Alpine PDX-V9 - POWER AMPLIFIER Manual

ACCESSORIES

INSTALLATION

• Due to the high power output of the PDX-V9, considerable heat is produced when the amplifier is in operation. For this reason, the amplifier should be mounted in a location which will allow for free circulation of air, such as inside the trunk. For alternate installation locations, please contact your authorized Alpine dealer.
• With this series of amplifiers, up to three units can be stacked together in a typical installation. Depending on the number of units you wish to install, refer to instructions A to C below.

Caution on connection terminals/parts

• Keep electrically conductive objects away from the unit's terminals/parts (power terminals, fuses, speaker output terminals, RCA connectors, etc.). Doing so prevents a possible short circuit and damage to the unit.

NOTE:
Stacked installation should always be parallel to the vehicle floor – do not install at an incline, such as leaning against a vertical surface, as this will invalidate your warranty.

Preparation for installation

1. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the four screw locations.
2. Make sure there are no objects behind the surface that may become damaged during drilling.
3. Drill the screw holes.
4. Position the PDX-V9 over the screw holes, and secure with four self-tapping screws.

NOTE:
To securely connect the ground lead, use an already installed screw on the metal part of the vehicle (marked ★ ). Be sure this is a good ground by checking continuity to the battery (–) terminal. As much as possible connect all equipment to the same ground point. These procedures will help eliminate noise.

1. Single unit installation
   1. Position the unit over the screw holes you prepared earlier.
   2. Remove the Top Cover by inserting a flat-tipped instrument (such as a panel removal tool or slotted screwdriver) into the 2 notches of the unit (marked A). If removal is still not possible, bend the Top Cover and remove the tabs on both sides. Refer to Fig. 1.
      
      1. Top Cover
   3. Fasten the unit down with the four self-tapping screws (M4 x 36, included).Refer to Fig. 2.
      
      Fig. 2
      1. Self-Tapping Screw (M4 x 36)
      2. Ground Lead
      3. Hole
   4. Attach the Top Cover.
2. Stack installation of two units
   1. Firstly, securely install one unit, as described in steps 1-3 of A above.
   2. Attach the Stacking Plates (included with other PDX models) on the first unit with Machine Screws M3 x 7 (included with other PDX models). Refer to Fig. 3.
      
      Fig. 3
      1. Machine Screw (M3 x 7)
      2. Stacking Plate
   3. Stack the second unit on top of the installed unit.
   4. Attach the second unit with four Machine Screws M4 x 24 (included with other product). Refer to Fig. 4.
      
      Fig. 4
      1. Machine Screw (M4 x 24)
   5. Attach the Top Cover to the second unit.
3. Stack installation of three units
   1. Firstly, securely install the first two units firmly as described in steps 1 to 4 of B above.
   2. Next, install the third unit as described for the second unit in B above. With this, stacked installation of the 3 units is completed.

CONNECTIONS

See Fig. 5
* Be sure to add an in-line fuse with the battery lead as close as possible to the battery's positive (+) terminal.
Before making connections, be sure to turn the power off to all audio components. Connect the battery lead from the amp directly to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery with appropriate in-line vehicle's fuse (see Battery Lead section). Do not connect this lead to the vehicle's fuse block.

To prevent external noise from entering the audio system.

• Locate the unit and route the leads at least 10 cm (3-15/16") away from the car harness.
• Keep the battery power leads as far away from other leads as possible.
• Connect the ground lead securely to a bare metal spot (remove any paint or grease if necessary) of the car chassis.
• If you add an optional noise suppressor, connect it as far away from the unit as possible. Your Alpine dealer carries various noise suppressors, contact them for further information.
• Your Alpine dealer knows best about noise prevention measures so consult your dealer for further information.

1. Power Supply Terminal
2. Fuse (40A x2)

USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING FUSES.
Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.

3. Speaker Output Terminals
   Referring to "Cautions on wire lead connections," insert the speaker wire into the speaker connector, which is then inserted in the speaker output terminal.
   NOTES:
   • Fully insert the speaker connector to avoid poor connection, or the wire coming loose due to vehicle vibration, etc.
   • The speaker connector can be connected either way, regardless of polarity indication.
   • Do not connect speaker leads together or to chassis ground.
4. RCA Input Jacks
   Connect these jacks to the line out leads on your head unit using RCA extension cables (sold separately). Be sure to observe correct channel connections; Left to Left and Right to Right.
   (Front to Front and Rear to Rear)
5. Remote Bass Control (Option)
   Connect the Remote Bass Control Unit (sold separately) to adjust the output level remotely. This is not to replace appropriate gain level setting between the amplifier and head unit.
   NOTE:
   The Remote Bass Control function is available only for the mono channel (Subwoofer).
6. Battery Connector
   Make the Battery, Remote Turn-on and Ground lead connections (as shown) to the Battery Connector. Insert Plug to Terminal a.
7. Battery Lead (Sold Separately)
   Be sure to add an in-line fuse with the battery lead as close as possible to the battery's positive (+) terminal. This fuse will protect your vehicle's electrical system in case of a short circuit. See below for appropriate fuse value and minimum wire gauge requirement:
   • 80 amp fuse, 4AWG/21mm²
8. Remote Turn-On Lead (Sold Separately)
   Connect this lead to the remote turn-on (positive trigger, (+) 12V only) lead of your head unit. If a remote turn-on lead is not available, see Connection Checklist section for alternative method.
   Note:
   If using speaker input level signal from the head unit, remote turn-on lead connection is not necessary due to automatic signal detection.
9. Ground Lead (Sold Separately)
   Connect this lead securely to a clean, bare metal spot on the vehicle's chassis. Verify this point to be a true ground by checking for continuity between that point and the negative (–) terminal of the vehicle's battery. Ground all your audio components to the same point on the chassis to prevent ground loops while keeping wire length as short as possible.
   Minimum required wire gauge for this connection is as follows:
   • 4AWG/21mm²

Cautions on wire lead connections
When using third-party wire cables, use the included screws to simplify the connection. Refer to the description below for the proper procedure.
If you are in doubt about how to make this connection, consult your dealer.

NOTES:

• About the power supply wire cables: If the length of the power and ground cables exceed 1m, or if you connect more than one amplifier, a distribution block should be used. See below for wire gauge recommendations for distribution block connection to battery and ground (depends upon wire length necessary):
• 2AWG (33mm²) or 1/0AWG (53mm²)

Ensure that you install a correctly-rated in-line fuse on the power cable near the battery positive post.

1. Check the wire size.
   NOTES:
   • Required Wire Size
     Battery Lead, Ground Lead: 4AWG/21mm²
     Speaker wire: 8AWG/8mm²-16AWG/13mm²
   • If the wire gauge used is unknown, ask your dealer.
2. Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire leads by about
   7 – 10mm (9/32" – 3/8"). (Refer to Fig. 6)
   

NOTES:

• If length of the exposed wire is too short, a poor connection may occur causing operation failure or sound interruption.
• On the other hand, if the length is too long, an electrical short-circuit may occur.

3. Tighten the set screw with the hexagon wrench (Large or Small, included) to secure the lead. (Refer to Fig.7 and 8.)
   
   Fig. 7
   1. Battery Connector
   2. Hexagon screw (Large)
   3. Hexagon screw (Small)
   4. Ground lead
   5. Remote turn-on lead
   6. Battery lead

Fig. 8

1. Speaker connector
2. Hexagon screw (Small)
3. Negative lead terminal hole
4. Speaker wire (negative)
5. Positive lead terminal hole
6. Speaker wire (positive)

NOTE:
Insert the speaker wire observing the +/– indications on the speaker connector. Insert the positive speaker wire into the positive speaker terminal, and the negative speaker wire into the negative speaker terminal.

4. Verify that the wire is connected securely.
   Before making this connection, use insulated shrink tubing to cover any exposed wire extending beyond the terminal.
   NOTES:
   • Use only the screws included.
   • For safety reasons, connect the battery leads last.
   • To prevent disconnection of the leads or dropping of the unit, do not use the cabling to carry the unit.

CONNECTION CHECK LIST

Please check your head unit for the conditions listed below: (Fig. 9)

Remote Turn-On Lead

1. The head unit does not have a remote turn-on or power antenna lead.
2. The head unit's power antenna lead is activated only when the radio is on (turns off in the tape or CD Mode).
3. The head unit's power antenna lead is logic level output (+) 5V, negative trigger (grounding type), or cannot sustain (+) 12V when connected to other equipment in addition to the vehicle's power antenna.

If any of the above conditions exist, the remote turn-on lead of your PDX-V9 must be connected to a switched power source (ignition) in the vehicle. Be sure to use a 3A fuse as close as possible to this ignition tap. Using this connection method, the PDX-V9 will turn on and stay on as long as the ignition switch is on.

If this is objectionable, a SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw) switch, in addition to the 3A fuse mentioned above, may be installed in-line on the PDX-V9 turn-on lead. This switch will then be used to turn on (and off) the PDX-V9. Therefore, the switch should be mounted so that is accessible by the driver. Make sure the switch is turned off when the vehicle is not running. Otherwise, the amplifier will remain on and drain the battery.

1. Blue/White
2. Power Antenna
3. Remote Turn-On Lead
4. To other Alpine components' Remote Turn-On Leads
5. SPST Switch (optional)
6. Fuse (3A)
7. As close as possible to the vehicle's ignition tap
8. Ignition Source

SWITCH SETTINGS

When making adjustments 10-18 below, remove the hexagon screw (indicated by ★ in Fig. 10) using the hexagon wrench (small, included), and then open the control cover.

NOTE:
Before switching each Selector Switch, turn off the power and insert a small screwdriver, etc., perpendicularly to the Switch.

10. Input Gain Adjustment Control
    Set the PDX-V9 input gain to the minimum position. Using a dynamic CD as a source, increase the head unit volume until the output distorts.
    Then, reduce the volume 1 step (or until the output is no longer distorted). Now, increase the amplifier gain until the sound from the speakers becomes distorted. Reduce the gain slightly so the sound is no longer distorted to achieve the optimum gain setting.
11. Frequency Multiplication Switch (Channel 1 & 2: High-Pass Filter)
    1. Set to the "OFF" position when the amplifier will be used for driving full range speakers or when using an external electronic crossover. The full frequency bandwidth will be output to the speakers with no high or low frequency attenuation.
       
    2. Set to "x1" if the amplifier is used to drive a speaker capable of reproducing lower frequencies such as a midbass or midrange. At this setting, Crossover Frequency
       Adjustment Knob ( ) provides adjustment between 30 Hz to 600 Hz. Frequencies lower than the specified frequency are attenuated at 12 dB/octave.
       
    3. Set to "x10" if the amplifier is used to drive a speaker capable of reproducing only higher frequencies such as a midrange or tweeter. At this setting, Crossover Frequency Adjustment ( ) provides adjustment between 300 Hz to 6 kHz. Frequencies lower than the specified frequency are attenuated at 12 dB/octave..
       NOTE:
       Before setting the Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch ( ) to "BP", always set the Frequency Multiplication switch ( ) to "x10".
       Do not set "OFF" or "x1" while using the tweeter, as the tweeter may be damaged.
       
12. Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (Channel 1 & 2)
    Setting the Frequency Multiplication Switch ( ) to "x1" provides crossover frequency adjustment between 30 to 600 Hz. The "x10" setting provides crossover frequency adjustment between 300 to 6 kHz.
    When the Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch ( ) is set to "BP," the low-pass crossover frequency of channel 3 & 4 is set to the high-pass crossover frequency selected on channels 1 & 2.
    Frequencies higher than the specified frequency are attenuated.
13. Input Channel Selector Switch
    1. This switch setting is for selecting either 2-channel or 4-channel input mode. When set to "1/2," signal will be copied from CH-1/2 and sent to CH-3/4, eliminating the need for y-adapters.
       
    2. Setting this switch to "3/4" will keep both inputs, CH 1/2 and CH 3/4 independent.
       A 4 channel source is required for this mode.
       
14. Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch (Channel 3 & 4: High-Pass or Band-Pass Filter)
    1. Set to the "OFF" position when the amplifier will be used for driving full range speakers or when using an external electronic crossover. The full frequency bandwidth will be output to the speakers with no high or low frequency attenuation.
       
    2. Set to "HP" if the amplifier is used to drive a speaker capable of reproducing lower frequencies such as a midbass or midrange. Frequencies lower than the specified frequency are attenuated at 12 dB/octave.
       
    3. Set to "BP" if the amplifier is used to drive a midbass or midrange speaker. Frequencies lower than the specified frequency set by Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob ( ), and higher than the frequency specified set by Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob ( ), are attenuated at 12 dB/octave.
       NOTE:
       When using a 3Way (Front 2Way + Subwoofer) System, be sure to set the Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch ( ) to "BP", the Frequency Multiplication Switch ( ) to "x10", and the Input Channel Selector Switch ( ) to "1/2". For connection examples, refer to System Diagrams section.
       
15. Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (Channel 3 & 4)
    Use this control to adjust the crossover frequency of channel 3/4 between 30 Hz to 600 Hz.
    When you also set Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch ( ) to "BP", frequencies lower than the specified frequency are attenuated.
16. Subsonic Filter
    The subsonic filter is for cutting ultra low frequencies from the input signal before being amplified. Frequencies lower than the specified frequency are attenuated at 24 dB/octave.
    This is desirable for several reasons:
    • To protect speakers too small or not capable of reproducing ultra low frequencies.
    • To minimize power wasted from reproducing inaudible sound.
    • To protect subwoofers in vented enclosures from over excursion below the tuning frequency.
17. Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (Low-Pass Filter)
    Use this control to adjust the crossover frequency between 50 Hz to 600 Hz. Frequencies higher than the specified frequency are attenuated at 24 dB/octave.
18. Input Channel Selector Switch (SUB W.)
    1. When this switch is placed in the "1+2+3+4" position, all the signals are mixed and come out from the SUB W. This setting provides signal to the subwoofer channel when only 4 channel input is available.
       
    2. Setting this switch to "SUB W." will send the signal at the inputs of SUB W.(L/R) to SUB W. of the PDX-V9.
       
19. Status Indicator

20. Power Indicator
    Lights up when power is on.
    Is off when power is off.

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

TYPICAL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

• Input Channel Selector Switch
  
• Frequency Multiplication Switch
  
• Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch
  

See Fig. 11

21. Front Speakers
22. Rear Speakers
23. Subwoofer
24. RCA Extension Cable
    (Sold Separately)
25. Front Output
26. Rear output
27. Subwoofer Output
28. Head Unit, etc.
29. Speaker Connector

Bridged Connections

• Input Channel Selector Switch
  
• Frequency Multiplication Switch
  
• Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch
  

See Fig. 12

21. Front Speakers
22. Rear Speakers
23. Subwoofer
24. RCA Extension Cable
    (Sold Separately)
25. Front Output
26. Rear output
27. Subwoofer Output
28. Head Unit, etc.
29. Speaker Connector
30. Y-Adaptor (Sold Separately)

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier
NOTE:
Low output will result if only one channel input is used. The Y-adapter is not required if a stereo/mono pair line output is used to drive both inputs of the bridged amp.

24. RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)

28. Head Unit, etc.

30. Y-Adaptor (Sold Separately)

3Way System

(Front 2Way + Subwoofer) System

• Input Channel Selector Switch
  
• Frequency Multiplication Switch
  
• Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch
  

NOTE
When using a 3Way (Front 2Way + Subwoofer) System, be sure to set the Crossover Frequency Adjustment Switch to "BP", the Frequency Multiplication Switch to "x10", and the Input Channel Selector Switch to "1/2".
See Fig. 14

23. Subwoofer
24. RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)
25. Front Output
26. Rear output

28. Head Unit, etc.
29. Speaker Connector

31. Front Speakers (Tweeter)
32. Front Speakers (Mid-Range)

SPECIFICATIONS

NOTE:
Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

WARNING

Please read this OWNER'S MANUAL thoroughly to familiarize yourself with each control and function. We at ALPINE hope that your new PDX-V9 will give you many years of listening enjoyment. In case of problems when installing your PDX-V9, please contact your authorized ALPINE dealer.

These controls are for tuning your system. Please consult your authorized Dealer for adjustment.

	This symbol means important instructions. Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.
	This symbol means important instructions. Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.

DO NOT OPERATE ANY FUNCTION THAT TAKES YOUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM SAFELY DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE. Any function that requires your prolonged attention should only be performed after coming to a complete stop. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before performing these functions. Failure to do so may result in an accident.

KEEP THE VOLUME AT A LEVEL WHERE YOU CAN STILL HEAR OUTSIDE NOISES WHILE DRIVING. Excessive volume levels that obscure sounds such as emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals (train crossings, etc.) can be dangerous and may result in an accident. LISTENING AT LOUD VOLUME LEVELS IN A CAR MAY ALSO CAUSE HEARING DAMAGE.

DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR ALTER. Doing so may result in an accident, fire or electric shock.

USE THIS PRODUCT FOR MOBILE 12V APPLICATIONS. Use for other than its designed application may result in fire, electric shock or other injury.

USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING FUSES. Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.

DO NOT BLOCK VENTS OR RADIATOR PANELS. Doing so may cause heat to build up inside and may result in fire.

MAKE THE CORRECT CONNECTIONS. Failure to make the proper connections may result in fire or product damage.

USE ONLY IN CARS WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUND. (Check with your dealer if you are not sure.) Failure to do so may result in fire, etc.

BEFORE WIRING, DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. Failure to do so may result in electric shock or injury due to electrical shorts.

DO NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables in compliance with the manual to prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as the steering wheel, gear lever, brake pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.

DO NOT SPLICE INTO ELECTRICAL CABLES. Never cut away cable insulation to supply power to other equipment. Doing so will exceed the current carrying capacity of the wire and result in fire or electric shock.

DO NOT DAMAGE PIPE OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES. When drilling holes in the chassis for installation, take precautions so as not to contact, damage or obstruct pipes, fuel lines, tanks or electrical wiring. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire.

DO NOT USE BOLTS OR NUTS IN THE BRAKE OR STEERING SYSTEMS TO MAKE GROUND CONNECTIONS. Bolts or nuts used for the brake or steering systems (or any other safety-related system), or tanks should NEVER be used for installations or ground connections. Using such parts could disable control of the vehicle and cause fire etc.

KEEP SMALL OBJECTS SUCH AS BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Swallowing them may result in serious injury. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately.

HALT USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM APPEARS. Failure to do so may cause personal injury or damage to the product. Return it to your authorized Alpine dealer or the nearest Alpine Service Center for repairing.

HAVE THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION DONE BY EXPERTS. The wiring and installation of this unit requires special technical skill and experience. To ensure safety, always contact the dealer where you purchased this product to have the work done.

USE SPECIFIED ACCESSORY PARTS AND INSTALL THEM SECURELY. Be sure to use only the specified accessory parts. Use of other than designated parts may damage this unit internally or may not securely install the unit in place. This may cause parts to become loose resulting in hazards or product failure.

ARRANGE THE WIRING SO IT IS NOT CRIMPED OR PINCHED BY A SHARP METAL EDGE. Route the cables and wiring away from moving parts (like the seat rails) or sharp or pointed edges. This will prevent crimping and damage to the wiring. If wiring passes through a hole in metal, use a rubber grommet to prevent the wire's insulation from being cut by the metal edge of the hole.

DO NOT INSTALL IN LOCATIONS WITH HIGH MOISTURE OR DUST. Avoid installing the unit in locations with high incidence of moisture or dust. Moisture or dust that penetrates into this unit may result in product failure.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS MARKETING, INC.
1-1-8 Nishi Gotanda,
Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 141-0031, Japan
Phone 03-5496-8231

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AMERICA, INC.
19145 Gramercy Place, Torrance,
California 90501, U.S.A.
Phone 1-800-ALPINE-1 (1-800-257-4631)

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC.
777 Supertest Road, Toronto,
Ontario M3J 2M9, Canada
Phone 1-800-ALPINE-1 (1-800-257-4631)

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
161-165 Princes Highway, Hallam
Victoria 3803, Australia
Phone 03-8787-1200

ALPINE ELECTRONICS GmbH
Wilhelm-Wagenfeld-Str. 1-3,
80807 München, Germany
Phone 089-32 42 640

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF U.K. LTD.
Alpine House
Fletchamstead Highway, Coventry CV4 9TW, U.K.
Phone 0870-33 33 763

ALPINE ELECTRONICS FRANCE S.A.R.L.
(RCS PONTOISE B 338 101 280)
98, Rue de la Belle Etoile, Z.I. Paris Nord Il,
B.P. 50016, 95945 Roissy Charles de Gaulle
Cedex, France
Phone 01-48638989

ALPINE ITALIA S.p. A.
Viale C. Colombo 8, 20090 Trezzano
Sul Naviglio (MI), Italy
Phone 02-484781

ALPINE ELECTRONICS DE ESPAÑA, S.A.
Portal de Gamarra 36, Pabellón, 32
01013 Vitoria (Alava)-APDO 133, Spain
Phone 945-283588

ALPINE ELECTRONICS (BENELUX) GmbH
Leuvensesteenweg 510-B6,
1930 Zaventem, Belgium
Phone 02-725-13 15

Qingdao Dongli Xinhaiyuan Printing Co., Ltd.
No.17, jiushuidong road, Qingdao, China

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