Zeus Evolution ZXE1000/5 - Receiver Hifonics - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	5-channel Amplifier
Brand	Hifonics
Model	Zeus Evolution ZXE1000/5
RMS Power (Front/Rear, 4 Ω)	4 x 80 W
RMS Power (Front/Rear, 2 Ω)	4 x 125 W
RMS Power (Sub, 4 Ω)	1 x 250 W
RMS Power (Sub, 2 Ω)	1 x 450 W
RMS Power (Sub, 1 Ω)	1 x 600 W
Speaker Impedance (Front/Rear)	2 – 8 Ω
Speaker Impedance (Sub)	1 – 8 Ω
Frequency Response (Front/Rear)	3 Hz – 52 kHz (-3 dB)
Frequency Response (Sub)	9 Hz – 350 Hz (-3 dB)
Distortion Rate	< 0.02%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	< 90 dB
Damping Factor	< 200
Input Sensitivity (RCA)	0.2 – 7 V
Input Sensitivity (High Level)	0.5 – 20 V
High-Pass Filter (Front, adjustable)	30 – 4000 Hz, 12 dB/octave
High-Pass/Band-Pass Filter (Rear, adjustable)	30 – 500 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Low-Pass Filter (Rear, adjustable)	150 – 4000 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Low-Pass Filter (Sub, adjustable)	50 – 150 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Subsonic Filter (Sub, adjustable)	15 – 45 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Bass Boost (Sub, adjustable)	0 – 12 dB @ 45 Hz
Power Supply	12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse	3 x 40 A
Dimensions (W x H x D)	248 x 64 x 382 mm
Auto Turn-On Function	Yes (via high level input)
Audio Inputs	RCA (FL/FR, RL/RR, SUB) + high level with EPS
Remote Bass Control	Yes (BLC REMOTE connector)

Frequently Asked Questions - Zeus Evolution ZXE1000/5 Hifonics

How to connect the amplifier to a source without RCA outputs?

Use the high level inputs (HIGH LEVEL INPUTS). Connect the speaker wires from your car stereo to the provided jack connectors. Caution: never use the RCA inputs simultaneously, risk of damage.

What is the minimum speaker impedance?

For Front/Rear channels, the minimum impedance is 2 Ω in normal mode and 4 Ω in bridged mode. For the Sub, the minimum impedance is 1 Ω. Too low impedance can damage the amplifier and void the warranty.

What to do if the POWER/PROTECT LED lights up red?

The red LED indicates protection mode. Check the speaker connections for a short circuit or too low impedance. Ensure the amplifier has sufficient cooling. If the problem persists, check the battery voltage.

How to adjust the input sensitivity?

Set the car stereo volume to mid-level, then adjust the LEVEL INPUT control (Front, Rear, or Sub) until you achieve a medium sound level. This ensures optimal power reserve with a good signal-to-noise ratio.

How to use the low-pass filter for the subwoofer?

Set the LOW PASS filter (Sub) between 50 and 150 Hz according to your subwoofer. To limit infrasonic frequencies, adjust the SUBSONIC filter between 15 and 45 Hz. Note: the subsonic frequency should not exceed the low-pass frequency.

How to activate the auto turn-on function?

Connect the high level inputs (HIGH LEVEL INPUTS) to the source. The amplifier detects a voltage of 6 V (DC offset) and turns on automatically. The REM terminal is then not necessary. This function works with most sources, except some older models.

What to do in case of engine noise in the speakers?

Keep audio cables (RCA) away from power cables. Check grounds: clean contact points and ensure they are shiny. If noise persists, add a second ground wire between the battery and chassis.

How to connect the amplifier in 5-channel mode?

Connect the RCA outputs from the car stereo (FL, FR, RL, RR, SUB) to the corresponding inputs on the amplifier. Connect satellite speakers to the Front/Rear channels and the subwoofer to the Sub channel. Use the input selectors according to the diagram in the manual (Fig. 3).

How to use the remote bass control?

Connect the supplied remote control to the BLC REMOTE connector on the amplifier (Fig. 1,16). Place it within reach, e.g., near the driver's seat, to adjust the bass level in real time.

What power cable gauge to use?

Use a cable of sufficient gauge (see fig. 7 of the manual) for the +12 V and GND terminals. An external fuse must be placed within 30 cm of the battery. The recommended gauge depends on the distance; generally, 4 AWG is suitable for moderate lengths.

USER MANUAL Zeus Evolution ZXE1000/5 Hifonics

If you have to dispose the device and its components, please note that no electronic devices must be disposed in the household waste. Dispose of the device and its components at a suitable recycling facility in accordance with local waste regulations. If necessary, consult your local authority or dealer.

More information at www.audiodesign.de/english/disposal

ÉLIMINATION/RECYCLAGE

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

SPECIFICATIONS

Output Power RMS (14.4 V - FRONT & REAR)

Output Power RMS (14.4 V - SUB)

Loudspeaker impedance (FRONT & REAR)

Loudspeaker impedance (SUB)

Frequency response (FRONT & REAR)

Frequency response (SUB)

Total harmonic distortion

Signal-to-noise ratio

Damping factor

Input sensitivity

Low level inputs RCA

High level inputs

Highpass filter (FRONT)

Highpass filter / bandpass filter (REAR)

Lowpass filter / bandpass filter (REAR)

Lowpass filter (SUB)

Subsonic filter (SUB)

Bass Boost (SUB)

Pre-amplifier inputs

High level inputs

Auto turn-on

Operating voltage

Fuse rating

Dimensions (B x H x L)

All specifications are subject to change

ZXE1000/5

4 x 80/125 W @ 4/2 Ω

1 x 250/450/600 W @ 4/2/1 Ω

2-8Ω

1-8Ω

3 Hz - 52 kHz (-3 dB)

9 Hz - 350 Hz (-3 dB)

>0,02%

< 90 dB

< 200

0,2 - 7 V

0,5 - 20 V

30 – 4000 Hz @ 12 dB/octave

30 – 500 Hz @ 12 dB/octave

150 – 4000 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave

50 – 150 Hz @ 12 dB/octave

150 – 45 Hz @ 12 dB/octave

0 -12 dB @ 45 Hz

6 x RCA (FL/FR, RL/RR, SUB)

Via enclosed cable jack RCA (FL/FR, RL/RR, SUB)

Only via the high level inputs

+12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground

3 x 40 A

248 x 64 x 382 mm

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 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 sufficient cable cross section (see page 34, fig. 7) 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 (see page 34, fig. 7) including an in-line fuse. This fuse should be located very close to the battery; for safety reasons not more than 30 cm away.

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

HIGH LEVEL INPUTS & AUTO TURN ON

The high level inputs under HIGH LEVEL INPUT (Fig. 6) is suitable to connect the device input with speaker wires, if your head unit is not equipped with pre-amplifier RCA outputs. Extend therefore 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.

ATTENTION: 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 HIGH LEVEL INPUT (Fig. 6) 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.

ATTENTION: 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.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS

• FL/FR & RL/RR: The impedance must not be lower than 2 Ω for each speaker.. In bridging mode (two amplifier speaker outputs combined) the impedance must not be lower than 4 Ω for the bridged output.
• SUB: The impedance must not be lower than 1 Ω.
• 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, 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 SENSITIVITY (FRONT, REAR & SUB)

Turn the LEVEL INPUT (Fig. 1.4, 1.7 or 1.12) controller 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 (FRONT & REAR)

Set the desired crossover frequency on the HIGH PASS controller (Fig. 1.6 or 1.8). Thus to that only the frequencies above the chosen crossover frequency will be amplified. This effectively minimizes distortions and overloads at lower frequencies. A good point to start is at 125 Hz.

VARIABLE LOW PASS FILTER (REAR & SUB)

Set the desired crossover frequency by using the controller (Fig. 1.10 and 1.13). Thus to that only the frequencies below the chosen crossover frequency will be amplified and the speaker/Subwoofer plays more precise and efficient. A good point to start is at 125 Hz.

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 on REAR.

ATTENTION: 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 (SUB)

With the controller BASS BOOST (Fig. 1.15) you are able to adjust the bass level from 0 - 12 dB.

ATTENTION: Use the controller Bass Boost wisely!

VARIABLE SUBSONIC FILTER (SUB)

With the SUB SONIC controller (Fig. 1.14) you can adjust the lower crossover frequency, to filter the very low frequencies to relieve the Subwoofer or to generate a bandpass signal. If you don't want to use this function, turn the controller (Fig. 1.14) to the very left to the 10 Hz position.

ATTENTION: The adjusted value of the (SUB) SONIC (Fig. 1.14) should not be higher than the adjusted value of the LOW PASS controller (Fig. 1.13). Otherwise no sound will be audible.

BASS LEVEL REMOTE CONTROLLER (SUB)

With the included bass level cable remote controller (Fig. 1.16) you are able to adjust the bass level e.g. out of the driver's seat.

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The POWER/PROTECT LED (Fig. 1.17) lights up blue, if the amplifier is in operation.

The POWER/PROTECT LED (Fig. 1.17) lights 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. 30-34)

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLLERS (FIG. 1)

(1) Audio signal inputs (FRONT)
(2) Audio signal inputs (REAR)
(3) Audio signal inputs (SUB)
(4) Gain controller (FRONT)
(5) Selector HP - FULL (FRONT)
(6) Highpass filter controller (FRONT)
(7) Gain controller (REAR)
(8) Highpass filter controller / bandpass filter controller (REAR)
(9) Selector HP - FULL - LP/BP (REAR)
(10) Lowpass filter controller / bandpass filter controller (REAR)
(11) Input mode (please refer to page 33)
(12) Gain controller (SUB)
(13) Lowpass filter controller (SUB)
(14) Subsonic filter controller (SUB)
(15) Bass Boost controller (SUB)
(16) Connector for the included bass level remote controller
(17) Power-/Protection-LED

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) Fuses
(5) Vehicle's battery
(6) External cable fuse for +12V power wire (not included in the scope of delivery)
(7) Turn on wire from the head unit or the electrical antenna

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

If you run the amplifier with 5 output channels from the head unit to operate 2 loudspeakers on FRONT in stereo, 2 loudspeakers on REAR in stereo and 1 Subwoofer in mono, connect the following setup:

(1) To the head unit, line output left (FL/CH1)
(2) To the head unit, line output right (FR/CH2)
(3) To the head unit, line output left (RL/CH3)
(4) To the head unit, line output right (RR/CH4)
(5) To the head unit, left Subwoofer output (SUB L)
(6) To the head unit, right Subwoofer output (SUB R)
(7) Bass level remote controller
(8) Loudspeaker left (FL)
(9) Loudspeaker right (FR)
(10) Loudspeaker left (RL)
(11) Loudspeaker right (RR)
(12) Subwoofer (SUB)

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

If you run the amplifier with 2 output channels from the head unit to operate 2 loudspeakers on FRONT/REAR in stereo/bridged and 1 Subwoofer in mono, connect the following setup:

(1) To the head unit, line output left (FL/CH1)
(2) To the head unit, line output right (FR/CH2)
(3) Bass level remote controller
(4) Loudspeaker left (RL- and RR+)
(5) Loudspeaker right (FL- and FR+)
(6) Subwoofer (SUB)

NOTICE INPUT MODE (FIG. 5)

Please note the relevant information how the input selector switches work.

NOTICE HIGH LEVEL INPUTS (FIG. 6)

Please never use the High Level Inputs and the Low Level Inputs on the RCA sockets at the same time. This could cause a malfunction or damage the amplifier.

NOTICE POWER SUPPLY (FIG. 7)

Please note the recommendations for the cable length and the cable cross-section of the power cables in order to ensure an adequate and safe power supply for the amplifier.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Procedure 1:

Check Amplifier for proper connections.

Verify that the POWER/PROTECT 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/PROTECT LED lights up red.

1. If the LED lights up red it is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for proper speaker connections and use an meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring. Too low speaker impedance may also cause the LED to light red. 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.

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.

Dimensions (L x H x P)

6 x RCA (FL/FR, RL/RR, SUB)

AVIS INPUT MODE (FIG. 5)

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