Amplifier Owner’s Manual
© 2018 Phoenix Gold • www.phoenixgold.com
SYSTEM TUNING
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Install all system fuses.
2. Set the amplifier’s input sensitivity controls to their minimum
positions (full counterclockwise).
3. Set all amplifier crossover switches according to your system’s
design.
4. Make preliminary adjustments to the crossover frequency, usually
80Hz is a good starting point for high and low pass. It may be
necessary to fine tune the crossover frequency later for the best
overall sound quality.
5. If using a Remote Subwoofer Level Control, set it to maximum (full
clockwise).
6. Turn the headunit on with the volume set to minimum.
7. Visually check the amplifier has turned on via the power LED.
8. Check the condition of all other components to make sure they
are powered up.
9. Set the headunit’s tone controls, balance, and fader to the
center (flat) position. Turn off any loudness or other signal
processing features.
10. Set the volume control of the headunit to 3/4 of maximum
volume. Play music you typically listen to through the system.
11. Turn up the sensitivity or input level control on the amplifier until
the speakers reach maximum undistorted output.
12. Repeat sensitivity level adjustments for all other amplifiers.
13. Reduce the headunit’s volume to a comfortable level.
14. Listen to various musical selections to check overall system
balance. Compare front to rear, midbass to midrange, etc. If one
speaker set is too loud compared to another, then its level must
be lowered to blend correctly with the other speakers.
Note: For subwoofers controlled by the Remote level control,
keep the level setting from step 11 or 12. Use the control to blend
subwoofers with the rest of the system. The correct subwoofer
volume will change depending on road noise and differences in
recordings.
15. Fine tune crossover frequencies to achieve the smoothest
possible blending of each speaker set.
16. Adjust the Bass Equalization Controls on the amplifier, headunit or
processor upstream if necessary to increase output.
Note: Use these controls sparingly. Every 3dB of boost requires
double the power at 45Hz. If your subwoofer system requires a lot
of boost to sound good, there may be a problem. Look for out-of-
phase woofers, a leaking subwoofer box, or incorrect box size.
17. With all levels set correctly, the system will reach overall maximum
undistorted output at the volume level set in step 10.
NO POWER:
Check voltage at the amplifier with a DMM (volt meter), +12v and R
(with head unit on) the voltage should register between 11.5V and
14.4V when using the attached ground lead of the amplifier. Check
that the amplifier’s ground is good and has a solid connection. Check
fuse at the battery. Use a meter to verify connection from one end of
the fuse to the other, breaks may not always be visible. If the fuse is
blown, check the power wire and also the amplifier for a short. If the
short is in the amplifier itself, see your Phoenix Gold dealer. If no short is
present, replace the fuse.
POWER WITHOUT SOUND:
Turn the amplifier off and check all input and output signal cables and
power connections. Check the speakers for shorts with a DMM (volt
meter) or by connecting them to another audio source. After making
sure everything is correct, turn the amplifier on again.
POWER, NO SOUND, PROTECT LED LIT:
The red PROTECT LED lights when the amplifier shuts down for either
thermal or over-current protection. A high internal amplifier operating
temperature will trigger thermal shutdown: after it cools about 5°C, the
amplifier will restart. A shorted speaker lead or operation into unusually
low impedance loads will trigger over-current shutdown: cycle power
at the amplifier R terminal to restore operation. Check for shorted
speaker wiring or damaged speakers or crossover systems if over-
current shutdown occurs.
NO SOUND FROM ONE OR MORE CHANNELS:
Check the balance control in the head unit. Check speaker
connections. Check signal input connection. Very low output: Check
your head unit’s fader control or the amplifier’s input sensitivity level.
Make sure subsonic frequency control is not set too high and LPF
frequency control is not set too low at the same time.
FREQUENT AMPLIFIER SHUTDOWN WITH AUTOMATIC RECOVERY:
This indicates chronic amplifier thermal shutdown because of
operation at consistently high internal temperatures. High operating
temperature can be caused by inadequate ventilation. Make sure
you are not running a lower than recommend impedance. Also check
for damaged speakers or passive crossover systems. Finally, chronic
thermal shutdown may result from otherwise normal operation of the
amplifier at elevated output power levels, which can be resolved
by providing additional amplifier cooling, installing a higher-power
amplifier, or reducing amplifier output level.
POWER CYCLES ON/OFF QUICKLY:
If the power indicator if going off repeatedly when the audio system is
on, check all ground connections. Check the amplifier’s connection
to the battery. Check battery voltage. If low, recharge or replace the
battery.
