ZXi 4400 - Car radio Hifonics - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Car Stereo Amplifier (4-Channel)
Brand	Hifonics
Model	ZXi 4400
Number of Channels	4
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms (per channel)	75 Watts
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms (per channel)	150 Watts
Bridged RMS Power @ 4 Ohms (per pair)	300 Watts
Frequency Response (-3dB)	20 Hz - 30 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>90 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise	<0.03%
Damping Factor	>200
Channel Separation	>60 dB
Input Sensitivity	0.2 V - 6 V
Input Impedance	>47 kOhms
Crossover Type (Ch1/2 & Ch3/4)	Variable High-Pass (10 Hz - 1200 Hz) & Low-Pass (30 Hz - 150 Hz), Full Range, LP/BP
Bass EQ (45 Hz)	0 - 18 dB
Fuse Rating	1 x 50A
Dimensions (W x H x L)	265 mm x 64 mm x 350 mm
Mounting	Brackets included; mount in trunk or under seat with adequate ventilation
Protection Circuits	Short circuit, thermal, and low voltage protection

Frequently Asked Questions - ZXi 4400 Hifonics

What is the minimum speaker impedance for 4-channel mode?

For 4-channel mode (stereo front and rear), the minimum impedance per channel is 2 ohms.

How do I bridge channels to power a subwoofer?

To bridge two channels, use the speaker outputs marked 'Mono bridged' for that channel pair (e.g., CH1/2+ and CH3/4+). The minimum impedance for the bridged load is 4 ohms.

How do I set the crossover for front speakers and a subwoofer?

For front speakers, set the X-OVER switch to HP and adjust the high-pass frequency between 60-150 Hz. For the subwoofer bridged on CH3/4, set the switch to LP/BP and adjust the low-pass between 60-100 Hz and the subsonic filter (via HI PASS) between 15-40 Hz.

Why is the amplifier not turning on?

Check all fuses (inline and amplifier), ensure the +12V power and remote turn-on wires have proper voltage, and verify the ground connection is secure to bare metal chassis.

How do I adjust the gain (input level)?

Turn the LEVEL control to 6V position. Set your head unit volume to 80-90%. Gradually turn the LEVEL clockwise until you hear distortion, then back off slightly until clean sound returns.

What causes the protection LED to illuminate (red)?

Possible causes: speaker wire short, inadequate cooling, too low speaker impedance, or low battery voltage (<11V). Check connections, improve ventilation, and verify impedance.

How do I eliminate engine whine or noise?

Ensure good ground connections, route RCA cables away from power wires and sources of interference (fuel pump, distributor), and check for speaker lead shorts to chassis.

Can I use this amplifier with a factory head unit?

Yes, if your factory unit has preamp outputs (RCA). If not, you need a line output converter. The input sensitivity (0.2-6V) accommodates most aftermarket and some factory units.

What is the purpose of the Bass EQ and Bass Remote?

The Bass EQ boosts frequencies at 45 Hz by up to 18 dB. Use cautiously to avoid clipping. The Bass Remote (included) allows remote adjustment of bass level for bridged channels from the driver's seat.

How should I mount the amplifier for proper cooling?

Mount the amplifier in a well-ventilated area (e.g., trunk or under seat) with at least 2 inches clearance around the heatsink fins. Do not mount on a subwoofer box or vibrating surfaces.

USER MANUAL ZXi 4400 Hifonics

OWNER'S MANUAL in english on Page 13

Technical line drawing of a multi-layered heat exchanger or cooling unit (no text or symbols)

Installation Notes, Installation of Amplifier, Electrical Connections 14

2-Channel Amplifiers ZXi 4000 / ZXi 6000 / ZXi 9000

Functions & Controls 15

Speaker- & RCA Connections 2-Channel-Mode / Stereo Front- or Rearsystem 16

Speaker- & RCA Connections 1-Channel-Mode / Mono Subwoofer bridged 17

4-Channel Amplifiers ZXi 4400 / ZXi 6400 / ZXi 9400

Functions & Controls 18

Speaker- & RCA Connections 4-Channel-Mode / Stereo Front- and Rearsystem 19

Speaker- & RCA Connections 2-Channel-Mode / 2 Mono Subwoofers bridged 20

Speaker- & RCA Connections 3-Channel-Mode / Stereo and 1 Subwoofer bridged 21

Trouble Shooting 22

Specifications 23

Installation Notes

The amplifier is generally mounted in the rear trunk area but can be mounted in any convenient area such as beneath a seat. Please be sure to locate this unit where you have reasonable air circulation and protection from moisture. When considering the mounting location you should minimize the length of the power and speaker leads. Minimizing both leads will yield a more reliable installation. It is also important to ensure that the heat sink fins are not against a panel or a surface, preventing air circulation. Do not install the amplifier on a subwoofer box or on vibrating parts of the vehicle, since the vibrations can cause damage to the amplifiers electrical components.

Installation of the amplifier

Before starting with the installation, mount the provided mounting brackets on the amplifier. Mark the location for the mounting screw holes by using the amplifier as a template. Drill holes at the marked locations as and firmly fasten the amplifier in place with the mounting screws supplied in the accessory kit. Before drilling or cutting any holes, investigate the layout of your automobile thoroughly. Take care when working near the gas lines or hydraulic lines and electrical wiring.

Technical line drawing of a multi-layered heat exchanger or cooling unit (no text or symbols)

Electrical Connection

Ground (GND)

This wire is the electrical ground and must be fastened securely to the vehicle chassis. The best method is to use a threading sheet metal screw since the threads cut into bare metal. Ensure that all paint or other insulationis removed from around the hole area, and using self tapping screw, securely affix the bare wire ends to the vehicle chassis. Use as short a piece of cable as possible - use the same gauge as was used for the +12V cable. Make sure that the connection is safe and stable.

Remote (REM)

Connect the remote wire of your headunit with the remote turn-on of the power amplifier.

Battery Connection (+12V Power)

This wire is usually connected directly to the positive battery terminal. Ensure that the + power supply wire is fused via an in-line fuse near by the battery. Please use a sufficient gauge (min. 25 sqmm) with spade lug with insulating sleeve.

Fuses

The integrated amplifier fuses protect the units from short circuit and overload. The fuse rating is for 4 Ohm loads (impedance) of the speakers, for 2 Ohm loads the fuses may have to get increased by up to 50% in case of higher power consumption.

Functions & Controls

ZXi 4000 / ZXi 6000 / ZXi 9000

HI-/LOPASS

HI PASS (HighPass)

Controls the frequency response of your speakers downwards. The Cut-off frequency is continuously variable from 10Hz up to 1200Hz (1.2kHz).

LOW PASS (LowPass)

Controls the frequency response of your speakers upwards. The Cut-off frequency is continuously variable from 30Hz up to 150Hz.

If the X-OVER - Switch is set on LP/BP-position, so the HI PASS-controller is activated as Subsonic-Filter, who eliminates the lowest frequencies to protect the speakers from damages.

Speaker & RCA Connections

ZXi 4000 / ZXi 6000 / ZXi 9000

2-Channel-Mode Stereo Front- or Rearsystem

RCA & Speaker wiring:

• Connect the LINE INPUT of the amplifier to the head unit line output with appropriate good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers with appropriate wires to the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT/ - CH1 + and - CH2 +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be lower than 2 Ohms per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe correct speaker channels and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal

Caution!

Do not connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle's chassis.

X-Over Switch

• By using bigger speaker systems (∅ 20cm), set the switch on FULL-position (FULL RANGE Signal).
• By using smaller speaker systems ( 8.7cm - 16cm), set the switch on HP-position (HIGH PASS Signal). The cut-off frequency should be between 60Hz - 150Hz. Adjust the level by the LO PASS-controller.
• In this configuration the LOW PASS - Mode is out of function.

Input Level

• Turn the LEVEL control of the amplifier to 6V position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL control slightly until you can hear a clean sound.

Bass EQ

- This controller should be set to 0dB-position.

Bass Remote

- The provided Bass Remote is not required in this configuration.

Speaker & RCA Connections

ZXi 4000 / ZXi 6000 / ZXi 9000

1-Channel-Mode Mono Subwoofer bridged

RCA & Speaker wiring:

• Connect the LINE INPUT of the amplifier to the head unit line output with appropriate good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the subwoofer with appropriate wires to the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT/ - Mono bridged +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final subwoofer impedance must not be lower than 4 Ohms per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe correct speaker channels and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal

Caution! Do not connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle's chassis.

X-Over-Switch

- By using the Mono/Subwoofer-mode, switch to the LP/BP-position (LOW PASS/BAND PASS), that the higher frequencies are cut off. The cut-off frequency should be between 60Hz - 100Hz. Adjust the level with the LO PASS-controller. In LP/BP-Mode the Highpass-controller (HI PASS) is working also as Subsonic-Filter. The Subsonic frequency should be between 15Hz - 40Hz, depending on the size of the installed subwoofer.

Input Level

• Turn the LEVEL control of the amplifier to 6V position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL control slightly until you can hear a clean sound.

Bass EQ

• This Controller regulates the Bass Boost from 0 - 18 dB.
Caution! Please use the Bass-EQ carefully. The additional boost may result in clipping or overload.

Bass Remote

• The provided Bass Remote regulates the Bass Level from f.i. the driver's seat.

Functions & Controls

ZXi 4400 / ZXi 6400 / ZXi 9400

HI-/LOPASS CH1/2 & CH3/4

HI PASS (HighPass)

Controls the frequency response of your speakers downwards. The Cut-off frequency is continuously variable from 10Hz up to 1200Hz (1.2kHz).

LOW PASS (LowPass)

Controls the frequency response of your speakers upwards. The Cut-off frequency is continuously variable from 30Hz up to 150Hz.

If the X-OVER - Switch is set on LP/BP-position, so the HI PASS-controller is activated as Subsonic-Filter, who eliminates the lowest frequencies to protect the speakers from damages.

Speaker & RCA Connections

ZXi 4400 / ZXi 6400 / ZXi 9400

4-Channel-Mode Stereo Front- and Rearsystem

RCA & Speaker wiring:

• Connect the LINE INPUT of the amplifier to the head unit line output with appropriate good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers with appropriate wires to the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT/ - CH1 + and - CH2 + and - CH3 and - CH4 +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker impedance must not be lower than 2 Ohms per channel. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe correct speaker channels and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal

Caution! Do not connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle's chassis.

X-Over Switch CH1/2 & CH3/4

• By using bigger speaker systems (∅ 20cm), set the switch on FULL-position (FULL RANGE Signal).
• By using smaller speaker systems (∅ 8.7cm - ∅16cm), set the switch on HP-position (HIGH PASS Signal).
  The cut-off frequency should be between 60Hz - 150Hz. Adjust the level by the LO PASS-controller.
• In this configuration the LOW PASS - Mode is out of function.

Input Level CH1/2 & CH3/4

• Turn the LEVEL control of the amplifier to 6V position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL control slightly until you can hear a clean sound.

Bass EQ CH1/2 & CH3/4

- This controller should be set to 0dB-position.

Bass Remote

- The provided Bass Remote is not required in this configuration.

Speaker & RCA Connections

ZXi 4400 / ZXi 6400 / ZXi 9400

3-Channel-Mode 2 Mono Subwoofer bridged

RCA & Speaker wiring:

• Connect the LINE INPUT of the amplifier to the head unit line output with appropriate good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers/subwoofer with appropriate wires to the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT/ - CH1/2 - Mono bridged + and the subwoofer with CH3/4 - Mono bridged +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final subwoofer impedance must not be lower than 4 Ohms per channelpair. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe correct speaker channels and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal

Caution! Do not connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle's chassis.

X-Over-Switch (CH1/2 Subwoofer 1 & CH3/4 Subwoofer 2)

- By using the Mono/Subwoofer-mode, switch to the LP/BP-position (LOW PASS/BAND PASS), that the higher frequencies are cut off. The cut-off frequency should be between 60Hz - 100Hz. Adjust the level with the LO PASS-controller. In LP/BP-Mode the Highpass-controller (HI PASS) is working also as Subsonic-Filter. The Subsonic frequency should be between 15Hz - 40Hz, depending on the size of the installed subwoofer.

Input Level (CH1/2 Subwoofer 1 & CH3/4 Subwoofer 2)

• Turn the LEVEL control of the amplifier to 6V position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL control slightly until you can hear a clean sound.

Bass EQ (CH1/2 Subwoofer 1 & CH3/4 Subwoofer 2)

• This Controller regulates the Bass Boost from 0 - 18 dB.
Caution! Please use the Bass-EQ carefully. The additional boost may result in clipping or overload.

Bass Remote (CH3/4 Subwoofer 2)

- The provided Bass Remote regulates the Bass Level of CH3/4 from e.g. the driver's seat.

Speaker & RCA Connections

ZXi 4400 / ZXi 6400 / ZXi 9400

3-Channel-Mode Stereo Front- or Rearsystem & Mono Subwoofer bridged

RCA & Speaker wiring:

• Connect the LINE INPUT of the amplifier to the head unit line output with appropriate good quality RCA cables.
• Connect the speakers/subwoofer with appropriate wires to the terminal block (SPEAKER OUTPUT/ - CH1 + and - CH2 + and the subwoofer with CH3/4 - Mono bridged +) of the amplifier.
• The minimum final speaker/subwoofer impedance must not be lower than 2/4 Ohms per channel/channelpair. Too low speaker loads result in too high heat dissipation and may cause the amplifier run into protection.
• Please observe correct speaker channels and polarity as printed by the speaker terminal

Caution! Do not connect speaker (-) to the ground or vehicle's chassis.

X-Over CH1/2

• See descriptions on page 19.

X-Over (Subwoofer)

• See descriptions on page 20.

Input Level (CH1/2 & CH3/4 Subwoofer 2)

• Turn the LEVEL control of the amplifier to 6V position.
• Turn the head unit volume control to about 80 - 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL control clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL control slightly until you can hear a clean sound.

Bass EQ CH1/2

• This controller should be set to 0dB-position.

Bass EQ (CH3/4 Subwoofer)

• This Controller regulates the Bass Boost from 0 - 18 dB.
  Caution! Please use the Bass-EQ carefully. The additional boost may result in clipping or overload.

Bass Remote (CH3/4 Subwoofer)

- The provided Bass Remote regulates the Bass Level of CH3/4 from e.g. the driver's seat.

System does not turn on

1. Check all fuses.
2. Check all connections.
3. Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders, distribution blocks, the head unit's +12 volt and remote leads to localize the problem.

Noise problems

1. Check the speaker wiring.

2. Speakers are damaged.

No Signal at all Channels

1. Set Balance and Fader from head unit on Zero-Position.
2. Check wiring (Amplifier, Speakers etc.).
3. Speakers are damaged.
4. In LP/BP mode the High Pass Filter Level (Subsonic Mode) is too high.

Hiss or white noise

1. Speakers are overload.
2. High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section "Setting up systems after installation for best performance".
3. Another problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug the amplifier input RCA cables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault.

No Stereo-Sound or Low Output

1. Check speaker wiring (- and +).

Amplifier Protection-Mode (red LED is illuminated)

1. Speaker cables are shorted.
2. Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the fins.

Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the recommended loudspeaker impedance.

1. Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier's +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.

Electrical interference

The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug amplifier input RCAcables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA's back, and investigate the source driving the amplifier, one component at a time.

A ticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:

1. This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCA cables too near to a fuel pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
2. Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3. Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox. This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the system.

A constant whine:

1. Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2. Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
3. RCA cables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.

Caution!

In this amplifier are integrated protection circuits. Short Circuit Protection engaged: The amplifier will turn off and try to come back on immediately. The amplifier will cycle like this indefinitely, with "blips" of sound each time. If this is the case, check your speakers and wiring for low impedance and short circuits. Thermal Protection engaged: The amplifier will turn off and several minutes later will come back on. In this case, ensure that there is nothing blocking the normal convective airflow of the amplifier. No obstruction should be within 2" of the amplifier on all sides. NOTE: Low battery voltage will cause the amplifier to run warmer and possibly damage the amplifier. If the red LED still lighting up after all re-checking, the amplifier is damaged. Please send then a detailed malfunction description and a copy of the invoice of purchase together with the device to you car audio retailer.

	ZXi 4000 MkII	ZXi 6000 MkII	ZXi 9000 MkII	ZXi 4400 MkII	ZXi 6400 MkII	ZXi 9400
Channels	2	2	2	4	4	4
Output Power Ratings @ 14.4 Volt
Watt MAX. @ 4 Ohm	2 x 200	2 x 300	2 x 450	4 x 150	4 x 200	4 x 300
Watt MAX. @ 2 Ohm	2 x 400	2 x 600	2 x 900	4 x 300	4 x 400	4 x 600
Watt RMS @ 4 Ohm	2 x 100	2 x 150	2 x 300	4 x 75	4 x 100	4 x 150
Watt RMS @ 2 Ohm	2 x 200	2 x 300	2 x 450	4 x 150	4 x 200	4 x 300
Output Power Ratings 14.4 Volt gebrückt
Watt MAX. @ 4 Ohm mono bridged	1 x 800	1 x 1200	1 x 1800	2 x 600	2 x 800	2 x 1200
Watt RMS @ 4 Ohm mono bridged	1 x 400	1 x 600	1 x 900	2 x 300	2 x 400	2 x 600
Frequency Response -3dB	20Hz - 30KHz 20Hz - 30KHz 20Hz - 30KHz 20Hz - 30KHz 20Hz - 30KHz
Damping Factor	>200	>200	>200	>200	>200	>200
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>90 dB	>90 dB	>90 dB	>90 dB	>90 dB	>90 dB
Channel Separation	>60 dB	>60 dB	>60 dB	>60 dB	>60 dB	>60 dB
THD&N	<0,05 %	<0,05 %	<0,05 %	<0,03 %	<0,03 %	<0,03 %
Input Sensitivity	0,2 - 6 Volt	0,2 - 6 Volt	0,2 - 6 Volt	0,2 - 6 Volt	0,2 - 6 Volt	0,2 - 6 Volt
Input Impedance	>47 kOhm	>47 kOhm	>47 kOhm	>47 kOhm	>47 kOhm	>47 kOhm
Crossover CH1 & CH2
LP/BP, HP, FULL	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Variable High Pass	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz
Variable Low Pass	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz
Bass-EQ @ 45Hz	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB
Crossover CH3 & CH4
LP/BP, HP, FULL				yes	yes	yes
Variable High Pass				10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz	10Hz - 1200Hz
Variable Low Pass				30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz	30Hz - 150Hz
Bass-EQ @ 45Hz				0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB	0 - 18 dB
RCA-Outputs	Full range	Full range	Full range	Full range	Full range	Full range
Input Mode-Switch				4CH/2CH	4CH/2CH	4CH/2CH
Fuses	1 x 50A	1 x 60A	2 x 50A	1 x 50A	1 x 80A	2 x 50A
Dimensions in mm width x height	265 x 64	265 x 64	265 x 64	265 x 64	265 x 64	265 x 64
Dimensions in mm length	260/290	360/390	400/430	350/380	400/430	450/480

Distribution:

Audio Design GmbH

Am Breilingsweg 3

76709 Kronau / Germany

Tel. [phone], Fax 9465-10

www.audiodesign.de

ZEUS SERIES