Alpine 3554 User manual

SERVICE
MANUAL
ZILPIN
4/3/2 Channel Power Amplifier

3554
Contents
SPECiICALIONS:
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Precautions
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Disassembly
Instructions
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Parts
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P.C.Boards
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Semi-Conductor
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Specifications
Power
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145W/4ch
Input
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Variable: 2V+ 2 dB
Frequency
Response
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2
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285(W)x
55(H)
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NOTE:
Due
to
continuing
product
improvement,
specifications
and
design
are
subject
to
change
without
notice.
e

Features
e 4/3/2-Channel Operation:
The 3554 can be used in 3 ways as:
a. 4-channel full-range amplifier, producing 50W per
channel into 4 ohms, or 75W per channel into 2
ohms. The amplifier can be used in a 4-speaker full
range system or in a bi-amped, dual subwoofer and
dual satellite combination.
b, 3-channel amplifier, producing 50W (4 ohms) or 75W
(2 ohms) into channels 1 & 2, and 150W (4 ohms)
into the third channel. This combination is perfect for
a single subwoofer, dual satellite (right and left)
system.
c. 2-channel full-range amplifier, producing 150W per
channel into 4 ohms. The amplifier can be used as
full range, low-pass (sub-woofer amp), or high-pass
(satellite amp).
e Status Monitor:
This indicator illuminates in green when the 3554 is
on and operational. This light will turn orange if any
protection circuitry is activated. It can be used as a
troubleshooting aide should an installation problem
develop.
e Active Dividing Network:
Abuilt-in, switchable electronic crossover network at
80 Hz, 18 dB per octave can be used to set up the
amplifier for low-pass (subwoofer) or high-pass
(tweeter/midrange satellite) applications. This network
can also be switched off to allow full-range signal
amplification.
e Duo-B Feedback Circuitry:
Duo-Beta is a patented and technologically advanced
form of negative feedback. Negative feedback is used
to minimize distortion and stabilize the amplifier. Too
much feedback, however, increases the transient
intermodulation distortion (T.I.M.), decreases the
amplifier slew factor, and reduces its musicality. The
Duo-Beta circuitry supplies low negative feedback
throughout the audio frequency and very high
negative feed-back at DC. This stabilizes the
amplifier, removes DC offset, and offers excellent
total harmonic distortion (T.H.D.) characteristics. It
also provides low T.I.M., with excellent slew factor,
stability, and musicality.
@ No Current Limiting:
Current limiting circuitries used in conventional
amplifiers may cause premature clipping and inferior
transient response. Absence of current limiters in the
audio section ensures low T.I.M., excellent transient
response, and superb sonic quality.
e S.T.A.R. Circuitry:
Alpine proprietary Signal Transit for Accurate
Response circuit topology improves sonic properties
by reducing interaction between different sections of
the circuitry.
3554
e Input Mode Selector:
This switch allows the user to specify the input signal
entering the amplifier:
a. Stereo Mode:
Allows the right and left channel signals to reach their
designated amplifier channels. This mode provides a
stereo output or a center channel common
information output (when used in the bridged
configuration).
b. L (MONO) Mode:
Disables the right channel input connector and routes
the signal through the left channel input to all
sections of the amplifier. This mode can be used
when a single (mono) signal is amplified (either in
stereo or bridged operation).
. L+R Mode:
Sums the right and left channel input signals and
routes the result to all sections of the amplifier. It can
be used in stereo or bridged operation to provide a
summed (mono) output.
(2)
e@ DC-to-DC Switching Mode Power Supply:
Provides excellent power output throughout the audio
bandwidth (20 Hz to 20 kHz). Its soft clipping
characteristics ensure superb transient response and
musicality.
e Fully Complementary, Discrete Output Circuitry:
For excellent reliability, superb sonic performance
and high current capability for accurate transient
response.
e Continuously Adjustable, Independent Front and
Rear Input Gain Controls:
Allow different level settings for the two different
audio sections.
e@ Heavy Duty Construction:
Glass-epoxy printed circuit boards for excellent
thermal stability and long-term reliability.
e Gold-Plated RCA input Connectors:
For most accurate signal transmission and lowest
possible loss. Gold-plated terminals are immune to
signal deterioration caused by corrosion in the
connectors that can develop over time.
@ Gold-Plated Speaker Output and Power
Connectors:
For high definition, minimum loss power transfer and
oxidization resistance.
@ High Performance, Low Noise, Audiophile Quality
Active and Passive Components.
@ Capacitive/inductive Power Supply Input and
Output Filtering:
For low radio frequency interference (RFI) and
immunity to system noises (such as alternator whine).
@ Fully Protected Against Wiring Errors.

3554
Switches And Terminals
PDQQOVOOO@ OO OOOHOO
Input Mode Selector Switch (Channels 1/2)
Active Dividing Network Mode Selector Switch (Channels 1/2)
Input Gain Selector Switch (Channels 1/2)
Input Gain Adjustment Control (Channels 1/2)
Input Gain Adjustment Control (Channels 3/4)
Input Gain Selector Switch (Channels 3/4)
Active Dividing Network Mode Selector Switch (Channels 3/4)
Input Mode Selector Switch (Channels 3/4)
Input RCA Jacks (Channels 1/2)
Speaker Output Terminals (Channels 1/2)
Fuse Blocks
Power Terminals
Remote On Connector
Speaker Output Terminals (Channels 3/4)
Input RCA Jacks (Channels 3/4)
Status Monitor

Switch Settings
Input Mode Selector Switches @ and ©:
a) Set to the “ST” position (center) when the amplifier is
used as a 4-channel stereo system.
ro
L(MONO) ST L+R
b) Set to the "L (MONO)" position when the amplifier is
used for one channel of a stereo or bridged system.
a
L({MONO) ST L+R
c) Set to the "L+R" position when the amplifier is used
for the subwoofer system which uses the right
channel and left channel signals summed.
—
L(MONO) ST L+R
Active Dividing Network Selector Switches @ and ©
a) Set to the "LP" position when the amplifier is used for
the low-pass (sub-woofer) system. The frequencies
higher than 80 Hz will be cut (at a rate of 18 dB per
octave).
b) Set to the "HP" position when the 3554 is used for
the high-pass (tweeter/midrange and subwoofer)
system. The frequencies lower than 80 Hz will be cut
(at a rate of 18 dB per octave).
TS
OFF HP LP
3554
c) Set to the "OFF" position when the 3554 is used for
the regular stereo system with full-range speakers.
The full bandwidth will be output without cutting the
high or low frequencies.
pe,
OFF HP LP
Fixed/Variable Input Selector Switches @ and ©:
a) Set to the "FIXED" position when connecting the
3554 to other Alpine products. This position sets the
input sensitivity to 500 mV which corresponds to the
pre-amp output of Alpine products.
r— L_
VARIABLE FIXED
b) Set to the "VARIABLE" position when connecting the
3554 to a non-Alpine product with an output voltage
other than 500 mV. This position should also be used
when adjustment of input sensitivity is required to
obtain certain imaging requirements or to
compensate for different speaker efficiencies.
ane |
VARIABLE FIXED
Input Gain Controls ® and ©:
After setting the Input Select Switches @ and © to the
"VARIABLE" position, rotate the Input Gain Controls 4 and
5 with a #0 screwdriver and adjust the input gain to the
point where there is maximum volume with no distortion.
Status Monitor:
This indicator lights green when the power is on. The 3554
has built-in protection circuitry. If, for some reason, this
protection circuit is activated, the indicator turns orange.
If this happens, turn the system off, find the cause of the
problem and remedy the situation. This includes checking
all your connections and wiring. If the indicator remains
orange when the system is turned on, consult yourauthor-
ized Alpine dealer.
Note: The indicator will illuminate in orange for a iew
seconds when the power is turned on as the
protection circuit will be activated. This is normal.

3554
Characteristic Curves
POWER VS. DISTORTION CURVE
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200
T.H.D. (%)
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HH
0.01
0.01002
0.05
0.1
1
2
5
10
20 50
100
OUTPUT POWER (W)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE CURVE
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RESPONSE (dB)
10 «6200 50 100s «200 500 1K 2
FREQUENCY (Hz)

Connections
Insulation Tubes
(INCLUDED)
Before making connections, be sure to turn the power
off to all audio components. Insulation tubes for the
speaker leads and the power supply leads are supplied
with the 3554, route the speaker leads and the power
supply leads separately through these tubes.
1. Speaker Output Terminal
The 3554 has two sets of speaker outputs for the Front
and Rear speakers. Be sure to observe correct speaker
output connections and phasing. In the stereo mode
connect the right speaker output to the right speaker,
and the left to left. Connect the positive output to the
positive speaker terminal,and the negative to negative.
In the bridged mode, connect the left positive to the
positive terminal on the speaker, and the right negative
to the negative terminal of the speaker. Do not use the
speaker (-) terminal commonly for the right and left
speakers or connect it to the vehicle’s chassis ground.
Note: Do not connect speaker leads together or to
chassis ground.
3554
(INCLUDED)
Remote On Lead
(Blue/White)
e{C> Ground Lead (Black)
Pas Battery Lead (Yellow)
2. Ground Lead (Black)
Connect this lead securely to a clean, bare metal spot
on the vehicle’s chassis. Verify this point to be atrue
ground by checking for continuity between that point
and the negative (-) terminal of the vehicle’s batiery.
3. Battery Lead (Yellow)
Connect this lead directly to the positive (+) terminal of
the vehicle's battery.
Do not connect this lead to the vehicle’s electrical
system.
4. Remote Turn-On Lead (Blue/White)
Connect this lead to the remote turn on lead of your
head unit. ;
5. Input RCA Jacks
Connect these jacks to the line out leads on your head
unit using optional RCA extension patch cords. Be sure
to observe correct channel connections; Left to Left,
Right to Right, Front to Front, and Rear to Rear.
Three simple and typical system combinations are
illustrated. For wiring connections, carefully follow the
instructions provided with each component.

3554
Precautions
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. Improper wiring connections could cause damage to
your vehicle’s electrical system and/or the 3554
amplifier. Carefully follow the wiring instructions in
this manual.
. Attaching the battery lead to the positive (+) terminal
of the battery should be the last connection after all
other connections are made.
. Due to the high power output of the 3554, it is
important that all connections are clean and well
secured, or damage could result.
. Be sure that the 3554 is mounted in a way that will
allow for free air circulation and heat dissipation.
. When changing fuses, be sure to replace the old fuse
with one of the same amperage. Use of improper
fuses can lead to serious damage to components.

Disassembly Instructions
1. Removal of Bottom Cover.
(1) Remove four screws marked "O "as shown in
Figure 1.
(2) The Bottom Cover will be removed by pulling out
in the arrow direction as shown in Figure 1.
2. Removal of Amp P.C.Board.
(1) After removal of the Bottom Cover, remove 31
screws marked " @". Then, the Amp P.C.Board will
be removed from heat tank together with Rear
Chassis and RCA, Output Connector and Power
P.C.Board as shown in Figure 2.
(2) Remove two screws marked "MM _" and the solders
located two placed as shown in Figure 3.
(3) After removal of two pieces of fuse, remove seven
screws marked" & " and the hooks located at six
places as shown in Figure 4.
(4) After the above procedures are completed, RCA,
Output Connector and Power P.C.Board is ready
to be removed from Rear Chassis together with
the Main P.C.Board.
Figure 3
BOTTOM COVER
REMOTE
P.C.Board
RCA
P.C.Board
OUTPUT CONNECTOR
P.C.Board Figure 2
FUSE
HOOK
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