PA500.4 - Audio Amplifier POLK AUDIO - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PA500.4 POLK AUDIO

ENGLISH ENGLISH Tools You May Need WARNING High-powered car audio systems may produce sound pressure levels that exceed the threshold at which hearing loss may result. They may also impair a driver’s ability to hear traffic sounds or emergency vehicles. Use common sense and practice safe listening habits when listening to or adjusting your audio system.

6. Fuse Replacements

• Phillips head screwdriver

• Electric drill and 3/16" and 1/8" drill bits

10. Remote Volume Module - (PA500.4/PA1100.5 only)

• Solderless, crimp-on connectors and a crimping tool

11. Phone Line Cord - (PA500.4/PA1100.5 only)

• Wire strippers and cutters FEATURES
• Super-efficient Class D PWM design runs much cooler than conventional amps (PA1100.5 only).
• High-speed MOSFET switching power supply and complementary bi-polar outputs
• Stereo, mono, or simultaneous stereo/mono operation
• Thermal, DC offset, reverse polarity, (short circuit and over/under voltage protection-PA500.4 and PA1100.5)
• Selectable 12dB/octave two-way crossover (PA200.4)
• Continuously variable 12dB/octave low-pass crossover (PA500.4 and PA1100.5)
• Switchable subsonic filter 24dB/octave (PA500.4 and PA1100.5)
• Switchable 8 dB bass EQ function.
• Switchable 180° phase inversion (PA500.4 and PA1100.5)
• Remote subwoofer level control function (PA500.4 and PA1100.5)
• Variable input sensitivity optimizes match with different signal sources.
• Chrome-plated wire terminals and RCA connectors ensure maximum signal transfer.
• Rugged heatsink and cover.
• Unity gain pass-through RCA jacks. GETTING STARTED Take Inventory Check to ensure you have everything in your Polk Audio amplifier carton to start enjoying your system. Inside, you should find:

1. Polk Audio Amplifier

(either PA200.4, PA500.4 or PA1100.5)

3. Mounting Washers (4)

4. Locking Washers (4)

Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if your Polk Audio amplifier fails to operate, notify your dealer immediately. We recommend keeping your original carton and packing materials in case you need to ship the unit in the future. In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever stolen, you will need to have a record of the product’s serial number. Please take the time to enter that number in the space provided below. The serial number can be found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the amplifier packaging. Serial Number:____________________________ Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9-6 EST, US & Canada only) or via email polkcs@polkaudio.com. Outside the US & Canada, call 410-358-3600. To learn more about Polk Audio 12V amplifiers go to www.polkaudio.com Polk Audio, Inc. 5601 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215

Installing a car audio system is a serious project. If you have any doubts about your ability to execute any of the installation steps found in this manual, save yourself a lot of grief and contact a professional installer. Your Polk Audio dealer is a good place to find one. If you intend to do the installation yourself we assume you possess some skill in the proper use of hand and power tools. No matter how much installation experience you have, we recommend that you…

• Read this manual thoroughly before you begin.
• Plan your installation carefully.
• Allow enough time to complete the installation without rushing.
• Take steps to protect your car and upholstery from unwanted scratches and punctures.
• Wear proper protective safety gear.

• Grommets for passing wires through metal car walls

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range for each of its passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typi-cally that specification will be expressed as a range of power such as 20-200 Watts (per channel). It is important to understand what those numbers mean when choosing a receiver or amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower number indicates the lowest continuous rated power that will yield acceptable performance in a typical listening environment. The higher number indicates the highest per channel power that should be used with your Polk speakers. That number should not be confused with a “Power Handling” specification and it does not imply that the speaker will safely handle that full amount of power on a long-term basis. We specify a wide range of power ratings because not all electronics manufacturers use the same method for rating power. In fact, high quality lowerrated amplifiers sound better and play louder than low quality units with higher power rating. Automobile horsepower is good analogy. Your car probably has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily commute and is likely capable of going well over 120 MPH (190KM/hr). Having that extra power is good for on-ramp acceleration and danger avoidance (like getting away from brain-eating zombies) but that doesn’t mean that it is advisable to operate your car on North American highways at full power and maximum speed for an extended period of time. Just ask your local state trooper if you are in doubt. Similarly, we recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated power above the Power Handling limits of our speakers because having extra power available for short terms peaks is conducive to better sound quality, maximum dynamic range and effortless high volume output. But we strongly urge you not to use the full power of your amp or receiver for daily listening. Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce. Operation at this level can result in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening material. If you hear distortion—turn the volume down or risk damaging your speakers. You can damage just about any speaker, regardless of power rating, if you drive an amplifier to or beyond the point of distortion. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

1. Please read this owner’s manual carefully before

installing this amplifier.

2. Disconnect the battery ground terminal prior

to making any electrical connections.

3. Check for any hazards or obstructions such as gas

tanks, fuel or brake lines, and wiring harnesses before mounting the amplifier.

4. Pick a mounting location that will provide adequate

access and ventilation and protect the amplifier from heat, moisture, and dirt.

5. To securely mount your amplifier you must first remove

the top cover assembly. Unscrew the four (4) top cover assembly retaining screws.

6. Avoid sharp metal areas when routing cables to the

amplifier, and run RCA cables away from the power cables and other potentially noisy car harnesses.

7. The amplifier should be grounded with a short, heavy

gauge wire connected directly to the car at a bare metal surface, preferably scraped body sheet metal. Do not use factory ground locations, seat bolts, or brackets that are spot welded.

8. Always fuse your power connection within 8 to 10 inches

of the battery terminal. Use a fuse or circuit breaker rated slightly more than the on-board fuse(s) of the amplifier(s). The gauge of power wire used should take into account the total current draw of the system, and the length of wire used. IASCA and other auto sound competition organizations have charts available for this; you can also find a chart in the MECP study guide. Minimum wire gauge recommendations for the individual amplifiers are listed on the specification page. Always use the same gauge wire for the amplifier ground that you use for the power wire. Be sure to examine the battery ground cable of the vehicle, and if necessary, upgrade it by adding an additional ground wire that is the same gauge as the amplifier’s power wire. Remember, the amplifier can only deliver its rated output when it is not current limited by the power and ground supply wires.

9. This amplifier is designed to drive a speaker load that

measures from 2 to 8 Ohms (1 Ohm on the PA1100.5 Sub Output). Keep in mind that heat is the long-term enemy of automotive electronics and the lower your

ENGLISH speaker load, the more heat is generated. For lowimpedance speaker applications or restricted ventilation installations, an external cooling fan may be advisable.

10. Battery and ground connections to the vehicle should

be made with crimped ring terminals of the appropriate size (surface area is what counts;) soldering the terminals after crimping is also recommended.

11. Due to the high-frequency MOSFET switching power

supply, filtering the power cable is not generally required (remember that the amp can’t deliver full output if the power supply is restricted). Proper grounding of the signal source is mandatory for the amplifier to reach its performance peak. If the RCA inputs are not grounded adequately via the signal source, electrical noise from the vehicle may be picked up in the system. FIGURE 1a—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS—FRONT (PA500.4/PA1100.5) FIGURE 1—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS—FRONT (PA200.4)

FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS

1. RCA Input Jacks—Accepts line level outputs from

head units or signal processors at voltages between 250mV and 7.5 volts. (The PA500.4 and PA1100.5 also have a Rear Input.)

2. RCA Line Output Jacks—These pass-through

RCA jacks can be used to send the input signal to a second amplifier.

3. Line Out Switch (PA1100.5)—three positions:

sum L/R—left front and rear and right front and rear channels are summed. sub L+R—set the switch to this position when using an additional PA600.1 amplifier connected in Parallel mode. sub 180—set the switch to this position when using an additional PA600.1 amplifier connected in External Bridge mode.

4. Gain Control—Controls the amplifier’s sensitivity

and is used to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of the signal source (front and rear on PA500.4 and PA1100.5).

5. Subsonic Switch—The OFF position takes the filter

out of the system, the IN position places the filter into the system (PA1100.5).

6. Sub Gain—– Subwoofer channel gain adjustment.

7. Bass EQ Switch—Adds 8dB additional bass boost

(PA200.4 and PA500.4). Allows 8db additional bass boost on the sub channel (PA1100.5).

8. X-Over Selection Switch (HPF, Flat, LPF)—

The HPF attenuates low frequencies and is used with mid-range speakers and tweeters. Flat does not attenuate any frequencies and is for full range speaker systems. LPF attenuates high frequencies and is used for subwoofers.

9. X-Over Frequency—adjusts the crossover point

(50-500Hz) for the on-board active crossover (PA500.4 and PA1100.5).

10. Remote—Optional accessory which allows the level

to be adjusted remotely (usually located for control by the vehicle’s driver). (PA500.4 and PA1100.5)

11. LPF Control(PA1100.5)—Sets high frequency limit

of subwoofer channel.

12. LED/FAN—Allows connection of an optional LED

light bar or optional cooling fan for the amplifier.

13. Status LED—Will illuminate GREEN to indicate the

amplifier is on and operating normally, and will be illuminated RED if the amplifier shuts down due to short circuit, DC offset, or overheating detected by onboard protection circuitry.

14. Sub Input/Line Out—selects RCA jacks (4) (Sub/

Line Out) as either Subwoofer Input or Line Output (PA1100.5).

15. Input Mode Switch—Selects 2 or 4 channel

operation (PA200.4 and PA500.4). FIGURE 1b— REMOTE (PA500.4/PA1100.5) Remote—Controls the subwoofer amplifier gain, from a remote location for ease of adjustment during listening. Phone Line Cord Remote Volume Module

Stereo Operation—2 Channel (top view) Left L CH Channel FFront RONT ((Right) RIGHT) Right R CH Channel FIGURE 3—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS—REAR (PA200.4/PA500.4/PA1100.5) Left L CH Channel RRear EAR ( (Left) LEFT) Right R CH Channel B rBridged idged

WARNING: Always protect this power wire by installing a fuse or circuit breaker of the appropriate size

within 12 inches of the battery terminal connection. FIGURE 4—SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS (PA200.4)

3. Remote Turn On—This terminal turns on the amplifier

when (+) 12 volt is applied to it. Connect it to the remote turn on lead of the head unit or signal source.

4. Ground—Connect this terminal directly to the sheet

metal chassis of the vehicle, using the shortest wire necessary to make this connection. Always use wire of the same gauge or larger than the (+) 12 volt power wire. The chassis connection point should be scraped free of paint and dirt. Use only quality crimped and/or soldered connectors at both ends of this wire. DO NOT connect this terminal directly to the vehicle battery ground terminal or any other factory ground points.

5. Speaker Terminals—Connect subwoofers to these

terminals. (Refer to the Speaker Wiring Diagrams section of this guide.) B rBridged idged

1. Fuses—These fuses protect the amplifier against

internal electrical damage and are meant to protect the amplifier only. All other power connections should be fused at the source. The PA200.4 uses 1-30A fuse, the PA500.4 uses 2-40A fuses and the PA100.5 uses 3-40A fuses.

2. (+) 12 Volt Power—Connect this terminal through

a FUSE or CIRCUIT BREAKER to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery or the positive terminal of an isolated audio system battery.

Left L CH Channel Front FRONT (RIGHT) (Right) Right R CH Channel Rear EAR ((Left) LEFT) Left L CH Channel Rear EAR ((Right) RIGHT) Right R CH Channel B rBridged idged Front FRONT (LEFT) (Left) B rBridged idged Stereo Operation—4 Channel (top view)

ENGLISH FIGURE 4—SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS (PA200.4) FIGURE 4—SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS (PA500.4) Passive Tri-Mode (top view) Stereo Operation (top view) Inductor INDUCTOR NOTE: Consult your loudspeaker manufacturer for recommended inductor and capacitor values. Left L CH Channel Sub SUB L Left Channel Front FRONT CAP Cap RRight

Inductor INDUCTOR B rBridged idged CAP Cap Right R CH Channel Channel Cap CAP Rear REAR Cap CAP Right

Channel Bridged Operation (top view) Left L CH Channel Right R CH Channel RRight Channel

REAR Rear (LEFT) (Left) Left L CH Channel Rear REAR (RIGHT) (Right) Right

Channel NOTE: The PA500.4 amplifier connections are the same as shown above, except that there are outputs for Front and Rear Speakers. B rBridged idged Sub SUB L Left Channel B Bridged ridged 2 Channel Stereo with Mono Sub (top view) with active crossovers B rBridged idged Left Channel L CH B rBridged idged Sub SUB

FIGURE 4—SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS (PA1100.5) FIGURE 4—SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS (PA1100.5) Front/Rear Operation (top view) Subwoofer Operation (top view) Channel CH 11

1 FRONT Channel 1 Front CH 22 Channel B rBridged idged ENGLISH Channel 2 Front CH 2 FRONT SUB + Subwoofer SUBWOOFER Channel CH 33 Channel 4 Rear CH 4 REAR CH 44 Channel B rBridged idged CH 3 REAR Channel 3 Rear SUB - Front/Rear Bridged Operation (top view) Channel C H 11 Channel C H 22 Rear RE AR C H 33 Channel Channel C H 44

Your Polk Audio power amplifier needs to be adjusted carefully to achieve maximum performance. These are some guidelines to follow when fine-tuning the amplifier.

• For full-range and simultaneous stereo/mono bass applications, the crossover selection switch should be set to FULL. If the amplifier is driving your subwoofers, set the switch to LOW, and for mid-bass/ midrange output, set to HIGH.
• The crossover frequency control needs to be adjusted to suit your particular system. For subwoofer applications, try and keep the setting low enough to prevent image smearing (you should not be able to hear male voices from the subwoofer) but not so low as to create a gap between the subwoofer and the mid-bass/ midrange speakers. For mid-bass/midrange settings, try to keep the setting low enough to keep your sound stage in front of you, without overdriving the speaker. It will be to your advantage to spend some extra time with this adjustment, listening to familiar music or system set-up discs to achieve the kind of musical reproduction that you prefer.

• The gain adjustment allows you to set proper signal match for clean, quiet amplifier operation. For full-range and simultaneous stereo/mono bass applications, start by playing some music you are familiar with. With the gain adjustment on the amplifier in the middle of its rotation, bring up the volume on your head unit to the 3/4 volume setting or until you start to hear distortion or clipping. If you hear distortion before you reach the 3/4 volume setting of your head unit, reduce the gain setting on the amplifier and start to raise the head unit volume again. When you can listen to the music at or slightly above 3/4 on your head unit without audible distortion, slowly raise the gain of the amplifier until distortion is heard, then back off the gain until the distortion is not audible. This setting will allow you to reach full output with all but the quietest of source material, while avoiding excessive noise in the system. NOTE: Polk amplifiers use a digital gain control with a finite number of adjustment steps. A very small adjustment may not cause any audible change in level.

ENGLISH LED TUBE INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL) These Polk Audio amplifiers have been designed with a custom heat sink that can accommodate two (optional—not supplied) VARAD LED tubes.

1. Before installing the LED tubes, remove and discard

the mounting feet from the VARAD LED tubes.

2. Slide each LED tube assembly into your Polk Audio

amplifier heat sink. Ensure that the LEDs are facing out for optimal visibility. The wires from the LED tube assembly should be on the signal input end of the amplifier. The Black wire from the LED tube is ground and the Black/White wire from the LED tube is power.

3. Run the two wires from the tube assembly and

connect them to the 4-pin LED/FAN input connector. Refer to the LED/FAN harness diagram given earlier in this manual. NOTE: If the optional fan IS NOT being used, we recommend that the second LED tube be wired to this circuit. If the optional fan is being used, we recommend that the second LED tube be wired in parallel with the first LED tube.

SUBSONIC FILTER ADJUSTMENT

(PA1100.5 only) SPECIFICATIONS This amplifier uses a subsonic filter to maximize the performance of a subwoofer. The subsonic filter is a high-pass filter that removes unwanted bass output at very low frequencies form the woofer. This increases the output of a subwoofer by as much as 3 dB by increasing the mechanical power handling of the subwoofer. Depending on the type of enclosure the subsonic filter can increase the useable low frequency output by an additional 10dB! Dynamic Power Rating RMS Continuous Power Bridged @ 4 Ohms RMS Continuous Power Acceptable boost levels are determined by the type of enclosure used, wattage of the amplifier, and the subwoofer’s excursion capability. @ 2 Ohms2 The following guidelines should be used for proper set up of the subsonic filter to provide optimum performance and reliability from your system. @ 4 Ohms RMS Continuous Power Power Output: 45 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 Ohms and ≤ 1% THD+N Signal to Noise Ratio: -80 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 Ohms) Additional Power: 50 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 2 Ohms and ≤ 1% THD+N PA500.4 Power Output: 90 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 Ohms and ≤ 1% THD+N Signal to Noise Ratio: -81 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 Ohms) Additional Power: 125 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 2 Ohms and ≤ 1% THD+N PA1100.5 80W x 4 200W x 4 200W x 4 @ 2 Ohms @ 2 Ohms @ 2 Ohms 1200W x 1 @ 1 Ohm 100W x 2 250W x 2 50W x 4 125W x 4 35W x 4 90W x 4 >66% @ 4 ohms Signal to Noise Ratio >90dBA >98dBA >98dBA 65db @ 1kHz 65db @ 1kHz 65db @ 1kHz >100 >150 >150 (>50 sub channel) Switchable high or low pass 2-way Butterworth 50 to 500Hz 2-way Butterworth 50 to 500Hz Crossover Slope 12dB/octave 12dB/octave 12dB/octave Bass Equalization +8dB, centered @ 40Hz 0 to +8dB 0 to +8dB Variable 2-channel in/2-channel paralleled full range out Input Impedance 20K ohms 20K ohms 20K ohms Input Sensitivity Variable from 250mV to 7.5V Variable from 250mV to 8V Variable from 250mV to 8V Supply Voltage 10-16VDC 10-16VDC 10-16VDC 1 x 30A 2 x 40A 3 x 40A Minimum Cable Required #10

Port Output (Optional Fan) LED(Optional) 12V @ <200mA 12V @ <200mA 12V @ <200mA Fusing/Type

80W x 4 >66% @ 4 ohms Subsonic Filter

600W x 1 @ 1 Ohm 20Hz-20kHz Separation Power Output: 80 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 Ohms and ≤ 1% THD+N 280 Watts RMS X 1 channel at 4 ohms ≤1% THD+N Signal to Noise Ratio: -80 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 Ohms) Additional Power: 125 Watts RMS x 4 channels at 2 Ohms ≤ 1% THD+N Additional Power Subchannel: 600Watts RMS x 1 channel at 1 Ohm ≤ 1% THD+N 250W x 2 Frequency Response Crossover Type/Range PA1100.5 PA500.4 Conversion Efficiency CEA SPECIFICATIONS PA200.4

PA200.4 RMS continuous power driven into 4 Ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz @ 14.4VDC with less than 0.08% THD+N. RMS continuous power driven into 2 Ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz @ 14.4VDC with less than 0.15% THD+N.

(PA200.4, PA500.4 o PA1100.5)