DLS RA10 Instruction sheet

How to install and
operate the DLS
Reference series
car audio mono
amplifier RA10.
Welcome!
This owners manual is written in easy english and
uses a lot of drawings to simply the installation and
use of the above amplifiers.
Your DLS amplifiers must be installed correctly in
order to work well. This manual will show you how
to install the amplifier like a pro. Please read the
entire manual before beginning the installation.
Installtheamplifieryourselfifyoufeelconfident with
our instructions and if you have the proper tools.
However if you feel unsure, turn over the installa-
tion job to someone better suited to it.
Warranty Service
This amplifier is covered by warranty, depending
on the conditions in the country where it is sold. If
the amplifier is returned for service, please include
the original dated receipt with the product.


 Technical Assistance
For technical assistance ask the shop where the
product was sold or the distributor in your very coun-
try.
You can always phone the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden
+ 46 31 84 00 60 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Information can also be found on our WEB-site
www.dls.se
Contents
Features…………………………….. 2
Installation…………………….……. 2
Tools and materials needed………. 3
Amplifier installation kit………….... 3
Routing Wires…………………….... 3
Wiring:
Power connection..……………..…. 4
Input and controls………………..... 5
Inputwiring..................................... 5
Input level control.......................... 6
GrandBass..................………….... 6
Phasecontrol................................. 6
Crossovers..................................... 6
RA10 speaker wiring:
One subwoofer…...……………….... 7
Two subwoofers...…………………... 7
Foursubwoofers............................... 7
Installation with two subwoofers:
Wiringexample.............................. .. 8
Testing……………………………….. 9
Troubleshooting……………………... 9
Professional tips…………………….. 10
Specifications………………………... 11

The amplifier include
RCA inputs
High Level input
Variable low pass crossover
Subsonic filter
Grand bass feature 0 - +18 dB
Phase shift continously variable 0-180 degr.
Remote bass level and phase shift control
Remote turn on / off
Automatic remote turn on/ off on high level
input without connecting any remote wire
Built-in cooling fan
Electronic protection circuitry against
short-circuit, DC offset and thermal overload.
Installation
Before you begin installation
Beforeyoubeginyou need to read themanual,tohave
sometools, cables and othermaterial available. There
is one such list of material on the following page.
Amplifier location
Important
Allow air circulation around the amplifier.
2
Disconnect Battery
Beforestarting the instal-
lation,always disconnect
the negative terminal of
the battery.
The DLS Reference series of amplifiers have a
compact design that allows great flexibility in
mounting. You can mount it under a seat or in the
trunk. When you select a location, do remember
that the amplifier generates a lot of heat.
Choose a location where air can circulate freely
around the amplifier. Do not cover the amplifier
with carpets or hide behind trim panels.
Donot mount theamplifier in an invertedorupside
down position. The amplifier has a built-in fan
in the bottom plate. Mount the amplifier on
spacers to allow the air to circulate inside the
amplifier.
Check all locations and placements carefully
before making any cuts, drilling any holes or ma-
king any connections.
This is the best direction to
mount the amplifier in order
to get the best cooling.
RA10
RA10
1 x 300 Watt RMS in 4 ohm load
1 x 5000 Watt RMS in 2 ohm load
1 x 780 Watt RMS in 1 ohm load
All above RMS power ratings at 13,8 Volt DC
RA10 is a mono amplifier for subwoofer use only.
The frequency range is limited to frequencies
between 10 Hz and 125 Hz.
DLS logo on amplifier cooling flange
The DLS logo on top of the amplifier is attached
with two hex. screws. The logo can be removed
and twisted 90 or 180 degrees, and then screwed
backin wanted position.Thelogo can bemounted
in four different ways to match your installation.

Tools and material needed
Tools:


Flat and Phillips screwdrivers


Wire cutter


Wire stripper


Electric drill with drills


Crimping tool


Digital multimeter or test lamp


Wire brush, scraper or a piece
of an abrasive sheet to remove
paint for a good ground connection
Grease to protect the ground
connection from oxidation
Material:
Speaker wire: minimum
12 AWG = 4 mm2for subwoofer connection
Sheet metal screws for mounting the
amplifier to the amplifier board and the
amplifier board to the car + some extra
for fuse holder, amplifier ground etc.


Electrical insulation tape
½ inch thick plywood or particle board for
the amplifier to be mounted upon.
Amplifier installation kit:
If available,buy an amplifier installation kit. It
contains normally all you need. This is what you
have to buy if you buy the items separately
20- 25 feet = 6- 7.5 meter power cable,
4 AWG = 21 mm2 or heavier.
1 pc of fuseholder to install close to the
car battery + fuse 100 Ampere (for 4AWG
power cable).
20 feet of 15 AWG = 1,5 mm2wire for
remote turn on / off cable from radio.
RCA-cable for input from radio.
- 20 feet or 5 meter for trunk installations
-12 feet or 2 – 3 meter for under seat
installations
Two ring crimp terminals –one
for connection to the battery plus and one
for the amplifier ground connection.
Four splicers to connect speaker
cables to high level input cable, if high level
input is used.
Wire ties
Insulating grommet or insulating tube
Stereo
head unit
3
Routing wires
RA10
Professional Tip:
Gauge (ga) is an American measure for cable size,
also called AWG (American Wire Gauge).
CONVERSION GAUGE - mm2
0 AWG = 50 mm2
1 AWG = 42 mm29AWG = 6,8 mm2
2 AWG = 33 mm210AWG = 5,3 mm2
3 AWG = 27 mm211 AWG = 4,2 mm2
4 AWG = 21 mm212AWG = 3 mm2
5 AWG = 16 mm213AWG = 2,7 mm2
6 AWG = 13 mm214AWG = 2 mm2
7 AWG = 10 mm215AWG = 1,65 mm2
8 AWG = 8 mm216 AWG = 1,3 mm2
Professional Tip:
If amplifier installation kits are available with diffe-
rent size of power cable, chose the most heavy
power cable to improve sound quality and to allow
more amplifiers to be installed now or later.
If possible use 4 AWG = 21 mm2cable for best
performance. This is for cable lengths up to 5 me-
ters. The ground cable must have the same size.
Max fuse values for different cable sizes:
6 mm2(9 AWG) :25 A 10 mm2 (7AWG) :40 A
16 mm2 (5AWG) :60 A 21 mm2(4AWG) :100 A
33 mm2(2AWG) :150 A 42 mm2 (1AWG) :200 A

Wiring
Power connections
Ground Terminal ( GND )
Remote terminal ( REM )
Use only four 30 ampere ATC
blade type fuses.
4
Power terminal ( +12V)
Connect the battery cable from the fuse holder to
the +12 Volt terminal on the amplifier.
Be sure to use a rubber grommet or a plastic
insulating tube where the cable passes the firewall
or other places when it can easily be jammed.
Use ty-wraps to secure to existing cables in the
engine compartment.
DLS FH2B
fuse holder
Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be clean, unpainted metal to
provide a good electrical connection. Use a wire
brush, a scraper or a piece of an abrasive sheet to
cleanthe metal. Usea lock washeror two to secure
contact. Protect with silicon grease or by paint
applied afterwards.
Power
(Green)
Protect
(Red)
Power Light / Protect light
The power light (green ) comes on when
the amplifier is turned on.
The protect light ( red ) comes on
when the amplifier shuts down from
overheating, DC-offset or a short
circuit ( speaker failure)
Fuses on amplifier
For RCA cable signal input:
Settheinputselectorswitchtoposition”Low level”.
Connect the radio power antenna lead = remote
turn on/off from the car stereo to the amplifier
remote connection. This turns on the amplifier
whenever the car stereo is turned on.
You can either use the built in remote cable in the
RCA cable itself or use a separate cable.
Sometimes a small disturbance may enter the
amplifier coming from the remote voltage , through
the built in remote wire and into the RCA cable.
Thuswerecommendtouseaseparateremotewire
and run the RCA lead separate from remote wire,
power cables and speaker cables.
Insert the cable directly into the amplifier terminal.
Ifthere is no remote voltage available fromthe ste-
reo, you must connect to the ignition key through
the radio or any accessories fuse.
Set the ”High level auto
start” switch to position
OUT.
For High Level input:
Settheinputselectorswitchtoposition”High level”.
We recommend you to connect the remote wire as
described above. The amplifier will produce soft
on / soft off operation this way. If you use a remote
wire,set the switch ”High level auto start” toposi-
tionOUT.
Inthecasethatthere is no remote voltageavailable
from the car stereo, or you want to simplify the in-
stallation, the amplifier can be turned on/ turned
off by the high level input voltage. This is done
whenthe ”High level auto start”switch is setto IN
- position.
DLS
Connect with ring
terminal to
battery + terminal
Connect with ring
terminal to
chassis ground
Connect to head
unit remote start
terminal or power
antenna lead
Connect the fuse holder as close to the vehicle
battery + as possible, using 4 AWG = 21 mm2 or
heavier cable. Use ring crimp terminal cable to
connect to battery +. Apply silicon grease to the
fuse to prevent corrosion.
Use a 100 Amp fuse for cable
4AWG (21 mm2).
RA10 accepts 4 AWG
(21 mm2) in the power
terminal.
RA10
30 A

To ensure best possible performance from the
amplifier a switch is installed to select between
High and Low input.
When using High Level input:
Push in the button to position
”High Level”
When using Low level input:
Push out the button to position
”Low Level”
To ensure best possible performance from the
amplifier when used with high level input a switch
is installed to select between Automatic amplifier
start and remote wire start.
When using High Level input with
automatic start:
Push the button to position IN
When using High level input with
remote wire start:
Push out the button to position OUT
NOTE!
Some head units use BTL output IC:s that have a
constant 6-12 Volt + on the speaker terminal, also
when shut off (the Power LED indicator lights
constantly even when the head unit is off). In this
case you have to use a separate remote wire
connected to the REMOTE-terminal instead.
Input and controls
Input Wiring
Inputs may be low level from the RCA output of the
car stereo, or high level from the car stereo speaker
output. Low level = RCA is to prefer for the best sound
quality.
5
Hi level input plug.
High / Low level input switch
Hi level auto start switch
Low level input
UseapairofshieldedstereoaudiocableswithRCA
type jack. Most trunk-mount amplifiers need a 20
feet RCA cable ( appr 5 – 6 meters). Most under
the seat installations require 12 feet ( 2 – 3 meters)
RCA cables. Avoid placing the RCAcable close to
speaker cables, power cables and remote control
cable.Connectto RCA input
sockets.Both inputs must be
connected. Use a Y -split if
necessary.
Set the input selector switch
to position ”Low level”.
High Level Input
Connect left and right speaker wires coming from
the car stereo to the high level input as shown. You
must connect both plus and minus as the inputs
arebalanced,connecting plus only gives lower level
and bad sound quality. By changing the polarity of
plus and minus, you can change the phase.
High level input socket
Hi level input
socket on amp.
Automatic turn on when using high level input.
With the ”Input selector switch” set to High level
and the ”High level Auto Start” switch set to IN,
the amplifier turns on automatically on high input.
You don´t need to connect a separate remote wire
from your head unit.
If you want to use high level
inputbut use aremote start wire, justset the ”High
level Auto Start” switch to OUT.
Right Left
Green: Left +
Black: Left -
Black: Right -
Grey: Right +
RA10

Crossovers
Input Level control
The input level control, 8V – 0,5 V,
matches the output of your radio to
the input of the amplifier. After in-
stallation is complete, make sure
the input of the amplifier is turned
down all the way ( counter-
clockwise at 8V ).
The DLS Reference amplifier RA10 include low pass
filter (LP) and subsonic filter.
- LP-filter 40 - 125 Hz, slope 12 dB / octave
- Subsonic filter 25 Hz fixed frequency, slope 18 dB /
octave. The subsonic filter can be switched off.
Subsonic filter
Low Pass Filter
The LP-filter ( low pass filter) is
used for subwoofers. It will allow
low frequencies only and blocks
higher frequencies.
A typical setting is 50 – 80 Hz.
6
Play a tape or CD, make sure all bass or treble
settings or equalizer are flat, and turn the volume
of the radio up until you just start to hear distortion.
Turn the volume control down just a bit. On the
amplifierincrease the input levelcontrol ( clockwise
or to the right ) until you just start to hear distortion,
then back the level control just a bit. Now your ra-
dio and amplifier levels are matched.
Grand bass 40 Hz
Grand Bass is used to increase the bass volume
with a center frequency of 40 HZ. You can select
the amplification between 0 dB ( no amplification )
and +18 dB (full amplification).
The phase control can be set
continuously from 0 - 180
degrees.Thisisveryusefulwhen
you want to adjust the bass
soundfor best frontstage image.
Start on 0 and turn the control
slowly clockwise until you
experience that the bass sound
is coming from the front. If you
dontget the resultyou want, also
try to phase reverse the
subwoofer connections and
makeanew adjustment.You can
also adjust the phase from the
front seat by using the Remote
bass level and phase control
box.
Phase control
This function is used to
compensate for the bass box
functionandtoadjustforyour
own taste of bass. Set level
control at 0 dB if you want it
to be inoperative.
PHASE
0180
DEGREE
BASS
0+18
dB
GAIN
8V 0,5V
LP-filter
FREQUENCY
40 125
Hz
RA10
Thesubsonic filter is used to take
away the very deepest
frequencies from a bass box.
The x-over frequency is 25 Hz.
IN
OUT
Remote bass level and phase control box
The amplifier includes a remote control unit. With
this unit it is possible to adjust the bass level and
phase from the front seat. Connect the cable
between the amplifier socket and the socket on the
remote box. Activate the remote control box by
pushing the switch to position IN.

Two 4 ohm subwoofers connected (2 ohm load)
Four 4 ohm subwoofers connected (1 ohm load)
NOTE!
The amplifier is 1 ohm stable. This means that you
can connect subwoofers in various connections, in
parallel or in series, as long as the resulting
impedance is not less than1 ohm.
If you have subwoofers with dual 4 ohm voice coils,
connect the coils in parallel to get more power from
the amplifier.
7
Speaker wiring RA10
RA10is a monoamplifiermadeforusewithsubwoofers
only. The amplifier has two output connectors. These
are internally connected in parallel and are doubled
for easier connection when you have more than one
subwoofer. It is not possible to connect in bridge
mode between the speaker terminals.
The typical setting is around 60 – 80 Hz.
The subsonic filter should be in position IN.
LP-filter settings
RA10
+
-
-
+
One 4 ohm subwoofer connected (4 ohm load)
-
+
LP-filter
FREQUENCY
40 125
Hz
+
-
+
-
-
+
-
+

8
Battery 12V
RA10
FM1 107,3
Subwoofer
4 ohm
Subwoofer
4 ohm
Fuse
100 A
RCA out
Remote Remote bass
level and
phase control
Wiring example of RA 10 with two subwoofers

Reconnect Battery
Whenwiring is complete,
reconnect the battery
negative terminal.
9
Testing
Before you finish the installation, you should do the
following tests to make sure the wiring is correct and
everything is operating properly.
If problems occour during the installation, or later,
this guide might help you to find out whats´s wrong.
THE AMPLIFIER IS DEAD:
1. Check power lead, ground and remote
connections at the amplifier using a multi meter.
2. Check the battery terminal connections.
3. Check the power lead fuse or circuit breaker. If
fuse damage continues, inspect the power lead
for short circuits.
4. Check the amplifier protection fuses. Are these
broken change to new ones with the same value.
If short circuiting continues, contact your local
DLS dealer. A fault may exist in the amplifier.
5. To start the amplifier requires a remote voltage of
9-15 volt. Check the voltage with a multi meter.
AMPLIFIER PROTECTION FUSE BLOWS AT LOW
VOLUME :
1. One or more speaker cables are shorted. Make an
insulation test with a multi meter. The cables must not
have a connection to earth.
THE AMPLIFIER TURNS OFF AFTER 10 - 30 MINU-
TES.
The amplifier is overheating due to inadequate venti-
lation.Check mounting position isfreefromobstruction.
Do this:
1. Move the amplifier to a place with better ventil-
ation.
2. Make sure the internal fan is working and that
the amplifier is installed in a way that allows air
to circulate freely inside the amplifier.
3. Overheating can also be caused by an
impedance load below the level permitted.
NO OUTPUT FROM ONE OR MORE SPEAKERS:
Check the following:
1. Speakercableconnectionstobothamplifierand
drivers.
2. Signal lead plugs and cables.
Troubleshooting
Test speaker connections
Make sure the speakers are connected right. Use
the balance control on the head unit to make sure
right channel is on right speaker etc. If speakers
don´t play at all, one or both speaker wires may
be disconnected.
Test power wiring
1. Turn on the head unit but do not turn up the
volume. The amplifier power light should
come on. If not, check the remote and +12
volt wires. Also check the ground
connection.
2. Turn up the head units volume slightly. All
speakers should operate. if not, check wiring
connections at amplifier and speakers.
RA10

NOISE PROBLEMS
WHINING NOISE VARYING WITH ENGINE
REVOLUTIONS:
Do this:
1. Rewire the power supply (12 V) to source
unit direct from battery.
2. Rewire ground wire from source unit to
clean position on chassis.
3. Check all power connections to ensure that
they are clean and tight.
4. Check quality of system ground connection.
5. Install a Power Cap capacitor. This can be
helpful against most noise problems.
CONSTANT WHINING NOISE:
Do this:
1. Ensure that all equipment has a common
ground point.
2. Check quality of earth strap connection from
battery negative terminal to chassis.
3. Disconnect signal cables from amplifier to
see if noise disappears. If so the leads are
picking up noise. Test this by laying a new
cable over the seats and reconnecting to the
amplifier. If the noise does not return, re-
route original cable away from source of
interference.
If noise remains regardless of cable position,
try to use so called Quasi-balanced signal
cables. DLS PRO-cables are
Quasibalanced.
SPEAKER POLARITY CHECK.
All speakers in a car audio system should be
connected in phase (the same polarity). All spea-
ker cones must move in the same direction. Out of
phase speakers will cause a lack of bass, and a
poor stereo soundstage.
Checking polarity:
Hold the - connection of the speaker wire to the -
terminal of a 1,5 Volt flashlight battery. Tap the +
wireon to the +terminal of the battery, and observe
the movement of the cone. The cone should move
outwards when the wire touches the battery, and
inwards when the battery is removed. If it is the
otherwayaround,thespeaker has been connected
backwards and it must be removed and connected
correctly.
If your system also has a subwoofer connected
through a passive 6 or 12 dB crossover, try to
connect this with various polarity and judge what
soundsbest.The phase shift inpassive crossovers
sometimes makes it necessary to change polarity.
+
-
+
-
Battery
1,5 Volt
NOTE! Tweeters can not be tested this way,
double check the connections instead.
Professional Tip:Professional Tip:
Professional Tip: Professional Tip:
Installing in trunk
When installing the amplifier in the trunk, run the
power wires along the same path as the other
vehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated channels
for wiring. you will have to remove the door sill trim
and the carpet.
Securing wires
Use wire ties to bundle together when possible.
(But never bundle speaker wires or signal cables
together with power wires.
Professional Tip:
Professional Tip:
Speaker and power wires
Do not run speaker and power wires next to each
other. Power wires can generate a ”siren” sound in
the speakers. Run speaker and power wires on
opposite sides of the car.
Crimp connections
Purchase crimp connectors and crimping tool.
Connectors are color coded.
1. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from the wire.
2. Insert into connector
3. Crimp tightly
10
RA10

Specifications
We follow a policy of continuous advancement in
development.
For this reason all or part of specifications & designs
may be changed without prior notice.
11
DLS Reference RA10
Number of channels 1
Working mode AB
Power output at 13,8 Volt, max 0,1 % THD
Nominal power out, 4 ohm 300 W
Nominal power out, 2 ohm 500 W
Nominal power out, 1 ohm 780 W
THD @1 W < 0,1%
Signal to noise ratio, A-weighted >100 dB
Damping factor >200
Frequency response+/- 3 dB 10 Hz - 125 Hz
Input impedance, low level >10 kohm
Input impedance, high level 330 ohm
High level input with auto start Yes
Input sensitivity 0,5 - 8V
Filter slope LP-filter 12 dB / octave
Filter slope subsonic filter 18 dB / octave
Pre amp configuration:
Filter lowpass 40 - 125 Hz
Fixed 25 Hz subsonic filter Yes*
Phase shift 0- 180 degrees continously Yes
Grand bass adjustable gain @ 40 Hz 0 - 18 dB
Remote bass level and phase control Yes*
* can be switched in/out
Protection current, DC-offset & thermal
Max cable size, DC input 4 AWG, 21 mm2
Max cable size, speaker terminal 7 AWG, 10 mm2
Power consumption:
Idle 0,6 A
Maximum 120 A
Fuse 4 x 30 A
Dimensions HxWxD(mm) 59 x 359 x 245
Dimensions (inch) 2,33x14,13x9,65
Weight 4,3 kg(9,5 lbs)
RA10

DLS Svenska AB
P.O. Box 13029
SE-40251 Göteborg, Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.dls.se