PRSA900 - Recepteur PIONEER - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PRSA900 PIONEER

CRD4243-B<1>ENG/MASTER 96 Before Using This Product 1

Visit our website 1

In case of trouble 2

Connecting the Unit 6

Connection Diagram 7

Solderless Terminal Connections 8

Connecting the Speaker Output Terminals 8

Connecting the Speakers and Input Wires 9

Connecting the Power Terminal 11

Example of installation on the floor mat

or on the chassis 13

Replacing the terminal cover 13

Changing the Direction of the Badge 13

Thank you for purchasing this PIONEER

product. Before attempting operation, be

sure to read this manual.

Private households in the member states of

the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may

return their used electronic products free

of charge to designated collection facilities

or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar

For countries not mentioned above, please

contact your local authorities for the cor-

rect method of disposal.

By doing so you will ensure that your dis-

posed product undergoes the necessary

treatment, recovery and recycling and thus

prevent potential negative effects on the

environment and human health.

Visit us at the following site:

• Register your product. We will keep the

details of your purchase on file to help

you refer to this information in the event

of an insurance claim such as loss or

• We offer the latest information about

Pioneer Corporation on our website.

If you want to dispose this

product, do not mix it with

general household waste. There

is a separate collection system

for used electronic products in

accordance with legislation that

requires proper treatment,

recovery and recycling.

Contents Before Using This Product

When the unit does not operate properly,

contact your dealer or the nearest autho-

rized PIONEER Service Station.

• Never replace the fuse with one of greater value

or rating than the original fuse. Use of an

improper fuse could result in overheating and

smoke and could cause damage to the product

and injury including burns.

• Use the supplied hexagonal wrench to tighten

screws when fastening wires to the terminal or

when changing the direction of the badge. The

use of a long, commercially available hexagonal

wrench can cause excessive torque to be applied

possibly resulting in damage to terminals and

CAUTION DO NOT install or use your Pioneer

amplifier by wiring speakers rated at 4 Ω

(or lower) in parallel to achieve a 2 Ω (or

lower) bridged mode (Diagram B).

Amplifier damage, smoke, and overheat-

ing could result from improper bridging.

The amplifier surface could also become

hot to the touch and minor burns could

To properly install or use a bridged mode

for a two-channel amplifier and achieve a

4 Ω load, wire two 8 Ω speakers in paral-

lel with Left + and Right - (Diagram A) or

use a single 4 Ω speaker. For a four-chan-

nel amplifier, follow the speaker output

connection diagram for bridging as shown

on the back of your amplifier, and wire

two 8 Ω speakers in parallel to achieve a 4

Ω load or use a single 4 Ω speaker per

If you have any questions or concerns,

please contact your local authorized

Pioneer dealer or call Pioneer customer

• We recommended that you use the special red

battery and ground wire [RD-228], which is sold

separately. Connect the battery wire directly to

the car battery positive terminal (+) and the

ground wire to the car body.

• Do not touch the amplifier with wet hands.

Otherwise you may get an electric shock. Also,

do not touch the amplifier when it is wet.

• For traffic safety and to maintain safe driving

conditions, keep the volume low enough so that

you can still hear normal traffic sound.

• Check the connections of the power supply and

speakers if the fuse of the separately sold battery

wire or the amplifier fuse blows. Detect the cause

and solve the problem, then replace the fuse with

another one of the same size and rating.

• To prevent malfunction of the amplifier and

speakers, the protective circuit will cut the power

supply to the amplifier (sound will stop) when an

abnormal condition occurs. In such a case, switch

the power to the system OFF and check the

connection of the power supply and speakers.

Detect the cause and solve the problem.

• Contact the dealer if you cannot detect the cause.

• To prevent an electric shock or short-circuit

during connection and installation, be sure to

disconnect the negative (–) terminal of the battery

• Confirm that no parts are behind the panel when

drilling a hole for installation of the amplifier. Be

sure to protect all cables and important equipment

such as fuel lines, brake lines and the electrical

• DO NOT allow amplifier to come into contact

with liquids due to, for example, the location

where the amplifier is installed. Electrical shock

could result. Also, amplifier and speaker damage,

smoke, and overheating could result from contact

with liquids. In addition, the amplifier surface

and the surface of any attached speakers could

become hot to the touch and minor burns could

When you change the BFC switch or the direction of the badge, unfasten

the screws with a 2 mm hexagonal wrench and remove the badge. Be

careful not to lose the screws when fastening and removing.

Adjusting the gain controls A and B will help match the output of the car stereo to the

Pioneer amplifier. Normally, set the gain controls to the NORMAL position. If the output is

low, even when the volume of the car stereo is turned up, turn these controls clockwise. If

there is distortion when the volume of the car stereo is turned up, turn these controls

• If you only use one input plug, set the gain controls for speaker outputs A and B to the same posi-

• When using with an RCA equipped car stereo (standard output of 500 mV), set to the NORMAL

position. When using with an RCA equipped Pioneer car stereo with max. output of 4 V or more,

adjust level to match the car stereo output level.

The power indicator lights when the power is switched on.

For two-channel input, slide this switch to the left. For four-channel

input, slide this switch to the right.

Before setting up the unit, unfasten the screws with a 4 mm hexagonal

wrench and remove the terminal cover.

BFC (Beat Frequency Control) Switch

If you hear a beat while listening to an MW/LW broadcast with your car

stereo, change the BFC switch using a small standard tip screwdriver.

Setting the Gain properly

• This unit is equipped with a protective function to

prevent malfunction of the unit itself and speakers

from too much output, improper use or improper

• When outputting sound at high volume etc., this

function will cut off the sound output in a few

seconds. But this is not a malfunction. When you

turn down the volume of the head unit the sound

output will be restored.

• If sound output is cut, the gain control of this unit

may be improperly set. To ensure continuous

sound output at increased volume of the head unit,

set the gain control of the amplifier to a proper

position according to the preout maximum output

level of the head unit.

Gain Control of This Unit

There is no need to decrease the volume of the

head unit and too much output is controlled.

Relationship between the gain of the

amplifier and the output power of the

• If you raise the gain of the amplifier to an improp-

er level, only distortion is increased and the power

increases only slightly.

Signal waveform when outputting at high

volume by the gain control of the amplifier

• With high output the signal waveform is distorted,

if you raise the gain of the amplifier the power

changes only slightly.

• If you decrease the volume of the head unit and

set the gain control of the amplifier to the proper

position but still the sound cuts out from time to

time, contact the nearest authorized PIONEER Service Station. Equal powerAmplifier gain(normal)Amplifier gain(maximum)SignalwaveformSignalwaveformNormal gainMaximum gain Amplifier gain(normal)Amplifier gain(maximum)Head unit volume stepsPowerNormal gainPowerHead unit volume stepsMaximum gainEqual power

CAUTION To prevent damage and/or injury

• Do not ground the speaker wire directly or con-

nect a negative (–) lead wire for several speakers.

• This unit is for vehicles with a 12-volt battery and

negative grounding. Before installing it in a recre-

ational vehicle, truck or bus, check the battery

• If the car stereo is kept on for a long time while

the engine is at rest or idling, the battery may go

dead. Turn the car stereo off when the engine is at

• If the system remote control wire of the amplifier

is connected to the power terminal through the

ignition switch (12 V DC), the amplifier will

always be on when the ignition is on— regardless

of whether the car stereo is on or off. Because of

this, the battery could go dead if the engine is at

• Speakers to be connected to the amplifier should

conform with the standards listed below. If they

do not conform, they may catch fire, emit smoke

or become damaged. The speaker impedance

must be 2 ohms to 8 ohms. But in case of two-

channel and other bridge connections, the speak-

er impedance must be 4 ohms to 8 ohms.

• Install and route the separately sold battery wire

as far away as possible from the speaker wires.

Install and route the separately sold battery wire,

ground wire, speaker wires and the amplifier as

far away as possible from the antenna, antenna

• Cords for this product and those for other prod-

ucts may be different colors even if they have the

same function. When connecting this product to

another product, refer to the supplied manuals of

both products and connect cords that have the

• Disconnect the negative (–) terminal of the bat-

tery to avoid the risk of short-circuit and damage

• Secure the wiring with cable clamps or adhesive

tape. To protect the wiring, wrap adhesive tape

around it where they lie against metal parts.

• Do not route wires where they will get hot, for

example where the heater will blow over them. If

the insulation heats up, it may become damaged,

resulting in a short-circuit through the vehicle

• Make sure that wires will not interfere with mov-

ing parts of the vehicle, such as the gearshift,

handbrake or seat sliding mechanism.

• Do not shorten any wires. Otherwise the protec-

tion circuit may fail to work when it should.

• Never feed power to other equipment by cutting

the insulation of the power supply wire to tap

from the wire. The current capacity of the wire

will be exceeded, causing overheating.

• Never replace the fuse with one of greater value

or rating than the original fuse. Use of an improp-

er fuse could result in overheating and smoke and

could cause damage to the product and injury

Speaker Channel Speaker Type Power

• This diagram shows connections using external output (subwoofer output). Slide the input switch to the left.

Speaker output terminal

See the “Connecting the

Speakers and Input Wires”

for speaker connection

do not connect anything to RCA

Special red battery wire [RD-228] (sold separately)

After making all other connections at the amplifier,

connect the battery wire terminal of the amplifier to

the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

Ground wire (Black) [RD-228] (sold separately)

Connect to metal body or chassis.

System remote control wire (sold separately)

Connect the male terminal of this wire to the system remote

control terminal of the car stereo (SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL). The

female terminal can be connected to the auto-antenna relay control terminal.

If the car stereo does not have a system remote control terminal, connect the

male terminal to the power terminal through the ignition switch.

Solderless Terminal Connections

• Do not connect a cord having an exposed core

wire to the power terminals of this amplifier

(Power terminal, GND terminal, System remote

control terminal). Disconnection or breakage of

the core wire can cause a fire or short-circuit.

• Since the wire will become loose over time, it

must be periodically inspected and tightened as

• Do not solder or bind the ends of the twisted wires.

• Fasten while making sure to not to clamp the

insulating sheath of the wire.

• Use the supplied hexagonal wrench to tighten and

loosen the terminal screw of the amplifier.

Securely fasten the wire with the terminal screw.

However, since excessively tightening the terminal

screw of the System remote control has the risk of

damaging the wire, be careful not to tighten exces-

sively by observing the status of the wire when

Connecting the Speaker Output

Use a 12 AWG to 18 AWG wire for the speaker wire.

1. Expose the end of the speaker wires

using nippers or a cutter by about 14

2. Connect the speaker wires to the

speaker output terminals.

• Fix the speaker wires securely with the termi-

3. Put the wire ties in the slits and wrap

the wire ties around the wires.

• Make sure the wires are connected and

attached properly before wrapping the wire

ties around the wires.

• Wrap the wire tie around the wire insulation,

not the stripped wire.

• Cut off any excess portions of the wire ties.

CRD4243-B<9>ENG/MASTER 96 Connecting the Unit

Connecting the Speakers and Input Wires

The speaker output mode can be four-channel, three-channel (stereo +

mono) or two-channel (stereo, mono). Connect the speaker leads to suit the

mode according to the figures shown below.

For two-channel input, slide this switch to the left.

For four-channel input, slide this switch to the right.

RCA input jack B Connecting wires with RCA plugs

From car stereo (RCA output)

If only one input plug is used,

such as when the car stereo

has only one output (RCA

output), connect the plug to

RCA input jack A, but do not

connect a plug to RCA input

For two-channel input, slide this switch to the left.

For four-channel input, slide this switch to the right.

Connecting wires with RCA plugs

From car stereo (RCA output)

If only one input plug is used,

such as when the car stereo has

only one output (RCA output),

connect the plug to RCA input

jack A, but do not connect a

plug to RCA input jack B.

RCA input jack A In the case of two-channel mode connect

Connecting wire with RCA plugs

Slide this switch to the left.

Connecting wire with RCA plugs

Slide this switch to the left.

RCA input jack A In the case of two-channel mode connect

RCA plugs to the RCA input jack A.

CRD4243-B<11>Connecting the Power Terminal

• We recommended that you use the special red

battery and ground wire [RD-228], which is sold

separately. Connect the battery wire directly to

the car battery positive terminal (+) and the

ground wire to the car body.

• Recommended wires size (AWG: American Wire

Gauge) is as follows. The battery wire and the

ground wire must be same size.

• Use a 10 AWG to 20 AWG wire for the system

remote control wire.

Battery Wire and Ground Wire Size

Wire Length less than 3.6 m less than 6.4 m

Wire Size 8 AWG 6 AWG

1. Pass the battery wire from the

engine compartment to the interior

• After making all other connections to the

amplifier, connect the battery wire terminal

of the amplifier to the positive (+) terminal of

2. Connect the wires to the terminal.

• Fix the wires securely with the terminal

WARNING Failure to securely fasten the battery wire to the ter-

minal using the terminal screws could cause the ter-

minal area to overheat and could result in damage

and injury including minor burns.

3. Put the wire ties in the slits and

wrap the wire ties around the wires.

• Make sure the wires are connected and

attached properly before wrapping the wire

ties around the wires.

• Wrap the wire tie around the wire insulation,

not the stripped wire.

• Cut off any excess portions of the wire ties.

grommet into the vehi-

• Do not install in:

—Places where it could injure the driver or pas-

sengers if the vehicle stops suddenly.

—Places where it may interfere with the driver,

such as on the floor in front of the driver’s

• Make sure that wires are not caught in the sliding

mechanism of the seats, resulting in a short-cir-

• Confirm that no parts are behind the panel when

drilling a hole for installation of the amplifier.

Protect all cables and important equipment such

as fuel lines, brake lines and electrical wiring

• Install tapping screws in such a way that the

screw tip does not touch any wire. This is impor-

tant to prevent wires from being cut by vibration

of the car, which can result in fire.

• DO NOT allow amplifier to come into contact

with liquids due to, for example, the location

where the amplifier is installed. Electrical shock

could result. Also, amplifier and speaker damage,

smoke, and overheating could result from contact

with liquids. In addition, the amplifier surface and

the surface of any attached speakers could

become hot to the touch and minor burns could

• To ensure proper installation, use the supplied

parts in the manner specified. If any parts other

than the supplied ones are used, they may damage

internal parts of the amplifier, or they may

become loose causing the amplifier to shut down.

• Never replace the fuse with one of greater value

or rating than the original fuse. Use of an improp-

er fuse could result in overheating and smoke and

could cause damage to the product and injury

CAUTION To prevent malfunction and/or injury

• To ensure proper heat dissipation of the amplifier,

be sure of the following during installation.

—Allow adequate space above the amplifier for

—Do not cover the amplifier with a floor mat or

• DO NOT allow amplifier to come into contact

with liquids due to, for example, the location

where the amplifier is installed. Electrical shock

could result. Also, amplifier and speaker damage,

smoke, and overheating could result from contact

with liquids. In addition, the amplifier surface and

the surface of any attached speakers could

become hot to the touch and minor burns could

• Do not install the amplifier on unstable places

such as the spare tire board.

• The best location for installation differs with the

car model and installation location. Secure the

amplifier at a sufficiently rigid location.

• Make temporary connections first and check that

the amplifier and the system operate properly.

• After installing the amplifier, confirm that the

spare tire, jack and tools can be easily removed.

InstallationInstallation

Example of installation on the floor

mat or on the chassis

1. Place the amplifier where it is to be

installed. Insert the supplied tap-

ping screws (4 mm × 18 mm) into

the screw holes. Push on the screws

with a screwdriver so they make

marks where the installation holes

2. Drill 2.5 mm diameter holes at the

point marked, and install the ampli-

fier, either on the carpet or directly

Replacing the terminal cover

1. Align the unit and terminal cover,

and insert the screw.

2. Tighten the screw with a 4 mm

Changing the Direction of the Badge

1. To remove the badge, loose screws

by using a 2 mm hexagonal wrench.

2. Change the direction of badge, and

then tighten the screws with a

Power source 14.4 V DC (10.8 V to 15.1 V allowable)

Grounding system Negative type

Current consumption 28 A (at continuous power, 4 Ω)

Average current drawn* 9 A (4 Ω for four channels)

12 A (4 Ω for two channels)

Dimensions 282 mm (W) × 65 mm (H) × 371 mm (D)

Weight 6.4 kg (Leads for wiring not included)

Maximum power output 100 W × 4 (4 Ω) / 200 W × 2 (4 Ω)

Continuous power output 50 W × 4 (at 14.4 V, 4 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0.08% THD)

100 W × 2 (at 14.4 V, 4 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0.8% THD)

50 W × 4 (at 14.4 V, 2 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0.8% THD)

Load impedance 4 Ω (2 Ω to 8 Ω allowable)

(Bridge connection: 4 Ω to 8 Ω allowable)

Frequency response 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+0 dB, –1 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio 108 dB (IEC-A network)

Distortion 0.003 % (10 W, 1 kHz)

Separation 75 dB (100 Hz to 10 kHz)

Slew rate 70 V/µ sec.

Gain control 400 mV to 6.5 V Maximum input level / impedance RCA: 6.5 V / 22 kΩ

• Specifications and the design are subject to possible modification without notice

due to improvements.

*Average current drawn

• The average current drawn is nearly the maximum current drawn by this unit

when an audio signal is input. Use this value when working out total current

drawn by multiple power amplifiers.

Inbusschlüssel fest.

Slew rate 70 V/µ sec.

PIONEER ELECTRONICS (USA) INC.

PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

178-184 Boundary Road, Braeside, Victoria 3195, Australia

PIONEER ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC.

300 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario L3R 0P2, Canada

Visit www.pioneer-car.co.uk (or www.pioneer-car.eu) to register your product.

PIONEER ELECTRONICS (USA) INC.

PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

340 Ferrier Street, Unit 2, Markham, Ontario L3R 2Z5, Canada