Clarion APA4400G User manual

1997/1 (T.K) 280-6831-00
APA4400G 100W x 4 channel power amplifier
APA4200G ®0W X 4 channel power amplifier installation manual
1 . INTRODUCTION
Built-in Strong Power Supply
A stable power is supplied even at the instant change of signals through lowering
impedance achieved thoroughly by the adoption of PWM DC-DC converter support
ed by high performance and low loss power MOS-FET, a group of parts with large
capacities, low impedance capacitors and toroidal coils and by the further adoption
of thick foil substrate (*bus bar), etc. (*APA4400G)
Design emphasizing sound quality
Adopting a low-noise, high slew rate operational amplifier, power amplification ele¬
ment with good current linearity, and throug-relays that pass complicated signal
lines, this unit has been designed with much consideration of sound quality^
Diversified Functions
The preoutput terminal for external amplifier expansion, high-pass/low-pass filter
that varies the cut-off frequency from 50 Hz to 200 Hz, and etc., allows full-scale
system grade-up of a multi-amplifier, multi-speaker.
Power Guard Circuit
When the amp is in overdrive, this circuit detects any distorsion and automatically
holds down the input gain to prevent unpleasant clipping distortion. The power
guard circuit can be switched on/off with the selector switch.
High definition: power guard on
High current: power guard off
~2. DESCRIPTION
The Clarion ARA4400G/APA4200G car audio amplifier (shown in Figure 1) is a 4
channel amplifier that delivers 100 watt x 4 or 50 watt x 4 (RMS), respectively, into
a 4 ohm load. Depending on your application, one or more 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-tvoe fuses that are easy
to replace.
* The power guard circuit is patented by the McIntosh Laboratories of the U.S.A.
Built-in Protection Circuit
This circuit protects against damage to the amplifier from overcurrent and overheat
caused by an excessive power voltage and short-circuit when overloading.
A channel mode selector switch provides the following high output (rated):
APA4400G APA4200G
• 4-channel mode ... 100W x 4 • 4-channel mode ... 50W x 4
* 3-channel mode... 70W x 2 + 260W x 1 • 3-channel mode ... 35W x 2 + 110W x t
• 2-channel mode ... 200W x 2 • 2-channel mode ... 100W x 2
Protection Circuit
A protection circuit is used to constantly protect against damage to the amplifier
from loads, short-circuits, overcurrents, overheating, etc.
Low-heat Design
Reduced power supply circuit heat loss and a large fan (APA4400G) with a high
cooling efficiency structure reduce the heat generated during operation.
clarion

Amplifier Controls and Power Indicator Connections
INPUT 1 CH1.CH 2
RCA input jacks I
INPUT 2 CH 3, CH 4
I RCA input jacks
PREOUT--
RCA output jacks _
When connecting another amplifier, input the signals
to the extra amplifier from these jacks.
L: Outputs the Lch signal {CH 1+CH 3) of INPUT 1,2
R: Outputs the Rch signal (CH 2+CH 4) of INPUT 1, 2
Bass extender selector switch CH 3, CH 4
Turns the bass extender on and off.
Bass extender selector switch CH 1, CH 2
Turns the bass extender on and off.
^-Bass extender gain control
With the bass extender ON, extends a frequency of about 50Hz,
The extending volume can be adjusted between
+1dB and +12dB.
Figure 2 Front Panel Layout of the Clarion APA4400G/APA4200G 4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
Power terminals
BATTERY
GROUND
REMOTE
Automotive type fuses
30Ax2
- OUTPUT 1 CH1.CH2
Speaker output terminals
Figure 3 Rear Panel Layout of the Clarion APA4400G 4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
OUTPUT 2 CH 3, CH 4
Speaker output terminals
| Automotive type fuses
30A
Figure 4 Rear Panel Layout of the Clarion APA4200G
4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier
Channel mode selector switch (CH 3/4)
Switches between STEREO and MONO.
Switches the speaker output terminals of
OUTPUT 2 CH 3, CH 4.
HIGH CURRENT Indicator _
Lights when the power guard circuit is turned off.
Power guard selector switch
Switches between HIGH DEFINITION (Power guard ON)
and HIGH CURRENT (Power guard OFF).
HIG H DEFINITION indicator ___
Lights when the power guard circuit is turned on.
(The power guard function is activated.)
Filter frequency control CH 3/4 -
Filter frequency control CH 1/2 -
Adjust the filter frequency ranging
from 50 Hz to 200 Hz.
| Power Indicator _
This indicator lights when the
power is turned on to the source
unit.
-Filter CH 3/4 selector switch
— Filter CH 1/2 selector switch _
Switch between HP<=C>LP<5=t>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.
_ Channel mode selector switch (CH 1/2)
_ Switches the speaker output terminals of
OUTPUT 1 CH 1, CH2.
- Gain control CH 1/2
- Gain control CH 3/4 _
• 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 and CH 3/4 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 and CH 3/4 to an excessive level position.
• The gain control CH 1/2 is for adjusting the INPUT CH 1, CH 2 input.
• The gain control CH 3/4 is for adjusting the INPUT CH 3, CH 4 input.
Figure 5 Upper Panel Layout of the Clarion APA44Q0G/APA4200G 4-Channel Car Audio Amplifier

4. CONNECTIONS
1. The rear panel of the APA4400G/APA4200G holds the external fuse as well as
connections for power, speakers, as shown in Figure 3.
2. On the APA4400G/APA4200G, the gold-plated power terminals are labeled (left
to right) as REMOTE (remote turn-on), GROUND and BATTERY.
3. The speaker terminals are also gold-plated.
4. The INPUT and PREOUT connectors on the APA4400G/APA4200G are gold-
plated RCA jacks, marked [L] for the Left channel and [R] for the Right channel.
Figure 6 Overall Connections
The Clarion APA4400G/APA4200G 4-channel car audio amplifier can be used in a
variety of system applications. We have presented connection examples for an
audio system that will help you design your own audio system.
Note:
Before switching the channel mode and low-pass filter selector switches, turn the
power of the source unit off.
4-Channel Mode
3-Channel Mode
Subwoofer
• Set the filter selector switch and the channel mode selector switch.
Note: When setting these selector switches, be sure to turn off the power
of the source unit.
'? F'.TSB
OP
* Use the LP position to connect
r -— 1 1 '—-i
- HP J**
the subwoofer speakers.
QA(N 1.av MODE
JB1L
• Set the channel mode selector
MIN5V * V - / * 02V,l * lt STWEO^MORO
switch to the MONO position.
POWER POWER GUARD
o oJJLo
HWMOeFINfTtON HK3H CURRENT
CHANNEL 4
CHANNEL 3
Figure 8 3-Channel Mode

2-Channel Mode
• 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.
Connecting the PREOUT RCA Output Jacks
Figure 10 Connecting The PREOUT RCA Output Jacks
When connecting another amplifier, input the signals to the extra amplifier’s
INPUT RCA jacks from the APA4400G/APA4200G's PREOUT RCA output
jacks.
The signals from the APA4400G/APA4200G’s INPUT 1 jacks are output from
these jacks.
Figure 9 2-Channel Mode

INSTALLATION
The section lists mounting and wiring precautions for installing the Clarion
APA4400G/APA4200G car audio amplifier Combined with the experience of a pro¬
fessional installer, these safeguards are sufficiently detailed to successfully com¬
plete installation. If you do not have the necessary skills, do not install the amplifier
yourself. Instead, see your authorized Clarion dealer for installation recommenda¬
tions.
Mounting Precautions
Although this Clarion amplifier incorporates a large heat sink and multi level protec¬
tion 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 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 amplifier using screws other than those supplied may lead to mal¬
functioning of the unit.
2. When you mount the amplifier, be careful not to damage the wiring in your car
with tools or parts such as tapping screws.
Installation procedure
1. Open six holes (o3.5 mm) to mount the unit.
2. Use the six tapping screws (5 x 30) to secure the unit. (APA4400G)
[For fixing the APA4200G, use the four tapping screw (5 x 30).]
3. When mounting the unit on a plastic plate or carpet, use the plate nuts.
Figure 11 Installation Procedure
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 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 12 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 the yellow-insulated
8 gauge (for APA4400G) or 10 gauge (for APA4200G) (or longer) 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 of the APA4400G
and the APA4200G, and for the power source terminal of the APA4200G. (The ter¬
minal screw has been designed not to come off.)
• When replacing an amplifier’s 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.
• 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 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 causes signal loss and acts 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
4 through 9 for information on wiring and setting the operation mode.
Figure 12 Electrical Connections for the APA4400G/APA4200G Car Audio Amniifiar

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.
3. Increase the volume and verify that the APA4400G/APA4200G amplifier repro¬
duces 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.
2. Adjust the balance control from left to right and listen to the results. Audio imag¬
ing should match control settings.
“ 8 . TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom
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
Distorted sound
Whining or ticking noise in the
sound with engine on
Thermal protection circuits are shutting amplifier off. Check location for adequate ventilation; consult an authorized Clarion dealer.
Gain control is not set properly, or damaged speaker Adjust gain control; check each speaker cone for signs of damage (e.g., frozen
cones cone, burning smell, etc.).
Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated Check power and ground connections on amplifier; check or move audio
noise 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.
. SPECIFICATIONS
APA4400G
Maximum Output: 175W x 4
Rated Output: 100W x 4 (4-channel mode)
(20Hz ~ 20kHz, 0.02%, 4ft, with 4-channel
simultaneous output)
70W x2 + 260W X 1 (3-channel mode)
200W x 2 (2-channel mode)
Frequency Response : 10 ~ 50,000Hz
Harmonic Distortion : 0.02% (20Hz - 20kHz, 4-channel mode, 100W x 4
simultaneous output)
S/N Ratio: 118dB
Applicable Speaker lmpedance:4ft (2ft ~ 8ft, channel mode: Stereo)
Input Sensitivity : 200mV - 5,000mV
Low-Pass Filter/High-Pass
Filter Cut-off Frequency : 50Hz - 200Hz, (-24dB/oct)
Bass Extender: +1dB ~ +12dB (at 50 Hz)
Power Source Voltage : 14.4V
Ground: Negative
Power Consumption : 56A (with 100W x 4 rated output)
1.8A (amplifier ON, no input)
Auto-fuse capacity : 30A x 2
External dimensions : 14-1/2”(367mm) Width x 2-3/4”(70mm) Height x
13-3/4”(350mm) Depht
Weight: 15.43 lb. (7 kg)
APA4200G
Maximum Output: 90W x 4
Rated Output: 50W x 4 (4-channel mode)
(20Hz ~ 20kHz, 0.02%, 4ft, with 4-channel
simultaneous output)
35W x 2 + 110W x 1 (3-channel mode)
100W x 2 (2-channel mode)
Frequency Response : 10 ~ 50,000Hz
Harmonic Distortion : 0.02% (20Hz - 20kHz, 4-channel mode, 50W x 4
simultaneous output)
S/N Ratio: 115dB
Applicable Speaker Impedance:4ft (2ft ~ 8ft, channel mode: Stereo)
Input Sensitivity : 200mV ~ 5,000mV
Low-Pass Filter/High-Pass
Filter Cut-off Frequency : 50Hz - 200Hz, (-24dB/oct)
Bass Extender: +1dB ~ +12dB (at 50 Hz)
Power Source Voltage : 14.4V
Ground: Negative
Power Consumption : 28A (with SOW x 4 rated output)
1.1 A (amplifier ON, no input)
Auto-fuse capacity : 30A x 1
External dimensions : 14-1/2”(367mm) Width x 2-3/4"(70mm) Height x
12-1/4"(310mm) Depht
Weight: 11.9 lb. (5.4 kg)
* For improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject to change with- * For improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject to change with¬
out prior notice. out prior notice.