REFERENCE
414s
644s
Channel
Power Amplifiers
OWNER’S MANUAL
AND
INSTALLATION GUIDE
T
E
C
H
N
O
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O
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
a REFERENCE Amplifier, the product of an
uncompromising design and engineering philosophy. Your Soundstream
REFERENCE amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.
Design Features ....................................................
Reference41 4s Diagram ........................................
Diagram.. ......................................
4
6
8
5
7
9
To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you
thoroughly acquaint yourself with its capabilities and features. Please
retain this manual and your sales and installation receipts for future
reference.
High Power/Auto High
Selecting Input Modes.. .........................................................
Balanced Unbalanced Input ..................... 12
Wiring Wiring Diagram ................................................ 13 14
Installation and Mounting .......................................................
Power Supply Design. ..... 10
Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American craftsmanship and the
highest quality control standards, and when properly installed, will
provide you with many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier
ever need service or replacement due to theft, please record the
following information. which will help protect your investment.
11
Model and Serial
Dealer’s Name
15
Level Setting
Level Setting
.............................................. 16
.............................................. 17
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
Installation Date
Crossover Adjustments .........................................................
...........................................................................
18
19
Sample Systems ............................................................ 20 25
Troubleshooting.....................................................................
Service ..................................................................................
Protection Circuitry. ...............................................................
26
26
27
Specifications ................................................................
....... 27
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3
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DESIGN FEATURES
.
ohm Drive Ability
amplifier is designed to drive virtually any load-all the way down to
ohm stereo (1 ohm mono).
only) The REFERENCE6445
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Uncompromising Design and Construction including
epoxy circuit boards and high current custom gold-plated solid brass
connections that will accept up to 4 gauge power/ground wire.
glass
ohm Drive Ability
amplifier is designed to drive virtually any load--all the way down to 1
ohm stereo mono).
only) The
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Auto High
Soundstream’s exclusive circuit which
customizes your amplifier to its particular
automatically
application-High Current, low impedance loads (multiple subwoofers.
less than 2 ohms mono) or High Power, higher impedance loads (2
ohms mono and up).
. Dual Discrete Class A Drive Stages
12 times the drive current
of most amplifiers, which maintains performance into low impedance
loads.
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Coherent
Mono selection for either “pure” stereo
Muted Turn-on/off Circuit
completely eliminates any amplifier-related turn-on/off noises.
A unique circuit which
. Drive Delay
operation or mixed mono for simultaneous stereo and mono.
Darlington Power Array Soundstream’s “overbuilding”
of the output section incorporates multiple output transistors instead of
a few for faster, stronger power delivery. The transistors are
. Flexible Dual Input Level Sensitivity only) accepts
2 voltage ranges; from 200 to 2.0 V and from 500 to 5.0 V.
maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source
has a single input range, varying from 200
sandwiched between the circuit board and the
called
in a design
to ensure cool, efficient amplifier operation.
unit. The
to 5.0 V.
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Power Supply Design All power supply components
. Differential Balanced Input Design for added immunity to noise
caused by component and vehicle electrical system interaction when
using unbalanced RCA inputs.
are located near one another, connected by thick, wide PCB traces,
which ensures rapid, high current delivery The entire power supply is
isolated on one side of the circuit board while the audio stage is located
opposite it, guaranteeing minimal noise.
. True Balanced Input
performance and noise cancellation. The
and signal information for left and right channels, audio ground, and
Vdc to operate the Soundstream or Balanced Line
Transmitters.
only) for professional-quality
DIN plug carries
. Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank Multiple small input power
capacitors are used to provide lower ESR (Equivalent Series
Resistance), which means more power in and out
Smart Thermal
Most amplifiers shut off when they get
.
Upgradable This feature allows RF remote control level
adjustment while the low pass filter on the amplifier’s internal crossover
is being used.
too hot. In the unlikely event the REFERENCE amplifier reaches 85”
C, it will gradually roll back its average power (without affecting the
dynamics). Once the amplifier has cooled off, it returns to full power
output. If overheating should continue, a second thermal sensing
protection circuit will shut off the amplifier if the
reaches 95” C.
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Fault Monitor LED on the top panel notifies you of blown power supply
fuses.
4
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INSTALLATION STEP 1
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COHERENT
AUTO HIGH
POWER SUPPLY
MIXED-MONO
MONO
The REFERENCE amplifier employs an extremely efficient Auto High
power supply (patent pending). This power supply circuitry automatically
customizes your amplifier for optimum efficiency and power output into virtually
any impedance load. When other brand amplifiers are driven at low impedances
The REFERENCE amplifier has the ability to operate in any one of the following
modes:
1 ohm
current limiting). or waste huge amounts of power
which reduce the “real world” power the amplifier can produce in the car.
Soundstream’s Auto power supply allows the REFERENCE
they shut down, squash dynamics and power output (called
Coherent
with identical left and right stereo channels for
low efficiency). All of
maximum fidelity. Best choice for satellite speakers. Use this mode unless
Mixed-Mono is
amplifiers to be one of two types of amps: either producing maximum power at
higher impedances (perfect for satellites) or at lower impedances (usually with
multiple subwoofers). This is done by letting the amplifier’s power supply
continuously monitor the impedance of the load the amplifier is driving. If the
impedance drops too low, the power supply will automatically switch into
Current mode. It will stay in this mode until the amplifier is turned off. The next
time it is powered up, it will be in the High Power mode.
Mixed-Mono in order to drive stereo and mono simultaneously; works well
for center channels. It can be used anytime you need a summed mono channel.
Somewhat sacrifices sonic accuracy as additional circuitry is introduced lo one
channel. In Mixed-Mono, the left channel is inverted, see diagram below or
on the bottom of the amplifier.
Bridged
for dedicated single channel operation; ideal for driving
subwoofers. It is also used when large amounts of power are necessary for
Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s REFERENCE amplifiers can be
configured to drive virtually any impedance and make maximum power! The
major advantages of this power supply are:
single speakers.
In bridged mono,
the
channel
is active.
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awesome dynamic power capabilities
added continuous power with higher voltages
increased amplifier efficiency and reliability
BRIDGED MONO
COHERENT STEREO
Because of the dynamic properties of most music; all audio components should
be able to react accordingly. Thanks to their unique power supplies, the
REFERENCE amplifiers can comfortably exceed their rated power for dynamic
portions of the music.
In
mono, only the right channel input is active.
NOTE: If you intend to
but have outputs
a REFERENCE amp in
crossover
source unit, you can pot the switch in Mixed-Mono but
the normal wiring for Mono.
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11
INSTALLATION STEP 3
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l INSTALLATION STEP 2
BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT
The REFERENCE6445 amplifier has the ability to accept either standard
Unbalanced RCA signal inputs, or Balanced “Pro Audio” inputs with the use of
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your REFERENCE amplifiers, use high quality,
low-loss power and ground cables. The REFERENCE amplifiers will accept up
to 4 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart below the
minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.
the Soundstream
or
Balanced Line Transmitters or some other
balanced line audio source. Before installing your system, you should decide
upon which signal type you wish to run. There are advantages to both:
BALANCED INPUT
20
Improved Signal-to-Noise
Ratio. Ratio)
ADVANTAGES 1. Most preamplifier/ source
2. Excellent noise cancellation
characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in
the car audio environment.
The
amplifier’s signal input?. accept two ranges of input
or 0.5 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and
signal levels: 0.2 2.0
Unbalanced inputs. The input range switch position and level settings are
dependent upon the preamplifier source unit output signal level. For the best
system Signal-to-Noise Ratio, we recommend that the input level controls be set
as far down as possible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an
acceptable level of output.
Read this, or sparks will f/y!
Soundstream REFERENCE amplifiers have
internal power supply
called the Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank. Multiple small input
capacitors act as an internal “stiffening capacitor. Because of the large
of internal capacitance, there may be a sizable spark when connecting
he power and ground lead to the amplifier for the first time. In order to charge
he capacitor bank without a spark, we suggest you do the following:
the
RCA
When using the Unbalanced RCA input. the RIGHT channel (channel 2) input
signal switch MUST be in the position. Also, when first installing the
amplifier using this input configuration. we suggest that the remaining input
signal switches be in the position as well. If
alternator whine or other installation noise with both switches in the
try channels 1. 3 switches
1. Connect
volt cable to the amplifier and to the battery.
2. Connect one end of the ground cable to the chassis of the vehicle.
3. We have supplied a 150 ohm, 2 watt resistor with the amplifier. One leg of
the resistor has been connected to the ground terminal of the amplifier.
4. To charge the capacitor bank, touch the loose end of the ground cable to the
open leg of the resistor for at least 45 seconds.
4
This should remove any system noise due to installation.
5. Remove the resistor, and connect the ground wire.
the “Balanced” RCA input
When using the Balanced
position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, the
“INPUT LEVEL” switch be in the “0.5
DIN input, both switches MUST be in the
CIRCUIT BREAKERS/FUSES
EXTERNAL
position, and the gains on the
Like all audio components, the REFERENCE amplifiers must be fused near the
battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the battery. This
will prevent a fire in the event of a shaded cable. See the chart on the next page
to determine the correct fuse value.
amplifiers be set to “minimum” (rotated counter-clockwise). The system gains
should then be adjusted on the
or other balanced line audio source.
diagram below:
or
Balanced Line Transmitter,
For the pin configuration. see the
RAI
NOTE:
configuration shown
The pin
(Continued on page 14)
in the diagram is the
view looking
the +
balanced input jack
on the amplifier.
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13
INSTALLATION STEP 4
I
(Continued From page 13)
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
INTERNAL
The REFERENCE amplifiers are fused with automotive-type fuses. In the event
of blown
fuses are accessible via a plastic plug on the bottom of the amplifier.
chart below to determine the fuse value. Never replace the fuses with a
1. AMPLIFIER LOCA
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ highly
design to maintain lower operating temperatures. Additional
the
on the top panel will light. The
circuitry
a unique
See the
cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly
when driving especially low impedance loads at extremely high levels.
area or
This may result in amplifier damage
higher value than what is supplied.
and
void
When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel in
the vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The
Amplifier Fuse Values
Amplifier Fuse
mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment
in the trunk
Amplifier
Circuit Breaker
of the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and major electrical
components. TO provide adequate ventilation, mount the amplifier so that there
are at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it.
60 amp
(2) 25 amp automotive
(2) 30 amp automotive
80 amp
2.
SWITCHES
Set the Coherent
Mono and crossover switches
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When
on the bottom of the amplifier to the appropriate positions before bolting down
the amplifier (see pages 20 25). Be sure to replace the hole plugs.
volts
is received, the amplifier will turn on.
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
SIGNAL CABLE
a. Using the amplifier as a template. mark the mounting surface.
b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes.
Mount the amplifier to the surface using the provided hardware.
Use a high-quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss
to guarantee optimum performance. Soundstream’s and are ideal
when using the Unbalanced RCA inputs. (While using the Balanced DIN input
on the
use the cable supplied with the
4. WIRING
a. Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the amplifier
SPEAKER CABLE
from the source unit.
The REFERENCE amps will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a high
quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
Soundstream Speaker120 160 (12 and 16 gauge) are ideal.
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse
within 18” of the battery
circuit breaker
Leave the circuit breaker
c. Connect the fuse or circuit breaker to the battery
off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
WIRING DIAGRAM
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be
necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e. Double check each and
connection!
Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.
spark when connecting the
Please see the comment on page 11
wires to amplifier.
about connecting power and
5. POWER UP
Power
second delay from the time the the source unit is turned on to the time that the
Once the amplifier power LED is on
the system and look at the red High Power LED: there may be a 2 -3
LED on the amp turns on, which is normal.
and the
unit is playing. you should have sound coming from the speakers.
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14
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INSTALLATION STEP 5
Level Setting the
LEVEL SETTING
1.
Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-dockwise).
If any channel is in low pass mode, set the
position (12 o’clock).
level pot to the 0
The input levels are adjusted by means of the individual channel input level
controls located on the front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit
that adjusts both level and gain. This topology maintains better Signal-to-Noise
ratios even when using sources with minimal output.
2. Begin with the input level switches in the 0.5 5.0 Volt position.
Set source unit volume to approximately of full volume.
3.
4. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input levels until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. The reason is because an amplifier will
only make what comes into it bigger. So, if you send it a distorted signal from
the head unit, the amplifier is going to amplify distorted information. The same
thing holds true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort before
you have maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all components to
reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output of your system.
For the REFERENCE amplifiers, follow the steps below for the quickest, easiest
means of setting the levels.
5.
If you can’t get enough gain out of the amplifier, set the input level switch
to the 0.2 2.0 Volt position, and repeat steps 3 and 4.
6.
If any channel is in low
mode, you may have to adjust the subwoofer
level control pot to achieve a good balance between satellites and
subwoofers.
Level Setting the
1.
the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-clockwise).
2. Set source unit volume to approximately of full volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
If your preamplifier source unit has an extremely high output level,
pay attention to the clipping indicators located on the top of the amplifier. These
indicators will notify you if you are clipping the stage of the
sure to
4. Continue to adjust the gains independently in order to adjust the desired
balance between satellite speakers and subwoofers.
amplifier. If the amplifier’s output is distorted and the clipping lights are
blinking, you are most likely clipping the OUTPUTS of the amplifier, or driving
the speaker to distortion.
NOTE: Even though the
ratio
There is an additional control for subwoofer level adjustment on the
The purpose of this control is to provide additional range of
low output sources is better
the
adjustment for the
signal in relation to the high pass signal. This
with
control adjusts the level of any channels or RCA signal outputs in low pass
mode.
amplifier than others, your best
combination of output level and
Signal-to-Noise
will be
achieved when the input
set between 1.0 V and 5.0 V.
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16
INSTALLATION STEP 6
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CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS
ACCESSORY
Soundstream’s
feature can be added to the REFERENCE6445
amplifiers. This feature allows wireless RF remote
The
and
amplifiers incorporate an
They also have RCA outputs to drive an
board staggered electronic
external amplifier. No external electronic crossover is necessary. The high and
low pass portions of the crossover can be set independently of one another.
level adjustment of the amplifier, while the low pass filter on the amplifier’s
internal crossover is engaged.
RCA signal outputs.)
does not control the level of the
In most car audio installations, there is a tendency for a
boom.”
Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will resonate or ring at these
frequencies. If we design the system so there is less musical
information in this region, the final response is very smooth and natural
sounding. The high pass filter is variable from 60 to 240 Hz at 12
while the low pass filter is variable from 30 to 120 Hz at 24
NOTE: The
the REFERENCE amplifiers are
accessory intended to be used only while
a
When the
and
accessory is added to a
it controls the level of any channel receiving
pass in the amplifier. The Coherent
Mixed Mono Bridged Mono switches function as
from the
For initial
setup,
setting the low pass filter to approximately 60 Hz,
and the high pass filter(s) to approximately 100 Hz. Change the
points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, power handling.
and personal preference.
Installing
adding the
involves removing the bottom plate of the amplifier.
circuit board, and flipping a switch. The switch is
labeled on the amplifier’s main circuit board. DO NOT set the
switch to the “IN” position unless the module has been added. DO
NOT the switch while the amplifier is “ON”. Doing so
may damage your speakers. (Please refer to the
installation manual for more details.)
owner’s
is
from
When the RCA
summed from Channels I,
the also
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1 8
1 9
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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
CAUSE
PROBLEM
Your REFERENCE amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of the following circuits:
No sound and power LED
No power or ground at amp
No remote turn-on signal
Blown fuse near battery
lit
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Main power supply fuses
Auto High
power supply
Circuit Breaker on each channel
Smart Power Supply Thermal
only)
activating at 85°C
No sound, power LED lit, and
No signal input
the
option has not
A fail-safe thermal protection circuit activating at 95°C
The
switch is in the “IN”
position, Move it to the “OUT” position
been added.
Your amplifier also incorporates an innovative Fault Diagnosis System that
identifies a blown power supply fuse.
Fault LED is lit
Amp power supply fuse is blown or missing
you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is likely that the
amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or in the speaker
itself Rectify the problem before blowing mu/tip/e fuses! DO NOT increase
values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so will void your warranty and may
damage your amplifier.
Repeatedly blown amp fuse,
frequent activation of Smart
Power Supply Circuit
Speaker or leads may be shorted
Verify adequate amplifier ventilation
Channels
or 4
activation of the internal circuit breakers.
check to make sure channels l-4 are driving
intermittent output
only)
a
ohm per channel load or greater
SPECIFICATIONS
speaker or leads may be shorted
POWER
(Watts)
4
(8
at 12 VDC
Stereo
Bridged) (4
2
Stereo
Bridged) (2
1
Stereo
Bridged) (1
1
I2 Stereo
Unable to adjust the subwoofer
midrange level separately.
only)
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Make sure that the subwoofers are wired to
Bridged)
channels 1
2
Reference41 4s
75 x 4
50 x 4
(100 x 2)
100x4
NA
No output from channels 3
with 1 pair of RCA inputs
only)
4
Select
from ch’s 1
on ch 3
4
(150 x 2)
(200 x 2)
input on the bottom of the amplifier. (see
pages 14 17)
75 x 4
150x4
160x4
160x4
(150 x 2)
(300 x 2)
(320 x 2)
(320 x 2)
Not enough input sensitivity
while using the Balanced input
only)
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Be sure both Left and Right Input Signal
Switches are set to the
position
1%
THD
Signal-to-Noise
Input signal level is too high readjust input
Left and Right Input Overload
indicators lighting
only)
Frequency Response
Stereo Separation
Damping
20 Hz to 20
0.5
gains, or select the
range
input signal level
Alternator whine while using
Unbalanced RCA inputs
only)
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Make sure the channel 2 Input Signal
Switch is in the position.
Try the Input Signal Switch for channels
4 in the position; leave the
switches in the quietest position. This will
not affect the performance of the amplifier.
Input Sensitivity
3
200mV
or 500mV to
Input Impedance
1 OK ohms
Crossover Output
340
output
input
Crossover Specifications
Low Pass: 30 120 Hz at 24 dB/octave
High Pass: 60 240 Hz at 12
SERVICE
Dimensions
15.25” W x 2.25” H x
16.5” W x 2.25” H x
Your Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier is protected by a limited warranty
Please read the enclosed warranty card.
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