Amplifier Owner’s Manual
© 2011 Phoenix Gold • www.phoenixgold.com
System tuning
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 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’s has powered on by 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 for maximum
undistorted output (on most headunits this will be
approximately 7/8 of maximum volume). Use a very clear,
dynamic recording and begin to listen.
11. Turn up the sensitivity or input level control on the
amplifier until the speakers reach maximum undistorted
output.
12. Repeat sensitivity level adjustments one at time for each
set of channels.
13. Reduce the headunit’s volume to a comfortable level.
14. Listen to various musical selections to check the 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/Boost 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.
