C608 - Car stereo Axton - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL C608 Axton

A General Features 18

B Connections & Controls C608 19-20

C Amplifier Location 21

D Wiring Tips 21

E Connecting C608 23

F Connecting Diagrams C608 24-25

G Controls and Adjustments 26

H Troubleshooting 29

Specifications 30

J Warranty Certificate 43

Index

Introduction ......Page 32

J Warranty Certificate ....43

Einleitung

Thank you for purchasing this AXTON quality audio component.

The AXTON automotive amplifier series has been especially developed for the use with mobile sound systems using 12 Volts negative ground power supply.

The amplifiers may be used in combination with almost any brand and type of head unit and speakers in cars, vans, boats etc., when installed correctly, this amplifier will produce exceptional sound results.

In order to familiarize yourself with all the special features and controlling options of your brandnew power amplifier, we advise you to read these instructions carefully before starting with the actual installation.

Should you have any difficulty in installing this amplifier in your vehicle, please contact your nearest AXTON dealer.

GENERAL FEATURES

5-Channel System Amplifier for powering a complete car audio speaker system with front and rear satellites plus subwoofer
PWM MOSFET high efficiency switching power supply
A/B amplification technology with dedicated BJT transistors (Bipolar Junction Transistors)
Discrete solid state layout
3 pairs of RCA inputs (Front, Rear, Sub)
Integrated active high-/low pass filtering with 12 dB/oct. cutting slope
Subsonicfilter for channel 5CH 20Hz / 12dB/oct.
7 Crossover frequencies independently adjustable for front and rear satellites and subwoofer channel from 40-240 Hz
Soft start and turn-off delay circuit
7 Automatic on/off via remote switching from head-units.
Comprehensive protection circuitry against D.C. offset and shortcircuits at speaker outputs as well as amplifier overload or overheat
⑦ Input level/gain adjustable from 0.2 to 9 V

Connections & Controls Front Panel AXTON C608

Connections & Controls Front Panel AXTON C608 14 5 6 9 128 11 15 POWER GAIN 1/2CH HPF GAIN 3/4CH HPF 5CH LPF PROTECT MIN MAX 40 240Hz MIN MAX 40 240Hz MIN MAX 40 240Hz X-OVER 20Hz SUBSONIC FULL HPF FULL HPF FULL LPF OFF ON CH 1/2 CH 3/4 CH 5 CH INPUT 5CH C608 1 2 4 7 10 13 3

Connections & Controls Rear Panel AXTON C608

Rear Panel AXTON C608 20 FUSE +12V RMT GND + 1CH - - 2CH + SCH+ C608 POWER + 3CH - - 4CH + SCH- SPEAKER 16 17 18 19 21 22

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS C608

1 INPUTS FRONT 1/2CH L+R Low-level RCA signal input for connection to the head-unit front pre-out.
2 INPUTS REAR 3/4CH L+R Low-level RCA signal input for connection to the head-unit rear pre-out.
3 INPUTS SUB 5CH L+R Low-Level RCA signal input for connection to the head-unit sub pre-out or - if not available - to the ,doubled' rear pre-out (using a pair of Y-adaptors).
4 HIGHPASS 1CH/2CH Operating mode switch, activates the highpass filter of the front channels.
5 + 8 + 11 FRONT/REAR/SUB/GAIN Separate input gain/sensitivity controls for all 3 input sections allowing the individual matching of the amplifier sections to the respective head-unit (pre-out) output voltages.
6 + 9 HIGHPASS FRONT+REAR Highpass filter frequency controls for the front and rear satellites allowing the setting of the respective highpass cut-in frequencies between 40 and 240 Hz.
7 HIGHPASS 3CH/4CH Operating mode switch, activates the highpass filter of the rear channels.
10 LOWPASS CH5 Operating mode switch, activates the lowpass filter of the sub channel.

12 LOWPASS SUB Lowpass filter frequency control for the subwoofer channel allowing the setting of the respective lowpass cut-off frequencies between 40 and 240 Hz.
13 SUBSONICFILTER Activates, resp. deactivates the subsonic filter of the sub channel.
14 POWER LED Amplifier status-LED, signalling normal operation (green).
15 PROTECT LED Protect mode LED, signalling amplifier malfunction when lit red, due to shorted speakers, overtemperature etc.
16 FUSE Fuse for protection of the amplifier-internal electronics against overload or faulty operation / wrong manipulation.
17 +12 V Power connection terminal to positive terminal of car battery.
18 REMOTE/REM Remote switching contact for the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off of the power amplifier from the head-unit's remote (or antenna control) lead.
19 GROUND/GND Power connection terminal to chassis ground or negative terminal of car battery (-12V).
20 FRONT ⊕ L ⊖ und ⊖ R ⊕ Speaker output terminals for the front satellite speaker pair (min. impedance 2 Ohms!).
21 REAR ⊕ L ⊖ und ⊖ R ⊕ Speaker output terminals for the rear satellite speaker pair (min. impedance 2 Ohms!).
22 SUB ⊕ L ⊖ und ⊖ R ⊕ Speaker output terminals for the subwoofer (min. impedance 4 - 2 Ohms!)

AMPLIFIER LOCATION

1 The mounting location of the power amplifier will have a large effect both on its ability to dissipate the heat generated during normal operation through the heat sink and on the possible triggering of its protective internal overheat protection shut-off circuit. Any mounting position allowing for a good air stream across the cooling fins of the amplifiers heatsink will improve cooling and long-term stability dramatically.

With the AXTON Amplifier Series the most efficient ventilation is achieved when the units are installed standing up!

Therefore select a suitable location that is convenient for mounting and accessible for wiring and offers sufficient ventilation for cooling. As your amplifier features no controls for normal operation, it may be mounted away from the dashboard, i.e. under a car seat or in the trunk. However, make sure the unit is not exposed to excessive dust, direct sunlight, humidity, water, oil or other fluids that may enter the amplifier.

2 The amplifier should be mounted to a solid surface that will ensure a vibration-free mount. Once selected, use the unit as a template for the marking of the mounting holes which should also be pilot-drilled before final securing with the screws provided is carried out.
3 Secure the amplifier using the four screws. Avoids to let the amplifier get in contact with metal parts of the vehicle. This helps to eliminate unwanted ground loops.

WIRING TIPS

Please note: wrong power or signal connections may damage the amplifier and other components connected to it. Therefore, please read this manual carefully before the connection of any power, signal and speaker leads.

The wire routing is critical for noise-free performance. For best results, please follow the general wiring guidelines listed below (for details see sections B, E, F and G of this manual).

1 For audio signal connections you should always use double or triple shielded quality RCA cables.
2 Signal, speaker and power cables should always be kept as short as possible:

⑦Speaker and power cables may easily be cut to fit the actual lengths required.
71 Shielded RCA/signal cables should never be cut and respliced, as they will lose their protective shielding effect in the places where they are cut. If the signal cable is too long, make an S-type loop (never a coil loop) about midway of the cable stretch.

3 Never route any low level/signal cable near or parallel to speaker outputs/speaker cables, amplifier power cables or high energy ignition wires.

4 Use power cable with the recommended cross-section (see section E). Small crosssections are reducing the output power, are causing distortions and may be triggering the overheat protection of the amplifier.

5 Make sure you are using a main fuse protection for the +12V-power input of the amplifier within max. 30 cm of the car battery and power cables with an amperage adequate cross-section and main fuse (for details see section E: „Connecting“).
6 The GROUND/GND cable (-12V) should have the same cross-section as the +12V power cable. Make sure to get a good chassis ground contact, because poor ground contacts are the cause for most power problems with car audio installations.
7 Make sure no power, signal or speaker lines are shorting to chassis ground by using rubber grommets wherever a cable has to pass through any metal part of the vehicle.

Important: Before any wiring, always remove the (+) terminal of the battery to prevent short-circuiting. The last lead to be connected in every installation is always the positive (+) 12 Volt terminal of the battery. Connect this lead only after having completed and checked all other connections.

CONNECTING THE C608

IMPORTANT: DISCONNECT THE +12V MAIN POWER CABLE FROM YOUR CAR BATTERY BEFORE ANY CONNECTING WORK IS CARRIED OUT!

The recommended power cable cross-section for +12 V (average length 5 m) and ground cable is 20 mm ^2 !

The recommended main fuse value for this amplifier is 60 A!

It is recommended to connect your amplifier as follows:

1 Make sure your head-unit is turned off and the volume control is in its minimum position.

2 RCA outputs of your head unit to respective RCA inputs of your amplifier (see connecting diagrams on pages 23 - 24 of this manual).

Sub pre-outs from head-unit should be fullrange signals because low-pass pre-out signals always affect filtering electronics of amplifier! In case of doubt just ,double' a fullrange front or rear pre-out by using Y-adaptors.

3 Remote lead connection from head-unit to amplifier.

4 Speaker cables to respective speakers or passive crossovers. Make sure to keep correct polarity! ⊕ "to „⊕" and „⊖" to „⊖" All speakers must have a minimum impedance of 2 Ohms!!!

5 Ground connection to chassis ground or -12 V negative battery: If possible ground cable as short as possible and make sure chassis contact is well sand-papered, i.e. clean from any paint, rust or dirt for maximum contact.

In case of problems hook-up your your annplifier directly with the -12 V negative pole or your battery.

6 +12 V power connection to positive battery pole. Do not forget to install a main fuse within 30 cm of car battery (fire hazards)!!!

Do not connect +12 V cable to battery before re-checking every other connection on the amplifier!

Turn-on your head-unit keeping your volume at the minimum. The green status LED on the front of the amplifier should light up now. If not, turn-off your head-unit and recheck all wiring to and from the amplifier for missing or faulty connections.

graph TD
    A["MAIN FUSE"] --> B["BATTERY"]
    B --> C["CHASSIS GROUND"]
    C --> D["5CH"]
    D --> E["3CH"]
    E --> F["4CH"]
    F --> G["1CH"]
    G --> H["2CH"]
    H --> I["5CH"]
    I --> J["5CH"]
    J --> K["5CH"]
    K --> L["5CH"]
    L --> M["5CH"]
    M --> N["5CH"]
    N --> O["5CH"]
    O --> P["5CH"]
    P --> Q["5CH"]
    Q --> R["5CH"]
    R --> S["5CH"]
    S --> T["5CH"]
    T --> U["5CH"]
    U --> V["5CH"]
    V --> W["5CH"]
    W --> X["5CH"]
    X --> Y["5CH"]
    Y --> Z["5CH"]
    Z --> AA["5CH"]
    AA --> AB["5CH"]
    AB --> AC["5CH"]
    AC --> AD["5CH"]
    AD --> AE["5CH"]
    AE --> AF["5CH"]
    AF --> AG["5CH"]
    AG --> AH["5CH"]
    AH --> AI["5CH"]
    AI --> AJ["5CH"]
    AJ --> AK["5CH"]
    AK --> AL["5CH"]
    AL --> AM["5CH"]
    AM --> AN["5CH"]
    AN --> AO["5CH"]
    AO --> AP["5CH"]
    AP --> AQ["5CH"]
    AQ --> AR["5CH"]
    AR --> AS["5CH"]
    AS --> AT["5CH"]
    AT --> AU["5CH"]
    AU --> AV["5CH"]
    AV --> AW["5CH"]
    AW --> AX["5CH"]
    AX --> AY["5CH"]
    AY --> AZ["5CH"]
    AZ --> BA["5CH"]
    BA --> BB["5CH"]
    BB --> BC["5CH"]
    BC --> BD["5CH"]
    BD --> BE["5CH"]
    BE --> BF["5CH"]
    BF --> BG["5CH"]
    BG --> BH["5CH"]
    BH --> BI["5CH"]
    BI --> BJ["5CH"]
    BJ --> BK["5CH"]
    BK --> BL["5CH"]
    BL --> BM["5CH"]
    BM --> BN["5CH"]
    BN --> BO["5CH"]
    BO --> BP["5CH"]
    BP --> BQ["5CH"]
    BQ --> BR["5CH"]
    BR --> BS["5CH"]
    BS --> BT["5CH"]
    BT --> BU["5CH"]
    BU --> BV["5CH"]
    BV --> BW["5CH"]
    BW --> BX["5CH"]
    BX --> BY["5CH"]
    BY --> BZ["5CH"]
    BZ --> CA["5CH"]
    CA --> CB["5CH"]
    CB --> CC["5CH"]
    CC --> CD["5CH"]
    CD --> CE["5CH"]
    CE --> CF["5CH"]
    CF --> CG["5CH"]
    CG --> CH["5CH"]
    CH --> CI["5CH"]
    CI --> CJ["5CH"]
    CJ --> CK["5CH"]
    CK --> CR["5CH"]
    CR --> CS["5CH"]
    CS --> CT["5CH"]
    CT --> CU["5CH"]
    CU --> CX["5CH"]
    CX --> CY["5CH"]
    CY --> CZ["5CH"]
    CZ --> DA["5CH"]
    DA --> DB["5CH"]
    DB --> DC["5CH"]
    DC --> DD["5CH"]
    DD --> DE["5CH"]
    DE --> DF["5CH"]
    DF --> DG["5CH"]
    DG --> DH["5CH"]
    DH --> DI["5CH"]
    DI --> DJ["5CH"]
    DJ --> DK["5CH"]

graph TD
    A["HEAD-UNIT"] --> B["2 PRE-OUT FRONT + REAR"]
    B --> C["Y-Adapter"]
    C --> D["INPUT FRONT"]
    D --> E["INPUT RER"]
    E --> F["INPUT SUB"]
    F --> G["INPUT SUB"]
    G --> H["ASSITIVE X-OVER"]
    H --> I["TWEETER FRONT"]
    I --> J["BASS/MIDRANGE"]
    J --> K["Rear COAXIAL/TRIAXIAL SYSTEM"]
    K --> L["PASSIVE X-OVER"]
    L --> M["TWEETER FRONT"]
    M --> N["BASS/MIDRANGE"]
    N --> O["Rear COAXIAL/TRIAXIAL SYSTEM"]
    O --> P["TRUNKBOX SUBWOOFER Min. Impedance 2 Ohms!"]
    P --> Q["MAIN FUSE min. 60A"]
    Q --> R["BATTERY CHASSIS GROUND"]
    R --> S["5CH CHASSIS GROUND"]
    S --> T["3CH 4CH 1CH 2CH"]
    T --> U["Main fuse"]

CONTROLS & ADJUSTMENTS

C608 5-Channel System Amplifier

The AXTON C608 is a powerfully performing 5-channel system amplifier. One single C608 allows for an easy-to-install, speaker-dedicated amplification of a complete 5-channel speaker system, i.e. with two stereo pairs of independently controlled satellite speakers (front and rear) and one mono subwoofer.

The integrated, separately adjustable HIGHPASS and LOWPASS crossover filters of the C608 enable you to drive the connected speakers in the specific frequency range where they will perform best.

Dashboard, door and rear shelf speakers of 10-16cm diameter will never have a good low-end bass reproduction anyway. Therefore the C608 front and rear satellite channels will only be playing in the midbass and mid/high frequency range. This so-called highpass filtered or HPF amplification mode also puts less electrical and mechanical ,strain' on the speaker units, resulting in an increased power handling capacity. The subwoofer output will only receive lowpass filtered (LPF) signals resulting in the subwoofer only playing in the low-end bass frequency range without any unwanted ,smearing' into the mid/high frequencies.

1 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SETTINGS HIGHPASS FRONTLOWPASS SUB

Before you can effect the respective input sensitivity or gain LEVELs you first have to select the system appropriate crossover frequencies. For best results all crossover adjustments should usually be effected by ear.

For appropriate crossover frequency selection, all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Sub) and all fader and balance controls etc. on the head unit have to be brought to their neutral or center position! The „Loudness” function should also be deactivated.

Depending on the actual cone surface area, voice-coil diameter and the rated power handling of the 'satellites' it is recommended to set the high-pass crossover / cut-in frequency between 40 and 240 Hz.

If the satellite highpass frequency is set too low, the mid-bass reproduction, will be increased, but at the same time the power handling capacity of the satellites will decrease. If the highpass frequency is set too high, the mid-bass reproduction will become ,thinner' while the power-handling capacity of the satellites will increase.

As a general guideline, below you find a practice-proven list for appropriate satellite HPF crossover / cut-in frequencies covering the most widely used dashboard, door and rear-shelf speaker diameters:

Front Satellite Speakers	HIGHPASS FREQ.
10 cm∅ Coaxials or 2-Way Compos	90-120 Hz
13 cm∅ Coaxials or 2-Way Compos	80-100 Hz
16 cm∅ Coaxials or 2/3-Way Compos	70 - 80 Hz
Rear Satellite Speakers	HIGHPASS FREQ.
10 cm∅ Coaxials or 2-Way Compos	100-150 Hz
13 cm∅ Coaxials or 2-Way Compos	120-130 Hz
16 cm∅ Coaxials or 2/3-Way Compos	100-130 Hz

Satellite rule 1 The better sounding satellite system should always be installed in the front of the vehicle.

Satellite rule 2 Based on identical speaker diameters and comparable engineering quality of the front and rear satellites, the crossover cut-in frequency of the front satellites should usually be set lower than the highpass frequency of the rear satellites.

The LPF / LOWPASS SUB cut-off frequency for the subwoofer should usually be set in between 50 and 90 Hz. Adjust the LOWPASS SUB control in such a way that the bass reproduction will be stiff and rich, while still delivering a good and solid low-end bass.

Subwoofer Generally, setting the LPF lowpass cut-off guideline frequency too low will result in a weak and uncontoured bass response. Setting the LPF control too high tends to give the subwoofer a ,booming' sound.

High- & lowpass When selecting the high- and lowpass system tip frequencies of a sound system, it is recommended to ,leave a gap' between the subwoofer LPF cut-off frequency and the satellite HPF cut-in frequencies. Such a ,gap' between the LPF and HPF settings can be helpful to compensate for much of the midbass resonance (around 100 Hz) otherwise occurring in most vehicle environments.

2 Sensitivity Adjustments and System Matching GAIN FRONT, REAR and SUB

To reach a maximum of dynamic response from your individual head unit / amplifier / speaker combination, it is important to set the respective input sensitivity controls (LEVEL) correctly. On the one hand the sensitivity determines the actual signal-to-noise ratio. On the other hand the sensitivity also controls the maximum distortion-free sound pressure level (SPL) possible with your specific car audio system.

It is recommended to effect the sensitivity adjustments and system GAIN matching in the same sequence as listed below:

7 Set all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Sub) on the head-unit as well as all fader and balance controls to neutral. The „Loudness“ option should be in the „Off“ position, too.
Set all 3 GAIN controls of the C608 to their lowest position.
7 Turn-on your head-unit and turn-up the volume control to approximately 3/4 of full volume and start playing a well recorded, dynamic piece of music.
7 Slowly turn up the GAIN control of 5CH until you can hear distorted bass sounds. Slowly decrease the GAIN SUB control to the point where the distortions have just disappeared.
Now you reduce the main volume level on the head-unit to a medium listening level.
7 Start turning up the FRONT GAIN control (1CH/2CH) clockwise until you have reached a good tonal balance between the front satellites and the subwoofer. A slight attenuation of the bass range should be preferred, as this will be compensated later by normal driving noises.

7 Start turning up the REAR GAIN control (3CH/4CH) clockwise until you feel to you have reached an appropriate ,rear fill' in the back of the car, so that the overall in-car sound becomes smooth and homogenous.

Finally, you may want to do some fine-tuning on the different highpass and lowpass frequencies selected. It is recommended to start fine-tuning with the subwoofer (LOWPASS SUB) frequency. Proceed - if necessary - with the front satellites (HIGH-PASS FRONT) and finish the frequency adjustments with the rear satellites (HIGHPASS REAR).

IMPORTANT: All advice on controls and adjustments of this manual section is based on the assumption that you are also thoroughly acquainted with all the requirements and features of the entire audio equipment - especially the head-unit and the speakers - connected to this amplifier!

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem	Cause
No music signal on loudspeakers and POWER-LED on amp is off	● + 12 V and/or GROUND (GND/ -12V) and/or● “Remote” line not (properly) connected● Fuse on amplifier or distributor blown● Main Fuse on car battery side blown● Short-circuit on any of the speaker outputs● DC voltage at speaker outputs● Amplifier overload● Amplifier overheat
A high-pitched buzzing sound in- or decreasing with engine speed	● Bad ground (GND) contact of amplifier or head unit /CD/MD-changer● Insufficiently shielded RCA interconnects and/or bad RCA cable routing (inductive interference of on-board electronics)
Crackling sound in- or decreasing with engine speed	● Insufficient interference elimination of ignition circuitry
Humming	● Sign of ground loop(s), i.e. multiple ground connections of the car audio installation or parts there of.● Check also ground connections of all other audio components connected

IMPORTANT! The amplifier's protection circuitry will shut-off the amplifier in case of short-circuit, overload or DC offset at the speaker out-puts or in case of overheat. There will be an automatic re-start after approx. 5 sec. In case the cause for protection shut-off has been eliminated, the amplifier will operate normally again (LED on). Otherwise the amplifier will continue switching-off!

SPECIFICATIONS

AXTON 5-Channel System Amplifier

C608

Rated power output mono/stereo (at 13.8V)
Satellites (Front+Rear) at 4 Ohms (2 x stereo) min.	4 x 50 W RMS
Subwoofer (mono) at 4 Ohms min.	1 x 155 W RMS
Rated power output mono/stereo (at 13.8V)
Satellites (Front+Rear) at 2 Ohms (2 x stereo)	4 x 65 W
Subwoofer (mono) at 2 Ohms	1 x 255 W
Frequency response (Sub+Front+Rear)	10 - 30.000 Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at 4 Ohms	< 0.05 %
Signal to noise ratio	>95 dB
Channel separation	>55 dB
Crossover slope highpass and lowpass	12 dB/oct
Adjustable highpass frequency range	40 - 240 Hz
Adjustable lowpass frequency range	40 - 240 Hz
Recommended cross-section with 5m powercable	20 mm ^2
Input impedance	47 k Ohms
Input sensitivity	0.2 - 9 V
Damping factor	>250@ 4Ω / 20Hz
Thermal cut-off	85 °C
Fuse	3 x 25 A
Recommended main fuse at car battery with 20 mm ^3 power cable	60 A
Dimensions (W x H x L)	256 x 53 x 410 mm

Specifications subject to change without notice.

AXTON is a registered trademark of ACR AG, Bohrturmweg 1, CH-5330 Zurzach, Switzerland.

Introduction

Please keep this Warranty Certificate along with the sales slip/proof of purchase.

Model C608

Serial No.

Dealer's Address

Limited Warranty

The AXTON product listed is fully warranted against defective materials or workmanship for a period of 2 YEARS from date of purchase at retail. Warranty will only be granted if the warranty certificate is presented fully completed with model, serial number (if applicable), purchaser's address, purchasing date and dealer stamp together with the original sales slip or proof of purchase.

Date of Purchase

Important!

Dear customer,

thank you for buying this AXTON product. It is recommended to keep the original packing material for any future transporting of the product. Please read the warranty specifications carefully. Should your AXTON product require warranty service, please return it to the retailer from whom it was purchased or contact the official distributor in your country. Please do not send any product to AXTON, Switzerland. Should you have difficulty in finding an authorized AXTON service-center, details are available from your local distributor or from the manufacturer's address below.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty does not cover any damage due to:

1. Inappropriate use, incorrect installation, audio or mains connection.
2. Exposure to excessive humidity, fluids, heat, direct sunlight or excessive dirt or dust.
3. Accidents or abuse, unauthorized repair attempts and modifications not explicitly authorized by the manufacturer.

This warranty is limited to the repair or the replacement of the defective product at the manufacturer's option and does not include any other form of damage, whether incidental, consequential otherwise.

This warranty will not cover any loss during transportation, transport costs or any other damage caused by transport or shipment of the product.

Address of AXTON, Bohrturmweg 1, CH-5330 Zurzach, Switzerland

manufacturer: Phone (+41) (0) 56/269 64 64, Fax (+41) (0) 56/269 64 66

GARANTIEKARTE