Clarion apa2102 User manual

CAR AUDIO
AMPLIFIER
OPERATION
INSTALLATION
MANUAL

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Clarion APA2102 2-channel car audio
amplifier. You’ve selected an amplifier that is one of the finest available on
the market today. The APA2102 puts out 50 watts of continuous power
into a 4-ohm load and delivers 75 watts (typical) into a 2-ohm load. It also
comes with the following features:
♦ Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal-to-
noise performance
♦ Advanced circuit design features bridgeable and mixed-mode
operation for use in various systems, including those with satellite
speakers and/or subwoofers
♦ Variable high-pass/low-pass electronic crossover with an 12 dB per
octave slope and full adjustment range (from 50 to 200 Hz) to aid in
audio system design
♦ Variable bass extender circuit to reinforce low frequency signals that
may be lost due to box design
♦ Ground loop isolation inputs with adjustable input level controls to
accept a wide range of input signals
♦ Remote turn-on with “soft-start” muting to prevent turn-on “thump”
♦ Regulated MOSFET power supply with low AM RFI and protection
circuits for overheating and speaker shorts
♦ 2-ohm load capability to drive a variety of speaker systems
♦ Gold-plated input/output connectors and an external automotive-type fuse
♦ Aluminum heat sink for efficient dissipation of heat
♦ Low profile, compact size for space-limited installations
In order to start enjoying your new Clarion APA2102 2-channel car audio
amplifier as soon as possible, please read the remaining pages to plan your
installation. When you’re finished, fill out and send in the enclosed
warranty card to protect your purchase and to aid us in any service-related
questions. Also, save your original bill of sale as a proof of purchase.
Introduction ♦ 1

clarion APA2102
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description . 3
Amplifier Inputs/Controls/Power Indicator... .4
Connections for Speakers/Power .....5
Applications . 6
Bridged-Mono Subwoofer System . 6
2-Channel Full-Range/Satellite/Subwoofer System.,..7
Mixed-Mode Satellite/Subwoofer System .. 8
Installation . 9
Mounting Precautions ............................................9
Wiring Precautions.... . . ..........................................9
Setting Gain........................................................ 12
Using The HP/LP Filter - 1 3
Using The Bass Extender 13
Final System Checks . J 4
Troubleshooting . J 4
Everyone Wants "More Bass" ......................16
Specifications .. .................................................... 17
2 ♦ Table Of Contents

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
DESCRIPTION
The Clarion APA2102 2-channel car audio amplifier (shown in Figure 1)
provides 50 watts of rms power into a 4-ohm load and 75 watts (typical) into
a 2-ohm load. This full-featured model is an excellent choice for configuring
a variety of car audio sound systems.
Figure 1. Clarion APA2102 2<hannel car audio amplifier.
The APA2102 uses a regulated MOSFET power supply for superior control
of output wattage, regardless of input voltage or musical energy content.
MOSFETs are chosen for their inherent characteristics to provide superior
accuracy, stability, and control. A toroid-coil transformer yields maximum
power transfer with minimum heat loss. Careful attention to circuit design
keeps AM RFI at low levels, so you won’t hear unwanted noise when the
level is cranked up. Protection circuits safeguard the amplifier when
overheating and speaker shorts or improper load conditions occur.
All connections and controls are on end panels and are straightforward and
easy to understand. We use gold-plated RCA and barrier connectors to
ensure the best electrical connection for your system. Included is an
external automotive-type fuse that is easy to replace.
Description ♦ 3

clarion APAZ102
Amplifier Inputs/Controls/Power Indicator
The APA2102’s front panel (see Figure 2) has dual speaker-level input
connections, dual-RCA input jacks, a GAIN control for input level
adjustment, BASS EXTENDER, a FREQ control for selecting crossover
filter frequencies, a FILTER/BASS EXTENDER switch, a MODE switch
for STEREO or MONO, and POWER indicator.
Low-Level/Speaker-Level Inputs
The APA2102’s gold-plated RCA input jacks, labeled CH1 (L) and CH 2 (R),
provide connections for a low-level stereo source. In addition, speaker-level
connections are provided for installations where the source unit’s RCA outputs
are unavailable (see Specifications on page 17 for wire codes).
Gain Control
The GAIN control allows you to set the nominal operating level of the
amplifier. The amplifier’s wide range, 200 mV to 5 V for RCA inputs or
400 mV to 10 V for speaker-level inputs, can accommodate input levels
from virtually any brand of source unit.
Bass Extender Control
The APA2102 features a “low-Q” (i.e., wide frequency band) BASS
EXTENDER circuit, which is activated by sliding the FILTER/BASS
EXTENDER switch to BASS. It acts much like an equalizer, so you can
adjust gain from 0 to +12 dB at any frequency between 50 and 200 Hz
(using the FREQ control). Use this feature to precisely tune low-frequency
audio response to compensate for a less-than-ideal subwoofer enclosure
design. TTie added boost produces rich, full bass tones that are normally
difficult to reproduce in the car audio environment.
4 ♦ Description

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
High-Pass/Low-Pass Filter Controls
The APA2102 has a 12 dB per octave electronic filter for precise frequency
attenuation with minimal phase distortion. The steep crossover slope keeps
midrange tones out of the subwoofer and thereby eliminates an unnatural
“nasal” tone quality in the audio system. The filter is activated by sliding
the FILTER/BASS EXTENDER switch to either HP or LP. It is fully
adjustable between 50 and 200 Hz (via the FREQ control) for a wide range
of crossover points. Use this feature, along with your speaker
manufacturer’s recommended crossover frequencies, to quickly design a
more advanced system (see Applications starting on page 6).
Stereo/Mono Mode Switch
The MODE switch provides selection of stereo or mono operation.
Connections for Speakers/Power
The APA21Q2’s rear panel (see Figure 3) contains speaker and power
connections and an external fuse.
Speaker Connections
The speaker terminals are gold-plated with polarity markings for CH 1,
CH 2, and MONO speaker connections.
Power Connections
The power connections are also gold-plated and are labeled REMOTE (for
remote turn-on via source unit), GROUND, and BATTERY (+12 Vdc). An
automotive-type 25 A fuse protects the amplifier circuit.
Description ♦ 5

Clarion APA2102
APPLICATIONS
The Clarion APA2102 2-channel car audio amplifier can be used in a
variety of system applications. Here are three examples to help plan your
own installation (see Figures 4 through 6).
Bridged-Mono Subwoofer System
4-ohm Load - 125 Watts (rms)
(Use CH 2 input and set MODE switch to MONO)
Subwoofer (4 ohms)
Figure 4. In this application, an APA2102 is bridged for mono operation
to drive a subwoofer with 125 watts of continuous average power.
6 ♦ Applications

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
2-Channel Full-Range, Satellite, or
Subwoofer Stereo System
4-ohm Load - 50 Watts (rms) per channel
(Set MODE switch to STEREO)
Figure 5. In this application, an APA2102 is used as a 2<hannel amplifier that
drives two full-range (or satellite or subwoofer) speakers at 50 watts per
channel into a 4ohm load. NOTE: A passive crossover must be used with
satellite speakers.
Applications ♦ 7

elation APAZ102
Mixed-Mode Satellite And
Subwoofer System
(Set MODE switch to STEREO)
Figure 6. An APA2102 can be configured for mixed-mode operation .
The table provides component values to create a 6 dB/octave crossover
at specified frequencies. Use components that have a + 5% tolerance
and capacitors rated at 100V.
NOTE: Choose the same frequency for both high- and low-pass
crossovers. Do not overlap frequencies, as this may cause low
impedances that may damage the amplifier.
8 ♦ Applications

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
INSTALLATION
This section lists mounting and wiring precautions for installing a Clarion
APA2102 2-channel car audio amplifier. Combined with the experience of
a professional installer, these safeguards provide enough detail to
successfully complete an installation. If you do not have the necessary
skills, do not install the amplifier yourself. Instead, see your authorized
Clarion dealer for installation recommendations.
Mounting Precautions
Although the Clarion APA2102 2-channel car audio amplifier incorporates
electronic protection circuits, mounting any amplifier in a confined space
without any air movement can still damage internal circuits over time.
Choose a site that provides adequate ventilation around the amplifier. For
easy system set-up, mount the amplifier so the controls and fuse will be
accessible after installation.
In addition, observe these precautions:
♦ For the most efficient cooling, mount the amplifier so cool air runs
along the length of the heatsink, rather than across it. Remember, any
moving air across the heatsink surface will dissipate heat.
♦ Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface inside the vehicle. Do not install
the amplifier on plastic or other combustible materials.
♦ Prior to drilling, make sure proposed mounting holes will not cut into
the fuel tank, fuel lines, brake lines (under chassis), or electrical wiring.
Wiring Precautions
♦ Read all wiring precautions. If you are not sure of the connections,
contact your authorized Clarion dealer.
♦ Before installation, make sure the source unit power switch is in the
OFF position.
♦ Disconnect the negative (-) lead at the battery before making any
power connections.
Installation ♦ 9