N A U T I C
Installation Manual
Congratulations!
By purchasing an amplifier from MB Quart, you have decided on a product of the
highest technical quality. MB Quart wishes you great enjoyment with your amplifier.
Should you have any questions about this system or other MB Quart products,
please email us at [email protected]
MB Quart has an incredible Marine amplifier lineup with 2 channel, 4 channel
and 6 channel models available. All NAU models feature the following:
- American Boat and Yacht Council compliant Power and Speaker terminals.
- Gold plated Power and Speaker terminals.
- Gold plated RCA connections.
- Marine Grade Conformal Coated circuit board to resist corrosion from salt
spray and moisture.
- Non-Corrosive Aluminum extrusion.
- UV and salt spray resistant silk screen and paint.
NAUTIC
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
General Instructions
General:
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle
that can cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.
Power and ground connections:(See table below)
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Nautic series amplifiers require
at least 8 gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system
amperage. Some applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to
mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then
a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse
is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within 12” of the vehicles battery.
Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 8 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the
amplifiers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution
block to the chassis as short as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to
achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to
scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size
as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent
oxidization with time.
TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each
piece directly to the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and
soldered for reliability. Make sure that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the
chassis.
Safe connection sequence:
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and
remote turn on leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt
cable to the battery, with the main fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.
Power up the system:
The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work
properly immediately.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers
to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input
selector and crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not
blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio
station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by
one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
AMPERAGE
7-10 ft.
10-13 ft.
13-16 ft.
16-19 ft.
19-22 ft.
22-28 ft.
35-50
8
6
4
4
4
2
6
4
4
2
2
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
0
50-65
68-85
85-105
105-125
125-150
3
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Settings for Best Performance
General:
At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier.
High Pass:
-When in Hi Pass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies
from reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High Pass to 100Hz, the amplifier will
not play frequencies below 100Hz but will play frequencies from 100Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.
-When in Low Pass/Bandpass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system reproduction aka Subsonic Filter. The point that you
set it at cuts off any frequencies from reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High
Pass to 25Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies below 25Hz but will play frequencies from 25Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.
-When in Flat/Full operation, the High Pass crossover is bypassed.
Bass EQ:
This setting is a fixed bass boost at 45Hz that is variable from 0-6dB. This feature provides impact to your bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can be
over used and cause damage to your speakers and amplifiers. It is best to slowly turn this setting clockwise until the desired punch is felt. It is not
recommended to exceed the 12 o’clock position unless listening at a low volume or a low recording quality as this can result in high distortion and
possibly clipping.
Low Pass:
The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of the desired setting to be reproduced. Turning the potentiometer all
the way to the right is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Low Pass to 120Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies above 120Hz but will
play frequencies from 120Hz to the chosen Hi Pass or Subsonic frequency.
-When in Hi Pass operation, this setting is bypassed.
Level Control Setup:
Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with to
use as a reference, and turn the head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting. The system sound level will of course be very low, and the
following procedures will help you to match the amplifier input sensitivities properly to the head unit output signal level.
It is important to match the amplifier LEVEL input sensitivity to the Radio/CD output sensitivity. This can be located in the Radio/CD manual.
If the Radio/CD output sensitivity is 2 volts, then adjust the amplifier LEVEL input to 2 volts.
If you are not sure what the Radio output sensitivity is, follow these general guide lines:
Turn the level control up slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection, you
will need to turn the Level to the left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the output does not increase, stop turning the Level control to
the right as the amplifier/speaker combo has reached its maxx output in this application.
2or3 wayactivesystems (all):
Always startwiththebass,orlowfrequencyamplifieras areference,byturningits controluptothepointwheredistortionis audible,andbackitoffsome.
Nowadjustthelevelcontrolforthehighs ortweeterchannels ina2wayactivesystem,tobalancethehighs tolows.
In a 3 way active system, match the midrange level to the bass, and then the highs to the midrange and bass. It may be necessary to perform a few iterations
ofthemidrangeandhighs levelcontrolsettings toachieveasatisfactorysoundbalance.
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TROUBLE SHOOTING
Thekey to findingthe probleminamisbehavingsoundsystem istoisolatepartsofthatsystem ina logicalfashiontotrackdown thefault.
Descriptionofthe Diagnosticsystem builtintoallMBQuart amplifiers
The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel
PROTECTLEDlightingupunderthefollowingconditions:
1-Ashortcircuitontheloudspeakerleads.
2-Aninternalamplifierfaultthatcauses aDCoffsetontheloudspeakeroutput.
Shouldtheamplifiergointodiagnosticmode,simplydisconnectallRCAandspeakerleads,whilekeeping+12volt,powergroundandremoteleads connected.
1.Nowturntheamplifierbackon,andifthediagnosticLEDlights,theamplifierhas aninternalfault.
2.Ifnot,plugtheRCAcables back,andresettheamplifier.Ifitgoes intodiagnosticnow,thefaultlies intheinput,eitherwithbadcables orsourceunit.
3. If the amplifier seems fine with RCAcables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at a time, and if one of the speakers or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the
diagnosticsystem.
Amplifierheatsink overheating
Theamplifiers willshutdownwhentheheatsinktemperaturereaches 80degrees centigrade,andturnbackononcetheunithas cooleddownbelowthatpoint.
Causes ofoverheating:
1-Inadequatecooling-relocateorremounttoprovidebetternaturalairflowoverthefins.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the
recommendedloudspeakerimpedance.
Low outputpower
1-Checkthatlevelcontrols havebeensetupproperly.
2-Makesurethatthebatteryvoltage,as measuredattheamplifier’s +12voltandgroundterminals,is 11volts ormore.
3-Checkall+12voltandgroundconnections.
Fusesblowing
1-Theuseofloudspeakerimpedances belowtherecommendedminimums willdrawmorecurrent-check.
2-Ashortonthemain+12voltcablefromthebatterytothevehiclechassis willcausethemainfusetoblow.
Systemdoes not turnon
1-Checkallfuses.
2-Checkallconnections.
3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders,
distribution blocks,theheadunit’s +12voltandremoteleads tolocalizetheproblem.
Noiseproblems
Systemnoisecanbedividedintotwocategories,hiss,andelectricalinterference.
Hiss, orwhite noise
1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section ”Setting up
systems afterinstallation forbest performance”
2-Anothermajorproblemthatcancauseexcessive hiss, is anoisyheadunit-unplugtheamplifierinputRCAcables, andifthehiss levelreduces,thesourceunit
is atfault.
Electricalinterference
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air
conditioners, to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first
unplug amplifier input RCA cables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving the
amplifier,onecomponentatatime.
Atickingorwhine that changes with engineRPM:
1-This problemcouldbecausedbyradiationpickupofRCAcables tooneartoafuelpumporadistributor,forinstance,-relocatecables.
2-Checkthattheheadunitgroundis connectedstraighttothevehiclechassis, anddoes notusefactorywiringforground.
3-Trytosupplytheheadunitwithaclean+12voltsupplydirectlyfromthebattery+,insteadofusingasupplyfromtheindashwiring/fusebox.
Aconstant whine:
This typeofnoisecanbemoredifficulttopinpoint,butis usuallycausedbysomekindofinstability,causingoscillations inthesystem.
1-Checkallconnections,especiallyforgoodgrounds.
2-Makesurethatnospeakerleads areshortingtoexposedmetalonthevehiclechassis.
3-RCAcables arenotorious fortheirproblematicnature,socheckthatthesearegood,inparticulartheshieldconnections.
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NAU260
2-Channel Amplifier
NAU260
Features:
- PROTECTION and POWER LED indicators
- BASS EQ: 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 6dB
- FREQUENCY: Variable based on FILTER selection
- In LOW the FREQUENCY is variable from 40Hz to 250Hz
- In HIGH the FREQUENCY is variable from 250Hz to 4KHz
- FILTER:
LINE OUTPUT
DIAGNOSTICS
FREQUENCY
40Hz 250Hz
FILTER
LEVEL
LINE INPUT
BASS EQ
PROTECT
POWER
CH-1
CH-1
LOW
HIGH
0.2V
6V
0dB 6dB
FLAT
CH-2
CH-2
- LOW: Selects built in LOW PASS filter
- FLAT: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation
- HIGH: Selects built in HIGH PASS filter
- Input LEVEL sensitivities are variable from 0.2volts to 6volts
- Capable of 4ohms or 2ohms operation per channel, or 4ohms mono
Nautic
FILTER
FLAT
NAUTIC
FILTER
Nautic
FILTER
NAUTIC
6
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NAU460
4-Channel Amplifier
NAU460
Features:
- PROTECTION and POWER LED indicators
- BASS EQ: 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 6dB
- FREQUENCY: Variable based on FILTER selection
- In LOW the FREQUENCY is variable from 40Hz to 250Hz
- In HIGH the FREQUENCY is variable from 250Hz to 4KHz
- FILTER:
LINE OUTPUT
DIAGNOSTICS
PROTECT
BASS EQ
FREQUENCY
FILTER
LEVEL
LINE INPUT
CH-1
CHANNELS 1 & 2
CH-3
CH-1
LOW FLAT HIGH
POWER
MODE
0dB
6dB
40Hz
250Hz
6V
.2V
CHANNELS 3 & 4
CH-2
- LOW: Selects built in LOW PASS filter
2-CH
4-CH
LOW FLAT HIGH
0dB
6dB
6V
.2V
40Hz
250Hz
CH-2
- FLAT: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation
- HIGH: Selects built in HIGH PASS filter
- Input LEVEL sensitivities are variable from 0.2volts to 6volts
- Capable of 4ohms or 2ohms operation per channel, or 4ohms mono
CH-4
FILTER
FILTER FLAT
FILTER FLAT
NAUTIC
FILTER
FILTER FLAT
FILTER
LOW
Nautic
FILTER & FREQUENCY
NAUTIC
7
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NAU660
6-Channel Amplifier
NAU660
Features:
- PROTECTION and POWER LED indicators
- BASS EQ: 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 6dB
- FREQUENCY: Variable based on FILTER selection
- In LOW the FREQUENCY is variable from 40Hz to 250Hz
- In HIGH the FREQUENCY is variable from 250Hz to 4KHz
- FILTER:
FREQUENCY BASS EQ
LEVEL
FILTER
CHANNELS 1 & 2
LINE OUTPUT
CH-6
CH-4
CH-2
DIAGNOSTICS
PROTECT
MODE
CH-2
CH-1
LOW FLAT HIGH
CHANNELS 3 & 4
6-CH
2-CH
4-CH
POWER
6V .2V
40Hz
250Hz 0dB
6dB
FREQUENCY
BASS EQ
LEVEL
FILTER
CHANNELS 5 & 6
LOW
HIGH
FLAT
LOW
HIGH
FLAT
- LOW: Selects built in LOW PASS filter
CH-5
CH-3
LINE INPUT
CH-1
6V .2V
40Hz
250Hz 0dB
6dB
6V .2V
40Hz
250Hz 0dB
6dB
- FLAT: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation
- HIGH: Selects built in HIGH PASS filter
- Input LEVEL sensitivities are variable from 0.2volts to 6volts
- Capable of 4ohms or 2ohms operation per channel, or 4ohms mono
6 Channel Full Range Stereo
6
FILTER
FILTER FLAT
FILTER FLAT
5/6CH FILTER LOW
NAUTIC
FILTER
5 Channel Operation
FILTER FLAT
FILTER FLAT
6
5
5/6CH FILTER LOW
Nautic
&
5/6CH set to 80Hz.
Repeat these steps for
5/6
&
NAUTIC
8
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TECHNICAL DATA
All MB Quart NAU Amplifier Models Are CEA 2006 Compliant.
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NAUTIC
NAU260 / NAU460 / NAU660
marine
PART#S808
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