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SINGLE INPUTS
STRAPPING TWO AMPLIFIERS TOGETHER
Getting a clear signal from the head unit to the amplifi er is very important. To achieve this, the proper signal cables (RCA style)
must be used. Estimate the length of the cables necessary. Take note that signal cable manufacturers will probably not have the
exact length necessary for your vehicle. If you are between sizes, purchase the slightly longer cable. You can always hide the
extra wire.
Be aware of the differences in cable. Better RCA’s usually have multiple layers of shielding and/or twisted pair wiring for better
noise rejection. Ask your local dealer for his recommendation.
LINE LEVEL INPUTS
Car environments are notorious for poorly insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise, and electrical noise can easily be
picked up through RCA cables if ran incorrectly. To avoid inducing noise into the system, run the RCA’s away from large wire
looms and electric fans if possible. Always make sure to position your signal cables away from the power wire, preferably on the
opposite side of the vehicle or at least 18” apart. When routing the power wire, use caution around sharp corners or body parts
that may easily cut through the cables.
When connecting the signal cables, check the balance to the source unit and the amplifi er. The cables should be marked: red is
right and black or white is usually left. Once you have connected the signal cables to the head unit, slide the unit back into the
dash. Make sure the unit is in securely.
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
Please use a high quality line level convertor to convert the high level outputs from your headunit to low level signals
LEVEL CONTROL
Next to the preamp inputs on the side panel of the amplifi er is the level control, commonly referred to as the gain. The gain allows
you to match the output level of your source unit or signal processor to the input level of the amplifi er. Matching the input can be
accomplished in three simple steps:
1. Turn gain (level) control to minimum.
2. Turn on the source unit and adjust to 2/3 of max volume while playing music.
3. Adjust the gain control until desired, maximum volume is achieved without audible distortion.
Remember that the gain control is not a volume knob. Ignoring the three steps above may leave you with damaged speakers and possibly
damaged amplifier(s).
“Strapping” Two amplifi ers together
Strapping two like amplifi ers together is fairly easy. Study the following instructions as well as the diagrams below to assure proper
connections. If you experience any diffi culties, please contact Crossfi re’s Technical Assistance at tech@crossfi recaraudio.com
STRAPPING CIRCUIT (Invert output)
The internal strapping module can only be used when a pair of either C5-1000D or C5-1700D are used. Strapping allows for
the two amplifi ers to be run in series and achieve double the output into one load. However, this does change the minimum im-
pedance stability to 2 ohms. Strapping the amplifi ers should only be done if the proper impedance cannot be achieved with the
amplifi ers separated.
It is very important to set the Master/Slave control on the amplifi er whether you are strapping or not. If the settings are in the
wrong position, the amplifi er(s) may not work. There are two settings for this control: Master and Slave. Use the following to de-
termine what position to set your amplifi er(s) in. For further reference, please review the drawings following.
