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

clarion APA2I02
♦ When making connections, be sure that each connection is clean and
secure. Insulate final connections with electrical tape or shrink tubing.
Failure to do so may damage your equipment.
♦ A secure, clean ground connection is critical to the performance of your
Clarion car audio amplifier. Use the shortest ground wire possible to
minimize resistance and avoid noise problems.
♦ Refer to Figure 7 when making electrical connections. Connect the
amplifier’s positive (+) power lead via a fuse directly to the positive (+)
terminal on the battery. Do not connect this wire to the car’s fuse panel.
Use the power cable calculator chart (see Figure 8 on page 12) to
determine the appropriate wire size for the amplifier’s positive (+)
power lead and the same-gauge black-insulated wire for the ground.
Figure 7. Electrical connections for an APA2102 amplifier.
10 ♦ Installation

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
♦ Add an external fuse on the positive (+) power lead and connect it as
close as possible to the vehicle’s (+) battery terminal. Use a rating that
equals the total current consumption at full output of all amplifiers in
the system. Adding an external fuse will protect the electrical system
from short circuits that can cause a fire.
♦ When replacing the amplifier’s fuse, always use one having the same
current rating. Substituting a higher-rated fuse can reduce protection
and may result in serious damage to the amplifier.
♦ Never ground the speakers to the vehicle chassis or body.
♦ Make sure that your vehicle’s electrical system (i.e., alternator, battery,
etc.) is capable of handling the additional load. If you are planning a
multi-amplifier system, you may need to add a second battery and
possibly upgrade the alternator with a higher-output-rated model.
Consult your authorized Clarion dealer for recommendations.
♦ To avoid possible noise problems, run the amplifier’s positive (+)
power lead along one side of the vehicle to the battery. Run the remote
turn-on wire and RCA audio cables down the center, and route the
speaker wires along the remaining side. If wires must cross, run them
perpendicular to each other.
♦ When creating passage holes for the power wire, use grommets to
eliminate any sharp edges created during drilling. This will protect the
wire from being nicked and causing a short circuit.
♦ Extra cable can cause signal loss and act as an “antenna"’ for noise. Use
wily high-quality RCA cables that are no longer than necessary to make
a direct connection with the source unit or equalizer.
♦ Depending on the type of system being installed, refer to the examples
in Figures 4 through 6 (starting on page 6) for information on wiring
and setting the operation mode.
Installation ♦ 7 1

Clarion APA2I02
Power Cable Calculator
Total System
Cable Cable
Cable
Cable
Cable Cable
Cable
Cable
Amperage Draw
O'-4'
4’ - T
r - to 1
10’ -13’
13’ -10'
16’ -19’
19’ - IT
IT - 28’
0 - 20 amperes
14
12
12
10
10 8
8 8
20 - 35 amperes
12
10
8
8
6 6
6 4
35 - 50 amperes
to
8 8
6
6 4 4
4
50 - 65 amperes
8
8
6 4
4 4
4
2
65 - 85 amperes
6
6 4
4
2
2 2
0
85 - 105 amperes
6
6 4
2
2
2 2
0
105- 125 amperes
4
4 4
2
2
0
0
0
125- 150 amperes
2
2
2
2
0 0
0
00
Figure 8. Use this chart to find a copper-wire gauge that will exhibit no
more than a 0.5 volt drop for a desired cable length. If aluminum or
tinned wire is used, select an even larger gauge size to compensate for
material difference. NOTE: Cable-size calculations take into account
terminal connection resistance.
SETTING GAIN
After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the amplifier’s
GAIN control:
1. Turn GAIN and BASS extender controls full left to minimum positions.
2. Turn the vehicle’s ignition switch to the ON position. Then turn on the
source unit Set all tone or equalization controls to “flat” positions and
turn loudness off.
3. Play a CD or tape and set the volume control at 75% of full level.
4. Verify that the POWER indicator on the amplifier comes on.
NOTE: When using an equalizer, set its frequency controls
to"flat.”
5. If appropriate, set the fader control (on the source unit) to feed the
amplifier at full level. Slowly increase the GAIN. Stop when you hear a
slight distortion of audio.
J 2 ♦ Setting Gain

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
USING THE HP/IP FILTER
NOTE: Clarion recommends turning the amplifier off before changing any
switch position to eliminate any possible damage from transient spikes to
the amplifier or speaker system.
1. Depending on your application, slide the FILTER/BASS EXTENDER
switch to HP (high-pass) or LP (low-pass).
NOTE: If your application does not require a high-pass or low-pass filter,
slide the FILTER/BASS EXTENDER switch to BASS and turn the BASS
EXTENDER control full left to 0 dB.
2. Set the FREQ control set to the recommended crossover point from the
speaker manufacturer.
3. Listen to a variety of music styles (Rock, Rap, etc.) and slightly increase
or decrease the FREQ control until the best performance is realized.
USING THE BASS EXTENDER
NOTE: Clarion recommends turning the amplifier off before changing any
switch position to eliminate any possible damage from transient spikes to
the amplifier or speaker system.
1. Slide the FILTER/BASS EXTENDER switch to BASS. Initially set the
FREQ control full right to 200 Hz and turn the BASS EXTENDER
gain control to its middle position (i.e., +6 dB).
2. Listen to a variety of music styles (e.g., Rock, Rap, etc.) and slowly
decrease the FREQ control until no noticeable increase in low bass
response is perceived.
3. Slowly adjust the BASS EXTENDER gain control (up or down) to
realize the best bass response.
CAUTION: Ifyouheara “pop” (due to speaker over-excursion), lower
BASS EXTENDER gain or raise FREQ to prevent speaker damage. If
the system sounds muddy and distorted (due to amplifier clipping),
lower BASS EXTENDER gain to avoid shutdown from overheating or
raise FREQ until clear bass response returns.
Using The HP/LP Filter & Bass Extender ♦ 13

clarion APAZIOZ
FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS
1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit. After a two-second delay,
slowly increase the volume control and listen to the audio. If you hear
any noise, static, distortion, or no sound at all, check the connections,
and also refer to Troubleshooting. Depending on your system, the levels
may be quite loud even at low volume settings. Until you get an “audio
feel” of the system’s power, use care when adjusting controls.
2. Vary the balance control from left to right and listen to the results. Bass
levels should not vary if the amplifier is configured using both L and R
audio inputs.
3. Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces audio
without distortion. If you hear distortion, check the connections and
verify that the GAIN and BASS EXTENDER controls are set correctly.
Another possibility is damaged (or under-powered) speakers. Once
again, refer to Troubleshooting for additional help.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom
Cause
Solution
No audio
Low or no remote
turn-on voltage
Check REMOTE wiring
or add relay circuit if
source unit fuse continues
to blow
Blown amplifier fuse
Replace with new fast-
blow fuse (same rating)
Power wires
not connected
Check BATTERY and
GROUND wiring at
amplifier; check battery
connections
Speaker leads
shorted
Check speaker continuity
to ground; should not
show a common ground
14 ♦ Final System Cheeks/Troubleshooting

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
Symptom
Cause
Solution
No audio
Low or no remote
Check REMOTE wiring
Speakers not
connected or are
blown
Check speaker
connections at amplifier;
measure coil impedance
Audio cycles
on and off
Thermal protection
circuits are shutting
amplifier off
Check location
for adequate ventilation;
consult an authorized
Clarion dealer
Distorted audio
Gain is not set
properly, or damaged
speaker cones
Review Setting Gain
on page 12; inspect each
speaker cone for signs of
damage (e.g., frozen cone,
burning smell, etc.)
Audio lacks punch
Speakers wired
incorrectly, which
causes cancellation
of bass frequencies
Check polarity of wires
from amplifier to each
speaker as defined by the
system design
Amplifier fuse
keeps blowing
Incorrect wiring
or short circuit
Review Installation
on pages 9 ~ 11; check all
wiring connections
Whining or ticking
noise in the audio
with engine on
Amplifier is picking
up alternator noise or
radiated noise
Check power and ground
connections on amplifier,
check or move audio
cables; install an in-line
noise filter on source
unit’s power wire; check
alternator and/or voltage
regulator; test for weak
battery or add water
to battery
Troubleshooting ♦ J5

Clarion APA2102
EVERYONE WANTS "MORE BASS"
In the car audio environment, subsonic bass information (often called
“thump”) requires three sizable components:
1. Speaker Piston Area (the size of the moving surface)
2. Cone Excursion (the amount of surface travel)
3. Power (the ability to move the surface)
In a home, bass is easily propagated (i.e., reproduce one complete cycle of
an audio signal), whereas in a small vehicle, “air pressure” must be
modulated to simulate propagation of the bass wave. Speaker piston area
and cone excursion become the critical factors in producing low-
frequency response.
As a general rule of thumb, remember that the smaller the speaker, the
greater the mechanical cone travel required to produce low bass. The
larger the speaker, the shorter the mechanical cone travel required to
produce the same bass response.
A single subwoofer can only produce as much “pressure” as the piston area
and the amount of mechanical cone excursion allow. Throwing more
power on a single subwoofer may not be the best answer to more bass
response. Adding multiple subwoofers to an audio system is often more
economical than adding sheer brute amplifier power.
The best answer may be a combination of factors, including laiger
speakers, multiple drivers, and bigger amplifiers. This may require
modification of the car’s electrical system, or special installation skills
necessary to design and install multiple subwoofer speaker systems. Just
how much bass is enough?
Everyone wants “more BASS” in the car audio environment. If this is
your goal, we suggest visiting your local authorized Clarion dealer for
professional system designs and installation options.
16 ♦ Everyone Wants "More Bass"

OPERATION/INSTALLATION MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
APA2 102 2-Channel Power Amplifier
Maximum Power Output:
Continuous Average Power Output:
Frequency Response (± 1 dB):
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-wtd):
Input Sensitivity (at rated output):
Current Use (at rated output):
Speaker Load Capacity:
Dimensions (W x H x L):
150 watts (75 watts x 2)
50 watts x 2 into 4 ohms;
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.04% THD
75 watts x 2 into 2 ohms (typical);
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.4% THD
125 watts x 1 into 4 ohms;
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.4% THD
10 Hz to 50 kHz
100 dB or better
Low-Level (RCA): 200 mV to 5 V
Speaker-Level: 400 mV to 10 V
14 amps
4 ohms
9Vl6" X l 7 /8" X 8 15 /16”
230 mm x 47.5 mm x 226 mm
APA2I02 Speaker-Level Wire Codes
Specifications ♦ 17