© 2012 Phoenix Gold • www.phoenixgold.com
Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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 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 turned 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 and dynamic recording.
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 fuse at amplifier
and 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 without sound and the PROTECT LED is 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 for overvoltage on +12V and
ground terminals. 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
LP 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.
“Motor Boating” - the power indicator going off repeatedly when the audio
system is on: Check the amplifier’s connection to the battery. Check battery
voltage. If low, recharge or replace the battery. Check all ground connections.
