Q-300.4 - Receiver ESX - Free user manual and instructions

Type	4-Channel Amplifier
Power Output (RMS)	4 x 75W @ 4Ω, 4 x 150W @ 2Ω, 2 x 300W @ 4Ω bridged
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (+/-1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>90dB
Input Sensitivity	0.2V - 6V
Crossover Type	Low-pass, High-pass, Full-range (selectable)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	300 x 50 x 200 mm
Weight	2.5 kg
Power Supply	12V DC (10V - 15V)
Fuse Rating	30A (x1)
Protection Circuits	Thermal, Short Circuit, DC Offset, Overload
Speaker Impedance	2Ω - 8Ω (per channel), 4Ω - 8Ω (bridged)
Input Connections	RCA (2 pairs)
Output Connections	Screw terminals for 4 channels
Remote Turn-On	12V trigger (REM terminal)
Cooling	Passive (heatsink)
Mounting	Vertical or horizontal (mounting brackets included)
Recommended Use	Car audio systems, 4 speakers + subwoofer (bridged)
Certifications	CE, RoHS

Frequently Asked Questions - Q-300.4 ESX

What is the power output of the ESX Q-300.4?

The Q-300.4 delivers 4 x 75W RMS at 4 ohms, 4 x 150W RMS at 2 ohms, and 2 x 300W RMS in bridged mode (4 ohms).

How do I bridge channels on this amplifier?

Bridge channels 1 and 2 by using the positive terminal of channel 1 and the negative terminal of channel 2. Similarly, bridge channels 3 and 4. Ensure the speaker impedance is at least 4 ohms in bridged mode.

What is the recommended power and ground wire gauge?

Use at least 8 AWG wire for power and ground connections. The distance from battery to amplifier should be short; if longer than 4m, use 4 AWG.

How do I set the gain correctly?

Set the gain using a digital multimeter or oscilloscope. Play a 50Hz sine wave at 3/4 volume from your head unit, then adjust gain until you measure the target voltage (e.g., sqrt(Power x Impedance)). Avoid setting gain too high to prevent distortion.

What is the input sensitivity range?

The input sensitivity is adjustable from 0.2V to 6V. For high-voltage head units (4V or more), set the gain to the lower range.

Can I use this amplifier with a subwoofer?

Yes, you can bridge two channels to drive a subwoofer (4 ohms minimum bridged). Use the low-pass crossover for subwoofer operation.

What type of crossover does the Q-300.4 have?

It has a selectable crossover: low-pass (40Hz - 400Hz), high-pass (40Hz - 400Hz), or full-range. Use the crossover mode switch to choose.

How do I connect multiple speakers?

You can connect up to 4 speakers individually (one per channel). For a 2-speaker + subwoofer setup, use two channels for the sub (bridged) and the other two for speakers.

What should I do if the amplifier goes into protection mode?

First, check for shorts in speaker wires (bare wire touching chassis). Ensure impedance is not too low (minimum 2 ohms per channel). Also check DC offset at input. Reset by turning off and on.

What is the fuse rating and can I replace it?

The amplifier uses a single 30A ATO blade fuse. Replace only with the same rating. Never use a higher amp fuse as it may damage the amplifier.

USER MANUAL Q-300.4 ESX

The Car Audio Forge.

Owner's Manual in English from Page 13

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Installation of the Amplifier, Electrical Connection 14

2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER Q 200.2 / Q 300.2

Functions & Controls 15

2-Channel-Mode: 2 Speakers / Stereo 16

1-Channel-Mode: 1 Subwoofer / Mono bridged 17

4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER Q 300.4

Functions & Controls 18

4-Channel-Mode: 2 Frontspeakers / Stereo & 2 Rearspeakers / Stereo 19

2-Channel-Mode: 2 Subwoofer / Mono bridged 20

3-Channel-Mode: 2 Speakers / Stereo & 1 Subwoofer / Mono Bridged 21

SPECIFICATIONS 22

TROUBLE SHOOTING 23

Installation und Electrical Connection

Q 200.2 / Q 300.2 / Q300.4

General Installation Notes

The amplifier is generally mounted in the rear trunk area but can be mounted in any convenient area such as beneath a seat. Please be sure to locate this unit where you have reasonable air circulation and protection from moisture. When considering the mounting location you should minimize the length of the power and speaker leads. Minimizing both leads will yield a more reliable installation. It is also important to ensure that the heat sink fins are not against a panel or a surface, preventing air circulation. Do not install the amplifier on a subwoofer box or on vibrating parts of the vehicle, since the vibrations can cause damage to the amplifiers electrical components.

Installation of the amplifier

Mark the location for the mounting screw holes by using the amplifier as a template. Drill holes at the marked locations and firmly fasten the amplifier in place with the mounting screws supplied in the accessory kit. Before drilling or cutting any holes, investigate the layout of your automobile thoroughly: Take care when working near the gas lines or hydraulic lines and electrical wiring od your car.

Electrical Connection

Ground (GND)

This wire is the electrical ground and must be fastened securely to the vehicle chassis. The best method is to use a threading sheet metal screw since the threads cut into bare metal. Ensure that all paint or other insulation is remove from around the hole area, and using self tapping screw, securely affix the bare wire ends to the vehicle chassis. Use as short a piece of cable as possible - use the same gauge as was used for the +12V cable.

Make sure that the connection is safe, a loose connection may result in amplifier noise and fault condition.

Remote (BATT)

Many music sources have an output terminal for connection of the remote turn-on of the power amplifier. If a radio doesn't have a remote turn-on feature, then you can use the antenna relay wire, which activates the antenna motor. Please note, if the power antenna retracts when the radio is operating, then you cannot use the antenna relay wire to operate the remote turn-on.

Battery Connection (+12V)

This wire is usually connected directly to the positive battery terminal. Ensure that the + power supply wire is fused via an assigned fuse in line with the + power supply wire. Please use a sufficient gauge for the installed amplifiers (min 16-25 mm).

This connection must be completed using spade lug with insulating sleeve.

Fuses

The integrated amplifier fuses protect the units from short circuit and overload. The fuse rating is for 4 Ohm loads (impedance) of the speakers, for 2 Ohm loads the fuses may have to get increased in case of higher power consumption.

2-Channel Amplifier - Functions & Controls

Q 200.2 / Q 300.2

STATUS - LED

Green Light indicates the amplifier is in operation-mode.

Red Light Indicates the fault operation of the amplifier. When the fault conditions (overload, excessive heat or short circuit of speaker) arise, the protection circuit is engaged to protect both the speakers and the amplifier against damage. Attend in this case TROUBLE SHOOTING on page 23.

FILTER / XOVER - Switches & Controls

Position HP - Highpass ist activated, the frequency of the speakers is bounded below. The threshold is from 50Hz to 250Hz by XOVER Control adjustable.

Position LP - Lowpass ist activated, the frequency of the speakers is bounded above. The threshold is from 50Hz to 250Hz by XOVER Controladjustable.

Position OFF - full range output signal

BASS-EQ - Control

Allows to adjust the bass boost from +/-18dB

GAIN - Control

Allows to adjust input level from head unit

INPUT - RCA

Allows to connect the amplifier with the head unit via RCA cable.

2-Channel Amplifiers - Speaker & RCA-Connection Q 200.2 / Q 300.2

2-Channel-Mode: 2 Speakers / Stereo

Cable Connections:

• Connect the INPUT Terminals of the amplifier to the head unit line output with good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers with the terminal block (-CH1 + and - CH2 +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be below 2 Ohm per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection status.
• Please observe speaker channel and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal block. Incorrect phasing of the speakers results in total loss of bass response.

Caution

Please avoid to connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle chassis.

FILTER - Switches & Controls

• If larger than 20 cm speakers are used, the FILTER "OFF" position is recommended.
  For all smaller speakers (8.7cm - 16cm) the Position FILTER "HP" is recommended, which eliminates the lowest frequencies and protects the speakers from damage. Set the crossover-frequency between 60Hz - 150Hz, depending of the size of the installed speakers. The Highpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

GAIN - Control

• Turn the GAIN control on the amplifier to "MIN." position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80-90% of its full setting.
• Turn the GAIN control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the GAIN control slightly until you can hear clean sound.

BASS-EQ - Control

- Turn the BASS-EQ control into center-position.

4 OHMS 4 OHMS

2-Channel Amplifiers - Speaker & RCA-Connection Q 200.2 / Q 300.2

1-Channel-Mode: 1 Subwoofer / Mono bridged

Cable Connections:

• Connect the INPUT Terminals of the amplifier to the head unit subwoofer output with good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers with the terminal block (− BRIDGED +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be below 4 Ohm per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection status.
• Please observe speaker channel and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal block. Incorrect phasing of the speakers results in total loss of bass response.

Caution

Please avoid to connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle chassis.

FILTER - Switches & Controls

• In 1-Channel-Mode in Mono select FILTER to "LP", which eliminates the higher frequencies.
  The recommended crossover frequency ranges between 60 - 100Hz, depending on the size and response of the Subwoofer.
  The Lowpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

GAIN - Control

• Turn the GAIN control on the amplifier to "MIN." position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the GAIN control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the GAIN control slightly until you can hear clean sound.

BASS-EQ - Control

- The BASS-EQ control increases the bass level from "+/- 18dB". Caution! Please use the Bass-Boost carefully.

2 OHMS min.

4-Channel Amplifiers - Functions & Controls Q 300.4

4-Channel Amplifiers - Speaker & RCA-Connection Q 300.4

4-Channel-Mode: 2 Frontspeakers / Stereo & 2 Rearspeakers / Stereo

Cable Connections:

• Connect the head unit line outputs with good quality RCA cables with the INPUT TERMINAL of CH1/2 & CH3/4 of the amplifier.
• Connect the Speakers with the terminal blocks (-CH1 +, + CH2 -, - CH3 +, and - CH4 +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be below 2 Ohm per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe speaker channel and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal block. Incorrect phasing of the speakers results in total loss of bass response.

Caution

Please avoid to connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle chassis.

FILTER - Switches & Controls CH1/2 & CH3/4

- If larger than 20 cm speakers are used, the FILTER "OFF" position is recommended.

For all smaller speakers (8.7cm - 16cm) the Position FILTER "HP" is recommended, which eliminates the lowest frequencies and protects the speakers from damage. Set the crossover-frequency between 60Hz - 150Hz, depending of the size of the installed speakers. The Highpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

GAIN - Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

• Turn the GAIN controls on the amplifier to "MIN." position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the GAIN controls clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the GAn controls slightly until you can hear clean sound.

BASS-EQ - Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

- Turn the BASS-EQ control into center-position.

4 OHMS4 OHMS4 OHMS

4-Channel Amplifiers - Speaker & RCA-Connection Q 300.4

2-Channel-Mode: 2 Subwoofer / Mono bridged

Cable Connections:

• Connect the head unit subwoofer line output with good quality RCA to RCA cables and Y-Connectors (Split signal) to the AMPLIFIER INPUT CH1/2 & CH3/4 of the amplifier.
• Connect the Subwoofers with the terminal blocks (SPEAKER OUTPUT + BRIDGED - from CH 1/2 and + BRIDGED - from CH3/4) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be below 4 Ohm per channel pair. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe speaker channel and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal block. Incorrect phasing of the speakers results in total loss of bass response.

Caution

Please avoid to connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle chassis.

FILTER - Switch & Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

• In 2-Channel-Mode in Mono select FILTER to "LP", which eliminates the higher frequencies.
  The recommended crossover frequency ranges between 60 - 100Hz, depending on the size and response of the Subwoofer.
  The Lowpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

GAIN - Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

• Turn the GAIN controls on the amplifier to "MIN." position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the GAIN controls clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the GAIN controls slightly until you can hear clean sound.

BASS-EQ - Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

- The BASS-EQ control increases the bass level from "+/- 18dB". Caution! Please use the Bass-Boost carefully.

4-Channel Amplifiers - Speaker & RCA-Connection Q 300.4

3-Channel-Mode: 2 Speakers / Stereo & 1 Subwoofer / Mono bridged

Cable Connections:

• Connect the head unit line outputs with good quality RCA cables to the INPUT CH1/2 & CH3/4 of the amplifier.
• Connect the Front Speakers with the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT + CH1 - and + CH2 -) of the amplifier.
• Connect the Subwoofer with the terminal block (+ BRIDGED - from CH3/4) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker / subwoofer impedance must not be below 2 Ohms / 4 Ohms Mono.
  Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause amplifier damage.
• Please observe speaker channel and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal block.

Caution

Please avoid to connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle chassis.

FILTER - Switches & Control (Speakers on CH1/2)

- If larger than 20 cm speakers are used, FILTER "OFF" position is recommended.

For all smaller speakers (8.7cm - 16cm) the Position FILTER "HP" is recommended, which eliminates the lowest frequencies and protects the speakers from damage. Set the crossover-frequency between 60Hz - 150Hz, depending of the size of the installed speakers. The Highpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

FILTER - Switches & Control (Subwoofer on CH3/4)

- In 1-Channel-Mode in Mono select FILTER "LP", which eliminates the higher frequencies. The recommended crossover frequency ranges between 60 - 100Hz, depending on the size and response of the Subwoofer. The Lowpass adjustment can be done with the XOVER control.

GAIN - Control (CH1/2 & CH3/4)

- Turn the GAIN controls on the amplifier to "MIN." position. Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.

- Turn the GAIN controls clockwise until you hear some distortion. Then turn back the GAIN controls slightly until you can hear clean sound.

BASS-EQ - Control (CH3/4)

- The BASS-EQ control increases the bass level from "+/- 18dB". Caution! Please use the Bass-Boost carefully.

Specifications

	Q 200.2	Q 300.2	Q 300.4
Channels	2	2	4
Watts RMS/MAX. @ 4 Ohms	2 x 75/150	2 x 100/200	4 x 55/110
Watts RMS/MAX. @ 2 Ohms	2 x 100/200	2 x 150/300	4 x 75/150
Watts RMS/MAX. @ 4 Ohms mono bridged	1 x 200/400	1 x 300/600	2 x 150/300
Damping Factor	>150	>150	>150
S/N Ratio	>85 dB	>85 dB	>85 dB
Channel Separation	>50 dB	>50 dB	>50 dB
THD&N	< 0,05 %	< 0,05 %	< 0,05 %
Input Sensitivity	0,2 - 4 Volt	0,2 - 4 Volt 0,2 - 4 Volt
Input Impedance	>20 kOhm	>20 kOhm	>20 kOhm
X-Over CH1 & CH2
Adjustable Highpass	50Hz - 250Hz	50Hz - 250Hz	50Hz - 250Hz
Adjustable Lowpass	50Hz - 250Hz	50Hz - 250Hz	50Hz - 250Hz
Bass-Boost @ 45Hz	+/- 18 dB	+/- 18 dB	+/- 18 dB
X-Over CH1 & CH2
Adjustable Highpass			50Hz - 250Hz
Adjustable Lowpass			50Hz - 250Hz
Bass-Boost @ 45Hz			+/- 18 dB
Dimensions in mm
Width x Height	198 x 52	198 x 52	198 x 52
Length Heatsink	243	373	373

All specifications are object to change!

Trouble Shooting

System does not turn on

1. Check all fuses.
2. Check all connections.
3. Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders, distribution blocks, the head unit's +12 volt and remote leads to Localize the problem.

Noise problems

1. Check the speaker wiring
2. Speakers are damaged

No Signal at Channels

1. Set Balance and Fader from head unit on Zero-Position
2. Check wiring (Amplifier, Speakers)
3. Speakers are damaged

Hiss or white noise

1. Speakers are overload
2. High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section "Setting up systems after installation for best performance"
3. Another major problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug the amplifier input RCA cables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault.

No Stereo-Sound or Low Output

1. Check speaker wiring (-and+)

Amplifier Protect-Mode (red LED is illuminated)

1. Speaker cables are shorted
2. Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the fins. Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the recommended loudspeaker impedance.
3. Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier's +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.

Electrical interference

The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug amplifier input RCAcables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA's back, and investigate the source driving the amplifier, one component at a time.

A ticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:

1. This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCA cables too near to a fuel pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
2. Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3. Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox.
   This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the system.

A constant whine:

1. Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2. Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
   3.RCA cables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.

Caution!

In your amplifier there are protection circuits integrated. Short Circuit Protection engaged: The amplifier will turn off and try to come back on immediately. The amplifier will cycle like this indefinitely, with "blips" of sound each time. If this is the case, check your speakers and wiring for low impedance and short circuits. Thermal Protection engaged: The amplifier will turn off and several minutes later will come back on. In this case, ensure that there is nothing blocking the normal convective airflow of the amplifier. No obstruction should be within 2" of the amplifier on all sides.

NOTE: Low battery voltage will cause the amplifier to run warmer and possibly damage the amplifier.

The Car Audio Forge.

Distribution:

Audio Design GmbH

Am Breilingsweg 3

76709 Kronau

Tel. [phone], Fax [phone]

www.audiodesign.de