Clarion APX2180 User manual

Thank you for purchasing this Clarion product.
•Please read this owner's manual in its entirety before operating this equipment.
•After reading this manual, keep it handy, such as in your glove compartment.
•Save your sales receipt. The warranty at the end of this manual and your sales
receipt are essential for warranty service.
FCC Aep_ro_v_a_1 _
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in aresidential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in aparticular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to consult the dealer or an experienced
radiolTV technician for help.
2APX/OPX Amplifiers
Thank you for purchasing this Clarion product.
•Please read this owner's manual in its entirety before operating this equipment.
•After reading this manual, keep it handy, such as in your glove compartment.
•Save your sales receipt. The warranty at the end of this manual and your sales
receipt are essential for warranty service.
FCC Aep_ro_v_a_1 _
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in aresidential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in aparticular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to consult the dealer or an experienced
radiolTV technician for help.
2APX/OPX Amplifiers

Contents
1. FEATURES 4
2. PRECAUTIONS 5
Installation 5
3. CONTROLS 6
4. OPERATIONS 8
Setting input voltage 8
Setting the operating level 8
Improving bass sound 8
Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers 9
Connecting directly to ahead unit 9
Care and maintenance 9
5. INSTALLATION ANDWIRING 10
What is included in the box 10
Mounting precautions 10
Wiring precautions 11
Power and speaker connections 13
Applications 15
DPX1800 and DPX11500 stackable configurations 19
Setting the gain 19
Adjusting the crossover 20
Setting the bass boost 20
Final system checks 20
6. TROUBLESHOOTING 21
Indicator lights 21
No audio 21
Amplifier shuts down after playing for aperiod of time 22
Distorted audio 22
Amplifier fuse keeps blowing 22
Whining noise when engine on 22
Ticking noise when engine on 23
7. GLOSSARY 23
8. SPECIFICATIONS 24
APX Amplifiers 24
DPX Amplifiers 25
9. LIMITEDWARRANTY INFORMATION 26
APXlDPX Amplifiers 3
Contents
1. FEATURES 4
2. PRECAUTIONS 5
Installation 5
3. CONTROLS 6
4. OPERATIONS 8
Setting input voltage 8
Setting the operating level 8
Improving bass sound 8
Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers 9
Connecting directly to ahead unit 9
Care and maintenance 9
5. INSTALLATION ANDWIRING 10
What is included in the box 10
Mounting precautions 10
Wiring precautions 11
Power and speaker connections 13
Applications 15
DPX1800 and DPX11500 stackable configurations 19
Setting the gain 19
Adjusting the crossover 20
Setting the bass boost 20
Final system checks 20
6. TROUBLESHOOTING 21
Indicator lights 21
No audio 21
Amplifier shuts down after playing for aperiod of time 22
Distorted audio 22
Amplifier fuse keeps blowing 22
Whining noise when engine on 22
Ticking noise when engine on 23
7. GLOSSARY 23
8. SPECIFICATIONS 24
APX Amplifiers 24
DPX Amplifiers 25
9. LIMITEDWARRANTY INFORMATION 26
APXlDPX Amplifiers 3

The Clarion APX2180, APX4360, DPX2250, DPX1800 and DPX11500 amplifiers fit a
variety of system configurations and provide these features:
.IVS -Input Voltage Selector with three sensitivity ranges on the gain control for the
ability to connect to almost any source
•PFS -Precise Frequency Selector, adetented crossover frequency adjustment
•Ground loop isolation for RCA inputs
•Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal-to-noise
performance
•Advanced circuitry design provides bridgeable outputs for use
in avariety of
applications
•Independent electronic crossovers to aid
in audio system design
The DPX1800 and DPX11500 each have 24dB per octave slope and full adjust-
ment range from 30Hz to 250Hz.
The APX2180, APX4360, and DPX2250 each have 12dB per octave slope and full
adjustment range from 50Hz to 550Hz.
•Bass boost circuit
on APX series amps to reinforce low frequency signals
•Remote turn-on with "soft start" muting to prevent turn-on "thump"
•Protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts
•APX2180, APX4360 and DPX2250 are
2-0hm load capable of driVing avariety of
speaker systems
•DPX1800 and DPX11500 are
1-0hm load capable to drive avariety of subwoofers
•Gold-plated input/output connectors and on-board automotive-type fuses
•Aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation
•Low profile, compact footprint to accommodate space limitations
•SLI -Speaker Level Inputs
on amps for integration with factory sound systems
•SSF -Adjustable subsonic filter
on the DPX1800 and DPX11500 can be turned
down to 10Hz
•Automatic load-sensing circuit (full power into 1or 2Ohms)
on the DPX1800 and
DPX11500
4APX/DPX Amplifiers
The Clarion APX2180, APX4360, DPX2250, DPX1800 and DPX11500 amplifiers fit a
variety of system configurations and provide these features:
.IVS -Input Voltage Selector with three sensitivity ranges on the gain control for the
ability to connect to almost any source
•PFS -Precise Frequency Selector, adetented crossover frequency adjustment
•Ground loop isolation for RCA inputs
•Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal-to-noise
performance
•Advanced circuitry design provides bridgeable outputs for use
in avariety of
applications
•Independent electronic crossovers to aid
in audio system design
The DPX1800 and DPX11500 each have 24dB per octave slope and full adjust-
ment range from 30Hz to 250Hz.
The APX2180, APX4360, and DPX2250 each have 12dB per octave slope and full
adjustment range from 50Hz to 550Hz.
•Bass boost circuit
on APX series amps to reinforce low frequency signals
•Remote turn-on with "soft start" muting to prevent turn-on "thump"
•Protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts
•APX2180, APX4360 and DPX2250 are
2-0hm load capable of driVing avariety of
speaker systems
•DPX1800 and DPX11500 are
1-0hm load capable to drive avariety of subwoofers
•Gold-plated input/output connectors and on-board automotive-type fuses
•Aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation
•Low profile, compact footprint to accommodate space limitations
•SLI -Speaker Level Inputs
on amps for integration with factory sound systems
•SSF -Adjustable subsonic filter
on the DPX1800 and DPX11500 can be turned
down to 10Hz
•Automatic load-sensing circuit (full power into 1or 2Ohms)
on the DPX1800 and
DPX11500
4APX/DPX Amplifiers

•Do not operate this product in ways other than those described in this manual.
•Do not disassemble or modify this product.
•Do not pour liquid or poke foreign objects into the unit. Water and humidity will
damage internal circuitry.
•If the unit becomes wet, turn off all power and ask your authorized Clarion dealer
to clean or service the unit.
Failure to observe these precautions may damage your car or the amplifier, and may
void the warranty.
WARNING
Exposure to continuous sound levels of 85dB or higher may
result in hearing loss. Although Clarion products are capable
of producing high sound pressure levels, please use your
product at reasonable levels.
While
operating your vehicle, please observe all local sound
ordinances for your safety.
Installation
Installation of mobile audio and video components requires experience with avariety
of mechanical and electrical procedures. Although this manual provides general
installation and operation instructions, it does not show the exact installation methods
for your particular vehicle.
If you do not have the required knowledge and experience to successfully complete
the installation, consult an authorized Clarion dealer about professional installation
options.
APXlDPX Amplifiers 5
•Do not operate this product in ways other than those described in this manual.
•Do not disassemble or modify this product.
•Do not pour liquid or poke foreign objects into the unit. Water and humidity will
damage internal circuitry.
•If the unit becomes wet, turn off all power and ask your authorized Clarion dealer
to clean or service the unit.
Failure to observe these precautions may damage your car or the amplifier, and may
void the warranty.
WARNING
Exposure to continuous sound levels of 85dB or higher may
result in hearing loss. Although Clarion products are capable
of producing high sound pressure levels, please use your
product at reasonable levels.
While
operating your vehicle, please observe all local sound
ordinances for your safety.
Installation
Installation of mobile audio and video components requires experience with avariety
of mechanical and electrical procedures. Although this manual provides general
installation and operation instructions, it does not show the exact installation methods
for your particular vehicle.
If you do not have the required knowledge and experience to successfully complete
the installation, consult an authorized Clarion dealer about professional installation
options.
APXlDPX Amplifiers 5

APX2180 signal connections and audio adjustments
APX4360 signal connections and audio adjustments
1. RCA input jacks
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector)
3. PFS (Precise Frequency Selector)
4. Gain control
5. Output mode switch
6
6. BBC (Basic Boost Control)
7. SLI (Speaker Level Input) connector
8. Crossover frequency multiplier
9. Crossover function switch
APX/DPX Amplifiers
APX2180 signal connections and audio adjustments
APX4360 signal connections and audio adjustments
1. RCA input jacks
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector)
3. PFS (Precise Frequency Selector)
4. Gain control
5. Output mode switch
6
6. BBC (Basic Boost Control)
7. SLI (Speaker Level Input) connector
8. Crossover frequency multiplier
9. Crossover function switch
APX/DPX Amplifiers

OPX2250 signal connections and audio adjustments
OPX1800
and OPX11500 signal connections and audio adjustments
1. RCA input jacks 8. RLC (Remote Level Control) port
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector) 9. Output mode switch
3. PFS (precise Frequency Selector) 10. Crossover function switch
4. BBS (Bass Boost Control 11. Subsonic filter frequency selector
5. SLI (Speaker Level Inputs) 12. Slave RCA jack
6. Gain control 13. RCA output jack
7. PCS (Polarity Control Switch) 14. Master/Slave selector
APX/DPX Amplifiers 7
OPX2250 signal connections and audio adjustments
OPX1800
and OPX11500 signal connections and audio adjustments
1. RCA input jacks 8. RLC (Remote Level Control) port
2. IVS (Input Voltage Selector) 9. Output mode switch
3. PFS (precise Frequency Selector) 10. Crossover function switch
4. BBS (Bass Boost Control 11. Subsonic filter frequency selector
5. SLI (Speaker Level Inputs) 12. Slave RCA jack
6. Gain control 13. RCA output jack
7. PCS (Polarity Control Switch) 14. Master/Slave selector
APX/DPX Amplifiers 7

Selecting inp_u_t v_o_l_ta_gll'oe _
APX and DPX amplifiers accommodate awide range of signal input voltages (0.2V to
8V). This wide range is split up into three ranges, which are accessible through
switches located in the "Gain" area of the amplifier.
•0.2V-0.6V selects an input sensitivity range between 200mV and 600mV.
•0.6-2V selects an input sensitivity range between 600mV and 2V.
•2V-8V selects an input sensitivity range between 2V and 8V.
The gain rotary control operates within these voltage windows.
Note:
Most decks, even 4V and 5V units do not operate at full output voltage.
This requires the switch to be set in the O.6-2V range.
Setting the operating level
The gain switches allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier from
0.2 to 8V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs. This wide adjust-
ment range accommodates virtually any source unit brand.
Once you set the correct range using the IVS, you must adjust the gain to match the
amplifiers sensitivity to that of the source unit. The gain control is not avolume control.
It exists only to allow an amplifier to be used with different models and brands of head
units.
Improving bass sound
The amplifiers feature anarrow-frequency band bass boost circuit (known as "high-
a"). Acting much like an equalizer, the bass boost control lets you tune low-frequency
audio response to compensate for aless than ideal subwoofer enclosure design. The
added boost produces rich, full bass tones that are normally difficult to reproduce in
the car audio environment.
•The APX2180, APX4360, and DPX2250 have aswitchable gain that is fixed at
45Hz. If you don't want to boost the bass frequencies, set this control to "OFF."
•The DPX1800 and DPX11500 have avariable-frequency bass boost control from
30Hz to 125Hz. They do not have abass boost on/off switch, but alevel control that
goes from OdS to 15dB.
This control can dramatically increase the power output level
and could cause speaker damage if you over use it.
8APX/DPX Amplifiers
Selecting inp_u_t v_o_l_ta_gll'oe _
APX and DPX amplifiers accommodate awide range of signal input voltages (0.2V to
8V). This wide range is split up into three ranges, which are accessible through
switches located in the "Gain" area of the amplifier.
•0.2V-0.6V selects an input sensitivity range between 200mV and 600mV.
•0.6-2V selects an input sensitivity range between 600mV and 2V.
•2V-8V selects an input sensitivity range between 2V and 8V.
The gain rotary control operates within these voltage windows.
Note:
Most decks, even 4V and 5V units do not operate at full output voltage.
This requires the switch to be set in the O.6-2V range.
Setting the operating level
The gain switches allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier from
0.2 to 8V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs. This wide adjust-
ment range accommodates virtually any source unit brand.
Once you set the correct range using the IVS, you must adjust the gain to match the
amplifiers sensitivity to that of the source unit. The gain control is not avolume control.
It exists only to allow an amplifier to be used with different models and brands of head
units.
Improving bass sound
The amplifiers feature anarrow-frequency band bass boost circuit (known as "high-
a"). Acting much like an equalizer, the bass boost control lets you tune low-frequency
audio response to compensate for aless than ideal subwoofer enclosure design. The
added boost produces rich, full bass tones that are normally difficult to reproduce in
the car audio environment.
•The APX2180, APX4360, and DPX2250 have aswitchable gain that is fixed at
45Hz. If you don't want to boost the bass frequencies, set this control to "OFF."
•The DPX1800 and DPX11500 have avariable-frequency bass boost control from
30Hz to 125Hz. They do not have abass boost on/off switch, but alevel control that
goes from OdS to 15dB.
This control can dramatically increase the power output level
and could cause speaker damage if you over use it.
8APX/DPX Amplifiers

Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers
The DPX1800 and DPX11500 feature apolarity control switch for reversing the
polarity of the output signal. This can be useful when matching the acoustic output of
your subwoofers to the output of your mid-range speakers.
Connecting directly_t_o_a_h_e_a_d_u_n_it _
The amps provide connections directly to ahead unit without apre-amp output, such
as afactory-installed head unit.
WARNING
When using the speaker(high-level) inputs, the black wire
mustbegrounded
at the radio. Failure to do so will result in
noise and/orimproperoperation.
Care and maintenance
Cleaning the case
Use asoft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust and dirt from the unit.
Do not use benzene, thinner, car cleaner, or other cleaners. These substances may
damage the unit or cause the paint to peel.
Servicing the unit
In the event that trouble arises, never open the case or disassemble the unit. The
internal parts are not serviceable by the user. Opening any components will void the
warranty.
Changes or modifications to this product notapproved by the
manufacturer will void the warranty
and will violate FCC ap-
proval.
APXlDPX Amplifiers 9
Matching subwoofer output to mid-range speakers
The DPX1800 and DPX11500 feature apolarity control switch for reversing the
polarity of the output signal. This can be useful when matching the acoustic output of
your subwoofers to the output of your mid-range speakers.
Connecting directly_t_o_a_h_e_a_d_u_n_it _
The amps provide connections directly to ahead unit without apre-amp output, such
as afactory-installed head unit.
WARNING
When using the speaker(high-level) inputs, the black wire
mustbegrounded
at the radio. Failure to do so will result in
noise and/orimproperoperation.
Care and maintenance
Cleaning the case
Use asoft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust and dirt from the unit.
Do not use benzene, thinner, car cleaner, or other cleaners. These substances may
damage the unit or cause the paint to peel.
Servicing the unit
In the event that trouble arises, never open the case or disassemble the unit. The
internal parts are not serviceable by the user. Opening any components will void the
warranty.
Changes or modifications to this product notapproved by the
manufacturer will void the warranty
and will violate FCC ap-
proval.
APXlDPX Amplifiers 9

Read these instructions and the following precautions carefully.
What is included in the box
In addition to this manual, the box contains:
•Amplifier
•High-level speaker input harness
Mounting precautions
If you lack the necessary skills, do not install the amplifier yourself. See your autho-
rized Clarion Dealer for installation recommendations.
•This unit is exclusively for vehicles with anegative ground, 12V power supply.
•This unit requires additional mobile audio components for proper operation.
•Choose alocation in the vehicle that provides adequate ventilation around the
amplifier. Although any moving air dissipates heat, cool air should run along the
length of the fins rather than across them.
;;;i,~;[;,:;[tiHm;: ::;~:1':':~JUt,~~~;r.;~'
Although Clarion amplifiers include heat sinks and protection
circuits, mounting an amplifier in a tight space without any air
movement will reduce performance and damage the unit's in-
ternal circuitry over time.
The DPX1800 does not have afan. Install it such that air can
flow to the bottom of theamplifier.
The DPX11500 has two fans. Mounted in the ends of the unit,
they blow through the length of the amplifier. Ensure a3-inch
clearance between the power/speaker and the control ends for
proper ventilation.
•Mount the amplifier on afirm, flat surface away from subwoofer enclosures or to
any area that is prone to vibration. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or on any
other combustible material.
•For easy system setup, mount the amplifier so that the adjustment controls are
accessible after installation.
10 APX/DPX Amplifiers
Read these instructions and the following precautions carefully.
What is included in the box
In addition to this manual, the box contains:
•Amplifier
•High-level speaker input harness
Mounting precautions
If you lack the necessary skills, do not install the amplifier yourself. See your autho-
rized Clarion Dealer for installation recommendations.
•This unit is exclusively for vehicles with anegative ground, 12V power supply.
•This unit requires additional mobile audio components for proper operation.
•Choose alocation in the vehicle that provides adequate ventilation around the
amplifier. Although any moving air dissipates heat, cool air should run along the
length of the fins rather than across them.
;;;i,~;[;,:;[tiHm;: ::;~:1':':~JUt,~~~;r.;~'
Although Clarion amplifiers include heat sinks and protection
circuits, mounting an amplifier in a tight space without any air
movement will reduce performance and damage the unit's in-
ternal circuitry over time.
The DPX1800 does not have afan. Install it such that air can
flow to the bottom of theamplifier.
The DPX11500 has two fans. Mounted in the ends of the unit,
they blow through the length of the amplifier. Ensure a3-inch
clearance between the power/speaker and the control ends for
proper ventilation.
•Mount the amplifier on afirm, flat surface away from subwoofer enclosures or to
any area that is prone to vibration. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or on any
other combustible material.
•For easy system setup, mount the amplifier so that the adjustment controls are
accessible after installation.
10 APX/DPX Amplifiers