imaage dynamics Q450.4 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Q700.2
Q450.4
Q600.1
Q1200.1

MOSFET POWER SUPPLY AMPLIFIER
AUDIOPHILE GRADE NE5532 OPAMPS
12dB/Oct. CROSSOVER
- VARIABLE HIGH PASS CROSSOVER (50Hz-500Hz & 500Hz-5KHz)
- VARIABLE LOW PASS CROSSOVER (50Hz-500Hz & 500Hz-5KHz)
VARIABLE 0dB TO 12dB BASS EQ AT 45Hz
5 WAY PROTECTION CIRCUIT TO ENSURE LONG LIFE
THROUGH OUTPUT RCA FOR RUNNING MULTIPLE AMPLIFIERS
SOFT START / MUTE CIRCUIT
2 OHM STEREO 4 OHM MONO OPERATION
- 1 -
INTRODUCTION
FEATURES - CLASS AB AMPLIFIER
MOSFET POWER SUPPLY AMPLIFIER
24dB/Oct. CROSSOVER
- VARIABLE LOW PASS CROSSOVER (50Hz-250Hz)
VARIABLE PHASE SHIFT 0° ~ 180°
VARIABLE 24dB/Oct. SUBSONIC FILTER 15Hz ~ 45Hz
5 WAY PROTECTION CIRCUIT ENSURES LONG LIFE
THROUGH OUTPUT RCA FOR MULTIPLE AMPLFIERS
BASS REMOTE CONTROL
1 OHM STABLE CIRCUIT
SOFT START / MUTE CIRCUIT
FEATURES - CLASS AB MONO AMPLIFIER
Thank you for purchasing an Image Dynamics amplifier for your automotive sound system.
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to the highest standards ensuring
years of enjoyment in your vehicle. For maximum performance and extended warranty
coverage, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier installed by an
authorized Image Dynamics dealer. Your authorized dealer has the training, expertise and
installation equipment to ensure optimum performance from this product. Should you
decide to install the ampli
f
ier
y
oursel
f
, please
t
ake the time to read this manual thorou
g
hl
y
decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time to read this manual thoroughly
s
o as to
f
amiliarize
y
oursel
f
with its installation requirements and setup procedures.
so as to familiarize yourself with its installation requirements and setup procedures.
BANDPASS CROSSOVER ON 450.4
HIGH CURRENT BI-POLAR OUTPUTS
AUDIOPHILE GRADE NE5532 OPAMPS
HIGH CURRENT BI-POLAR OUTPUTS

- 2 -
WARNING
PLANNING and INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM
High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating “Live Concert”
levels of sound pressure. Continued exposure to excessively high volume sound
levels may cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while
listening to audio equipment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear
external sounds such as; horns, warning signals, or emergency vehicles, thus
constituting to a potential traffic hazard.
Installation Applications
This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with positive ground and/or voltages other than
12V may result in damage to the product and will void the warranty.
Planning Your Installation
It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan out your
installation carefully. The following are some considerations that you must take into
account when planning your installation.
Installation Guidelines
Mounting your Amplifier is easy. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Supply ample power, Amplifiers do not make power they convert the current from the
cars battery into musical energy through the speakers in your system.
- Proper ground connection is required. The ground for the amplifier must carry the
same current as the positive power wire. It is suggested to upgrade the factory ground
wire from the battery to the chassis of your vehicle.
· The amplifier requires adequate ventilation. Position the amplifier with sufficient
surrounding area for proper cooling. If possible mount amplifier in a vertical position .
· Keep the amplifier out of the engine compartment and other locations that may
cause excessive heat or moisture.
· Do not mount the amplifier to a subwoofer enclosure or any other place that
may have excessive vibration!
- It is required that the main power wire for the amplifier(s) be fused within 18”
of the battery for safety.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle to make sure that you will not be drilling
through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness or other vital vehicle system.
- Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle. This is an extremely
dangerous practice which can result in severe damage to your vehicle and person.
- Protect all system wires from sharp metal edges and wear by carefully routing them,
tying them down, and using grommets & loom where appropriate.

- 3 -
PLANNING and INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM (continued)
STEPS FOR AMPLFIER INSTALATION-
The following represents the steps for a typical amplifier installation, using
an aftermarket source unit or OEM source Interface. Not all installations are
the same and different procedures may be required. If you have any ques-
tions, please contact your authorized Image Dynamics dealer for assistance.
1- Disconnect the negative battery connection and secure it to prevent acc-
idental re-connection during installation. This is a required step!
2- Run power wire (minimum 4 AWG) from the battery to the amplifier, taking
care to route it in such a way that it will not be damaged and will not interfere
with vehicle operation. Use 2AWG or 1/0AWG power wire if multiple are being
installed.
3- Connect power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire within 18
inches wire length of the positive battery post. This fuse protects the vehicle in
the case of a short circuit. Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been
connected to the amplifier.
4- Run RCA cables and remote turn-on wire from the source unit to the ampli-
fier.
5- Run speaker wire from the speaker locations to the amplifier.
6- Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier, remove all
paint and sound deadener to bare metal, then connect the negative power wire
using a minimum of a #12 screw or 1/4” bolt. Use minimum 4AWG power wire
from the amplifier to the ground connection point. In most vehicles, it is neces-
sary to upgrade the battery to chassis ground wire to a minimum of 4 AWG.
7- Securely mount the amplifier using supplied hardware.
8- Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier. A fuse near
the amplifier is not recommended.
9- Connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier.
10- Connect the RCA cables to the amplifier.
11- Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.
12- Carefully select the proper settings for theAmplifier according to the needs
of the system.
13- Install power wire fuse and reconnect the negative battery post terminal.
14- Turn on the system at a low level to check that the amplifier is configured
correctly. Resist the temptation to crank it up until you have verified the control
settings.
15- Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity controls to obtain the
right overall output and the desired balance in the system.
16- Enjoy your system.

- 4 -
POWER CONNECTIONS
Chassis
Ground
(-)
FUSE Holder
< 18” from
Battery
Remote Turn ON
To Power Antenna
Battery
CAUTION
Prior to installing the amplifier, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the
vehicle’s battery. This will prevent accidental damage to the system, the vehicle
and your person during installation.
The Q series amplifiers power and ground connections are designed to accept 4 AWG
power wire. 4 AWG is the minimum recommended power wire size for this amplifier. If
you are installing multiple amplifiers and wish to use a single main power wire, use 2
AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire (depending on total system current demands). The
main 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into a distribution block mounted
as close to the amplifiers as possible and should connect to the amplifier with 8 - 4AWG
power wire.
The ground connection should be made using the same gauge wire as the power
connection and should be kept as short as possible, to a solid piece of sheet metal in the
vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should be sanded at the contact point to create
a clean, metal-to-metal connection between the chassis and the ground wire termina-
tion. For proper grounding use a bolt with a star washer, a #10/12 sheet metal screw can
be used alternately.
Any wires run through metal barriers (such as fire walls), must be protected with a high
quality insulating grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do
so may result in a dangerous short circuit.
NOTE: Many vehicles use small gauge wire to ground the battery to the vehicle chassis
and to connect the alternator to the battery. These wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG
when installing large or multiple amplifier systems exceeding 500 watts.
FUSES
It is required that the main power wire to the amplifier(s) in the system be fused within 18
inches of the positive battery connection. The fuse value at each power wire should be
high enough for all of the equipment being run from that power wire. If only an individual
amplifier is being run from that power wire, we recommend a fuse equal to the amplifiers
fuses be used. No fuse is required or recommended directly before the amplifier power
REMOTE TURN-ON
The Q Amplifiers uses a +12V remote turn-on
lead, typically controlled by the source
unit’s remote turn-on output. The amplifier
will turn on when +12V is present at its
“Remote” input and turn off when +12V is
switched off. If a source unit does not have
a dedicated remote turn-on output, connect to
+12V circuit controlled by the ignition switch.

CONTROLS AND SETTINGS
4 Channel
2 Channel
Mono
REMOTE
BASS
CONTROL
POWER
POWER
PROT.
PROT.
45Hz
45Hz
15Hz
15Hz
250Hz
250Hz
50Hz
50Hz
0.2V
0.2V
6V
6V
180
1800
12dB
12dB
0dB
0dB
SUB-SONIC
SUB-SONIC
LPF
LPF
PHASE SHIFT
PHASE SHIFT
BASS BOOST
BASS BOOST
LEVEL
LEVEL
R
L
R
LINE INPUT
LINE INPUT
LINE OUT
LINE OUT
GND
GND
REM
REM
+12V
+12V
GND
GND
REM
REM
+12V
+12V
- 5 -

- 6 -
Input Sections
RCA CONNECTORS- The Q Amplifiers use differential low level RCA type inputs, 2
channel and Mono models have one set of L/R inputs and one set of full range L/R outputs.
4 channel models have two sets of L/R inputs with an INPUT MODE switch. If you wish to
operate all four channels with a single stereo input select 2CH, if
you wish to provide separate inputs for all four channels select 4CH .
INPUT GAIN- To allow the Q series amplifiers to operate correctly from wide variety of
source units and in varying configurations. The gain control does not limit output power
nor is it a volume control. The gain varies the sensitivity of the amplifiers input circuits. The
main purpose of the input gain control is to properly match the levels of different speakers
in your system for best sound according to your tastes while allowing you to adjust for
maximum undistorted output. Turned to MAX the amplifier will require a higher volume from
the source to achieve maximum output, turned to MIN the amplifier will achieve full volume
from a lower level from the source. On the 2-channle and Mono models you can control the
gain using the remote connection to provide remote level adjustment for subwoofers.
CROSSOVER CONTROLS- Crossovers filters allow only certain frequencies to pass
through them and attenuate frequencies outside the selected range. This enables the user
to specify what frequency range will be sent through the amplifier. The purpose of this is so
each speaker only reproduces the range of frequencies it is intended for, providing lower
distortion and improved sound quality.
XOVER
2-Channel 4-Channel
LP or LPF(mono models) Sets the crossover to low pass attenuating frequencies above
the selected frequency. Normally used for connecting to a subwoofer on that channel.
HP Sets the crossover to high pass attenuating frequencies below the selected frequency.
Normally used for connecting component speakers or pair of tweeters on that channel.
BP (4 Channel only) Sets the crossover to band pass attenuating frequencies below the
selected high frequency and above the selected low frequency. This creates a band pass
response where only frequencies in between the two selected frequencies are reproduced.
Normally used for connectiing to a midbass or midrange driver in a 2-way active front
sound stage.
F Sets the input so that the amplifier will produce a full range output attenuating any
frequencies.
FREQ. -or- HIGH FREQ. / LOW FREQ. This rotary control selects the crossover frequency.
FREQ. MULT X1 or X10 Switches the crossover frequency range from 50-500 to 500-5000
SUB-SONIC (mono models) Is a high pass filter that prevents the subwoofer from playing
below the selected frequency. This is normally used to prevent over excursion of a
subwoofer in a ported enclosure or when installed infinite baffle.
BASS EQ The amplifiers have a bass equalization circuit centered at 45Hz with up to 12dB
of boost. Use the BASS EQ carefully, Too much equalization can easily cause amplifier
clipping and may even damage your speakers.. It is better to work with subwoofer position
and enclosure to get the proper response rather than relying upon the BASS EQ function.
STATUS LIGHTS The green Power LED when illuminated indicates that the amplifier is on
and operating normally. The red Protection LED indicates the amplifier has detected a fault
and gone into protection. If illuminated, turn off amplifier and check for shorted speaker
leads, proper battery voltage, or grounded RCA input.
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS

SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
- 7 -
POWER @ 14.4V <1% THD + N
RMS AT 4 Ohm , STEREO
RMS AT 2 Ohm , STEREO
RMS AT 1 Ohm , STEREO 600W X 1CH 1200W X 1CH
S/N RATIO @ rated power
CHANNEL SEPAR ATION
INPUT SENSITIVITY
INPUT IMPEDENCE
SLEW RATE
DAMPING FACTOR @ 50 Hz
FUSE R ATIN G
* WIDTH
* HEIGHT
* LENGTH
DIMENSION
MODEL
SPEC.
250W X 1CH
400W X 1CH
> 98dB
0.05% / <1%
~~~~~~
0.15V ~6.0V
20 KOhm
25V / µSec
> 100 @ 2ohms
40A X 2
8.5” / 222mm
2.125” / 54mm
13.75” / 349mm
Q600.1
500W X 1CH
800W X 1CH
> 98 dB
0.05% / <1%
~~~~~~
0.15V ~6.0V
20 KOhm
30V / µSec
> 100 @ 2ohms
30A x 4
8.5” / 222mm
2.125” / 54mm
18.5” / 470mm
Q1200.1
RMS AT 4 Ohm , STEREO
RMS AT 2 Ohm , STEREO
RMS AT 4 Ohm , MONO 650W X 1CH 250W X 2CH
S/N RATIO @ rated power
THD+N typical/rated power
CHANNEL SEPAR ATION
INPUT SENSITIVITY
INPUT IMPEDENCE
SLEW RATE
DAMPING FACTOR @ 50 Hz
FUSE R ATING
* WIDTH
* HEIGHT
* LENGTH
DIMENSION
MODEL
SPEC.
175W X 2CH
325W X 2CH
> 100dB
0.05% / <1%
> 75dB
0.15V ~5.0mV
20 KOhm
25V / µSec
> 100 @ 2 ohms
30A x 3
8.5” / 222mm
2.125” / 54mm
17.25” / 438mm
Q700.2
75W X 4CH
125W X 4CH
> 100dB
0.05% / <1%
> 65dB
0.15V ~5.0mV
20 KOhm
23V / µSec
> 100 @ 2ohms
40A x 2
8.5” / 222mm
2.125” / 54mm
13.75” / 349mm
Q450.4
POWER @ 14.4V <1% THD + N
THD+N typical/rated power

IMAGE DYNAMICS USALIMITED WARRANTY
CAUTION:
THESE PRODUCTS ARE CAPABLE OF VERY HIGH SOUND PRESSURE
LEVELS. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS IN
EXCESS OF 100DB CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. PLEASE
LISTEN USING COMMON SENSE AND RESTRAINT
IMAGE DYNAMICS USA warrants this product is free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of 2 (TWO) years from date of original purchase
when installed by an authorized retailer or in a retailer approved installation,
this must be indicated in writing on the original sales receipt.
Ninety (90) days if not installed by an authorized dealer or in an authorized
retailer approved installation.
This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original retail purchaser
of the product from an authorized IMAGE DYNAMICS USA Retailer. Upon
inspection by Image Dynamics USA should service be necessary under this
warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defects IMAGE DYNAMICS will,
at its sole discretion, repair or replace the defective product with new or re-
manufactured product at no charge.
This warranty is limited and does not cover claims for damage caused by
misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, normal wear and tear, and is limited to
material failures or defects arising during normal use in a dealer approved
installation.
All warranty returns should be sent to IMAGE DYNAMICS USA freight prepaid
through an authorized IMAGE DYNAMICS USA retailer and must be
accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt). Direct
returns from consumers or non-authorized retailers will be refused unless
specifically authorized by IMAGE DYNAMICS USA customer service with a
valid return authorization number. This warranty does not cover the cost of
removingor reinstalling the amplifiers.
No other warranties are expressed or implied.
In no event will IMAGE DYNAMICS be liable for incidental, consequential, or
other damages resulting from the use of this product, this includes but is not
limited to, damage to hearing, property or person, damage based upon
inconvenience or on loss of use of the product, and, to the extent permitted by
law, damages for personal injury.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights,
which vary from state to state. This warranty applies to products sold and used
in the United States ofAmerica. In all other countries, contact your distributor. If
you have any questions please contact customer service @ 866-933-1414.
All warranty returns must be packaged in original retail packaging and be
accompanied by a copy of the original sales receipt. Products damaged
in shipment due to improper packaging will not be covered under this
warranty.
Image Dynamics USA Ph. 866-933-1414 Fax [phone]
620-C S. Magnolia Ave. Ontario, CA 91762
www.imagedynamicsusa.com