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©2005 Diamond Audio Technology. All Rights Reserved
©2005 Diamond Audio Technology. All Rights Reserved
When using multiple D6 amplifiers, a high output alternator is definitely
recommended.
Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the power/ground cable going
to the amplifier. Insert the stripped cable into the power block on the end of the amplifier
and tighten the Allen screw. Repeat for each amplifier installed.
Amp Current Draw...
The following basic formula can be used as a quick guide to determine the total
amperage draw of a mobile audio system. This formula is based on a 50% amplifier
efficiency rating. Diamond Audio D6 amplifiers are actually more efficient than that, but
others may be less.
Formula:
Total amplifier rated RMS power x 2 = Total Input Wattage
Total Input Wattage/Battery Voltage = Current Draw (Amps)
Examples:
A D6 600.4 amplifier has 4 channels at 75 Watts per channel RMS into 4 Ohms
totaling 300 Watts. Work the formula as follows:
300 Watts x 2 = 600 W
600 W/14.5 V = 41.4 A Total Current Draw
A D6 1000.1 driven to a 1 ohm mono load has 1000 Watts RMS of output, it's current
draw is figured this way:
1000 Watts x 2 = 2000 W
2000 W/14.5 V = 137.9 A Total Current Draw
Note: If you are installing multiple amplifiers, add up the total current draw for all of
them and choose the appropriate gauge based on the grand total.
In the most basic of terms, this means that car audio is gasoline powered. Extra batteries
are primarily for the extended operation of your audio system when the engine is off, or
for SPL competitions where high sound pressure levels are generated for short periods of
time. In which large battery racks are needed to provide the necessary current demanded
by the many amps used.
D6 Reference Series Amplifiers are capable of reproducing “concert level” volumes with
incredible accuracy. Care must be taken to ensure that your vehicle is capable of
supplying the voltage and current required by such a system.
D6 amplifiers are designed to accept up to 4Êgauge power and ground cable, in some
systems this may be overkill, but bigger is always better when it comes to power and
ground connections.
Power & Ground (12VDC)
Because the D6 power supply is more dependent on current than voltage, greater
attention needs to be taken when installing power and ground connections.
These power supplies need an unrestricted flow of current. The proper valued ANL fuse
is recommended. Maxi fuses and circuit breakers are ok too, but most AGU fuses have
too much resistance under load.
The vehicles factory ground at the battery should be upgraded to match or exceed the
largest power wire in the system.
The amplifier ground must be sufficient to pass the same amount of current as the
power wire. Therefore, self tapping screws through 1/8" of sheet metal will not suffice. A
3/8" bolt, nut, and lock washer on a solid ground is recommended, typically on the floor
board. Remove any paint, glue or padding from the ground and use a ring terminal.
Capacitors - Capacitors can be very beneficial as they charge and discharge very
quickly while holding the voltage steady. But in systems with a lot of current draw, a
battery is a better choice due to its higher capacity for that current. Capacitors virtually
do nothing for D6 performance.
