PWM amplifier. The PWM section incorporates the short
circuit protection. Lastly a battery level monitor shuts down the amplifier if the battery
voltage exceeds 15 volts.
Page 12
Page 16
The pre-amplifier has 5 inputs, four of them allow the front and rear outputs from a head
unit to mixed to mono. The fifth input does double duty. When the MODE switch is in the
“normal” position the fifth input (mono) accepts a mono input, such as the mono sub outs
from some head units. The sensitivity is 4 times that of each of the individual inputs 1-4 so
that the level range remains the same. When this input is used the user may choose to
use either the low pass crossover in the head unit, in which case turn Megalith’s low pass
crossover to 240Hz or if Megalith’s crossover is used, turn the low pass crossover on the
head unit to the highest frequency (This keeps the unused crossover out of the usable
passband - typically up to 100Hz). When the mode switch is in the “Bridge” position, the
fifth input receives signal from the MASTER amplifier when two amps are run in the
bridged configuration. (See Fig 5 on bridging two of our mono blocks)
The high pass crossover functions as a variable subsonic filter with a Butterworth curve at
24dB/octave. Setting this control at the appropriate frequency for the woofer prevents
unwanted cone excursions at frequencies which we cannot hear.
A one band parametric equalizer was incorporated because we feel that it gives the
installer more control than a simple bass control.
The remote port allows the signal level to be varied from the dash area of the vehicle.
Two Megaliths may be bridged for super high power of up to 4Kw into 2 ohms. (Turn the
level control on the amplifier more sensitive and then use the remote control)
Minilith
This amplifier has a little humour attached to it’s name. It is a sort of “Lith” but of course
much smaller, so what better than to name it as the mini version of Megalith. With an
output capability of 600w into a 1 ohm load, Minilith takes it’s place beside it’s larger
sibling.
All the same good technical goodies apply to this small Lith. It would be pointless to repeat
it all here so just read the technical stuff under Megalith. Of course this amplifier has less
parts and so the input capacitance totals only 11,000mfd. The circuit accommodates
various types of power supply mosfets. We typically use twelve 17 amp mosfets or six 35
amp versions. In either case we have a large current reserve for total reliability.
The class D amplifier uses six power mosfets each rated at 33 amps (for a total of 99
amps) in a circuit with a maximum current requirement of 24.5 amps.
Minilith uses the identical front end as Megalith so this mini-mite has no disadvantage in
terms of it’s versatility.
Two Miniliths may be bridged for up to 1.2Kw into a 2 ohm load
Page 14
Page 17
Typical Systems
System 1: This shows a Megalith connected to a subwoofer (1 or more speakers) and
driven from a head unit with front and rear outputs(Fig 3) OR a head with a MONO output
(Fig 4).
PARAMETRIC EQPARAMETRIC EQ
BRIDGE
75
125
43
140
34
REMREM
26
160
NORMAL
MODEMODE
FREQFREQ
QQ
-
-
BOOSTBOOST
CUTCUT
110
0
+
27
40
180
17
63
50
40
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
44
14
11235
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
0.22v7.4v48
LEVELLEVEL
1) Set “MODE” switch to “NORMAL” position.
2) Set Parametric Eq to suit.
3) Set Low Pass crossover to suit.
4) Set High Pass crossover to suit
5) Set level control to suit.
6) Do NOT plug an RCA into “MONO/BRIDGE”
input.
7) Optional remote control
-
-
-
-
+
+
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
1 ohm load min
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
POWER CONNECTIONS
+
Battery
Woofer of 1-4 ohms
LINELINE
OUTOUT
MONOMONO
BRIDGEBRIDGE
REM
--
11-14.4 volts DC
+
INPUTSINPUTS
1
2
Left Front
+
3
Head Unit
4
Left Rear
Right Rear
Right Front
Remote Output
4 x Y-adaptors to split signal for routing
to the high frequency amplifier(s)
Audio signals routed to the Mid-High frequency
amplifiers - refer to diagrams for Stereo and
4 channel amplifiers in this manual
Fuse
PARAMETRIC EQPARAMETRIC EQ
BRIDGE
75
125
43
140
34
REMREM
26
160
NORMAL
MODEMODE
FREQFREQ
QQ
-
-
BOOSTBOOST
CUTCUT
110
0
+
27
40
180
17
63
50
40
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
44
14
11235
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
0.22v7.4v48
LEVELLEVEL
LINELINE
OUTOUT
MONOMONO
BRIDGEBRIDGE
INPUTSINPUTS
1
2
1) Set “MODE” switch to “NORMAL” position
2) Set Parametric Eq to suit
3) Set Low Pass crossover to 240Hz if the head’s
internal Low Pass crossover is used OR set as
required and set the head’s Low Pass crossover
to it’s highest frequency >200Hz.
4) Set High Pass crossover to suit
5) Set level control to suit
6) DO NOT use RCA inputs 1-4
Rear panel not shown for clarity - same as Fig 3.
Fig 3
3
Head Unit
4
Mono Output
Left Rear
Left Front
Right Rear
Right Front
Remote Output
Audio signals routed to the Mid-High frequency
amplifiers - refer to diagrams for Stereo and
4 channel amplifiers in this manual
Fig 4
Page 15
Page 18
System 2: This shows the connections on how to bridge two Megaliths to form one super
high power amplifier capable of 4Kw into 2 ohms. Fig 5
Note
NEVER EVER RUN A FULL RANGE SIGNAL
INTO THE “MONO-BRIDGE” INPUT
WITH THE BRIDGE SWITCH IN THE
“BRIDGE” MODE. THIS WILL DAMAGE
THE AMPLIFIER.
Master amplifier
PARAMETRIC EQPARAMETRIC EQ
BRIDGE
75
125
43
140
34
REMREM
26
160
NORMAL
MODEMODE
FREQFREQ
QQ
1) Set “MODE” switch to “NORMAL” position.
2) Set Parametric Eq to suit.
3) Set Low Pass crossover to suit.
4) Set High Pass crossover to suit
5) Set level control to suit.
6) Do NOT plug an RCA into “MONO/BRIDGE”
input.
7) Optional remote control
-
-
BOOSTBOOST
CUTCUT
110
0
+
27
40
180
17
63
50
40
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
44
14
11235
LEVELLEVEL
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
Head Unit
Remote Output
Left Front
LINELINE
OUTOUT
0.22v7.4v48
MONOMONO
BRIDGEBRIDGE
Left Rear
Right Rear
Right Front
INPUTSINPUTS
3
1
2
4
RCA-RCA cable
Remote in
Slave amplifier
PARAMETRIC EQPARAMETRIC EQ
BRIDGE
75
125
43
140
34
REMREM
26
160
-
NORMAL
MODEMODE
FREQFREQ
1) Set “MODE” switch to “BRIDGE” position.
2) Parametric Eq is INOPERATIVE
3) Low Pass crossover is INOPERATIVE
4) High Pass crossover is INOPERATIVE
5) Level control is INOPERATIVE
6) RCA inputs 1-4 are INOPERATIVE
7) Connect LINE OUT from master to BRIDGE input
of slave.
8) Connect a #8 or larger GROUND cable from the “-”
speaker terminal of the MASTER to the “-” speaker
terminal of the SLAVE.
-
QQ
BOOSTBOOST
CUTCUT
Alternative input connections may be
made as per Figure 4
Remote out to both REMOTE In’s
of the amplifiers
LEVELLEVEL
LINELINE
OUTOUT
0.22v7.4v48
MONOMONO
BRIDGEBRIDGE
110
0
+
27
40
180
17
63
50
40
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
44
14
11235
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
INPUTSINPUTS
1
2
Remote in
3
4
Note
-
-
-
-
+
+
1 ohm load min
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
REM
--
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
Fuse
+
Battery
Interconnect GROUND
Important Notes:
Make sure Interconnect GROUND is from spk to spk - ONLY
Do NOT use less than a 2 ohm load in BRIDGE
mode.
Fuse each amplifier separately.
+
Woofer(s) of 2-8 ohms
Fig 5
-
-
-
-
+
+
1 ohm load min
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
REM
--
+
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
Fuse
To Battery +
Make NO other connections
to this #8 wire
Page 16
Page 19
Gladius and The Deuce
hat a combination these two are. Gladius,(which is Latin for sword) was the famous
W
685mm) in length and made from hardened steel attached to a wooden handle it was a
deadly weapon in the hands of a soldier. The design of the short sword was copied from
the Iberian Celts. Roman gladiators were also specialists in the use of this weapon. Our
version of the Gladius is equally as deadly in the hands of a good installer. Somewhat
shorter than the sword but of course a lot heavier. At 75w/ch it packs a punch which
belies it’s modest power rating.
T
and all have a deuce. Thirteen cards in each suit, the second being the 2 or deuce. The Deuce from Zed signifies our second amplifier in the line up which is a two channel
amplifier of powerful proportions. Whilst not a monster power house, at 400w/ch @ 2
ohms it will certainly do justice to any system in which it is installed.
As in Megalith, these two amplifiers have all the same power supply technology but of
course on a smaller scale. Gladius employs 6 high current Mosfets in the power supply
together with 8,800 mfd of capacitance whilst The Deuce has 8 ultra high current Mosfets
with 22,000 mfd. Each Mosfet in Gladius is limited to a maximum current of 9 amps and
in The Deuce to 18 amps. The same extensive protection system as used in Megalith is
used in these two babies. The secondary side of Gladius has fast recovery diodes
delivering the rectified AC to a bank of capacitors totaling 8,800 mfd. The Deuce has
18,800 mfd worth of capacitance.
Roman short sword used by the Romans. Between 18 and 27 inches (455 to
he deck of cards originally came from China and entered the Western world in the
13th century. Many forms of cards exist but all have the same number in each suit
Both Gladius and The Deuce use the same topology in their amplifier circuits. Fully
complementary from input to output, they use temperature compensated constant current
sources to drive the differential input transistors. This ensures that with varying
temperature the DC conditions within the amplifier are kept constant. The inputs are fully
balanced, using our Differential Drive circuit, which allows us to float the pre-amplifier
100% from ground. Noise is thus a thing of the past. The circuits employ substantial
amounts of local feedback which allows us to use very little global feedback. Low THD
was not our goal, rather sound quality. The output stages use high frequency Bipolar
output transistors. These have an Ft of 20MHz and are very linear with respect to gain.
Gladius has four, 100 watt devices per channel whilst The Deuce has ten,100 watt
devices per channel. Zed has always been a strong proponent of having output stages
vastly over rated. The reliability of the amplifier is improved when output devices are run
at fractions of their capability.
Page 17
Page 20
re-amplification is such an important part of any mobile amplifier. We incorporate a
P
pair of high and low pass crossovers both with 24dB/octave slopes. The frequency
range covered is sufficient to allow these crossovers to be used in tri-amplified systems.
The amplifiers may of course be run full range. A variable bass boost control allows for up
to 18dB of boost to be applied at 44Hz. The level control has a range from 0.26 to 8 volts.
When the MODE switch is in the “direct” position, all pre-amplifier features are bypassed
except the gain control and this is the purest signal path.. A selector switch allows for flat,
low or high pass functions to both the amplifiers and the line output.
Typical Systems
System 1 - One amplifier to a speaker system
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LEFT
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
RIGHT
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
-
BRIDGE
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
HP
0.26v8v0 +18dB
LP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
BASSBASS
EQEQ
ROUTINGROUTING
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
190
LP
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HP
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
REM
-
-
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
+
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
+
Minimum speaker impedance per channel is 2 ohm
Notes
Head Unit
Remote out
Fuse
+
Battery
Fig 6
1) Set the Routing switch to suit the speakers being used
2) Set the Low or High pass crossovers to suit the speakers being used
3) If the ROUTING switch is set to “flat” then the low and high pass crossovers do not
function but the Bass control is operative.
4) Set the Bass boost control to suit.
5) Set the level control to the specific head unit.
6) Set the MODE switch to the desired position, “Direct” will bypass ALL controls
except the Level control. This is the purest signal path.
Page 18
Page 21
System 2 - One amplifier bridged to mono
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LEFT
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
RIGHT
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
-
BRIDGE
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
HP
0.26v8v0 +18dB
LP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
BASSBASS
EQEQ
ROUTINGROUTING
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
190
LP
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HP
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
REM
-
-
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
Y-Adaptor
+
Head Unit
Mono signal
source
Fuse
Remote out
+
Battery
Minimum speaker impedance is 4 ohms
Fig 7
Notes
1) Set the Routing switch to suit the speaker being used
2) Set the Low or High pass crossovers to suit the speaker being used
3) If the ROUTING switch is set to “flat” then the low and high pass crossovers do not
function but the Bass control is operative.
4) Set the Bass boost control to suit.
5) Set the level control to the specific head unit.
6) Set the MODE switch to the desired position, direct will bypass ALL controls
except the Level control. This is the purest signal path.
7) The MONO SIGNAL SOURCE is not necessarily the head unit.
Page 19
Page 22
System 3 - Two amplifiers Bi-amplified
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LEFT
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
Head Unit
0.26v8v0 +18dB
BASSBASS
EQEQ
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
LP
HP
LP
HP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
ROUTINGROUTING
190
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
Remote out
Amplifier # 1
RIGHT
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
-
BRIDGE
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
REM
-
-
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
Fuse
+
Battery
Amplifier # 1
+
Min speaker
impedance = 2 ohm
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
0.26v8v0 +18dB
BASSBASS
EQEQ
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
LP
HP
LP
HP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
ROUTINGROUTING
190
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
1) Set ROUTING switch to Low pass for amplifier
2) Set Low pass crossover to appropriate frequency
3) Set High pass crossover to appropriate frequency for
the Mids and tweeters
4) Set the level control to set Low pass level
5) Set Bass control to suit.
6) Set MODE switch to “Normal”
7) Amplifier may be run in bridge mode (see Fig 7)
+
Amplifier # 2
-
-
BRIDGE
RIGHT
-
-
+
-
-
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
+
LEFT
+
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
Passive Highpass crossover
Fig 8
+
REM
-
-
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
Min speaker
impedance = 2 ohm
Fuse
+
Battery
Amplifier # 2
1) Set ROUTING switch to Flat for amplifier
2) Low pass crossover is inoperative
3) High pass crossover is inoperative
4) Set the level control to set High pass level
5) Bass control is inoperative
6) Set MODE switch to “Normal” or “Direct”
7) If set to “Direct” this is the purest signal path and
all other controls/switches are inoperative except
for the LEVEL control. (recommended)
Page 20
Page 23
System 4 - Three amplifiers Tri-amplified (Batt/remote connections not shown for clarity)
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LEFT
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
Head Unit
0.26v8v0 +18dB
BASSBASS
EQEQ
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
LP
HP
LP
HP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
ROUTINGROUTING
190
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
Amplifier # 1
RIGHT
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
-
BRIDGE
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
+
Min speaker
REM
-
-
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
Amplifier # 1- Low pass
1) Set ROUTING switch to Low pass for amplifier
2) Set Low pass crossover to appropriate frequency - 1
3) Set High pass crossover to appropriate frequency for
the Midrange - 2
4) Set the level control to set Low pass level
5) Set Bass control to suit.
6) Set MODE switch to “Normal”
7) Amplifier may be run in bridge mode (see Fig 7)
impedance = 2 ohm
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
0.26v8v0 +18dB
BASSBASS
EQEQ
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
LP
HP
LP
HP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
ROUTINGROUTING
190
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
LINELINE
OUTOUT
0.26v8v0 +18dB
BASSBASS
EQEQ
AMPLIFIERAMPLIFIER
LP
HP
LP
HP
LINE OUTLINE OUT
ROUTINGROUTING
190
FLAT
670
85
1.2K
63
46
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
DIRECT
L
NORMAL
R
LEVELLEVEL
MODEMODE
LINELINE
190
INPUTINPUT
670
85
1.2K
63
3.5K
463.5K
L
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
R
Amplifier # 2
-
-
BRIDGE
+
RIGHT
-
-
+
-
-
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
REM
-
-
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
+
LEFT
+
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
Min speaker
impedance = 2 ohm
Amplifier # 2 - Midrange
1) Set ROUTING switch to Low pass for amplifier
2) Set Low pass crossover to the appropriate frequency
This sets the LP of the Midrange - 3
3) Set High pass crossover to the appropriate frequency
This sets the HP of the tweeters - 4
4) Set the level control to set Bandpass/Midrange level
5) Bass control is inoperative
6) Set MODE switch to “Normal”
Fig 9
Amplifier # 3
-
-
BRIDGE
+
RIGHT
-
-
+
-
-
DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA by ZED AUDIO
2
P
H
Amp 1
REM
-
-
+
11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONS
1
L
4
P
HP
Amp 2
Amp 1’s crossovers set the split between LP and BP
Amp 2’s crossovers set the split between BP and HP
LEFT
+
+
Min load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms Bridge
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
Amplifier # 3 - High pass
1) Set ROUTING switch to Flat for amplifier
2) Low pass crossover is inoperative
3) High pass crossover is inoperative
4) Set the level control to set High pass level
5) Bass control is inoperative
6) Set MODE switch to “Normal” or “Direct”
7) “Direct” is the purest signal path. If in “Direct”
all controls/switches except LEVEL are inoperative
3
L
P
Page 21
Page 24
Draconia
reece, the ancient land where the modern day Olympics was born and from where
G
was born, a guy named Draco, instituted a code of laws so harsh that they became known
as Draconian laws. Zed Audio also has a law, it is called Draconia and this new amplifier
sets a new standard in multi-channel amplification. Draconia is a 4 channel amplifier of
modest power but let this not fool you. With pre-amplifier features that are somewhat
unique this puppy can do some cool things.
Power supplies of course follow the same theme as all Zed amplifiers. Eight ultra high
current Mosfets provide the switching power in the supply and there is 22,000mfd of input
capacitance. The secondary side has 18,800mfd of capacitance and supplied by two ultra
fast 20 amp recovery diodes. Once again the pre-amplifiers have their own fully isolated
power supply which completely eliminates any chance of ground loops.
The power amplifiers are identical to those used in Gladius except of course there are
four of them. Turn and off cycles are controlled via optically isolated control circuits.
Alexander the great ruled a vast empire for 33 years. 300 years before Alexander
The pre-amplifiers are what sets Draconia apart from other four channel amplifiers. Whilst
we could have put in multitudes of switches and controls just for the sake of having lots of
“toys” on the front panel, we opted for a system which allows maximum flexibility without
being overly complex.
Channels 1 and 2 may be run in either FLAT, HIGH PASS or LOW PASS generated from
channels 3 and 4. A little more about this LOW PASS function in a moment. The HP
crossover is variable from 46Hz to 3.5KHz. In the “flat” position (On all four channels) all
pre-amplifier functions are bypassed for the purest signal path
Channels 3 and 4 are more flexible. When the SELECTOR switch is in the FLAT position
then all crossover/eq functions are bypassed. When in the HP position then the high pass
crossover functions as usual. Now when moved to the LP position a whole new ball game
begins. The Low pass crossover with it’s bass boost control are put into circuit, but along
with this comes the MODE switch. What the MODE switch does is allow the user some
further options. When in the LP position channels 3 and 4 function in low pass mode and
this low pass signal is also routed to the SELECTOR switch on channels 1 and 2 (see
above note). So Draconia can then be run with all channels in low pass and all running off
inputs 3 and 4. The channels may be bridged or run as stereo pairs.
When set to the BP position, the LOW and HIGH PASS crossovers are in cascade and
channels 3 and 4 are in bandpass mode to be used as part of a tri-amplified system.
Page 22
Page 25
The bandpass crossover frequencies are variable over a wide range and will
accommodate all midrange drivers. The last position is MIX and in this mode all of the
four inputs are mixed into a single mono signal and then run through the low pass
crossover. Thus it is possible to have the front and rear outputs from a head run into
Draconia and then all 4 channels are run as low pass. Thus Draconia can be run as a sub
amplifier and again the channels can be run individually or in bridge mode. Sounds like
quite a mouthful but it is actually simple.
The line output has it’s own selector switch and this allows the line out to choose between
channels 3 and 4 low pass or channels 3 and 4 high pass. More about this when typical
systems are shown after this section.
Both sets of level controls allow the use of a wide range of input levels from 0.26v to 8v.
To power amplifiers
Ch’s 3+4
LINELINE
OUTOUT
LL
RR
LP/BP/MIX
FLAT
3+4 HP3+4 HP
3+4 LP3+4 LP
LINELINE
HP
0.26v0.26v8v8v00+18+18
LEVELLEVEL
SELECTSELECT
FLATFLATHPHPLP/BP/MIXLP/BP/MIX
BASSBASS
EQEQ
CHANNEL 3+4CHANNEL 3+4
8585
6363
4646
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
LP
MIX
190190
BP
3.5K3.5K
MIXMIX
LPLP3+4 LP3+4 LP
BPBP
670670
1.2K1.2K
6363
8585
4646
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
To power amplifiers
Ch’s 1+2
190190
3K53K5
670670
1K21K2
0.26v0.26v8v8v
LEVELLEVEL
CHANNEL 1+2CHANNEL 1+2
670670
1K21K2
3K53K5
LINE INPUTSLINE INPUTS
33
44
11
22
HPHP
FLATFLAT
190190
8585
6363
4646
3+4 LP
FLAT
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
HP
SELECTSELECTMODEMODE
+
Summing amp
Draconia front panel and signal flow diagram (Only one channel is shown
for clarity)
Fig 10
Page 23
Page 26
Typical Systems
System 1 - Draconia driving four speakers (with or without line out driving a sub amplifier)
LINELINE
3+4 HP3+4 HP
OUTOUT
LL
3+4 LP3+4 LP
LINELINE
RR
0.26v0.26v8v8v00 +18+18
LEVELLEVEL
SELECTSELECT
FLATFLATHPHPLP/BP/MIXLP/BP/MIX
BASSBASS
8585
6363
4646
EQEQ
CHANNEL 3+4CHANNEL 3+4
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
MIXMIX
BPBP
190190
670670
1.2K1.2K
3.5K3.5K
LPLP3+4 LP3+4 LP HPHP FLATFLAT
190190
670670
8585
6363
1K21K2
3K53K5
4646
0.26v0.26v8v8v
HIGHHIGH
LEVELLEVEL
PASSPASS
SELECTSELECTMODEMODE
CHANNEL 1+2CHANNEL 1+2
LINE INPUTSLINE INPUTS
190190
8585
6363
3K53K5
4646
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
11
670670
1K21K2
223344
Head Unit
To inputs of either Megalith/Minilith,Gladius/The Deuce
or another Draconia
1) This system is for four full range satellite speakers or high pass if a sub amplifier is
added.
2) If used in full range, set both SELECT switches to the FLAT positions. All crossovers
and the Bass control are non operational. The LEVEL controls are then used to set
amplifier sensitivity.
3) If the satellites are mid/tweeter combos and a sub amplifier is used then set the
SELECT switches for Chs 1+2 and Chs 3+4 to the HP positions. Then set each of the HP
crossovers to suit the speaker being used. The LINE SELECT switch must be set to 3+4
LP and the MODE switch to MIX or to LP. If set to MIX then the LINE OUT shall receive a
mono low pass signal derived from each of the four line inputs and controlled by the LP
crossover and bass control. If set to 3+4 LP then the LINE out shall receive a stereo
signal derived from the line inputs of channels 3+4 only. Again the LP crossover and bass
boost control shall affect the line output.
4) If the LP crossover on the sub amp is preferred over that of Draconia then simply turn
the LP crossover to 3.5KHz and this removes the LP crossover of Draconia from the pass
band.
5) The sub amp chosen can be either Megalith,Minilith,Gladius,The Deuce or Draconia.
Which ever is chosen please refer to the relevant diagram for hook up.
6) The LP crossovers in all Zed amplifiers are identical in function, so in (4) above it
makes no difference which LP crossover is used.
Page 24
Page 27
System 2 - Draconia driving two HP speakers on Chs1+2, subs on Chs3+4 and LINE OUT
to High Pass speakers
+
LINELINE
3+4 HP3+4 HP
OUTOUT
LL
3+4 LP3+4 LP
LINELINE
RR
0.26v0.26v8v8v00 +18+18
LEVELLEVEL
SELECTSELECT
FLATFLATHPHPLP/BP/MIXLP/BP/MIX
BASSBASS
8585
6363
4646
EQEQ
CHANNEL 3+4CHANNEL 3+4
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
MIXMIX
BPBP
190190
670670
1.2K1.2K
3.5K3.5K
LPLP3+4 LP3+4 LP HPHP FLATFLAT
190190
670670
8585
6363
1K21K2
3K53K5
4646
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
To inputs of either
Gladius or The Deuce
Ch1Ch1
--
--
++
++
BRIDGEBRIDGE
Min load 2 ohms StereoMin load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms BridgeMin load 4 ohms Bridge
+
Ch3Ch3
Ch2Ch2
--
--
--
--
++
++
Min load 2 ohms StereoMin load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms BridgeMin load 4 ohms Bridge
++
SPEAKER CONNECTIONSSPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
--
--
BRIDGEBRIDGE
++
Ch4Ch4
--
--
DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED
DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA
IN THE USA
--
--
by ZED AUDIO
by ZED AUDIO
+
6363
0.26v0.26v8v8v
LEVELLEVEL
SELECTSELECTMODEMODE
CHANNEL 1+2CHANNEL 1+2
----
11-14.4 volts DC11-14.4 volts DC
POWER CONNECTIONSPOWER CONNECTIONS
LINE INPUTSLINE INPUTS
190190
8585
3K53K5
4646
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
REMREM
11
670670
1K21K2
223344
++
Channels 3+4 may be run in bridge mode
by connecting the woofer(s) between
Ch3 + and Ch4 - speaker terminals
Notes
Head Unit
Fuse
+
Battery
Fig 12
1) Set the HP and level controls for ch’s 1+2 to suit the Mid/Hi front speakers
2) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 1+2 to HP
3) Set the LP, Bass and level controls for Ch’s 3+4 to suit the woofers.
4) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 3+4 to LP/BP/MIX and the MODE switch to MIX.
5) Set the LINE SELECT switch to 3+4 HP. The high pass crossover for Ch’s 3+4 now
controls the high pass function on the line outputs. The line outputs are fed into either a
Gladius or The Deuce which is run as a two channel amplifier driving the rear satellite
speakers. Gladius/The Deuce ROUTING switch is set to FLAT. Because the
crossovers in all our amplifiers are the same type, using the HP on Draconia shall
perform the same function as those on the two channel amplifiers.
6) Since the two channel amplifier is running in the flat mode it is a good idea to set
the MODE switch to the DIRECT position and thus all pre-amplifier functions are
bypassed except for the level control. This allows for the purest signal path.
7)Please refer to the diagrams under Gladius/The Deuce on how to connect these
amplifiers.
Page 25
Page 28
System 3 - Draconia driving two HP speakers on Chs 1+2 and Midrange on Chs 3+4.
LINELINE
3+4 HP3+4 HP
OUTOUT
LL
3+4 LP3+4 LP
LINELINE
RR
0.26v0.26v8v8v00 +18+18
LEVELLEVEL
SELECTSELECT
FLATFLATHPHPLP/BP/MIXLP/BP/MIX
BASSBASS
8585
6363
4646
EQEQ
CHANNEL 3+4CHANNEL 3+4
LOWLOW
PASSPASS
MIXMIX
BPBP
190190
670670
1.2K1.2K
3.5K3.5K
To sub woofer amplifier
+
Ch1Ch1
--
--
++
++
BRIDGEBRIDGE
Min load 2 ohms StereoMin load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms BridgeMin load 4 ohms Bridge
+
Ch3Ch3
Ch2Ch2
--
--
--
--
++
++
Min load 2 ohms StereoMin load 2 ohms Stereo
Min load 4 ohms BridgeMin load 4 ohms Bridge
++
SPEAKER CONNECTIONSSPEAKER CONNECTIONS
+
--
--
BRIDGEBRIDGE
--
--
++
LPLP3+4 LP3+4 LP HPHP FLATFLAT
190190
670670
8585
6363
1K21K2
3K53K5
4646
0.26v0.26v8v8v
HIGHHIGH
LEVELLEVEL
PASSPASS
CHANNEL 1+2CHANNEL 1+2
Ch4Ch4
DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED
DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED
IN THE USA
IN THE USA
--
--
by ZED AUDIO
by ZED AUDIO
POWER CONNECTIONSPOWER CONNECTIONS
+
8585
6363
4646
SELECTSELECTMODEMODE
----
11-14.4 volts DC11-14.4 volts DC
HIGHHIGH
PASSPASS
REMREM
LINE INPUTSLINE INPUTS
190190
3K53K5
11
670670
1K21K2
223344
Head Unit
2 channel source
Input signals fed to 1/3 and 2/4 as shown
++
Fuse
+
Battery
Notes
Fig 14
1) Set the HP and level controls for ch’s 1+2 to suit the high frequency speakers
2) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 1+2 to HP
3) Set the LP, HP and level controls for Ch’s 3+4 to suit the midrange speakers..
4) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 3+4 to LP/BP/MIX and the MODE switch to BP.
5) The LP crossover sets the high end of the bandpass/midrange passband and the HP
crossover sets the low end of the bandpass/midrange passband.
6) The low frequency amplifier is driven from the same signal source via Y-adaptors.
7) Any amplifier of this series may be used for the low frequencies. To use Draconia,
see the next system.
Sub amplifier of choice
Draconia Ch 3+4 HP
H
P
LP
H
L
P
P
Draconia Ch 1+2 HP
Draconia Ch 3+4 LP
Note that when Draconia is configured this way, it is only part of the tri-amplified
system. It only performs the high pass and bandpass/midrange functions in a
TWO CHANNEL FORMAT.
Page 26
Page 29
System 4 - Draconia configured as a sub woofer amplifier
1) Set the level control on Ch’s 1+2 to suit the woofers connected to those channels.
2) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 1+2 to 3+4 LP position.
3) Set the level control on Chs 3+4 to suit the woofers connected to those channels.
4) Set the SELECTOR switch for Ch’s 3+4 to the LP/BP/MIX position.
5) Set the MODE switch to the MIX position.
6) Set the LOW PASS crossover and BASS control to suit the woofers used.
7) Setting the controls as above allows the following to occur: All 4 inputs are mixed.
8) This mixed mono signal is fed to the low pass/bass circuits of Ch’s 3+4.
9) This low pass signal is fed to the level amplifiers of all four channels.
10) All four channels thus have the same signal content - a mono low pass signal.
11) A woofer may be run off each channel as shown in the diagram above - Min 2 ohms
12) Each pair of channels may be bridged by simply connecting the woofers from the
+ speaker of the odd numbered channels to the - speaker of the even numbered
channels. Bridging on all Zed’s two and four channel amplifiers is accomplished in
the same manner
14) The signal drive from the head unit must use Y-adaptors to route the signals to the
High pass amplifiers
Page 27
Page 30
Troubleshooting
Amplifier will not power up.Check for battery power at amplifier’s
power terminals.
Check for voltage at REMOTE terminal
must be greater than 3 volts
Make sure protection LED is off. If it is on,
turn the amplifier off for 5 seconds and
then power up again. If LED comes on
Again refer to notes below.
Amplifier gets hotThe amplifier is OK if you can keep your hand
on the chassis with no discomfort.
Make sure the speaker impedance is correct.
High “hiss” heard in speakersRemove the RCA plugs from the amplifier.
If hiss disappears the problem is the source.
Set the amplifier’s level control as insensitive
as possible.
It is best to drive the highest signal level from
the head unit as possible. The higher this signal
level the better the subjective S/N ratio is.
Protection LED comes onRemove speaker connections from amplifier.
Turn amplifier off for 5 seconds.
Turn on again, if LED is off the problem is with
the speakers. Check for shorts on the cables
and on each speaker.
If the LED comes on, the amplifier is faulty.
Engine noiseCheck spark plug wires.
Check that RCA cables run away from power
cables.
Use only high quality RCA cables.
Alternator whineCheck grounding of head unit.
Run head unit’s +12 connections directly to
the battery +12v terminal.
Make sure all ground connections are rust free.
Check that RCA cable grounds are not shorted
to the chassis in their run from the amplifier to
the head unit.
Disconnect the RCA cables from the amplifier.
If whine disappears the problem is upstream.
Sound is distortedCheck RCA cables for shorts
Check speakers and cables
Check amp level is matched to that of head unit.
Page 28
Page 31
Limited Warranty
This Zed Audio product is warrantied to the ORIGINAL purchaser against defects in
material and workmanship from the factory. This warranty is for a period of one (1) year
from date of purchase from Zed Audio Corporation. This warranty is valid in the country in
which it was purchased and is non-transferable.
This warranty covers only the product purchased from Zed Audio Corporation and does
not cover damage to any other associated equipment or the vehicle(s) in which the
equipment is/was installed.
This warranty does NOT cover damage due to incorrect installation, faulty or bad
equipment associated with the installation.
This warranty does NOT cover any charges associated with removing the equipment form
the vehicle.
If this product is tampered with or altered in any way by unauthorized personnel, or the
serial number is removed/altered/defaced the warranty is null and void. There are NO
exceptions to this.
To obtain factory service under the terms of this warranty, the purchaser must contact
Zed Audio Corporation or an appointed service centre to obtain a Return Merchandise
number which shall be issued by Zed Audio Corporation or an authorized agent. No
product shall be accepted without this number. A copy of the original purchase receipt
must be included with the product. This procedure must be followed otherwise the product
shall NOT be repaired under warranty.
Product returned for repair either out of warranty or if no receipt is included shall be
charged at the current hourly rate.
Equipment returned under warranty shall have the return freight prepaid by the service
centre. Any freight and insurance costs in sending the product in for service is the
responsibility of the end user.
Equipment returned out of warranty shall have the return freight and insurance charges
added to the cost of the service bill.
All incoming equipment is carefully inspected before any service or repair is attempted.
The condition of the equipment is noted on the invoice. Please make sure that you pack
your unit well before sending it back for repair/service.
Page 29
Page 32
All warranty claims shall be decided at the discretion of Zed Audio Corporation or an
appointed representative.
Zed Audio Corporation reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements upon it’s
products. We do not assume any obligation to install such changes and/or improvements
to existing equipment previously manufactured.
Zed Audio Corporation,
759 Cochran Street
Suites A/B
Simi Valley
Ca 93065 USA
Email Zedaudio@aol.com
Website www.zedaudio.com
Fax (805) 526-8572
Tel (805) 526-5315
30 day return policy
Zed Audio Corporation offers an unconditional money back guarantee for any of the
products described in this manual. This 30 day money back guarantee has the following
stipulations attached.
The product must be returned with a copy of the original sales invoice.
The full purchase price shall be refunded less the original freight amount.
For any damaged or missing parts on the amplifier, the replacement thereof shall be
deducted from the refund amount including the labour to replace these parts..
So please retain all packaging materials and documents in case the product is returned
for a refund.
Zed Audio is not responsible for the freight from the consumer to Zed Audio when our
refund option is exercised.
Every product built by Zed Audio goes through a series of exhaustive tests and so we are
100% sure that each and every product meets the advertised specifications. Please have
a qualified person check the installation if for some reason there seems to be something
not functioning correctly, or feel free to contact us and we shall attempt to solve the
problem.
Page 30
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