Signum SXE100.4 - Receiver ESX - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	4-channel amplifier
Brand	ESX
Model	Signum SXE100.4
RMS output power	4 x 65 W @ 4 Ohm, 4 x 100 W @ 2 Ohm
Max output power	4 x 130 W @ 4 Ohm, 4 x 200 W @ 2 Ohm
Speaker 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
High-pass filter CH1/2	10 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
High-pass/band-pass filter CH3/4	10 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Low-pass/band-pass filter CH3/4	50 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Bass boost CH3/4	0 – 12 dB
Audio signal inputs	4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
High-level inputs	Cable connector included (CH 1-4)
Auto turn-on function	Via high-level inputs
Power supply	+12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse	2 x 30 A
Dimensions (L x H x D)	220 x 53 x 328 mm
Weight (approx.)	Approx. 2 kg
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean with a dry cloth. Avoid moisture.
Safety	Internal fuses and protection against overheating/short circuit.
Spare parts and repairability	Contact ESX after-sales service.
General information	Amplifier for 12 V audio system. Professional installation recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions - Signum SXE100.4 ESX

What is the output power of the Signum SXE100.4?

The RMS power is 4 x 65 W @ 4 Ohm and 4 x 100 W @ 2 Ohm. Maximum power reaches 4 x 130 W @ 4 Ohm and 4 x 200 W @ 2 Ohm.

Can I use high-level inputs without RCA cable?

Yes, the amplifier has high-level inputs via a supplied jack connector. This allows direct connection of the speaker wires from the car radio. Do not use RCA and high-level inputs simultaneously.

How does the auto turn-on function work?

The amplifier detects a DC offset of approximately 6 V on the high-level input when the source turns on, and then turns on automatically. The REM connection is then not necessary. This works with most modern sources.

What is the minimum speaker impedance?

In stereo mode, impedance must not be lower than 2 Ohms per speaker. In bridged mode, it must not be lower than 4 Ohms.

How to adjust the high-pass and low-pass filters?

Use the X-OVER switches: for tweeters/satellites, set to HP and adjust the frequency (10-250 Hz). For a subwoofer, set to LP/BP and adjust the cutoff frequency (50-250 Hz). The HP setting can also serve as a subsonic filter.

What to do if the protection LED lights up red?

This indicates overheating, a short circuit, or too low impedance. Check the speaker connections, impedance, and ventilation. The amplifier will shut off automatically and restart once the problem is resolved.

Can I use the amplifier with a 2-channel car radio?

Yes, set the INPUT MODE switch to 2CH. Connect only the CH1/2 inputs, and the amplifier will distribute the signal to all 4 channels.

What cable gauge is recommended for the power supply?

Use a cable of at least 10 mm² for the +12V and GND connections. The inline fuse must be placed within 30 cm of the battery.

How to avoid parasitic noise (hum)?

Keep audio cables (RCA) away from power cables. Use separate cable paths (left/right). Check ground connections and ensure they are clean and solid.

What is the warranty in case of damage due to improper installation?

Incorrect use (too low impedance, short circuit, etc.) voids the warranty. It is recommended to have the installation done by a specialist.

USER MANUAL Signum SXE100.4 ESX

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SIGNUM SERIES

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4-CHANNEL CLASS A/B AMPLIFIER

SXE100.4

INHALTSVERZEICHNIS TABLE OF CONTENT TABLE DES MATIÈRES SOMMARIO INDICE

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

SPECIFICATIONS

Output Power RMS	4 x 65 W @ 4 Ohms4 x 100 W @ 2 Ohms
Output Power Max.	4 x 130 W @ 4 Ohms4 x 200 W @ 2 Ohms
Loudspeaker impedance (stereo)	2 – 8 Ohms
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
Highpass Filter (CH1/2)	10 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Highpass Filter / Bandpass Filter (CH3/4)	10 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Lowpass Filter / Bandpass Filter (CH3/4)	50 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Bass Boost (CH3/4)	0 - 12 dB
Low Level Inputs	4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
High Level Inputs	Via enclosed Cable Jack (CH 1-4)
Auto Turn On	Only via High Level Inputs
Operating Voltage	+12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse Rating	2 x 30 A
Dimensions (B x H x L)	220 x 53 x 328 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 heat sink 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.

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 +12 V terminal has been sufficiently specified. A cable cross section of at least 10 mm^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 +12 V 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 head unit with the amplifier's REM terminal. A cable with a cross-section of 0.5mm^2 is adequate.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION

• In 4-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 for the bridged output.
• Never connect loudspeaker cables with the ground of the chassis or the +12 V 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 head unit and the RCA inputs of the amplifier (Fig. 1,5), 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.

INPUT MODE

By setting the switch INPUT MODE (Fig. 1,7) to the 2CH position, you switch the inputs to a 2-channel mode, which allows a four-channel operation with only occupying the inputs CH1/2.

HIGH LEVEL INPUTS & AUTO TURN ON

The high level inputs under HI INPUT (Fig. 5) is suitable to connect the device input with speaker wires, if your head unit is not equipped with pre-amplifier RCA outputs. Extend therefor every regarding speaker cable from your head unit with appropriate speaker cables from your car audio retailer to the mounting location of the amplifier. Then connect the each matching loudspeaker cable with the cables of the included High Level Input jack.

CAUTION: Never use the high level inputs and the RCA inputs at the same time. This may damage the device seriously.

The amplifier detects a voltage rise (6 Volts) with a so called "DC Offset" over the connected input signal on the high level inputs under HI INPUT (Fig. 5) when the head unit will be switched on. Hence, the amplifier will also be turned on. As soon as the head unit will be turned off, the amplifier turns also automatically off. In this case the turn-on connection REM (Fig. 2,2) is not needed.

NOTE: The Auto Turn On function usually works with 90% of all head units, because they are equipped with "High Power"-outputs. Only with a few older and head units the Auto Turn On function is not working.

INPUT SENSITIVITY CH1/2 & CH3/4

Turn the controller LEVEL INPUT (Fig. 1,4 and fig. 1,6) of the amplifier to the MIN position. Then turn the volume controller of the head unit to 80 - 90% of its full setting. Now turn LEVEL INPUT clockwise until you hear some distortion. Then turn back the LEVEL INPUT slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

VARIABLE HIGH PASS FILTER CH1/2 & CH3/4

If the amplifier is to be used for mid-range/tweeter loudspeakers, set the switches X-OVER (Fig. 1,3 and fig. 1,9) to HP. Then set the desired cross-over frequency on the HIGH PASS controller (Fig. 1,2 or fig. 1,8). 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 125 Hz.

If you use big loudspeakers (>20 cm) set X-OVER (Fig. 1,3 and fig. 1,9) to FULL. In this case, the HIGH PASS controllers (Fig. 1,2 or fig. 1,8) are without function.

VARIABLE LOW PASS FILTER CH3/4

If the amplifier is used to drive a subwoofer on CH3/4, set the switch X-OVER (Fig. 1,9) to LP/BP. Set the desired cross-over frequency by using the controller LOW PASS (Fig. 1,10). Thus to that only the frequencies below the chosen cross-over frequency will be amplified and the subwoofer plays more precise and efficient.

In LP/BP mode, the controller HIGH PASS (Fig. 1,8) can also be used to limit the frequency response downwards, for example to produce a bandpass/subsonic signal. NOTE: If the controller HIGH PASS (Fig. 1,8) is set higher than the he controller LOW PASS (Fig. 1,10), no audio signal is heard.

VARIABLE BASS BOOST CH3/4

By using the controller BASS BOOST (Fig. 1,11) you are able to increase the bass enhancement from 0 to 12 dB. ATTENTION: Use the BASS BOOST wisely!

FIGURES (P. 28-31)

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLLERS (FIG. 1)

(1) Power-/Protection-LED
(2) HIGH PASS controller CH1/2
(3) Selector HP (Highpass) - FULL CH1/2
(4) LEVEL INPUT controller CH1/2
(5) LINE INPUT CH1/2 & CH3/4
(6) LEVEL INPUT controller CH3/4
(7) Selector INPUT MODE 2CH/4CH
(8) HIGH PASS filter controller CH3/4
(9) Selector HP (Highpass) - FULL - LP/BP (Lowpass/Bandpass) CH3/4
(10) LOW PASS / BAND PASS controller CH3/4
(11) BASS BOOST controller CH3/4

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN ON CONNECTION (FIG. 2)

(1) GND terminal for the ground
(2) REM terminal for the turn on connection
(3) +12 V 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 head unit or the electrical antenna
(7) Fuse(s)

4-CHANNEL OPERATION STEREO (FIG. 3)

If you want to run the amplifier with the 4 line output channels* from the head unit to drive four loudspeakers in stereo, connect the following setup:

(1) To the head unit, line output left FRONT L/CH1
(2) To the head unit, line output right FRONT R/CH2
(3) To the head unit, line output left REAR L/CH3
(4) To the head unit, line output right REAR R/CH4
(5) Loudspeaker left REAR L/CH3
(6) Loudspeaker right REAR R/CH4
(7) Loudspeaker left FRONT L/CH1
(8) Loudspeaker right FRONT R/CH2

3-CHANNEL OPERATION STEREO & MONO (FIG. 4)

If you want to run the amplifier with the 4 line output channels* the head unit to drive a pair of loudspeakers and a subwoofer, connect the following setup:

(1) To the head unit, line output left FRONT L/CH1
(2) To the head unit, line output right FRONT R/CH2
(3) To the head unit, line output left REAR L/CH3 or subwoofer output
(4) To the head unit, line output right REAR R/CH4 or subwoofer output
(5) Loudspeaker left FRONT L/CH1
(6) Loudspeaker right FRONT R/CH2
(7) Subwoofer

* If your head unit only has two output channels, connect CH1 and CH2 and set the switch INPUT MODE to position 2CH.

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The POWER/PROTECTION LED (Fig. 1,1) lights up green, if the amplifier is in operation.

The POWER/PROTECTION LED (Fig. 1,1) lights up red, when the amplifier is overheated, or a short circuit occurs respective 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Procedure 1:

Check Amplifier for proper connections.

Verify that POWER/PROTECTION LED lights up green. 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/fuse holder. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 2:

POWER/PROTECTION LED lights up red.

1. If the PROTECT lights 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 head unit 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.

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SIGNUM SERIES

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Tel. +49 7253 - 9465-0 · Fax +49 7253 - 946510

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