N
0
Class A
hers
Power Ampli
Owner’s Manual
and
Installation Guide
C
H
N
0
L
0
G
E
S
SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES
120 Blue Ravine Road
l
l
California 95630 USA
fax 916.351.0414
ph 916.351.1288
l
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Congratulations!
Table of Contents
You now own the Soundstream RUBICON Class A amplifier, the most musi-
cal amplifiers ever created for the 12 volt environment. Your Soundstream
RUBICON IWKSO and ENOR Class A amplifiers are critically engineered to
reproduce the most subtle details of high-pass and full-range applications
and will outperform any other amplifier in the world.
p4-5
~6-7
p8-9
.............................................................
Design Features
...............................................
................................................
P@KSO Amplifier Diagram
RuvolR Amplifier Diagram
Installation: Speaker Output Modes
To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you thor-
oughly acquaint yourself with its capabilites and features. Please retain this
manual and your sales receipt for future reference.
...............................
PI0
Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American craftsmanship and thf
highest quality control standards. When properly installed, they will providt
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.
....................
Balanced Unbalanced Inputs
nstallation:
)
P
....................................
Installation: Wiring and Diagram
.....................................................
Installation: Mounting
Model and Serial #
Dealer’s Name
p 15
...................
Level Setting and Front Spoiler
Installation:
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
Installation Date
p 16-17
............................................
Picasso System Diagrams
.......................
Protection Circuitry and Troubleshooting
Service ...........................................................................
.................................................................
Specifications
3
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Branched
This new proprietary power
Dynamically Optimized Power
Power grid is evenly
supply topology eliminates “power sags” during low frequency
reproduction by rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the
power supply and allowing it to deliver the power required when
reproducing wide band frequencies. Also, greater reserve gate power
is stored for low voltage conditions that occur during extreme condi-
tions.
distributed between primary and secondary power supplies, provid-
ing greater dynamics and improved RF filtering.
All transistors are ideally located and sandwiched
between the circuit board and the
amplifier operation.
to provide cool efficient
Apex Current Topology) Reduces power
supply stress by 50%. Typical designs degrade the stereo image
due to phase reversal of even-order harmonic distortion that occurs
between the inverted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is
done at the power amplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical
power amplifier produces no even-harmonic distortion itself and all
preamplifier circuitry is run completely in-phase, no even harmonic
distortion phase reversal occurs.
Differentially Balance RCA Input eliminates ground loop related
noise in the audio.
Flexible Dual Input Level Control allows 300
to 5 V input
sensitivity. Separate Left and Right level controls allow user to
optimize system level control.
Symmetrical Discrete Balanced Class A Drive Boards
adjust for linear performance while driving low impedance loads.
Protection Topology provides three types of protection:
Output protection against short circuits or improper loads
2. Ground fault detection: Shuts down the amplifier when a signifi-
Removable Front Spoiler Allows for stealth installation of RCA,
Balanced Line, Speaker and Power wiring.
cant voltage
fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on
lead) and battery ground.
3. Thermal Protection: Puts the amplifier into thermal rollback or
shuts the amplifier down in extreme thermal conditions.
Fully Balanced Inputs for professional-quality performance and
noise cancellation. The
DIN plug carries
signal information
for Left and Right channels, audio ground, and 15 Vdc to operate
the Soundstream BLT BLT4 Balanced Line Transmitters.
Harmonic Bass Alignment The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic peaks
are critically aligned to fundamental peaks at mid and low frequen-
cies. This produces tighter, more accurate bass reproduction.
Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after
Drive Delay II
the power supply eliminating turn-on pops. Turn off process is
reversed: Amplifier section turns off first, followed by the power
Output Clipping Indicators indicate clipping on the output stage of
the amplifier. Monitoring the clipping indicators allows the user to
achieve maximum Sound Pressure Level without clipping the
amplifier.
4
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
KEY TO
1.
Power LED Indicates amplifier power.
2.
Clip indicators Channels 1 2; Indicates the signal output level is too high
and the output stage of the amplifier is clipping.
3.
4.
5.
Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced input Selector Channel 1; Select
“BALANCED” to use the
6
pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to
use the RCA signal inputs.
Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced input Selector Channel 2; Select
“BALANCED” to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to
use the RCA signal inputs.
Clip Indicators Channels 3 4; Indicates the signal output level is too high
and the output stage of the amplifier is clipping.
Channels
Input Select Selectable inputs from internal (from channels
local balanced or RCA Inputs).
or external (from channels
Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced input Selector Channel 3; Select
“BALANCED’, to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to
use the RCA signal inputs.
a.
9.
Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced input Selector Channel 4; Select
“BALANCED,, to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to
use the RCA signal inputs.
RCA Inputs Channels 3 4; Right and Left channel RCA (Unbalanced)
inputs.
10. Balanced Signal input Connector
Channels 3 4; 6-Pin Balanced input
connector for use with the Soundstream
Balanced Line Transmitter.
11. Input Levels Channels 3 & 4; Independent Left and Right input level controls.
12.
Speaker Connection Terminal Speaker connections for Ch’s 3 4.
13. RCA Inputs Channels 1
2; Right and Left channel RCA (Unbalanced)
inputs.
14.
Balanced Signal input Connector Channels 1
connector for use with the Soundstream
2; 6-Pin Balanced input
Balanced Line Transmitter.
15. input Levels Channels 1 & 2; Independent Left and Right input level controls.
16. Speaker Connection Terminal Speaker connections for Channels 1 2.
17.
REMOTE Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts
GND Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle,
Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive
terminal
19.
FUSE Main power supply fuse. Warning: Replace only with the same value
fuse!
Stereo/Bridged Mono Switch Channels 1 2; Select “Bridge” for bridged
mono operation (use right channel input). Select “Stereo” for two-channel
operation.
Stereo/Bridged Mono Switch Channels 3 4; Select “Bridge” for bridged
mono operation (use right channel input). Select “Stereo” for two-channel
operation.
TOP VIEW
FRONT VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
KEY TO
1.
2.
Power LED Indicates amplifier power.
Clip Indicators Channels 1 2; Indicates the signal output level is too high and
the output stage of the amplifier is clipping.
3.
4.
Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector Channel 1; Select “BAL-
ANCED” to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use
the RCA signal inputs.
Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector Channel 2; Select “BAL-
ANCED” to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use
the RCA signal inputs.
5.
6.
RCA Inputs Channels 1 2; Right and Left channel RCA (Unbalanced) inputs.
Balanced Signal Input Connector Channels 1 2; 6-Pin Balanced input con-
l
6
nector for use with the Soundstream
Balanced Line Transmitter.
Input Levels Channels 1 2; Independent Left and Right input level controls.
Speaker Connection Terminal Speaker connections for Channels 1 2.
REMOTE Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts
8.
9.
10. GND Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.
11.
Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive termi-
nal
12.
FUSE Main power supply fuse. Warning: Replace only with the same value
fuse!
13. Stereo/Bridged Mono Switch
Channels 1
2; Select “Bridge” for bridged
mono operation (use right channel input). Select “Stereo” for two-channel op-
eration.
TOP
FRONT VIEW
BOTTOM
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
INSTALLATION STEP 1
INSTALLATION STEP 2
The
Class A
and
amplifiers have the ability to operate in
The
Class A
and
amplifiers have the ability to accept
any one of the following modes:
either a standard Unbalanced RCA signal input, or a Balanced “Pro Audio” style
input signals with the use of the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter 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:
Stereo
Mono): Use this mode for either stereo operation (left
and right channels) or for Mixed Mono operation (stereo left and
plus bridged mono).
channels
Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using only
UNBALANCED
BALANCED
the right channel input and gain control (for use with a singular mono input).
1. Most preamplifier
source units have
Unbalanced RCA outputs
(Industry Standard).
2. No Interface module is
necessary.
1. Improved Signal to Noise Ratio
(S/N Ratio).
2. Excellent noise cancellation
characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in
the car audio environment.
Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation:
ADVANTAGES
The
300
amplifiers’ signal inputs accept a wide range of input level: from
to 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. For the best
S/N 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.
R
+
the “Unbalanced” RCA Input
When using the Unbalanced RCA input, the
signal switch in the “UNBAL” position. Also, when first installing the
amplifier using this input configuration, we suggest that the left channel input
(channel 2) input
signal switch be in the “UNBAL” position as well. If vou
alternator
whine or other installation noise with both switches in
“UNBAL”
trv
the
input
switch to the “BAL”
This
should remove any system noise due to the installation.
the “Balanced”
Input
When using the Balanced
DIN audio input, both switches
in the
“BAL” position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration,
the input level controls be set to the “minimum” position (rotated counter-
clockwise). The system gain should then be adjusted on the BLT Balanced
Line Transmitter, other other balanced line audio source. For the pin
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When
Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.
INSTALLATION STEP 3
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a high quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss to
guarantee optimum performance.
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your
Class A amplifier, use high
SPEAKER CABLE
Class A amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use
quality, low-loss power and ground cables and connections. The
Class A amplifiers will accept up to 4 gauge power and ground cables. Deter-
mine from the chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your
application.
The
a high quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
SAMPLE WIRING DIAGRAM
up to
up to 20’
4 or 8 gauge
4
or
8
gauge
4 or
8
gauge
4 or
8
gauge
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the
the battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the batterv.
Class A amplifiers must be fused near
Fuse
at the
Battery
This will prevent a fire in the even of a shorted cable.
determine the correct fuse value.
See the chart below to
Satellite Speakers Only
INTERNAL
The
Class A amplifiers are fused with an automotive-type fuse. In the
even of a blown power supply fuse, replace with the correct value fuse found in
the chart below. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is
This may result in amplifier damage and will void
supplied.
RUB/CON Amplifier Fuse Values
Fuse
25 amp automotive
25 amp automotive
30 amp
30 amp
13
12
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
INSTALLATION STEP 5
INSTALLATION STEP 4
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 S/N Ratio even
when using sources with minimal output.
AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The
Class A amplifiers employ highly efficient circuitry, a
engineered heat sink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain lower
operating temperatures. Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is
located in a tightly confined area or when driving especially low impedance
loads at extremely high levels.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. If you send a distorted signal to an
fier, it is simply going to amplify distorted information. The same 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
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
mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk
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.
Class A amplifiers, follow these steps for setting the input levels:
1.
2.
3.
Turn the amplifiers’ input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)
Set the source unit volume to approximately of full volume.
While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’ input
level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
THE AMPLIFIER
Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface.
Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.
Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.
a.
b.
c.
The clipping indicators on the top of the amplifier let you know when the output
of the amplifier is reaching its maximum level, and has begun to clip.
WIRING
Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the
amplifier from the source unit.
Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit
a.
b.
c.
d.
breaker within
of the battery.
Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuit
breaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
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.
Double check each and every connection1
Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set, place the front spoiler in
position, and bolt it on using the supplied hardware.
e.
f.
Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.
POWER UP
Power up the system and look at the Power LED; there may be a 2-3 second
delay from the time the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on the
amp turns on, which is normal. Once the
LED is on and the source unit
is playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.
15
14
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
SERVICE
Your
Class A amplifier is protected by a limited
warranty. Please read the enclosed warranty card for details.
Your
amplifier is protected against both overheating and short circuits
by means of the following circuits:
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Power fuse
4
Stereo
Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback activating at
A failsafe thermal protection circuit activating at
Maximum
Rated
2
Stereo
POWER
(8 Bridged)
(4 Bridged)
(12.5 Vdc)
output
(12.5 Vdc)
NOTE: If you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is
that the amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or
in the speaker itself. Rectify the problem before blowing multiple
fuses! DO NOT increase values beyond the original fuse value!
Doing so will void your warrant and may damage your amplifer.
200 Watts
x 2)
x 2)
THD
%
20 Hz to 20
Signal to Noise
Frequency Response
Stereo Separation
Damping
0.5
PROBLEM
CAUSE
No power or ground at the amp
No sound and the power LED is not lit. 2. No remote turn-on signal
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
300
1 Ok Ohms
to 5.0 Volts
3. Blown fuse near battery
1. Speaker leads may be shorted
Repeatedly blown amp fuse; frequent
2. Verify adequate amplifier ventilation
activation of the Smart Power Supply
3. Make sure you aren’t driving
Circuit
Dimensions (W x D x H)
16.0” X 9.8” X 2.25”
12.25” X 9.8” X 2.25”
No output from channels
with 1
Set the Ch
input selector swith on
pair of RCA inputs (Picasso only)
the top of the amp to “Ch
Not enough input sensitivity while using Be sure both Left and Right input signal
Balanced DIN Input
switches are set to the
position.
Output signal level is too high and the
amplifier output is clipping. Reduce the
level either at the source or with the
input level controls.
Left and Right “Clip” indicators lighting
Make sure the channel 2 Input Signal
Switch is in the “UNBAL” position.
2. Try the Input Signal Switches for
Alternator whine while using
Unbalanced RCA inputs
channels 1, 3 4 in the
position:
leave the switches in the quitest
position. This will not effect the
performance of the amp.
19
18
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|