RXA550 - Receiver Renegade - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	2-channel audio receiver/amplifier
Brand	Renegade
Model	RXA550
RMS output power	2 x 75 W at 4 Ω, 2 x 135 W at 2 Ω
Max output power	2 x 150 W at 4 Ω, 2 x 275 W at 2 Ω
Speaker impedance	2 - 8 Ω (stereo), 4 - 8 Ω (bridged)
Frequency response	5 - 40,000 Hz (-3 dB)
Total harmonic distortion	< 0.5% (1 kHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio	> 90 dB
Input sensitivity	0.1 - 7 V (RCA)
Input impedance	10 kΩ
Low-pass filter	50 - 250 Hz, 12 dB/octave
High-pass filter	50 - 250 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Bass Boost / Treble Boost	0 / 6 / 12 dB
Line output	Stereo, full-range
Power supply	12 V DC (9 - 15 V), negative ground
Fuse	1 x 30 A
Dimensions (W x H x D)	220 x 48 x 250 mm
Estimated weight	Approximately 2 kg
Recommended use	Installation in vehicle, 12 V system
Protection	Built-in protection circuit (overheating, short-circuit)
Compatibility	Car stereos with RCA outputs
Cooling	Passive dissipation, requires adequate ventilation
Mounting	Requires well-ventilated space, avoid confined areas

Frequently Asked Questions - RXA550 Renegade

How to connect the RXA550 amplifier to the battery?

First disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a cable of at least 10 mm² for the +12V and GND connections. Connect the amplifier's GND terminal to the battery's negative terminal, then the +12V terminal via an inline fuse (not included) placed within 30 cm of the battery. Finally, connect the REM (remote) wire to the corresponding output of the car stereo.

What speaker impedance can I use?

In stereo mode (2 channels), the minimum impedance is 2 Ω per channel. In bridged mode (mono), the impedance must not be lower than 4 Ω. Too low impedance can damage the amplifier and void the warranty.

How to adjust the low-pass filter for a subwoofer?

Set the CROSSOVER switch to LPF. Adjust the LPF control between 50 and 250 Hz according to your subwoofer's characteristics. Start around 80 Hz for balanced musical listening.

What to do if the PRT/PWR LED lights up red?

The red LED indicates overheating or short-circuit. Check the speaker connections for a short-circuit, measure impedance with an ohmmeter. Ensure the amplifier is well-ventilated. If the problem persists, let the device cool down and check the battery voltage.

Can I connect two subwoofers to this amplifier?

Yes, in bridged (mono) mode you can connect one subwoofer. For two subwoofers, use stereo (2 channel) mode with one subwoofer per channel, respecting the minimum impedance of 2 Ω per channel.

How to use Bass Boost and Treble Boost?

The Bass Boost and Treble Boost switches allow increasing bass and treble levels by 0, 6, or 12 dB. Use them sparingly to avoid distortion. Adjust the gain and filters first before activating these boosts.

Which cable to use for power supply?

The power cable (+12V and GND terminals) must have a cross-section of at least 10 mm² (approx. 7 AWG). For the REM (remote) wire, a 0.5 mm² cable is sufficient.

Why is there engine noise in the speakers?

Engine noise is often due to poor cable routing. Keep audio cables (RCA) away from power cables. Check the grounds of components (car stereo, amplifier) and ensure they are clean and tight. If necessary, add an additional ground wire between the battery and chassis.

How to adjust input sensitivity (GAIN)?

Set the car stereo volume to about 75% of its maximum. Turn the GAIN control on the amplifier until you get a moderate sound level without distortion. This adjustment optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio.

The amplifier does not turn on, what to check?

Check that the PRT/PWR LED is off. Inspect the inline fuse on the +12V cable and the amplifier's fuses (1x30A). Ensure the GND connection is clean and the REM wire receives 12V from the car stereo. If everything is correct, measure the voltage at the amplifier's +12V and GND terminals: it should be between 9 and 15V.

USER MANUAL RXA550 Renegade

Please read the user's manual carefully before the installation and the first operation of the amplifier.

SPECIFICATIONS	RXA550
Output Power RMS	2 x 75 W @ 4 Ohms 2 x 135 W @ 2 Ohms
Output Power Max.	2 x 150 W @ 4 Ohms 2 x 275 W @ 2 Ohms
Loudspeaker impedance (stereo)	2 - 8 Ohm
Frequency Response	5 - 40 000 Hz (-3 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0,5 % (1 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 90 dB
Input Sensitivity	0,1 - 7 V
Input Impedance	10 kOhm
Lowpass Filter	50 - 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Highpass Filter	50 - 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Bass Boost & Treble Boost	Switchable 0 / 6 / 12 dB
Line Outputs	Stereo, fullrange
Operating Voltage	+12 V (9 - 15 V), negative ground
Fuse Rating	1 x 30 A
Dimensions (B x H x L)	220 x 48 x 250 mm
All Specifications are subject to change

IMPORTANT NOTES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

• This device is only suited for a 12 volt system with negative ground.
• The radiated heat while operation requires sufficient air circulation at the place of installation. It is very important that the heatsink fins do not have contact with any metal parts or any surfaces which could impair air circulation. The amplifier may not be installed in small closed location or spaces without air circulation (e.g. spare wheel recess or below the vehicle carpeting). We recommend the installation in the vehicle's trunk. Ensure sufficient protection against vibrations, dust and dirt.
• Ensure that the input and output cables are sufficiently separated from the power supply cables. Otherwise interferences may occur.
• Ensure the accessibility of the fuse and the operating elements after installation.
• The reliability and performance of the amplifier depends on the quality of installation. Preferably consult an expert to install the system, particularly if you want to install several loudspeakers.

INTERCONNECTION

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN-ON-CONNECTION

ATTENTION: Before you start with the installation, disconnect the ground connection from the vehicle's battery in order to prevent short circuits.

The power wiring which is usually installed in on-board car networks is not sufficient for a power amplifier's demands. Make sure that the power wires to GND and to the +12V terminal has been sufficiently specified. A cable crosssection of at least 10mm^2 must be used to connect the battery to the amplifier's terminals.

First connect the GND terminal of the amplifier to an appropriate ground connection at the chassis. To ensure a good connection, residue dirt and dust from the connection point. A loose connection may cause malfunctions or interferences noise and distortion.

Then connect the +12V terminal of the amplifier with the battery by using an appropriate cable including an in-line fuse. This fuse should be located very close to the battery; for safety reasons not more than 30~cm away. Only insert the fuse when the installation, including the connection of the loudspeakers, has been accomplished.

Then connect the remote turn-on-wire from the headunit with the amplifier's REM terminal. A cable with a cross-section of 0.5mm^2 is adequate.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS

In 2-channel operation (i.e. one loudspeaker on each amplifier channel), the impedance must not be lower than 2 ohms for each speaker
In bridging mode (two amplifier outputs combined) the impedance must not be lower than 4 ohms.
- Never connect loudspeaker cables with the ground of the chassis or the +12V supply voltage.

If the amplifier is operated with a too low impedance or incorrectly used, the entire sound system may be damaged. This means a warranty void in such cases.

AUDIO SIGNAL CABLES

When installing the audio cables between the RCA outputs of the headunit and the RCA inputs of the amplifier, the audio and power supply cables should, if possible, not be routed along the same side of the vehicle. We recommend a separated installation, e.g. routing the power cable through the cable channel on the left side and the audio cables through the cable channel of the vehicle on the right side or vice versa. This prevents interferences due to crosstalk into the audio signal.

SIGNAL OUTPUTS TO CONNECT ADDITIONAL AMPLIFIERS

The input signal on the INPUT jacks (Fig. 1,6) will be routed in stereo to the output jacks OUTPUT (Fig. 1,5). Thus the OUTPUT jack allows the connection of a additional amplifier.

OPERATING ELEMENTS

INPUT SENSITIVITY

Turn the GAIN (Fig. 1,9) controller of the amplifier to the MIN position. Then turn the volume controller of the headunit to 80 - 90% of its full setting. Now turn GAIN clockwise until you hear some distortion. Then turn back the GAIN slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

VARIABLE HIGHPASS FILTER

If the amplifier is to be used for mid-range/tweeter loudspeakers, set the switches CROSSOVER (Fig. 1,3) to HPF. Then set the desired cross-over frequency on the HPF controller (Fig.1,2). Thus to that only the frequencies above the chosen cross-over frequency will be amplified. This effectively minimizes distortions and overloads at lower frequencies. A good point to start is at 125Hz .

If you use loudspeakers (>20cm) set CROSSOVER (Fig.1,3). to "FULL". In this case, the HPF controller are without function (Fig.1,2).

VARIABLE LOWPASS FILTER

If the amplifier is used to drive a subwoofer, set the switch (Fig. 1,3) to "LPF". Set the desired cross-over frequency by using the controller (Fig. 1,4). Thus to that only the frequencies below the chosen cross-over frequency will be amplified and the subwoofer plays more precised and efficient.

SWITCHABLE BASS BOOST

By using the BASS BOOST switch (Fig.1,8) you are able to increase the bass enhancement by 6 or 12 dB. Attention: Use the BASS BOOST wisely!

SWITCHABLE TREBLE BOOST

By using the TREBLE BOOST switch (Fig.1,7) you are able to increase the treble enhancement by 6 or 12 dB. Attention: Use the TREBLE BOOST wisely!

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The PRT/PWR LED (Fig. 1,1) lits up green, if the amplifier is in operation.

The PRT/PWR LED (Fig. 1,1) lits up red, when the amplifier is overheated, or a short circuit occurs resp. a too low impedance load is connected to the speaker outputs. If this events, the internal built-in protection circuit shuts down the amplifier automatically. The amplifier should work again properly after you have solved the problems.

FIGURES (P. 28-30)

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLLER (FIG. 1)

(1) Power-/Protection-LED
(2) Highpass filter controller
(3) Selector FULL / LPF (Lowpass) / HPF (Highpass)
(4) Lowpass filter controller
(5) Audio signal outputs to supply additional amplifiers
(6) Audio signal inputs
(7) Bass Boost selector
(8) Treble Boost selector
(9) Gain controller

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN ON CONNECTION (FIG. 2)

(1) GND terminal for the ground
(2) REM terminal for the turn on connection
(3) +12V terminal for the positive-connection of the battery
(4) Vehicle's battery
(5) In-Line Fuse (not included in the scope of delivery)
(6) Turn on wire from the headunit or the electrical antenna
(7) Fuse(s)

2-CHANNEL OPERATION STEREO (FIG. 3)

If you want to run the amplifier with the 2 line output channels from the headunit to drive 2 loudspeakers, in stereo connect the following setup:

(1) To the headunit, line output right
(2) To the headunit, line output left
(3) Loudspeaker left
(4) Loudspeaker right

1-CHANNEL OPERATION MONO (FIG. 4)

If you want to run the amplifier with the 2 line output channels from the headunit to drive a subwoofer, connect the following setup:

(1) To the headunit, line output rear right or subwoofer output
(2) To the headunit, line output rear left or subwoofer output
(3) Subwoofer

IMPORTANT!

Always observe the correct polarity of all connections!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.

Procedure 1:

Check Amplifier for proper connections.

Verify that PRT/PWR LED lits up green. If If this is the case, skip to Step 3, if not continue.

1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.

2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.

3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle's chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.

4. Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable. Verify quality connections for both cables at amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuseholder. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 2:

PRT/PWR LED lits up red.

1. If the PROTECT lits up red, this is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for proper speaker connections and use an ohm meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring. Too low speaker impedance may also cause PROTECTION to light. This can also be a sign of driving the amplifier at very high power GAINs without adequate airflow around the amplifier. Shut off the system and allow amplifier to cool. Check that the vehicle charging system is maintaining proper voltage. If the previous items do not solve the problem, a fault may be in the amplifier. In this case you should contact your dealer.

Procedure 3:

Check Amplifier for audio output.

1. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks, splices, etc. Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 4:

Check Amplifier for a popping noise while turning on.

1. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the remote lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on module.

Procedure 5:

Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.

1. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.

OR

1. Bypass any and all electrical components between the headunit and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.

OR

1. Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations. Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.

OR

1. Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of vehicle.

OR

1. Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.

BASS BOOST CONNECTABLE

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