System Tuning; Troubleshooting - Phoenix Gold R1000.1 User Manual

Amplifier Owner's Manual

System tuning

1. Install all system fuses.
2. S et the amplifier's input sensitivity controls to their
minimum positions (full counterclockwise).
3. S et all amplifier signal routing switches according to
your system's design.
4. M ake 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. I f using an LPL44 Remote Level Control, set
it to maximum (full clockwise).
6. T urn the headunit on with the volume set to
minimum.
7. Visually check the amplifier's has powered on by the power LED.
8. C heck the condition of all other components to make sure they are
powered up.
9. S et the headunit's tone controls, balance, and fader to the center (flat)
position. Turn off any loudness or other signal processing features.
10. S et 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. T urn up the input level control until the speakers
reach maximum undistorted output.
12. R epeat input level adjustments for all other amplifiers.

TROUBLESHOOTING

No power: Check voltage at amplifier with a DMM (volt meter), B+ and
REM (with head unit on) the voltage should register between 12.2V and
14.6V 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 REM terminal to
restore operation. Check for shorted speaker wiring or damaged speakers
or crossover systems if over-current shutdown occurs.
N ote: The Phoenix Gold amplifier's level, bass boost and LPL44 Level
controls have no affect on the auxiliary outputs. An amplifier connected
to the auxiliary outputs receives the same signal level available to the
Phoenix Gold amplifier's inputs (unity gain).
13. R educe the headunit's volume to a comfortable level.
14. L isten 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. The idea is to reference all speakers
to the weakest set.
N ote: For subwoofers controlled by an Phoenix Gold LPL44 level
control, keep the level setting from step 11 or 12. Use the LPL44 to
blend subwoofers with the rest of the system. The correct subwoofer
volume will change depending on road noise and differences in
recordings.
15. F ine tune crossover frequencies to achieve the smoothest possible
blending of each speaker set.
16. A djust the Bass Equalization Controls on the amplifier, headunit or
processor upstream if necessary to increase output.
N ote: 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. W ith all levels set correctly, the system will reach overall maximum
undistorted output at the volume level set in step 10.
No sound from one side: 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 HP 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.
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