Clarion APA2I50G Specification sheet

1997/1 (T.K) 280-6832-00
clarion
APA2I50G
75W x 2 channel power amplifier
OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
1 . INTRODUCTION
Powerful power supply circuit built in
The thorough-going circuit configuration uses low-loss power MOS FETs in the
high-efficiency PWM DC-DC converter, high-capacity low-impedance capacitors,
the large toroidal choke coil, and the copper foil dual-side printed circuit board, so
the powerful built-in power supply circuit provides stable power with margin to han¬
dle even instantaneous signal changes. The transistor is a low magnetic flux leak¬
age high-capacity El core type transistor. Furthermore, the ripple elimination pri¬
mary side choke coil directly linked to the battery and the DC-DC converter sec¬
ondary side choke coil are fastened to a pedestal with auxiliary pins to improve the
ability to withstand vibration.
Wealth of functions with superior operability
There is a gain control with a wide range of input sensitivity and a stereo/monaural
select switch. High-pass/low-pass filter circuits with continually varying cutoff fre¬
quencies are built in. Also, since all these operations are centralized on the top
surface of the heat sink, operation after installation is easy. Furthermore, since a
bass boost function to emphasize the bass region is built in, this device can also be
used as a bass amplification amplifier.
Power guard circuit
The amp has a built-in power guard function to hold down the gain during overdrive
and prevent unpleasant clipping distortion.
" 2 . DESCRIPTION
Built-In protective circuits
These circuits prevent damage to the amp or speakers due to any abnormality such
as excess power supply voltage, speaker terminal shorts, or high temperature.
Design emphasizing sound quality
Extremely high-reliability parts have been used for even the smallest parts, includ¬
ing high through rate low noise op-amps, output-stage transistors with superior cur¬
rent linearity, and sealed relays for switching signals to bypass complex signal lines
when filters are off. This avoids all compromise and thoroughly pursues simple and
straight signal lines to make possible stable speaker driving across a broad band
with more faithful expression of the sound source. Also, each terminal group is
equipped with gold-plated input/output terminals that transmit signals reliably and
provide high reliability.
Newly designed heat sink
The main heat sink is a new design with a sleek structure. To avoid heat dispersion
fins on the surface, a tunnel-shaped heat sink is placed at the center of the printed
circuit board and powerfully cooled with an electric fan. Furthermore, the heat dis¬
persion efficiency has been greatly improved by making the air flow pathway
straight. Also, the audio section and power supply section are shielded to eliminate
interference between blocks.
The Clarion APA2150G car audio amplifier (shown in Figure 1) is a 2-channel
amplifier that delivers 75 watt (RMS), into 2 channels or 200 watt into 1 channel.
Depending on your application, this amplifiers is an excellent choice for customizing
your own car audio system.
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 con¬
nection for your system. Included are external automotive-type fuses that are easy
to replace.
3 - Amplifier Controls and Power Indicator Connections
INPUT
Turns the bass extender on and off.
The boosting volume can be adjusted between
+tdB and +12dB.
Figure 2 Front Panel Layout

Channel mode selector switch _
Switches between STEREO and MONO.
HIGH CURRENT Indicator _
Lights when the power guard circuit is turned off.
Power guard selector switch _
Switches between HIGhTdEFINITION (Power guard ON)
and HIGH CURRENT (Power guard OFF).
HIGH DEFINITION Indicator _
Lights when the power guard circuit is turned on.
(The power guard function is activated.)
Filter selector switch _
Switch between HP<3=>LP<=0 OFF.
HP : Outputs only sound from which low frequecies are cut.
(Adjust with the filter frequency adjustment volume ranging from
50Hz to 200 Hz.
LP : Outputs only sound from which high frequecies are cut.
(Adjust with the filter frequency adjustment volume ranging from
50Hz to 200 Hz.
OFF: Outputs sound of all bands.
Power indicator
This indicator lights when the
power is turned on to the main
unit.
Filter frequency control volume
Adjust the filter frequency ranging
from 50 Hz to 200 Hz.
Gain control volume _
• These selector switches can adjust amp output level. Use them to adjust
the balance of the front and rear speakers or to emphasize the low
frequencies.
• To protect the speaker, the gain controls CH 1/2 was set to the
MIN position when shipped from factory. On completion of the audio system
installation and wire connections, rotate them clockwise to increase output
level.
• When making a connection with a speaker of low input, be careful not to set
the gain control CH 1/2 to an excessive level position.
Figure 4 Upper Panel Layout
4 . CONNECTIONS
1. The RCA input jacks are on the front panel, and on the rear panel are the power 3. The speaker terminals are also gold-plated,
terminals, auto motive type fuses and speaker output terminals.
4. The INPUT and OUTPUT connectors on the APA2150G are gold-plated RCA
2. On the APA2150G, the gold-plated power terminals are labeled (left to right) as jacks, marked [L] for the Left channel and [R] for the Right channel.
REMOTE (remote turn-on), GROUND and BATTERY.
“ 5 . APPLICATIONS
APA2150G
Figure 5 Overall Connections

Source unit
• Set the filter selector switch and the channel mode selector switch.
Note: When setting these selectors switches, be sure to turn off the power
of the source unit.
Figure 6 Stereo mode
Source unit
• Set the filter selector switch and the channel mode selector switch.
Note: When setting these selectors switches, be sure to turn off the power
of the source unit.
Figure 7 Mono mode (when using subwoofer)

6 . INSTALLATION
The section lists mounting and wiring precautions for installing the Clarion
APA2150G car audio amplifier. Combined with the experience of a professional
installer, these safeguards are sufficiently detailed to successfully complete installa¬
tion. 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 this Clarion amplifier incorporates a large heat sink and protection cir¬
cuits, 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 fins rather than across them. Remember, any moving air will dissi¬
pate heat.
• Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or
other combustible material.
• Prior to drilling, make sure proposed mounting holes will not cut into the fuel tank,
fuel lines, brake lines (under chassis), or electrical wiring.
Cautions on installation
1. Be sure to use the screws supplied with this amplifier to install it in your car.
Mounting the machine using screws other than those supplied may lead to mal¬
functioning of the unit.
2. When you mount the machine, be careful not to damage the wiring in your car
with tools or parts such as tapping screws.
Installation procedure
1. Open four holes (o3.5 mm) to mount the unit.
2. Use the four tapping screws (5 x 30) to secure the unit.
3. W hen mounting the unit on a plastic plate or carpet, use the plate nuts.
Wiring Precautions
• Read all wiring precautions. If you are not sure of the connections, contact your
authorized Clarion dealer.
• Before installation, make sure the head unit power switch is turned OFF.
• Disconnect the negative (-) lead at the battery before making any power connec¬
tions.
• 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.
• 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 cur¬
rent 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 fire.
• Refer to Figure 9 when making electrical connections. Connect the amplifier’s
positive (+) power lead via a fuse directly to the positive (+) terminal on the car
battery. Do not connect this wire to the car’s fuse panel. Use yellow-insulated 10-
gauge (or larger) wire for the amplifier’s positive {+) power lead and the same
gauge black insulated wire for the ground.
• A ring terminal cannot be used for the speaker output terminal and the power
source terminal. (The terminal screw has been designed not to come off.)
• When replacing the amplifies!? fuse, always use one having the same current rat¬
ing. Substituting with 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 to install a multi-ampli¬
fier system, you may need to add a second battery and possibly upgrade the
alternator with a higher-output-rated model. Consult your Clarion dealer for rec¬
ommendations.
-• T o.avoidLpossihla noise problems, r un t he amplifier's positive. (+) power lead along,
one side of the vehicle to the battery,. Run the remote turn-on wire and RCA
audio cable down the center, and route the speaker wires along the remaining
side. If wires must cross, run the 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 cause signal loss and act as an “antenna" for noise. Use only 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
5 through 7 for information on wiring and setting the operation mode.
Figure 8 Installation Procedure
Figure 9 Electrical Connections

7
. FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS
1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit. After a short two-second delay,
slowly raise the volume and listen to the sound. If you hear any noise, static,
distortion, or no sound at all, check the connections, and also refer to the
‘Troubleshooting” section. Depending on your system design, the levels may
become quite loud even a low volume control settings. Until you get a “feel” of
the power of the system, use care when adjusting the controls.
2. Adjust the balance control from left to right and listen to the results. Audio imag¬
ing should match control settings.
8 . TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Cause Solution
No audio
Low or no remote turn-on voltage
Blown fuse
Power wires not connected
Speakers not connected or blown
Check remote connections at amplifier and source unit.
Replace with new fast-blow fuse (same rating).
Check power and ground connections at amplifier; check battery connections.
Check speaker connectors 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 sound
Gain control is not set properly, or damaged speaker
cones
Adjust gain control; check each speaker cone for signs of damage (e.g., frozen
cone, burning smell, etc.).
Whining or ticking noise in the
sound 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.
9 . SPECIFICATIONS
3. I n crease the volume and verify that the APA2150G amplifier reproduces audio
without distortion at all frequencies. If you hear distortion, check the connections
and verify that the gain controls are set correctly. Another possibility is damaged
(or under-powered) speakers. Once again, refer to the “Troubleshooting” section
for additional help.
Maximum Output:
Rated Output Power:
Frequency Response:
Harmonic Distortion:
1 SOW x 2 (2-channel mode)
75W x 2 (2-channel mode)
(20Hz - 20kHz, 0.02%, 4fl, with 2-channel
simultaneous output)
100W x 2 (20Hz ~ 20kHz, 0.02%, 2Q)
200W x 1 (1-channel mode)
10 - 50,000Hz
0.02% (20Hz - 20kHz, 2-channel mode, 75W x 2
simultaneous output)
S/N Ratio: 117dB
Applicable Speaker lmpedance:4Q ( 2£1 ~ 8£2, channel mode: Stereo)
Input Sensitivity:
Low-Pass Filter/High-Pass
Filter Cut-off Frequency:
Bass Extender:
Power Source Voltage:
Ground:
Power Consumption:
Auto-fuse capacity:
External dimensions:
Weight:
200mV ~ 5,000mV
50Hz ~ 200Hz (-24dB/oct)
+1dB~+12dB (at 50 Hz)
14.4V
Negative
22A (with 75W x 2 rated output)
1.0A (amplifier ON, no input)
30A x 1
14-1/2”(367mm) Width x 2-3/4”(70mm) Height x 8-5/8”(220mm) Depht
3.9 kg (137oz)
8 ?
o ■
■ 2 -3/4".
(70 mm)
75«5
APA2I50G
5-1/2"(14c| mm)
8-5/8 M (220 mm)
* For improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject to change without prior notice.