GX800.4 - Car radio PHOENIX GOLD - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	Phoenix Gold
Model	GX800.4
Product Type	Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
Number of Channels	4
RMS Power @ 4Ω	125W x 4
RMS Power @ 2Ω	200W x 4
RMS Power Bridged @ 4Ω	400W x 2
Total RMS Power	800W
Amplifier Topology	Class D
Crossover Type	Linkwitz-Riley (FULL/HP/LP)
Crossover Frequency Range	40Hz - 500Hz @ 12dB/Oct
Input Sensitivity	0.4V - 10V
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB (CEA Standard)
Frequency Response	10Hz - 40kHz (Full Range)
Operating Voltage	8V - 16V
Power Supply Type	Unregulated
Recommended Fusing	60A
Power Terminal Size	4 Gauge Quick Connect
Speaker Terminal Size	8 Gauge Quick Connect
Heatsink Type	Extruded Aluminum
Cooling Type	Radiation
Dimensions (L x W x H)	11.57" x 6.5" x 2.03" (294mm x 165mm x 51.5mm)
Remote Bass Controller	Included (flush mount, 16ft cable)
Protection Features	Short circuit, thermal, impedance
Input Options	Selectable Balanced/Unbalanced
Input Configuration	2CH/4CH selectable
Warranty	1 year limited
Country of Origin	Designed in USA, Made in China

Frequently Asked Questions - GX800.4 PHOENIX GOLD

How do I connect the power and ground wires?

Connect the +12V terminal to the fused positive terminal of the car battery (fuse within 18 inches). Connect GND to the negative terminal or a clean, unpainted chassis metal. Connect REM to a switched +12V source from the head unit.

What is the minimum impedance for the GX800.4?

The minimum impedance is 2 ohms stereo per channel or 4 ohms bridged for two channels.

How do I set the input sensitivity (gain)?

Set the gain controls to minimum. Play music at 3/4 volume on head unit. Slowly increase gain until you hear distortion, then back off slightly. Use a DMM or oscilloscope for precision.

Can I bridge channels on the GX800.4?

Yes, you can bridge front and rear channel pairs to get 400W x 2 at 4 ohms. Connect the positive speaker wire to the left positive terminal and negative to the right negative terminal of the bridged pair.

What does the PROTECT LED indicate?

The red PROTECT LED lights when the amplifier shuts down due to thermal or over-current protection. Let it cool down or check for shorted speaker wires.

How do I use the remote bass controller?

Connect the remote level control to the REMOTE port on the amplifier. It allows up to 20dB of volume adjustment for the rear channels only. Mount it flush for easy access.

What crossover settings are available?

Each channel pair has a switchable crossover: HPF, LPF, or FULL. Frequency is adjustable from 40Hz to 500Hz at 12dB/octave using the FREQ dial.

How do I select between 2CH and 4CH input?

Use the INPUT CONFIG switch. If only two RCA inputs are used, set to 2CH to split the signal to all four outputs. Set to 4CH if four inputs are connected.

What fuse rating should I use?

The recommended fuse is 60A for the GX800.4. Install the fuse within 18 inches of the battery.

Why is there no sound from one channel?

Check the head unit balance/fader, speaker connections, and RCA cables. Also verify that the INPUT CONFIG switch is set correctly and the input sensitivity is not too low.

USER MANUAL GX800.4 PHOENIX GOLD

Models: GX1200.6 • GX800.4 • GX1200.1

New for 2021 is Phoenix Gold's GX line of amplifiers. Designed to cover a multitude of installation needs, GX is packed with the features and power you can expect from the Phoenix Gold brand. Included in the line are our proprietary PG quick connects for high current capability and reliability while delivering uber clean and quick installations. The chassis has been optimized by utilizing BFD (Balanced Flow Dissipation) to keep the amplifier running cool when the music is hot.

Features

• Class D Topology
• Selectable Balanced / Unbalanced Inputs
  • Surface-Mount Component Technology
• Multi-Input Selector
  • Low Pass and Subsonic Crossovers (GX1200.1)
  • Proprietary PG Quick Connects
• Flush Mountable Bass Knob
  • Full Radiation Heat Sink
  • Single-sided Control Panel
• Onboard Short/Therm/Imped Protection
  • 0-180° Variable Phase Shift (GX1200.1)

PHOENIX GOLD

PHOENIX GOLD

A Power Brand of AAMP Global.

15500 Lightwave Drive, Suite 202

Clearwater, Florida 33760

P: 866-788-4237

[e-mail]

www.phoenixgold.com

Phoenix Gold Product Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY ON AMPLIFIERS

Phoenix Gold warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) years from the original date of purchase. This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized Phoenix Gold dealer in the United States of America only. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction, Phoenix Gold will (at its discretion), repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions, unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is not covered under warranty. Additional warranty coverages are available, see your warranty card for specific options based on your geographic region and product.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTIES:

Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country's Authorized Phoenix Gold reseller and not by Phoenix Gold. Consumers needing service or warranty information for these products must contact that country's reseller for information.

Designed and Engineered in the USA

Expertly Manufactured in China

GX1200.6 SPECIFICATIONS

GX 1200.6 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 6

4Ω: CH 1-6 125W x 6

2Ω: CH 1-6 200W x 6

4Ω Bridged: 400W x 3

Total RMS Power (Sum of rated power): 1200W

Bridgeable: Yes

Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: FULL/HP/LP

40Hz - 500Hz @ 12dB/Oct

Input Selection: 0.4-10V

Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB

Frequency Response: Full Range 10-40k

Topology Class D

Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum

Cooling Type: Radiation

Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V

Switchable Auto-Turn On: No

Power Supply Type: Unregulated

Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect

Speaker Terminal: 8 Gauge Quick Connect

Recommended Fusing: 80A

Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.54" x 6.5" x 2.03"

344mm × 165mm × 51.5mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

Black cable with connector and connector connector, isolated on white background (no text or symbols)

GX800.4 SPECIFICATIONS

GX800.4 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 4

4Ω: CH 1-4 125W × 4

2Ω: CH 1-4 200w x 4

4Ω: Bridged 400w x 2

Total RMS Power (Sum of rated power): 800W

Bridgeable: Yes

Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: FULL/HP/LP

40Hz - 500Hz @ 12dB/Oct

Input Selection: 0.4-10V

Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB

Frequency Response: Full Range 10-40k

Topology Class D

Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum

Cooling Type: Radiation

Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V

Switchable Auto-Turn On: No

Power Supply Type: Unregulated

Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect

Speaker Terminal: 8 Gauge Quick Connect

Recommended Fusing: 60A

Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.57" x 6.5" x 2.03"

294mm × 165mm × 51.5mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

Black cable with connector and connector cap, isolated on white background (no text or symbols)

GX1200.1 SPECIFICATIONS

GX1200.1 SPECIFICATIONS

RMS Power Ratings listed at less than 1% THD @ 14.4v

Number of Channels: 1

1Ω: CH 1 1200W x 1

2Ω: CH 1 800W x 1

4Ω: CH 1 500W x 1

Total RMS Power (Sum of rated power): 1200W

Bridgeable: N/A

Crossover Control, Linkwitz-Riley: LP

50Hz - 250Hz @ 24dB/Oct

Input Selection: 0.4-10V

Signal to Noise (@ CEA Standard): >100dB

Frequency Response: Sub 15-250Hz

Topology Class D

Heatsink Type: Extruded Aluminum

Cooling Type: Radiation

Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V

Switchable Auto-Turn On: No

Power Supply Type: Unregulated

Power Terminal: 4 Gauge Quick Connect

Speaker Terminal: 8-12 Gauge Quick Connect

Recommended Fusing: 80A

Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.57" x 6.5" x 2.03"

294mm×165mm×51.5mm

Remote Bass Controller:

Flush mount level controller. Fine tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. 16ft of cable included.

Black cable with connector and connector, no visible text or symbols

GX1200.6

Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

①

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplifier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplifier is on. Red indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

2

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car's battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of amplifier issues, make sure the amplifier is grounded correctly and securely.

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car's battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be fused at, or above, the amplifiers fuse rating.

3

Used to connect the amplifier to speakers. The GX1200.6 minimum impedance is 2 Ohms Stereo or 4 Ohms Bridged for all channels.

4

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

This port is for connecting the remote level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the signal. The remote only controls CH 5/6.

INPUT GAIN (SENS) CH 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal on the channels. Continuously variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

5 CROSSOVER (X-OVER) CH 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 High Pass Filter (HPF): When set, activates a highpass crossover for the channels. Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial. Full Range (FULL): Select FULL to amplify a full range signal. Low Pass Filter (LPF): When set, activates a low pass crossover for the channels. Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

6 INPUTS (F/R CHs, SUB CH) If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplifier select BAL.

INPUT CONFIG (4CH / 6CH) ⑦ Input signal selectable for 4 or 6 channels. If only 4 channels of input signal are available, select 4CH to allow signal to split to CH 5+6. Select 6CH if 6 channels of input are being used.

⑧ INPUT (CH1-6) Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals. Use of 4 or 6 channels of input signal selectable with INPUT CONFIG switch.

GX800.4

Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

①

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplifier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplifier is on. Red indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

2

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car's battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of amplifier issues, make sure the amplifier is grounded correctly and securely.

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car's battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be fused at, or above, the amplifiers fuse rating.

③

Used to connect the amplifier to speakers. The GX800.4 minimum impedance is 2 Ohms Stereo or 4 Ohms Bridged for all channels.

④

INPUT GAIN (SENS) Front Channel, Rear Channel

Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal on the channels. Continuously variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

CROSSOVER (X-OVER) Front Channel, Rear Channel

High Pass Filter (HPF): When set, activates a highpass crossover for the channels.

5

Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

Full Range (FULL): Select FULL to amplify a full range signal.

Low Pass Filter (LPF): When set, activates a low pass crossover for the channels.

Continuously variable from 40Hz to 500Hz using the FREQ dial.

⑥

INPUTS

If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplifier select BAL.

7

INPUT CONFIG (2CH / 4CH)

Input signal selectable for 2 or 4 channels. If only 2 channels of input signal are available, select 2CH to allow signal to split to REAR Channels. Select 4CH if 4 channels of input are used.

8

INPUT (Front / Rear)

Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals. Use of 2 or 4 channels of input signal selectable with INPUT CONFIG switch.

⑨

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

This port is for connecting the remote level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the signal. The remote only controls REAR Channel level.

GX1200.1

Monoblock Power Amplifier

①

POWER/PROTECT LED

Amplifier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems working and amplifier is on. Red indicates protection mode, from Thermal or Short Circuit. (See Troubleshooting)

②

GROUND (GND)

This must be connected to the negative terminal of the car's battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the chassis of the vehicle. Bad grounds account for 90% of amplifier issues, make sure the amplifier is grounded correctly and securely.

REMOTE (REM)

Connect to switched +12V, usually a trigger wire coming from the head unit or an ignition lead if one is not available.

+12V

This must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car's battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle and should be fused at, or above, the amplifiers fuse rating.

③

SPEAKER OUTPUT

Used to connect the amplifier to speakers. The GX1200.0 minimum impedance is 1 Ohms

④

INPUT GAIN (SENS)

Used to adjust the input sensitivity to match the input level signal. Continuously variable from 0.4V to 10V. Adjust this with the help of a DMM and a test signal or an Oscilloscope. See System Tuning section for basic setup instructions.

5

PHASE

Controls the Phase from 0-180°. Properly adjusting phase will allow enhanced bass response, dynamics and impact at any volume.

LOW PASS FILTER (LPF)

⑥ Sets low pass crossover frequency. Continuously variable from 50Hz to 250Hz

SUBSONIC

⑦ Continuously variable filter from 10Hz-55Hz to remove low inaudible frequencies to increase system efficiency and protect speakers.

BOOST

⑧ Controls the bass boost from 0 to +18dB

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

⑨ This port is for connecting the remote subwoofer level control knob. This allows up to 20dB of volume adjustment. This is not a bass boost, it controls the level of the low pass signal.

INPUTS

⑩ If you are using RCA or high level signal from an aftermarket head unit, select UNBAL. If you are using high level from a OEM factory source unit or factory amplifier select BAL.

INPUT

⑪ Connect preamp signal cables (RCA) from the source unit to these terminals.

OUTPUT

12 Used to connect to a secondary amplifier without degrading signal strength.

SYSTEM TUNING

1. Install all system fuses.
2. Set the amplifier's input sensitivity controls to their minimum positions (full counterclockwise).
3. Set all amplifier crossover switches according to your system's design.
4. Make preliminary adjustments to the crossover frequency, usually 80Hz is a 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. If using a Remote Subwoofer Level Control, set it to maximum (full clockwise).
6. Turn the headunit on with the volume set to minimum.
7. Visually check the amplifier has turned on via the power LED.
8. Check the condition of all other components to make sure they are powered up.
9. Set the headunit's tone controls, balance, and fader to the center (flat) position. Turn off any loudness or other signal processing features.
10. Set the volume control of the headunit to 3/4 of maximum volume. Play music you typically listen to through the system.

11. Turn up the sensitivity or input level control on the amplifier until the speakers reach maximum undistorted output.

12. Repeat sensitivity level adjustments for all other amplifiers.

13. Reduce the headunit's volume to a comfortable level.
14. Listen 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.
    Note: For subwoofers controlled by the Remote level control, keep the level setting from step 11 or 12. Use the control to blend subwoofers with the rest of the system. The correct subwoofer volume will change depending on road noise and differences in recordings.
15. Fine tune crossover frequencies to achieve the smoothest possible blending of each speaker set.
16. Adjust the Bass Equalization Controls on the amplifier, headunit or processor upstream if necessary to increase output.
    Note: 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. With all levels set correctly, the system will reach overall maximum undistorted output at the volume level set in step 10.

TROUBLESHOOTING

NO POWER:

Check voltage at the amplifier with a DMM (volt meter), +12V and R (with head unit on) the voltage should register between 11.5V and 14.4V when using the attached ground lead of the amplifier. Check that the amplifier's ground is good and has a solid connection. Check fuse 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, NO SOUND, PROTECT LED 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 R terminal to restore operation. Check for shorted speaker wiring or damaged speakers or crossover systems if over-current shutdown occurs.

NO SOUND FROM ONE OR MORE CHANNELS:

Check the balance control in the head unit. Check speaker connections. Check signal input connection. Very low output: Check your head unit's tader control or the amplifier's input sensitivity level. Make sure subsonic frequency control is not set too high and LPF 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.

POWER CYCLES ON/OFF QUICKLY:

If the power indicator if going off repeatedly when the audio system is on, check all ground connections. Check the amplifier's connection to the battery. Check battery voltage. If low, recharge or replace the battery.