Alpine MRX-M110, MRX-M55 - POWER AMPLIFIER Manual

Also See for MRX-M110:

Owner's manual (20 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 INSTALLATION
2 ATTACHING THE TERMINAL COVERS
3 CONNECTIONS
- 3.1 About Power supply wires
- 3.2 Cautions on wire lead connections
4 CONNECTION CHECK LIST
- 4.1 Remote Turn-On Lead
5 SWITCH SETTINGS
6 SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
7 SPECIFICATIONS
8 SERVICE CARE
9 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
10 Documents / Resources
- 10.1 Download manual

Alpine MRX-M110, MRX-M55 - POWER AMPLIFIER Manual

INSTALLATION

Due to the high power output of the MRX-M110/MRX-M55, 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.

Using the amplifier as a template, mark the four screw locations.
Make sure there are no objects behind the surface that may become damaged during drilling.
Drill the screw holes.
Position the MRX-M110/MRX-M55 over the screw holes, and secure with four self-tapping screws.

warning NOTE:
To securely connect the ground lead, use an already installed screw on a metal part of the vehicle (marked (★)) or a clean, bare metal spot on the vehicle's chassis. Be sure this is a good ground by checking continuity to the battery (–) terminal. Connect all equipment to the same ground point while keeping wire length as short as possible. These procedures will help eliminate noise.

INSTALLATION
Fig.1

Self-Tapping Screws (M4 x 20)
Ground Lead
Chassis
Holes

ATTACHING THE TERMINAL COVERS

Attach the terminal covers (supplied) after connections and confirmation of correct operation.
Attaching the terminal covers will improve the appearance of the unit.

How to attach the terminal covers:
Attach the left and right terminal covers using the supplied screws (M3 x 10), as shown in the figure below.

ATTACHING THE TERMINAL COVERS
Fig.2

Right terminal cover
Left terminal cover
Screw (M3 x 10)

warning NOTE:
Do not lift or carry the unit by the attached terminal covers.

CONNECTIONS

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.

CONNECTIONS
* Be sure to add an in-line fuse with the battery lead as close as possible to the battery's positive (+) terminal.

Speaker Output Terminals
The MRX-M110/MRX-M55 has one set of speaker outputs. Be sure to observe correct speaker output connections and polarity in relation to the other speakers in the system. Connect the positive output to the positive speaker terminal and the negative to negative. Do not connect the speaker (–) terminal to the vehicle's chassis.
NOTES:

Do not connect speaker leads together or to chassis ground.
The input is stereo but the output is monaural.
Reversing subwoofer polarity may be desirable in some installations for optimum bass performance.

Fuse
MRX-M110: 25A x4
MRX-M55: 30A x2
USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING FUSES.
Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.
Power Supply Terminal
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. Consult the table below for appropriate fuse value and minimum wire gauge requirement.
MRX-M110: 100 amp fuse, 4AWG/21mm²
MRX-M55: 60 amp fuse, 8AWG/8mm²
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.
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:
MRX-M110: 4AWG/21mm²
MRX-M55: 8AWG/8mm²
Speaker Level Input Connector
These input leads are for use with head units not equipped with preamp outputs. When not using the RCA Line Input connectors, you should connect these wires to the speaker output leads of your head unit. The MRX-M110/MRX-M55 accepts input from high power or standard power head units.
NOTES:
- Use either RCA line level or speaker level inputs. Do not connect both at the same time.
- For the "Speaker Level Input System" setting, connecting the Remote Turn-On Lead is not required due to the "REMOTE SENSING" function of this product. However, the "REMOTE SENSING" function may not work depending on the signal source connected. In such a case, connect the Remote Turn On Lead to an incoming power supply cord (accessory power) in the ACC position.
Speaker Input Leads
These leads are input leads for use with head units not equipped with preamp outputs. When not using the RCA Line Input connectors, you should connect these wires to the speaker output leads of your head unit. The MRX-M110/MRX-M55 accepts input from high power or standard power head units.
Front Left Speaker (White (+))
Front Left Speaker (White/Black (–))
Front Right Speaker (Gray (+))
Front Right Speaker (Gray/Black (–))
Rear Left Speaker (Green (+))
Rear Left Speaker (Green/Black (–))
Rear Right Speaker (Violet (+))
Rear Right Speaker (Violet/Black (–))
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.
NOTE:
Use either RCA line level or speaker level inputs. Do not connect both at the same time.
Pre-Out Jacks
These jacks provide a line level output. This is an ideal output for driving a second subwoofer amp. This output is full-range, and is not affected by the crossover.
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.

About Power supply wires

Power supply wires
Fig. 4

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):
MRX-M110: 2AWG(33mm²) or 1/0AWG(53mm²)
MRX-M55: 4AWG(21mm²) or 2AWG(33mm²)

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

Cautions on wire lead connections

When using third-party wire cables (power supply wire), use the supplied 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.

Check the wire size.
NOTES:
- Required Wire Size (Battery Lead, Ground Lead):
  MRX-M110: 4AWG/21mm²
  MRX-M55: 8AWG/8mm²
- If the wire gauge used is unknown, ask your dealer.
Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire leads by about 7 – 10mm (9/32" – 3/8"). (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5
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.
Tighten the set screw with the hexagon wrench (included) to secure the lead. (Fig. 6)

Before making this connection, use insulated shrink tubing to cover any exposed wire extending beyond the terminal.

warning 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. 7)
CONNECTION CHECK LIST

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

Remote Turn-On Lead

The head unit does not have a remote turn-on or power antenna lead.
The head unit's power antenna lead is activated only when the radio is on (turns off in the tape or CD Mode).
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 MRX-M110/MRX-M55 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 MRX-M110/MRX-M55 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 MRX-M110/MRX-M55 turn-on lead. This switch will then be used to turn on (and off) the MRX-M110/ MRX-M55. 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.

SWITCH SETTINGS

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

SWITCH SETTINGS

Input Gain Adjustment Control
Set the MRX-M110/MRX-M55 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.
Subsonic Filter
The subsonic filter for cutting ultra low frequencies from the input signal before being amplified.
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.
Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (LP FILTER)
Use this control to adjust the crossover frequency between 50 to 400 Hz.
Bass EQ Adjustment Knob
Add a 50 Hz bass boost up to +12 dB to tune your bass response.
Power Indicator
Lights up when power is on.
Is off when power is off.

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

TYPICAL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

Y-Adapter (Sold Separately)
RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)
Head Unit, etc.
Subwoofer

Multiple Mono Amplifier System

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier

warning 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.

Bridging an Amplifier

Y-Adapter (Sold Separately)
RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)
Head Unit, etc.
Subwoofer

Speaker Level Input System

Head Unit, etc.
Subwoofer

★1 For the "Speaker Level Input System" setting, connecting the Remote Turn-On Lead is not required due to the "REMOTE SENSING" function of this product. However, the "REMOTE SENSING" function may not work depending on the signal source connected. In such a case, connect the Remote Turn-On Lead to an incoming power supply cord (accessory power) in the ACC position.

★2 Use either RCA line level or speaker level inputs. Do not connect both at the same time.

warning NOTE:
Only left/right channel speaker level input is required. However, all speaker input leads (FL/FR/RL/RR) may be connected to prevent zero output when the head unit fader is adjusted.

SPECIFICATIONS

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

SERVICE CARE

Please record the serial number of your unit and keep it as a permanent record. The serial number plate is located on the rear of the unit.

For European Customers
Should you have any questions about warranty, please consult your store of purchase.
For Customers in other Countries

Customers who purchase the product with which this notice is packaged, and who make this purchase in countries other than the United States of America and Canada, please contact your dealer for information regarding warranty coverage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Please read this OWNER'S MANUAL thoroughly to familiarize yourself with each control and function. We at ALPINE hope that your new MRX-M110/MRX-M55 will give you many years of listening enjoyment.
In case of problems when installing your MRX-M110/MRX-M55, 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.