Harman Kardon TC600 User manual

Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon
Tunnel Cooled amplifier. This is a superb
piece of high fidelityequipment that has
been meticulously designed to provide you
with many hours of enjoyment.
Harman Kardon's Tunnel Cooled amplifiers
are the result of an extensive engineering
project to create the finest automotive high-
fidelity amplifiers available. These amplifi-
ers provide superior performance, can
operate under extreme environmental
conditions,and are highly adaptable to
various system configurations.
This manual describes the features and
capabilitiesof your new amplifier. In
addition,
it describes the proper methods for
connecting your amplifier to your system.
Please read this owner's manual and care-
fully follow the instructions for connection.
Table of Contents
Harman Kardon design philosophy 2
4
........
TC600, TC300, and TC304 features ....... 3
............................................. introduction 5
Installationprecautions ................... ..... 6
Charging system considerations ............. 7
................................... Mounting location 7
............................. System configurations 8
........ Connecting the TC-series amplifier
I I
General information ............................ I I
Power connections .............................. 13
Audio input connections
..................... 17
................. Speaker output connections 18
Controls and operation ............................ 19
Application drawings .............................. 22
Series-Paralleland minimum impedance
speakerconnection
.............................. 29
Troubleshooting checklist ....................... 3 1
Fan reversal for multiple amplifier
......................................... installations 33
Specifications..........................................
34
O 1990 Harman Kardon. Inc.
1

Harman Kardon design philosophy
TheTC Seriesamplifiers employ the key
Harman Kardon design principles of high-
instantaneouscurrent capability (HCC),
ultrawidebandwidth, low negative feedback,
and fully discrete preamp and output
circuitry.
HCC (High-instantaneous
Current Capa,bility)
While reproducing dynamic music
signals, the instantaneous impedances of
nearly all loudspeakers drop to less than a
third of the nominal rating. These low
momentary impedances typically require
three tosix times more current from the
amplifier than would a nominal Cohm
resistive load. The TC600 amplifier can
supply 100amperes of instantaneous
current, while the TC300 and TC304 can
supply 50amperes. This HCC provides
control over the low impedance and
fluctuating phase angles produced by
normally operating speakers, ensuring
that your speakers will be able to continu-
ally reproduce the entire dynamic range
of music without premature clipping or
current limiting.
Bridgeable
All TCSeriesamplifiers are designed to
provide increased power into
2 ohms
stereoor
4 ohms bridged. Unlike many
lower-quality amplifiers, theTCSeries
amplifiers can
be bridged for increased
power. Stable, reliable operation in these
higher power modes is assured by the TC
Series' wide-margin Safe Operating Area
(S.O.A.), which anticipates the toughest
operating conditions.
Ultrawidebandwidth
Unlike conventional automotive amplifi-
ers, the TC600, TC300, and TC304 can
reproduce musical frequencies ranging
from less than lOHz to more than
100kHz. This ultrawidebandwidth im-
proves the accuracy of reproduction of
transient signals and ensures phase linear-
ity.
Low negativefeedback
This design philosophy is used by the
world's most exclusive amplifiers. It
requires the highest quality internal
components, and results in an extremely
stable amplifier with unmeasurable TIM
distortion and absolutely outstanding
imaging characteristics.
Fullydiscrete circuitry
Rather than employing inexpensive
integrated circuits, which reduce band-
width and increase required negative

feedback, the TC Series amplifiers use
completely discrete (separate) electronic
components for greatly improved
linearityand less distortion.
Ultrawidebandwidthcombined with low
negative feedback and fully discrete
curcuitry maintains the correct harmonic
and phase relationships in your music,
providing superior imaging and definition.
Designed and manufac-
tured in the U.S.A.
The TC Series amplifiers were designed
with the aid of CADICAM computer
systems
at Harman Kardon's state-of-the-art
industrial complex. The result is rugged,
high-performanceamplifiers employing
only the highest-quality parts and materials,
includingdouble-sided fiberglass-epoxy
printed circuit boards and high-current
capacity bipolar transistors.
TC600, TC300, and TC304 Features
Transversetunnelfan
cooling
Major heat-producingcomponents in the
amplifier are mounted directly to the center
heat sink, localizing the area to be cooled.
Harman Kardon's exclusive transverse
tunnel cooled design employs a fan to
eliminate heat directly from the heat sink,
enabling the amplifier to remain cool to the
touch and permitting installation in re-
stricted spaces, such as under carseats.
This exclusive design not only protects the
preamplifier and power supply components
from high temperatures, but also keeps dust
and dirt from contaminating the inside of
the amplifier, further ensuring reliable op-
eration.
Two-stage music-linked
coolingfan speed
The music link whisper fan operates
inaudibly until the music volume rises, then
goes to a higher speed for more efficient
cooling without interferencewith your
listening pleasure. The fan returns to its
inaudible state between musical passages.
Reversible fan
For side-by-side multi-amp installations,the
fan in each TC Series amplifiercan be
reversed, providing control over the
direction of the cooling air flow. This
enables you to prevent the warm air from
one amp from being vented into the tunnel
of the next amp.

Simultaneous stereo
plus bridged mono
operation
For one-amplifier stereo satellite/mono
subwoofer systems, the TC Series amplifi-
ers can provide stereo and bridged mono
operation simultaneously,eliminating the
need for electronic crossovers and addi-
tional amplifiers.
50Hz boost
All TC Series amplifiers provide 50Hz
boost equalization, enabling you to adapt
your sound to your personal taste and com-
pensate for acoustic limits inherent in the
automotive environment.
Fully regulated high-
capacity power supply
The high-capacity power supply is fully
regulated, ensuring stable amplifier opera-
tion over a wide voltage range and corn-
pletely eliminating damage to speakers due
to
DC leakage.
B+and remote-on
power noise filtering
The TCSeriesamplifiers contain power-
supply filters that effectively reject any
power-supply-relatednoise, such as
alternator whine. The 12-volt
B+ main
power input is filtered by a bank of capaci-
tors and a large high-current inductor.
Balanced differential
variable-gain inputs
The input circuitry on TC Series amplifiers
isolates signal cables from potential ground
loops and radiated noise. In addition, it
allows preamp or high-level (speaker)
inputs to
be directly connected to the
amplifier inputs.

Introduction
This manual covers all three of the Harman
Kardon TCSeries amplifiers: the TC600,
TC300, and TC304. Because of their clean,
powerful design, these amplifiers can be
used full-rangeor in specialized multi-amp
systems as bass, midrange, or treble
amplifiers.
The TC600 and TC300 are two-channel
(stereo)amplifiers that can be bridged into a
singlechannel. The TC304 is a four-
channel amplifier that can be configured for
four, three, or two discrete channels. All of
the TC Series amplifiers are capable of
operating in simultaneous stereo plus
bridged mono mode, which allows for im-
mense flexibility in system design and
future upgrade potential.
Please read this manual for information
about system design considerations,
connections,and operation. Before you
begin your installation, determine your
speakerconfiguration, wiring route, and
location of the amplifier(s). Retain this
manual for future reference.
Important
TheTC Series amplifiers are professional-
quality amplifiers that can be incorporated
into any automotive system, from the
simplest to the most complex. We strongly
recommend professional installationof your
TCSeriesamplifier to ensure that you
obtain the optimum performance from your
entire system.
Warranty card
Fill out the warranty card and suve your
sules receipt.
Your sales receipt is your
proof of purchase and you will need it to
establish the date on which your warranty
begins. You will
be required to show it if
service is necessary during the duration of
the Limited Warranty.
Caution
Listening at extremely loud sound
levels can cause a temporary loss in
your hearing acuity. Continued
exposure can eventually cause this loss
to become permanent. We caution you
to be aware of the long-term effects of
sustained high-volume sound. and we
recommend that you use discretion
when listening for extended periods.

Installation precautions
Disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal before beginning your installa-
tion, and do not reconnect it until all
connectionshave been made and you are
completelyfinished with your installa-
tion.
As the very last step before reconnecting
the battery, connect the positive power
lead (sometimesreferred to as
B+) from
the amplifierto the battery terminal.
Important: To prevent serious short-
circuits that can do major damage
(includingpotential for fire), you must
install a fuse within 18"of the positive
(+) battery terminal on the positive B+
power lead to the amplifier. (See the
"Connections" section for information
about fuse size).
Make sure that the inletsand outletsfor
the amplifier's cooling fan are unob-
structed. You must install the amplifier
in such a way as to allow free air flow
through the coolingtunnel to ensure that
the amplifier will be able to dissipateits
heat.
Pay particularattentionto the power
ratings of the speakersyou choose. Many
speakersare not capableof handling the
high power produced by the TC Series
amplifiers. Match your speakersto the
power ratings of the amplifier(s)you will
be using,and never operate your speakers
at higher levels than specified.

Charging system Mounting
considerations location
TheTC600, TC300, and TC304 are high-
performance amplifiers whose current
demands place an additional load on your
car's battery and charging system. Depend-
ing on the volume at which you are playing
your system, the amplifier can draw an
average of 20-40 amperes, and under
certain extreme operating conditions, can
draw up to 90amperes in the case of the
TC600.
Because of the additional demand, the life
of your car's battery and charging system
may be shorter than it would have been
before you installed your music system.
You may need to install a heavy-duty
charging system and a high-quality heavy-
duty battery to support the higher demands
on the charging system. Depending on your
listening habits, you may want to install a
second battery and an isolation switching
system. Consult your Harman Kardon
dealer for professional assistance.
Harman Kardon's tunnel cooled design
keeps your amplifier cool to the touch.
enabling you to install
it even in a very
confined space, such as under a seat with
limited clearance. Just be sure that you
don't block or restrict the inlet or outlet to
the amplifier's tunnel, so air can be circu-
lated freely by the fan. This cooling method
allows the amplifier to be positioned in any
orientation (horizontal, vertical, upside
down).
Do not install your amplifier in a location
where
it would be exposed to rain, moisture,
or direct sun, and do not allow dirt or
foreign objects to enter the cooling tunnel.
Use the amplifier itself as a template for
marking the mounting holes. Before you
drill mounting holes, make sure that you
know what is located directly behind the
panel you're drilling through (e.g., gas tank,
brake lines, wires, etc.).

System configurations
This section describes some of the system
configurations possible with the TCSeries
amplifiers.
Low-levelinput to amplifier
TC-Series amplifiers aremost commonly
used with a low-level (preamp) input signal
from the head unit. A control onthe TC
Series amplifiers enables you to adjust the
input signal level for optimum performance.
(See the "Controls and operations" section
for information on adjusting input level.)
High-levelinput to amplifier
All TCSeries amplifiers can also accept a
high-level (speaker-level) input signal from
a head unit that has no preamp-level out-
puts. In this situation, the leads from your
head unit that would ordinarily connect
directly to your speakers are instead
connected to the input of the TC Series
amplifier.
A control on the TCSeries
amplifierenables you toadjust the input
signal level for optimum performance. (See
the "Controls and operation" section for
information on adjusting input level.)
Normalstereo or four-channel
full-range operation
("Full-range" means that a single amplifier
provides the entire spectrum of audio
frequencies to a speaker or speakers with no
electronic crossover used.) Either the
TC600or the TC300 am~lifiercan be used
in a normal two-channel stereo installation
in which the amplifier provides power for
both the left and right channels. The TC304
can
be used in a normal four-channel
installation in which the amplifier provides
power for left and right channels,both front
and rear

Dedicatedfull-range bridged
amplifier operation
Any TC Series amplifiercan be bridged.
combining two of its channels into a single
channel to provide higher power. The
TC600 or TC300 can be bridged to convert
from stereo operation to higher-power mono
operation. In this configuration, the ampli-
fier provides all its power into a single
channel. The TC304, being a four-. three-,
two-channel amplifier. can be bridged to
combine one or two of its channel pairs into
one or two single mono channels.
Bridged amplifier operation
with electronic crossover
If you install an electronic crossover
between the head
unit and the TC Series
amplifier. you have several options for
using TC Series amplifiers
in bridged mode,
such as:
Use the TC600 as a dedicated mono
amplifier running parallel subwoofers.
Note: Becmtse rher.e ur.e wl:\.fi.w nmf-
em thut cat1 hutrdle 600 watts ~fc~otrtit~rr-
orrs
power. ~ithorrtclunia~c,rzvedo not
r.ec~onrn~ctrdirsitlg the TC600 it!hridgcd
VIOIIO mode wi~hnrost sit~glesrrhwmjiw.
Use the TC300 as a dedicated mono
amplifier running a single subwooferor
other combinationsof series/parallel
woofers.
Use the TC304 in one of two ways:
(a)as a dedicated two-channel amplifier
running two single subwoofers.
or
(b)as a stereo high-pass amplifier to two
stereo channels and as a mono low-pass
amplifier to a mono subwooferchannel.
Use the TC304 as a four-channelhigh-
pass satellite amplifier. and use either a
TC600 or TC300 as
a dedicated sub-
woofer amplitler.

Simultaneous bridged-mono/
stereo satelliteoperation
You can use any of the TC Series amplifiers
in a simultanousbridge-monolstereomode
(alsoknown ascenter-channelconfiguration
orderived three-channeloperation). In this
configuration,a singleamplifier runs a
stereopair of satellite speakersaswell as a
singlesubwooferspeaker simultaneously.
With a TC Seriesamplifier, this configura-
tion does not require the use of either an
.
activeelectronic crossoveror extra amplifi-
ers. However, you will need to use passive
crossoverson all three speakers so the
stereo satellite speakersand the subwoofer
do not operate in the same frequencyrange.
If you're using a two-channel amplifier
(either the TC600 or TC300),the speaker
leads will be connectedto both the
normal stereoconnectorsand to the
bridged-monoconnectors simultaneously.
If you're using the TC304 four-channel
amplifier. the amplifiercan operate in
normal fourchannel mode and simultane-
ously provide bridged power output on
either one or both front and rear channel
Simultaneous bridged-mono/stereo operation
speakers,or from the left front to right
rear and right front to left rear for non-
fade bass operation.
4,3,2 operation using the TC304
four-channel amplifier
The TC 304 four-channelamplifiercan be
configuredto provide either four, three, or
two separatechannels of power. Some
examples of different types of 4,3,2,
operationhave been described in this
manual, but there are many more possible
applicationcombinations. The 4-3.2
operationof the TC304,combined with si-
multaneousbridged operation,provides
almost unlimited flexibilityfor automotive
systemdesign.

Connecting the TC-series amplifier
This section is divided into four separate General information Connection tips:
parts:
1. General information
2. Power connections
3. Audio input connections (from the head
unit to the amplifier)
4. Speakeroutput connections (from the
amplifierto the speakers)
Please
be sure you read all four parts to
ensure that your amplifier is connected
properly.
DISCONNECTTHE BATTERY'S
NEGATIVE
(-) TERMINAL BEFORE
YOU BEGIN YOUR INSTALLATION,
AND DO NOT RECONNECT IT
UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY
FINISHED!
Do not connect the main positive lead
(B+)from the amplifier to the battery
until after all other connections have been
made.
Use the proper gauge of wire:
I0 gauge or
larger from the amplifier to the battery,
and 18gauge or larger from the amplifier
to the speakers.
If you choose to use crimp-typeconnec-
tors in your system, use high-quality
connectors of the proper size, and crimp
them correctly to ensure optimum
electrical contact.
Be sure to solder any splices in your wire,
and seal the splice with heat-shrink tubing
or electrical tape.

The connectors on TC Series amplifiers
are large enough to accept up to 10-gauge
wire. If you want to use a heavier gauge
of wire than will fit into the connector,
remove one strand at a time until the end
of the wire can fit. Even though strands
are removed at the connector end, you
still receive the benefits of the heavier-
gauge wire, since the significant loss in a
long run of wire occurs along its length,
and not at its relatively short termination
point.
The screw-typeconnector used on
TC
Seriesamplifiers works most effectively
when the stranded wire is
not tinned with
solder. When the tiny wire strands are
loose, the connector can compact them
uniformly,achieving maximum surface
area contact between the wire and the
connector. Use a good screwdriver and
tighten the connector securely enough to
ensure that the wire will not pull out.
Wire-routing tips:
Plan your wire routing carefully before
you begin your installation.
Always route signal cables separately
from power cables to avoid noise in the
system. For example, run your power
cables along one side of the car chassis
and the signal cables down the opposite
side.
Keep each ground wire as short as
possible to avoid power loss and the
possibilityof introducingnoise into your
system.
Use grommets or other protective devices
when running wires through metal parts.
If you have mounted several amplifiers
and accessory devices (e.g.. electronic
crossovers, equalizers, etc.) together in
the samearea, connect all the ground
leads from these devices to the same
ground point on the metal chassis of the
car. Do not connect one unit to another
unit's negative ground terminal and rely
on the second unit's ground wire to
ground both units (daisy-chaining). This
configuration can cause a ground loop,
which can introduce noise into the
system.

Powerconnections TC600 The TC600 requires two individual wires
Your
TC Series amplifier requires a positive 12V Positive (B+) connection
connected to the two battery (+) terminals
12V battery connection and a negative 12V Remember-:Connectingyour.amplifierto on the amplifier. Make sure you route these
ground. Use 10-gaugeor larger wire for the positi,te terminal of your battery is the leads separately from the preamp output
these connections. last thing you do,afrer all other-connections cables to avoid the possibility of noise in
in your system have been conzpleted. the system. There are two methods you can
use to complete this connection:
er connections
I
SIGNALINPUT SPEAKER OUTPUT

Option 1: Connect two 10-gaugeor larger Option 2: Connect a single 4-gauge or
wires to the positive terminal on the larger lead to the positive terminal on the
battery. Within 18"of the battery battery. Within 18"of the battery
terminal, insert a 45-amp fuse, fuseable terminal, insert a 90-amp fuse, fuseable
link, or circuit breaker in each lead. link or circuit breaker in the lead. Run
Connect each lead to one of the two the single lead to the area where you have
battery
(+) terminals on the TC600. mounted your TC600, then use a splitter
to split to two 10-gaugeleads that then
connect to the two battery
+ terminals on
the TC600.
12V Ground (EL) connection
Connect two 10-gaugeor larger wires to the
two ground
(-) connectors on the TC600,
then run both leads to the same point on the
metal chassis of the car. Make sure you
scrape down to bare metal, and make sure
that the metal is directly part of the main
vehicle chassis. Keep the ground leads as
short as possible.

TC3OO or TC304
12V Positive (B+) connection
Remember: Connectingyour amplifier to
the positive terminal of your battery is the
last thing you do,after all other connections
in your system have been completed.
Connect a 10-gaugeor larger wire to the
positive terminal on the battery. Within 18"
of the battery terminal, insert a 45-amp fuse,
12V Ground (B-) connection
fuseable link, or circuit breaker in the lead. Connect a single 10-gaugeor larger wire to
Connect the lead to the battery
(+) terminal the ground
(-) connectoron the amp, then
on the
TC300 or TC304. Make sure you
run the lead to the metal chassis of the car.
route this lead separately from the preamp Make sure you scrapedown to bare metal,
output cables to avoid the possibility of and make sure that the metal is directly part
noise in the system. of the main vehiclechassis. Keep the
ground lead as short aspossible.
TC304 powerconnections
SIGNAL INPUT SPEAKEROUTPUT
LR LR
L
(~lusaan~islsed
0-logawie

Remote-on
Option I : Connect the antenna power lead Option
2: Wire a switch in the passenger
Many head units provide a remote-on lead, to the Remote terminal on the TC Series compartment to switch the positive
which connects directly to the Remote amplifier.
Note: This configuration may terminal on the battery (+12V)to the
connector on your TC Series amplifier. require that you have the power to the Remote terminal on the amplifier.
Turning on your head unit will. in turn, radio on when you play a tape or CD. Alternatively, you can use the accessory
automatically turn on the amplifier. If your position on the ignition switch to switch
head unit does not have a remote-on lead.
+ 12V to the Remote terminal.
you can still wire your system for remote
turn-on by using one of these options:

Audio input
connections
There are two types of input signals that
your TC Series amplifier may receive: low-
level (preamp-level)output or high-level
(speaker-level)output.
Low-level(preamp-level)
connections
Connectthe left and right preamp output
cables from your head unit, electronic
crossover, low-level equalizer (commonly
referred to as a passiveequalizer),or
preamplifierto the left and right INPUT
RCA connectorson your TCSeries ampli-
fier. (See the "Controls and operations"
section for informationabout adjusting
input level.)
You may want to use high-quality preamp
cables (althoughnoise at this point should
not
be a factor because the differential
INPUT connectorson the TC Seriesampli-
fiers are capable of rejecting radiated noise
induced in cables). If you decide to use
higher-quality preamp cables. use the type
with a shielded,twisted pair of signal wires,
if possible. The separateshield should not
be grounded at the amplifierend.

I High-level (speaker-level)
Soldereach pair of speaker leads from the
connections
head unit to a male RCA connector. Con-
If yourhead unit has low-]evel(preamp- nect the positive lead to the center pin of the
1) connectorsavailable.connect as RCA connector,and the negative lead to the
:ribed in the previoussection. If only outside shield of the connector. Then attach
ker wires are available,connect as each RCA connector to the INPUT connec-
:ribedhere. tors on the TC Series amplifier. (See the
"Controls and operations" section for
information about adjusting input level.)
f Detail: RCApm conneclor
3
Solder positive (+)
speakei lead
1- to center pin. L
High-level (speaker-level)
connections
SPEAKEROUT
L R
Speaker
wires from head unit.
Note:only onechannel
shown.
Speaker output
connections
The size and quality of the wire you use to
connect your speakersto your
TC Series
amplifiercan affect the sound quality of
your system. Since the lengths of speaker
leads
in a car are relatively short, any
speakerwire of 18-gaugeor larger should
perform satisfactorily. However,audiophile
speakercables may offer better perform-
ance.
For information about connecting specific
speakerconfigurations,seethe "Application
drawings" section of this manual.

Controls and operation
Bridgedmono/stereo
switch
Set this switch to STEREO when you are
using both left and right
RCA input
connections.
Set this switch to MONO when you are
using only the left (mono)
RCA connec-
tor.
The TC304 has two controls, one for the
front channels and one for the rear
channels. Set these switches as described
above. depending on which input connec-
tors you are using.
Note: For simulta-
neous bridged mono/stereo satellite
operation. set this switch to STEREO.
Controlsonthe TC600
and TC300
Input sensitivity
control
WARNING: When adjustingand testing
the system for proper amplifier input
sensitivity control level, you may easily
reach amplifier output levels which can
damage speakers.
Do not operate the
system at ltigl~output le\vls nl/iettdistortio~
is present.
Test the system for correct amplifier input
level setting by momentarily advancingand
reducing the head unit volume control to
successively higher levels as long
as there
is no distortion up to a maximum of 718
volume control rotation. If you hear
distortion (clipping)on a successive
increment, immediatelyturn down the head
unit volume control and do not operate the
unit above this level unless the amplifier
-
input sensitivity is changed as described in
the following sections.