EMPHASER EA4100-500 Installation instructions

6-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
INSTALLATION & OPERATING MANUAL
EINBAU- & BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
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CONTENTS
1. EA 4100-500 DESIGN FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
2.1 FRONT PANEL CONNECTION & CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/7
2.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3. INSTALLATION PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.1 PLAN OF ATTACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.2 MOUNTING LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4. GENERAL INFO ABOUT WIRE CROSS SECTIONS AND CABLE QUALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4.1 MAIN POWER CABLE CROSS SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4.2 RCA INTERCONNECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4.2 LOUDSPEAKER CABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4.3 MINIMUM SPEAKER IMPEDANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5. AMPLIFIER MOUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6. CABLE ROUTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.1 RCA INTERCONNECTS AND REMOTE WIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.2 CONNECTION OF LOUDSPEAKER WIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.3 MAIN POWER CABLE ROUTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.4 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-14
7. ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTROL FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-18
7.1 SELECTING THE OPERATION MODE FOR 1/2CH & 3/4CH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
7.2 SELECTING A CROSSOVER FREQUENCY POINT FOR SATELLITE SPEAKERS . . . . . . . . . . .15
7.3 SELECTING A CROSSOVER FREQUENCY POINT FOR THE KICKBASS SPEAKERS . . . . . . .16
7.4 LOWPASS CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE SUBWOOFER . . . . . . . .16
7.5 SUBSONIC CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SUBWOOFER . . . . . . . . .17
7.6 ADJUSTMENT OF THE INPUT GAIN CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
7.7 PHASE SHIFT CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
9. EMPHASER LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
9.1 WARRANTY LIMITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
10. WARRANTY CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
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INHALT
1. TECHNISCHER AUFBAU / MERKMALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
2. ANSCHLÜSSE & BEDIENUNGSELEMENTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-23
2.1. EINGÄNGE & FUNKTIONEN AM FRONT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21/22
2.2 EINGÄNGE & FUNKTIONEN AM REAR PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
3. PLANUNG DER INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
3.1 MONTAGEORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
4. INFO'S ZU DEN KABELQUERSCHNITTEN & QUALITÄT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.1 STROMKABEL QUERSCHNITT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.2 CINCHKABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.3 LAUTSPERCHER KABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
4.4 MINIMALE LASTIMPEDANZ DER LAUTSPRECHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
5. MONTAGE DES VERSTÄRKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
6. VERKABELUNG / ELEKTRISCHER ANSCHLUSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
6.1 VERLEGEN VON CINCH- UND REMOTE KABELN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.2 ANSCHLUSS DER LAUTSPRECHERKABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.3 VERLEGEN UND ANSCHLUSS DER HAUPT-STROMKABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
7. EINSTELLUNGEN AN DER FREQUENZWEICHE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-29
7.1 WAHL DES "OPERATING MODES" DER FREQUENZWEICHE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
7.2 WAHL DER TRENNFREQUENZ FÜR DIE SATELLITENSYSTEME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
7.3 WAHL DER TRENNFREQUENZEN FÜR EIN KICKBASS-SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7.4 LOWPASS EINSTELLUNG FÜR DEN SUBWOOFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7.5 SUBSONIC HOCHPASS TRENNFREQUENZ FÜR DEN SUBWOOFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7.6 ANPASSUNG DER EINGANGSEMPFINDLICHKEIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
7.7 EINSTELLUNG DES PHASE SHIFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
9. EMPHASER GARANTIE-BESTIMMUNGEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
9.1 GARANTIE-EINSCHRÄNKUNGEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
10. GARANTIEKARTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
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Congratulations!
And thank you for choosing this EMPHASER 6-channel car audio amplifier! You now own a product
of uncompromising engineering philosophy, meticulous craftsmanship and unprecedented functionali-
ty.
To maximize the performance of this amplifier and your car audio system install, we recommend that
you acquaint yourself thoroughly with all capabilities and features of this EMPHASER amplifier unit.
Please read this manual carefully, before attempting the installation of this amplifier. Please retain this
manual and your purchasing / installation receipts for future reference.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
In case you are installing your EMPHASER amplifier yourself, you should
have your installation checked and approved by an authorized professional
EMPHASER dealer/installer in order, to qualify for full warranty protection
and also, to reach maximum power- and audio performance possible with
your individual car audio system.
Prolonged listening at high levels may result in hearing loss! Please exerci-
se caution to prevent hearing damage.
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1. EA 4100-500 DESIGN FEATURES
■6-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER: The EA 4100-500 allows the cross-over controlled amplification of a
twin satellite/subwoofer or satellite / kickwoofer / subwoofer car audio system, without the need for
two or more amplifiers, and or an additional external active crossover
■DASH-MOUNT REMOTE LOWPASS LEVEL CONTROL: The EA 4100-500 comes complete
with a compact remote "Lowpass-Level" control unit, which can be conveniently mounted on or under
the dashboard of your car. This control device allows the individual level adjustment of the volume level
(applicable for the lowpass operated channels 5/6 only)
■TWO INDEPENDENT MOSFET POWER SUPPLIES: The EA4100-500 features independent
power supplies for "satellite" and subwoofer channels, to prevent unwanted interference between the
two amplifier sections
■1 OHM IMPEDANCE LOAD STABILITY: All channels of this amplifier are 1 ohm stable.
Furthermore, the output stage layout provides a very high damping factor and thus, the amplifier will
give you a very precise reproduction of any music material
■INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC FREQUENCY FILTERING CONTROLS: All three crossover sec-
tions are totally independent and feature individually adjustable highpass, lowpass or bandpass filte-
ring, as well as fulllrange loop through. All internal active filters feature crossover slope rates of 12
dB/octave
■UNCOMPROMISING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Only best electrical and electronic
components found their way into this amplifier, for example double-sided glass-fiber epoxy circuit
boards equipped with high current output devices. The power input side features molded 35mm2ter-
minals for full unrestricted current flow
■ADVANCED PROTECTION CIRCUITRY: The protection circuitry safe-guards the amplifier from
short-circuits at the speaker outputs, DC offset voltage at the outputs and overheating of power elec-
tronics
■STATUS AND PROTECTION LED'S: A green and a red LED enable you to easily monitor the
operating status of your EA4100-500 amplifier. The LED's are signaling normal operation and pro-
blems, such as short-circuits, electrical or thermal overload and DC voltage at the speaker outputs
■ADJUSTABLE INPUT SENSITIVITY: Each RCA line-input pair accepts input voltages from
200mV to 9V, providing a good match to the line-output levels of almost any head-unit on the market
■EXTERNAL FUSES: Maxi type fuses which that located at the power input side panel of the ampli-
fier, for fast and convenient exchange of blown fuses
■INTERNAL FAN: This amplifier features advanced heat management by a temperature controlled
internal fan
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2. CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
2.1 FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
1a/1b RCA INPUTS 1/2-CH
Low-level stereo RCA signal input for connection with head-unit. See chapter 6.1
2a/2b RCA INPUTS 3/4-CH
Low-level stereo RCA signal input for connection with head-unit. See chapter 6.1
3a/3b RCA INPUTS 5/6CH
Low-level stereo RCA signal input for connection with head-unit. See chapter 6.1
4INPUT GAIN CONTROL 1/2-CH
Input level control for 1/2-CH amplifier section - allowing to match the output voltage of the
head-unit's RCA line-outs to the amplifier input section. See chapter 7.6
5HIGH PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL 1/2-CH
Control for the frequency adjustment of the 12dB/oct. high-pass filtering of the speakers
connected to 1/2-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.2
6OPERATION MODE SWITCH 1/2-CH
Switch to select the operation mode of the active filter driving 1/2-CH section of the
amplifier. See chapter 7.1
7LOW PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL 1/2-CH
Control for the frequency adjustment of the 12dB/oct. low-pass filtering of the speakers
connected to 1/2-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.4
8INPUT GAIN CONTROL 3/4-CH
Input level control for 3/4-CH amplifier section - allowing to match the output voltage of the
head-unit's RCA line-outs to the amplifier input section. See chapter 7.6
9HIGH PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL 3/4-CH
Control for the frequency adjustment of the 12dB/oct. high-pass filtering of the speakers
connected to 3/4-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.2 or 7.3
10 OPERATION MODE SWITCH 3/4-CH
Switch to select the operation mode of the active filter driving 3/4-CH section of the
amplifier. See chapter 7.1
11 LOW PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL 3/4-CH
Control for the frequency adjustment of the 12dB/oct. low-pass filtering of the speakers
connected to 3/4-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.3 or 7.5
12 INPUT GAIN CONTROL 5/6-CH
Input level control for 5/6-CH amplifier section - allowing to match the output voltage of the
head-unit's RCA line-outs to the amplifier input section. See chapter 7.6
13 SUBSONIC FREQUENCY CONTROL 5/6-CH
Control for the subsonic 12dB/oct. high-pass frequency adjustment of the speakers
connected to 5/6-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.5
14 OPERATION MODE SWITCH
Switch to select the operation mode of the active filter driving 5/6-CH section of the
amplifier. See chapter 7.1
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2. CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
15 LOW PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL 5/6-CH
Control for the frequency adjustment of the 12dB/oct. low-pass filtering of the speakers
connected to 5/6-CH output terminals. See chapter 7.5
16 PHASE SHIFT CONTROL
Control for the relative phase adjustment of the speaker(s) connected to 5/6-CH amplifier
output terminals. See chapter 7.7
17 PHASE SHIFT ON/OFF CONTROL
ON/OFF switch to activate or deactivate the phase shift function of the speaker(s)
connected to 5/6-CH amplifier output terminals. See chapter 7.7
18 REMOTE LOW PASS LEVEL INPUT
Telephone jack input socket for connection with the dash-mounted low-pass level remote unit.
The remote low pass level control is for channels 5/6-CH, and it is only active when the
operation mode switch is set to lowpass! See chapter 6.1
19 POWER LED
Green "operation" LED, signaling correct operation of the amplifier. See chapter 7.5
20 PROTECTION LED
Red "protection" LED, signaling faulty speaker connections or general malfunction of the
amplifier. See chapter 7.5
1a 2a 3a 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
123b 132b1b 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
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2. CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
21a 22
21b
23 24 25 26 27
2.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
21a/ FUSES
21b Two 80A Maxi fuses for protection of the amplifier electronics against overload or
wrong operation / manipulation. See chapter 8.0
22 POWER INPUT TERMINAL "+ 12 V"
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the positive +12V pole of the car battery.
See chapter 6.3
23 POWER INPUT TERMINAL "GND"
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the negative or ground pole of the car battery.
See chapter 6.3
24 REMOTE INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off lead of the
head unit. See chapter 6.1
25 SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINALS 1/2-CH
Output terminal to connect the speakers to the 1/2-CH channels of the amplifier.
See chapter 6.2
26 SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINALS 3/4-CH
Output terminal to connect the speakers to the 3/4-CH channels of the amplifier.
See chapter 6.2
27 SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINALS 5/6-CH
Output terminal to connect the speakers to the 5/6-CH channels of the amplifier.
See chapter 6.2
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3. INSTALLATION PLANNING
3.1 PLAN OF ATTACK
Before you proceed to install the EA 4100-500 6-channel amplifier, it is recommended to map out the
complete audio system and the respective wiring required. Consider all additional electrical require-
ments and accessories, such as power cables, interconnect cables and power ring terminals/battery
clamps needed, to connect this amplifier. Consider i.e. a safe mounting, sufficient ventilation, conve-
nient accessibility of the fuses and the side panel controls, as well as availability of space for all peri-
pheral system equipment. Your work will be considerably simplified, if you have a clear idea or 'plan
of attack'.
Please note that - because of possible interference problems with the existing car electrics and elec-
tronics - especially the routing of the signal cables and the chassis ground connection will have a pro-
found impact on a trouble-free operation of the amplifier.
If you have no or only little experience with complex car audio installations, we
strongly recommend you to consult your nearest authorized EMPHASER
dealer/installer.
3.2 MOUNTING LOCATION
The mounting location should be carefully selected and in the interest of passive driver and passenger
safety, the amplifier must be securely mounted. Check the suitability of your preferred amplifier loca-
tion carefully, before you start any installation attempts. Any mounting position - preferably in the trunk
compartment - that allows sufficient cooling is okay. A good air stream across the fins of the ampli-
fier's heatsink will provide adequate ventilation and therefore improve cooling and full output capa-
bility dramatically. The air in- and outlets in the side-panels must not be covered, since they are part
of the amplifier’s internal heat management by a temperature controlled fan!
Make sure there is no wiring harness, fuel tank etc. behind or below the mounting surface, that may
be damaged by the drilling of the holes for the amplifier mounting screws. After installation, there
should be a clearance of at least 5cm on all sides including the top of the amplifier heatsink. Make
sure the unit is not exposed to direct sunlight, humidity, water, oil or spill of other fluids that may enter
the amplifier.
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4. GENERAL INFO ABOUT WIRE CROSS SECTIONS AND
CABLE QUALITY
4.1 MAIN POWER CABLE CROSS SECTION
EMPHASER recommends a minimum power cable cross-section of 35mm2concer-
ning the main and the ground power supply cables for the EA4100-500. In case
of very low impedance loads, such as 1 ohms stereo or 2 ohms bridged, it is sug-
gested to operate this amplifier with 50mm2main power cables.
These recommendations guarantee trouble-free operation of the EA4100-500 amplifier, giving you full
and trouble-free power output. Using main power cables with cross sections smaller than 35mm2will
result in unnecessary over-heating of the amplifier circuitry, distortion at high volume levels and it may
even cause the thermal protection circuitry to trigger, and shut-down the amplifier!
4.2 RCA INTERCONNECTS
It is obvious that for best performance of your EA4100-500 amplifier, you should stick to high quali-
ty RCA interconnect cables. Use twisted pair or triple shielded types only. Keep in mind, the RCA inter-
connects should always be kept far away from any potential sources of electrical interference e.g. elec-
tronic vehicle management systems (engine computers, relays etc.) fuel pumps, wiring harnesses etc.!
4.2 LOUDSPEAKER CABLES
Use good quality speaker wires of minimum 2.5mm2, up to 4.0mm2cross-section, depending on the
necessary total length!
4.3 MINIMUM SPEAKER IMPEDANCES
The heat dissipation capacity of this 6-channel amplifier has been designed to cope with low impe-
dance loads, such as 1 ohms for stereo speaker setups or 2 ohms in bridged mode operation.
However, EMPHASER laboratories recommend to stay above 2 ohms in bridged operation mode, to
guarantee a good damping factor to precisely control the connected speaker(s).
5. AMPLIFIER MOUNTING
Attention! For your own safety, disconnect the positive battery terminal (+12V) or
remove the main fuse in the positive power cable near the car battery, before you
start any wiring work!
Once the location where the amplifier will be mounted is defined, use the unit as a template for the
marking of the mounting holes with pencil or felt-tip marker. The mounting holes should be pilot-dril-
led, using a 2,5mm or 3mm drill bit. For the actual mounting, the supplied rubber washers have to be
pressed into the mounting holes before attaching the amp to the panel with the supplied mounting
screws.
Important! There must not be a direct contact of the amplifier heatsink, bottom
panel or any other metal part of the amplifier to the vehicle! Electrical ground-
loops can easily result in audible hum! Now secure the amplifier in its position by
tightening the screws evenly and re-check proper fit after completion.
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6. CABLE ROUTING
6.1 RCA INTERCONNECTS AND REMOTE WIRING
Carefully run the audio signal interconnects, the remote lead and the cable of the remote low pass level
boost unit from the head-unit or dashboard to the amplifier. As mentioned before, the audio signal
cables should be routed completely separate from the power cables. Connect the remote (turn on/turn
off) lead to the respective input terminal of the amplifier and to the remote output of your head-unit.
Now you can connect the RCA interconnects to the respective outputs of your head-unit and to the
inputs of the amplifier. Pay attention to connect the stereo interconnects correspondingly, left is 1-CH,
right is always 2-CH (uneven numbers are left, even numbers are right).
Mount the remote low pass level boost unit in a convenient position under or besides the dashboard
and connect the respective cable between the remote device and the amplifier. If your head-unit fea-
tures a variable sub-level output, you can omit the mounting of this additional low pass level remote
control device ("it's up to you to choose, which of both options will serve you better"!).
6.2 CONNECTION OF LOUDSPEAKER WIRES
Once the speaker cables have been routed, turn loose the Allen screws of the speaker terminal bin-
ding posts and - after inserting the stripped speaker cables - re-tighten the screws. When baring wires
for connection, remove approximately 6-8mm of the insulation and after axially twisting the wires,
insert the bare ends into the corresponding speaker terminal output on the amplifier. Maintain correct
polarity ("+" to "+"; "-" to "-").
6.3 MAIN POWER CABLE ROUTING
Run the positive main power cable ("+12 V") directly from the positive terminal of the car battery to
the amplifier. Make sure to use an appropriate battery clamp, that accepts big gauge cable diame-
ters. Make sure to clean both battery poles from surface corrosion, before connecting the battery
clamps. For protection of your car audio system against electrical fire hazards, resulting from a short-
circuit of the main power cable to chassis ground an ANL fuse holder must be inserted wit-
hin the first 30cm of the positive main power cable. The applicable fuse value must be
matched to the limitations of your main power cable AND the current draw of the amplifier - therefo-
re choose a fuse value of either 150 or 200A. Always keep in mind, that the EA4100-500 amplifier
is capable of 160A max. current drain!
Now you attach the ground cable to the amplifier. In most cases it will be best to keep the
ground cable ("-12V") as short as possible, i.e. to find a chassis contact very close to the amplifier.
The ground power cable must have the same cross-section as the positive power cable. It is recom-
mended to use a corrosion-resistant gold-plated ground clamp to obtain the lowest possible contact
resistance for the chassis ground connection. The contact surface point on the car chassis must be solid
and clean, i.e. free from rust or paint!
Tighten both power input terminals of the amplifier, and double check for perfect fit of both main cable
leads!
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6.4 TWIN-SATELLITE / SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
CD-CHANGER HEAD-UNIT
PRE-OUT FRONT, REAR & SUB
BASS-MIDRANGE
X-OVER X-OVER
TWEETER
X-OVER X-OVER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
CHANNEL 1-CH
CHANNEL 3-CH
CHANNEL 2-CH
CHANNEL 4-CH
CHANNEL
5/6-CH
TRUNKBOX SUBWOOFER
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6.4 TWIN-SATELLITE / KICKBASS SYSTEM
CD-CHANGER HEAD-UNIT
PRE-OUT FRONT, REAR & SUB
BASS-MIDRANGE
X-OVER X-OVER
TWEETER
X-OVER X-OVER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
CHANNEL 1-CH
CHANNEL 3-CH
CHANNEL 2-CH
CHANNEL 4-CH
KICKBASS
STEREO
CHANNEL 5 CHANNEL 6
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6.4 FRONT SATELLITE / KICKBASS/ SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
CD-CHANGER HEAD-UNIT
PRE-OUT FRONT, REAR & SUB
BASS-MIDRANGE
X-OVER X-OVER
TWEETER
BASS-MIDRANGE
TWEETER
CHANNEL 1-CH
CHANNEL 3-CH
CHANNEL 2-CH
CHANNEL 4-CH
KICKBASS
STEREO
CHANNEL
5/6-CH
TRUNKBOX SUBWOOFER
KICKBASS
STEREO
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7. ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
7.1 SELECTING THE OPERATION MODE FOR 1/2-CH & 3/4-CH CHANNELS
Before you power up your amplifier, you must select and set an appropriate operation mode first,
depending on the speaker systems connected to the "satellite channel pairs" 1/2-CH and 3/4-CH.
The EMPHASER EA4100-500 is multi-channel amplifier with integrated active crossovers and thus,
offers different amplification modes which can be set by the operation mode slide switches. Three of
these switches can be found on your amplifier. These switches enable you to configure each stereo
channel pair to work in either in fullrange, highpass, lowpass or even bandpass mode. Therefore you
must now select the appropriate operation mode for each channel pair: For example select HIGHPASS,
if the speaker system is a component-, coaxial- or triaxial- type, respectively LOWPASS / BANDPASS
in case of a kickbass system or a subwoofer. If you own a head-unit, that spots an integrated DSP con-
trolled active crossover, it is recommended to use the DSP based crossovers - in this case you need to
set all three operation mode slide switches to FULL(range)!
In all other cases, i.e. when your head-unit does NOT feature integrated DSP controlled active filters
or for some reasons you don't want to use them, you MUST set the OPERATION MODE of each chan-
nel pair to the corresponding HP, LP or BP setting, that correlates to the function of the connected
speaker pair! Otherwise, your speaker system might be damaged!
Selecting the appropriate operating mode for each channel pair makes sure, that the speakers con-
nected to the amplifier outputs will only receive filtered signals, so the speakers will only have to work
in the frequency bands they can reproduce best.
7.2 SELECTING A CROSSOVER FREQUENCY POINT FOR SATELLITE
SPEAKERS
The channel pairs 1/2-CH and 3/4-CH are mostly used and intended to drive satellite speakers.
Therefore these channels feature a highpass ("HP") crossover. For satellite speakers, you must select
the position "HP" on the OPERATION MODE switch. "HP" operation mode will take away unnecessa-
ry mechanical and electrical 'strain' from coaxial or component speaker systems, as they cannot repro-
duce strong and low bass signals anyway. Depending on the actual cone surface, voice-coil diameter
and the rated power handling of the installed 'satellite' speakers, it is recommended to set the high-
pass cross-over frequency point between 50 and 150Hz, using the "HI PASS" frequency control.
Note, that the appropriate setting should always be determined by ear! The two most important fac-
tors for this individual adjustment will be the reproduction of the mid-bass frequencies and the requi-
red safe power-handling capacity (cone excursion!) of the satellites, so the highpass crossover fre-
quency point is always a compromise setting.
Front Door Satellite Speaker System ("HP" enabled, 1/2-CH) HP Cross-Over Frequency
13 cm 2-way Component System 80 - 110Hz
16 cm 2- or 3-way Component System 50 - 80Hz
Rear Satellite Speaker System ("HP" enabled, 3/4-CH) HP Cross-Over Frequency
13 cm 2-way Coaxial or Component System 100 - 120Hz
16 cm 2-way Coaxial or Component System 100 - 120Hz
6x9" or 7x10" Triaxial Speaker System 100 - 120Hz
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7. ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
7.3 SELECTING A CROSSOVER FREQUENCY POINT FOR THE KICKBASS
SPEAKERS
For a front door installed 16cm kickbass system - consisting of one up to four 16cm kickbass speaker
units per door - the OPERATION MODE switch must be set to LP/BP. This mostly concerns channel pair
3/4-CH, while channel pair 1/2-CH will be used to drive the satellite system mounted in the front
doors. So the OPERATION MODE switch of 1/2-CH section must be set to HP, if this is the case.
The cross-over frequency point settings should be chosen according to the recommendations below:
Kickbass Speakers System ("LP/BP" enabled, 3/4-CH) HI PASS LOW PASS
1 x 16cm kickwoofer unit per front door 100 - 110Hz 200 - 300Hz
2 x 16cm kickwoofer units per front door 90 - 100Hz 200 - 300Hz
3 x 16cm kickwoofer units per front door 80 - 100Hz 200 - 300Hz
7.4 LOWPASS CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE SUB-
WOOFER
The EA 4100-500 enables the user to use all three channel pairs in lowpass (subwoofer) mode ope-
ration, although this function is mostly centered around the channels 5/6-CH, which offer the highest
power output of the six channels. Furthermore, the 5/6-CH channels feature a subsonic filter and a
phase shift control.
Select the switch position "LOW" on the OPERATION MODE CONTROL switch, of the 5/6-CH con-
trol section, in order to let this channel pair operate in low-pass mode.
Before you can attempt to find the sonically best lowpass crossover frequency point, you must set the
subsonic highpass filter control to its lowest position (10Hz).
Close the electrical circuit by inserting the main fuse. Now switch on your head unit. The green OPE-
RATING LED of the EA4100-500 power amplifier should light-up. If the LED lights up red, your instal-
lation is faulty! Turn off the head-unit and carefully re-check previous installation steps!
The LOW PASS cut-off frequency point setting depends on the amplitude response and the frequency
extension of the installed subwoofer system. As a rule of thumb, settings in a range between 60 to 90
Hz will render best sonic results. This setting is mostly a matter of taste, and should therefore be 'play-
ed by ear'. Turn up the input gain control knob of CH5/6 to "noon" position, and turn on your head
unit. Now set the desired lowpass frequency by adjusting the LOW PASS frequency control knob. In
general, setting the lowpass cross-over frequency too low, will result in a weak and muddy sounding
bass, while setting this crossover frequency too high will result in a 'booming' bass sound and redu-
ced low end extension.
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17
7. ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
7.5 SUBSONIC CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SUB-
WOOFER
Ideally, the subsonic highpass frequency should be set according to the size and function principle of
the subwoofer system, installed in this system configuration. The higher the subsonic crossover fre-
quency is set, the higher the mechanical power handling of the subwoofer system will be. The trade-
off is reduced low end extension, since nothing comes free! So turn up the volume of your head unit
and set the subsonic (highpass) frequency to fit your own taste and requirements, in a way you reach
a good compromise of power handling and convincing low end reproduction. There are no specific
recommendations…
7.6 ADJUSTMENT OF THE INPUT GAIN CONTROLS
To reach a maximum in dynamic response from each individual head-unit/amplifier/speaker combi-
nation, it is important to set the respective input sensitivity controls ("GAIN") of all channel pairs cor-
rectly.
Before you start, you MUST set all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Loudness etc.) and the fader
on the head unit to their neutral or center positions.
Now turn all three input gain controls (CH1/2, CH3/4 and CH5/6) on the amplifier anti-clockwise to
their minimum positions. The REMOTE LOW PASS LEVEL BOOST of the remote unit shall be set to its
minimum position too.
SUBWOOFER CHANNELS
Set the volume control of your head-unit to approximately 3/4 of full volume, while playing a dyna-
mic track of music. Slowly increase the input gain control of channels 5/6-CH by turning the control
knob clockwise, until you can just about hear distorted sounds from your subwoofer. Reduce the main
volume level on your head-unit to a medium listening level.
CHANNELS 1/2-CH
Slowly increase the input gain control of channels1/2-CH by turning the knob clockwise until you
reach a good tonal balance, with a slight emphasis of the bass range. Aim at a full bodied bass
response.
REAR CHANNELS / FRONT KICKBASS CHANNELS
Now slowly turn up the input gain control of the channel pair 3/4-CH, until you have either reached
a good balance between the front and rear satellites, or the front satellites and the kickbass woofer
units. In case of a front door installed kickbass system, a slight emphasis on the kickbass range is
recommended, as this will be compensated later by normal driving noises.
FINE TUNING OF ALL CROSSOVER FREQUNCY POINT SETTINGS
Finally you can attempt to fine-tune the HP, BP and LP cross-over frequencies on your amplifier, to
reach the maximum tonal balance and channel integration of all loudspeakers connected to your
EA4100-500.
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7. ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
7.7 PHASE SHIFT CONTROL
The phase shift control - to be activated by the ON/OFF switch on channel section 5/6-CH - provides
you with a simple "tool" to match the front door installed satellite system with the subwoofer playing
in the trunk compartment of your car. The phase shift control is used to achieve a good match of the
phase (time) relation between satellite and subwoofer system.
Since the satellite speaker system and the subwoofer are playing in locations separated by at least
2.5m, there is always a time difference between these two speaker systems, that usually cross over bet-
ween 60 to 120Hz. But a difference in phase bigger than 90° will cause a partial cancellation of the
frequencies that are radiated at the specific crossover point. Two effects derive from this fact: 1. the
sound reproduction is not as tight as it can be, and 2. the subwoofer can easily be localized to play
in the trunk of your car.
There is no rule of thumb, so this setting must entirely matched by ear! The assistance of somebody
adjusting the phase shift in the back of your car, while you monitor the change of sound - complica-
tes this matter. At least, you need a buddy to help you and an optimised phase match between satel-
lite speakers and the subwoofer is well worth the efforts!
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19
BEDIENUNGS- UND INSTALLATIONSANLEITUNG
Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Wir danken Ihnen, dass Sie sich zum Kauf der EMPHASER EA4100-500 6-Kanalendstufe entschieden
haben. Sie besitzen nun ein sehr hochwertiges Produkt, das mit einem kompromisslosen technischen
Aufbau aufwartet. Die EA4100-500 setzt Masstäbe bezüglich Leistungsabgabe, Klangqualität und
Bedienungsfreundlichkeit.
Damit Sie die Wiedergabequalität und die Leistungsfähigkeit Ihres Verstärkers voll ausschöpfen kön-
nen, möchten wir Sie bitten, sich eingehend mit den Möglichkeiten und technischen Features dieses
Verstärkers vertraut zu machen. Lesen Sie deshalb die nachfolgenden Abschnitte sorgfältig durch und
bewahren Sie diese Bedienungsanleitung für allfällige, vielleicht später auftauchende Fragen auf.
WICHTIGE INFO:
Wenn Sie den Einbau Ihres Car-HiFi Systems selbst vornehmen, lassen Sie
dieses von Ihrem Händler auf fachgerechte Installation überprüfen. Damit
sichern Sie sich Ihre Garantieleistungen und stellen sicher, dass die Anlage
ihre volle Klangqualität und Leistungsfähigkeit erreicht.
Längere Einwirkung von sehr hohen Schallpegeln kann zu Gehörschäden
führen. Seien Sie daher bitte vorsichtig, Hörschäden sind irreversibel!
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1. TECHNISCHER AUFBAU / MERKMALE
■6-KANAL VERSTÄRKER: Die EA4100-500 dient zur Realisierung eines einbaufreundlichen
klangstarken 5/6-kanaligen Subwoofer/Satelliten Systems, z.B. bestehend aus zwei Sets
Komponentenlautsprecher (im Front und Heckbereich) und einem Subwoofer (im Kofferraum)
■SUBWOOFERPEGELREGELUNG ÜBER EXTERNE KABELFERNBEDIENUNG: Das im Fond
des Fahrzeuges frei montierbare kleine Bedienteil ermöglicht die Fernbedienung der Lautstärke des
Subwoofers, bzw. der Kanäle 5 und 6 im Tiefpass-Betrieb
■Zwei einzelne vollständig getrennte MOS-FET Netzteile: Die EA4100-500 ist mit zwei
separaten Netzteilen bestückt, dies verhindert eine gegenseitige Beeinflussung der einzelnen
Verstärker-Kanäle für die Satelliten und den Subwoofer
■1 OHM STABILITÄT: Dieser 6-Kanal Amp lässt sich auf jedem Kanal mit Lastimpedanzen bis auf
1 Ohm belasten. Das Design der Ausgangstufe ist ausserdem auf niedrigen Innenwiderstand getrimmt,
alle Kanäle haben durch den resultierenden hohen Dämpfungsfaktor die angeschlossenen
Lautsprecher voll "im Griff"
■INTEGRIERTE ELEKTRONISCHE FREQUENZWEICHE: Die drei Kanalpaare werden über drei
einzelne, vollkommen unabhängige elektronische Frequenzweichen mit einer Flankensteilheit von 12
dB/Okt. angesteuert. Es lassen sich Hochpassfilter, Tiefpassfilter und Bandpassfilter wählen, oder der
jeweilige Weichenzweig kann vollständig umgangen werden
■KOMPROMISSLOSER AUFBAU UND KONSTRUKTION: Durch die ausschliessliche
Verwendung von hochwertigsten Materialien in der Fertigung, ist die Betriebssicherheit besonders
hoch. Zum Einsatz kommen z.B. doppelseitig kaschierte Glasfaser-Epoxydharzplatinen, hochstromfä-
hige Transistoren etc. Weiterhin verfügt die EA4100-500 über 35mm2Power-Input Terminals, für vol-
len unlimitierten Stromfluss sorgen
■INTELLIGENTE SCHUTZSCHALTUNG: Die integrierte Schutzschaltung erkennt Kurzschlüsse an
den Lautsprecherausgängen, Gleichspannung im Ausgangssignal und überhöhte Betriebstemperatur.
Fehlerhafte Betriebszustände führen zum sofortigen Abschalten des Gerätes
■POWER / PROTECT LED'S: Am Input-Side Panel befinden sich zwei LED's, die grün leuchtende
Status LED, welche normale Operation des Verstärkers anzeigt, als auch eine weitere rote LED, die bei
Problemen wie Kurzschlüssen, elektrischer / thermische Überlastung und Gleichspannung an den
Anschlussklemmen rot aufleuchtet
■GROSSER REGELBEREICH DER EINGANGSEMPFINDLICHKEIT: Alle Line Level
Eingangspaare akzeptieren Vorverstärker-Signale von 200mV bis 9V. Dies garantiert, dass diese
Endstufe mit allen am Markt erhältlichen Steuergeräten kombiniert werden kann
■EXTERNE SICHERUNGEN: Für die Absicherung des internen Verstärker-Netzteiles befinden sich
auf der Power-Eingansseite zwei entsprechende 80A Maxi-Sicherungen. Diese lassen sich im
Bedarfsfalle schnell austauschen
■INTERNER LÜFTER: Diese Endstufe ist intern mit einem temperaturgesteuerten Lüfter ausgestattet.
Er sorgt auch bei Vollastbetrieb für ein sehr effektives Hitzemanagement
EA 6-CH Manual 12.03.2002 13:32 Uhr Seite 20