Lightning Audio Strike S4.300 User manual

S4.300
S4.600

Introduction
InnoVAte or DisintegrAte!
Thank you for purchasing the Lighting Audio Strike Amplifier.
Our customers have come to expect that Lightning Audio pushes the edge in audio. Now we will push the edge in the
amplifier and woofer business with high value and high performance models.
or the first time, amplifiers can be personalized by the customer with accessories like the POWERCell and ANModule.
These accessory components are designed with performance and customization in mind.
If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product, we recommend that you see your Lightning
Audio dealer. If you need further assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-9899. Be sure to have your serial num-
ber, model number and date of purchase available when you call.
The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it in the space provided below as your perma-
nent record. This will serve as verification of your factory warranty and may become useful in recovering your amplifier if
it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ______________________________________
Model Number: ______________________________________
Improper wiring connections can seriously damage
the Amplifier and your vehicle. Be sure to carefully
follow the connection instructions in this manual.
Note: If you are unsure of the connections, contact
your dealer.

- 1 -
SpecificAtions
Specifications subject to change without notice
4-ChAnnel Amplifiers
StAggered Power: Separate ront and Rear Power Supplies
Power Rating 30w x 2 @ 4ohms ( ront Channels)
90w x 2 @ 4ohms (Rear Channels)
45w x 2 @ 2ohms @ less than 1% THD ( ront Channels)
135w x 2 @ 2ohms @ less than 1% THD (Rear Channels)
90w x 1 @ 4ohms ( ront)
270w x 1 @ 4ohms (Rear)
Input SensitiVity 150mV minimum
High LeVel Input 1V - 8V
SignAl to Noise ratio Greater than 90dB
ChAnnel SepAration Greater than 55dB
CrossoVer High/Low/All Pass switch
CrossoVer Frequency 60/80/120Hz Selectable
CrossoVer Slope 12dB/Octave
EquAlization Juice Boost - +6dB @ 50Hz (on/off switch)
Amplifier Fuse VALUE (2) 25A
CHASSIS SIZE 10.25”W x 2.25”H x 13.5”L*
Strike S4.300
StAggered Power Separate ront and Rear Power Supplies
Power RAting 60w x 2 @ 4ohms ( ront Channels)
150w x 2 @ 4ohms (Rear Channels)
90w x 2 @ 2ohms @ less than 1% THD ( ront Channels)
225w x 2 @ 2ohms @ less than 1% THD (Rear Channels)
180w x 1 @ 4ohms ( ront)
450w x 1 @ 4ohms (Rear)
Input SensitiVity 150mV minimum
High LeVel Input 1V - 8V
SignAl to Noise RAtio Greater than 90dB
ChAnnel SepAration Greater than 55dB
CrossoVer High/Low/All Pass switch
CrossoVer Frequency 60 - 400Hz Variable
CrossoVer Slope 12dB/Octave
EquAlizAtion Remote Juice Boost, Variable +12dB @ 50Hz
(Remote included)
Amplifier Fuse VALUE (3) 20A and (1) 25A
CHASSIS SIZE 10.25”W x 2.25”H x 19.8”L*
*End Cap adds 2.4” to Chassis length
Strike S4.600

- 2 -
Specifications subject to change without notice
Accessories
POWERCell All 6 amplifiers can benefit from the
addition of the POWERCell, an electrolytic capacitor
module that integrates directly to the amplifier through a
docking station. The POWERCell delivers big power for
transients faster than the vehicle’s electrical system. The
POWERCell enables the Lightning Audio amplifiers to
withstand the rigors of driving 2 ohm loads.
FANModule: Keeping powerful amplifiers cool,
especially into lower impedance, is the key function of the
ANModule. Easily integrated into the top of the amplifier,
the ANModule provides constant cooling over the entire
PC board and output devices improving sound quality by
reducing distortions caused by thermal gradients.

- 3 -
C
E
D
B
A
M
I
L
K
Strike S4.600
G
FH
Design FeAtures
C
E
D
B
A
I
J
L
Strike S4.300
G
FH

- 4 -
A. High Level (Speaker) Inputs : The high level inputs use a detachable connector terminated with 20 AWG leads.
These inputs should be used if the source unit has only speaker line (high level) outputs and not RCA outputs.
B. RCA Input Jacks – Line Level fr m Radi Pre- uts: The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy connection
for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
C. Gain C ntr l: The input gain control is preset to match the output of most source units. They can be adjusted to
match output levels from a variety of source units.
D. Cr ss ver Filter Switch: High for High Pass - Mid-Tweeter.
Off for All Pass - ull Range.
L w for Low Pass - Subs.
E. Speaker C nnecti ns: ollow correct polarity, and do not Ground any speaker wires. Do not connect any speaker
wires together.
F. P wer C nnect r Plug: Connects Power, Ground, and Remote
G. P wer Cell (Capacit r) Plug: Power Cell has 2 active leads for B+ and Ground
H. P wer Fuse: If this use should blow, determine the cause or see your authorized dealer. Never replace the fuse
with one of greater value than the original
I. Adjustable Cr ss ver Frequency C ntr l: 60-400Hz.
J. Juice B st Switch: Applies 6dB of 50Hz Bass Boost.
K Juice B st Rem te M dule: The Juice Boost remote module has a Green “Operation” indicator and Red
“Protection” indicator. The Remote Juice Boost Module allows adjustment of the overall gain or volume of the
amplifier. It operates only when the crossover switch is in Low Pass position. It does not alter the frequency
response, but instead allows control of the overall gain of the amplifier driving your woofers. Most experienced
users adjust the Juice Boost knob on the amp for the maximum desired amount of bass boost, and then plug
in the module to control how much of that boost they want to unleash to their subwoofers.
L. Pass Thru Outputs: The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without
running and extra set of RCA cables from the front of the vehicle to the rear amplifier location.
M. Juice B st: Applies 0-12dB of 50Hz Bass Boost.
Design FeAtures
ChecK our website www.LightningAudi .c m
for updAtes on your products.

- 5 -
InstAllAtion ConsiderAtions
The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Lightning Audio
Adequate Length Voltmeter
Wire strippers Battery post wrench
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Wire cutters
Adequate Length—Red Power Wire Assorted connectors
Adequate Length—Remote Turn-on Wire Wire crimpers
Adequate Length—Black Grounding Wire
This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new Lightning Audio amplifier. Checking
your battery and present sound system, as well as pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save
installation time. When deciding how to lay out your new system, be sure that each component will be easily accessible
for making adjustments.
Before beginning any installation, be sure to follow these simple rules:
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the amplifier.
2. F r safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning the installation.
3. or easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your amplifier in place.
4. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current wires.
5. Use high quality connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
6. Think bef re y u drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines
or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.
7. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle provides the best protection.
8. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed
through metal, especially the firewall.
9. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install a fuseholder and appro-
priate fuse on the +12V power wire within 18” (45.7 cm) of the battery terminal.
10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground con-
nection. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and always be connected to metal that is welded to
the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.

- 6 -
Mounting LocAtion
The mounting location and position of your amplifier will have a great effect on its ability to dissipate the heat generated
during normal operation To maximize the performance of your amplifier, care should be taken to ensure adequate venti-
lation.
Trunk M unting
Mount the amplifier vertically this will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.
Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will work but provides less cooling capability than vertical mounting.
Mounting the amplifier upside down to the rear deck of the trunk will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect
the performance of the amplifier and is strongly not recommended.
Passenger C mpartment M unting
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a sufficient amount of air for the
amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1"
(2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink.
Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink in the passenger compart-
ment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is strongly not recom-
mended.
Engine C mpartment M unting
Lightning Audio amplifiers should never be mounted in the engine compartment. Not only will this void your warranty but
could create an embarrassing situation caused by the ridicule from your friends.

- 7 -
BAttery And ChArging
Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We recommend checking your
alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough capacity to handle the increased load of
your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any
Lightning Audio amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the
performance of your Lightning Audio amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and an energy storage
capacitor.
CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equip-
ment or harnesses. The power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system.
• F r safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning the installation.
1. Plan the wire routing. Take care when running signal level RCA cables to keep them close together but isolated from
the amplifier's power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done to prevent
coupling the noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When feeding the wires through the firewall or
any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to prevent short circuits. Leave the wires long at this
point to adjust for a precise fit at a later time.
2. Prepare the P wer cable for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert
the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place.
NOTE: The + cable MUST be fused 18" or less from the vehicle's battery. Install the fuseholder under the
hood and prepare the cable ends as stated above. Connections should be water tight.
Trim the power cable within 18" of the battery and strip 1/2" of insulation from the end of the wire. Cut the wire l p
that is attached t the fuseh lder in half and splice the fuse int the p wer line using appr priate inline c n-
nect rs. Use the section of cable that was trimmed earlier and connect it to the other end of the fuseholder.
3. Strip 1/2" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp a large ring terminal to the cable. Use the ring terminal
to connect to the battery positive terminal. D n t install the fuse at this time.
4. Prepare the Gr und cable for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of insulation from the end of the wire.
Insert the bared wire into the GND terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chas-
sis ground by scraping any paint from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the
other end of the wire and attach a ring connector. asten the cable to the chassis using a non-anodized screw and a
star washer.
5. Prepare the REM turn-on wire for connection to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of insulation from the wire end. Insert
the bared wire into the REM terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the cable into place. Connect the other end
of the REM wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched voltage is usually taken from the source units
auto antenna or the accessory lead. If the source unit does not have these outputs available, the recommended
solution is to wire a mechanical switch in line with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.
6. Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier on cardboard or plas-
tic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due to road vibration or sudden vehicle stops.
7. Connect the source signal to the amplifier by plugging the RCA cables/high level inputs into the input jacks at the
amplifier.
8. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2" and insert into the speaker terminal and tighten the set screw to
secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT chassis ground any of the speaker
leads as unstable operation may result.
9. Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate. Check all power
and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause problems.
Wiring the System

- 8 -
Using PAssiVe CrossoVers
A passive crossover is a circuit that uses capacitors and/or coils and is placed on speaker leads between the amplifier
and speaker. The crossover delegates a specific range of frequencies to the speaker for optimum driver performance. A
crossover network can perform one of three functions: High-Pass (capacitors), Low-Pass (inductors or coils) and
Bandpass (combination of capacitor and coil).
The most commonly used passive crossover networks are 6dB/octave systems. These are easy to construct and require
one component per filter. Placing this filter in series with the circuit will reduce power to the speaker by 6dB/octave
above or below the crossover point depending on whether it is a high-pass or low-pass filter. More complex systems
such as 12dB/octave or 18dB/octave can cause impedance problems if not professionally designed.
Passive crossovers are directly dependent upon the speaker's impedance and component value for accuracy. When
passive crossover components are used in multiple speaker systems, the crossover's effect on the overall impedance
should be taken into consideration along with the speaker's impedance when determining amplifier loads. CAUTION:
The Lightning Audio amplifiers are not recommended for impedance loads below 2Ω stereo and 4Ω bridged
(mono) loads.
6dB/Octave Low-Pass 6dB/Octave High-Pass
Freq.
Hertz Speaker Impedance
80 4.1mH 1000µF 8.2mH 500µF 16mH 250µF
100 3.1mH 800µF 6.2mH 400µF 12mH 200µF
130 2.4mH 600µF 4.7mH 300µF 10mH 150µF
200 1.6mH 400µF 3.3mH 200µF 6.8mH 100µF
260 1.2mH 300µF 2.4mH 150µF 4.7mH 75µF
400 .8mH 200µF 1.6mH 100µF 3.3mH 50µF
600 .5mH 136µF 1.0mH 68µF 2.0mH 33µF
800 .41mH 100µF .82mH 50µF 1.6mH 26µF
1000 .31mH 78µF .62mH 39µF 1.2mH 20µF
1200 .25mH 66µF .51mH 33µF 1.0mH 16µF
1800 .16mH 44µF .33mH 22µF .68mH 10µF
4000 .08mH 20µF .16mH 10µF .33mH 5µF
6000 51µH14µF .10mH 6.8µF .20mH 3.3µF
9000 34µH 9.5µF68µH 4.7µF .15mH 2.2µF
12000 25µH 6.6µF51µH 3.3µF 100µH 1.6µF
2 OHMS 8 OHMS
4 OHMS
LC L CL C
LC
L = Low-Pass (Inductor)
C = High-Pass (Capacitor)
or more information, see your Authorized Lightning Audio Dealer.

- 9 -
InstAllAtion
• F r safety, disc nnect the negative lead fr m the car battery pri r t beginning the installati n
Trunk M unting
Mounting the amplifier vertically on a surface will provide the best cooling for the amplifier.
Passenger C mpartment M unting
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a sufficient amount of air for the
amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1”
(2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier’s heatsink.
B+ Terminal
The B+ cable MUST be fused 18” (45cm) or less from the vehicle’s battery. Prepare the cable ends and install the fuse-
holder under the hood. Connections should be water tight.
GND Terminal
Prepare a length of cable to be used for the ground connection. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from
the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. asten the cable to the chassis using a screw.
REM Terminal
Connect the REM wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched signal is usually taken from the source units
auto antenna or the accessory lead. If the source unit does not have these outputs available, the recommended solution
is to wire a mechanical switch in-line with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.
Input C nnect rs
ollow the diagram and connect the appropriate signal cables to the input terminals of the amplifier. Be sure that the sig-
nal cables are routed close together and away from any high current wires.
Speaker Output Terminals
Connect the speaker system to the amplifier by inserting the wires into the corresponding output terminals and tighten
the set screws. ollow the diagram for proper signal polarity. DO NOT chassis gr und any f the speaker wires as
unstable amplifier perati n may result. CAUTION: This amplifier is n t rec mmended f r impedance l ads
bel w 2Wstere and/ r 4Wbridged (m n ).
Gain C ntr l(s)
The amplifier is factory set for optimum dynamic range. The system levels may be adjusted by ear when using a source
unit with higher or lower output levels by using the following procedure.
1. Turn the gain control to minimum (counterclockwise)
2. Play a music track with high dynamic content and turn up the source unit to at least 3/4 volume
3. Slowly increase the gain and set it just below audible distortion or until reaching a comfortable hearing threshold
(whichever occurs first)
Sympt m Diagn sis Remedy
Troubleshooting
Amplifier d es n t turn n. B+ or REM not between 10.5 and 15.5
volts or no voltage present
Amplifier is not properly grounded.
Voltage spike from source unit is enter-
ing amplifier’s input
Noise is radiating into signal cables
Check the alternator, battery, fuse, and
wiring and repair as necessary
Check wiring and repair as necessary
Connect turn-on module to REM terminal
if pops are eliminated with no input signal
to amplifier
Re-route signal cables away from sourc-
es of high current
Amplifier N ise
(Turn-On Pop)
Engine N ise

- 10 -
+–
4Ωmin.
–
+
–
+
2Ωmin. 2Ωmin.
+–
–
+
–
+
2Ωmin. 2Ωmin.
4Ωmin.
InstAllAtion
Stereo/Mono OperAtion
•RCA inputs are connected to both left and right channels.
•Gain for left and right channels are set equally to balance the subwoofer.
•Impedance for each channel should be 2Ωminimum.
•Impedance for mono channel should be 4Ωminimum.
•Cr ss ver is set for Full Range.
•Passive Cr ss vers are needed for proper stereo/mono operation. .

- 11 -
System DiAgrAms
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
BAND
DISP AS/PS
LOUDMODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL
2-WAy System

- 12 -
System DiAgrAms 3-WAy System
Using Single Voice
Coil Woofers
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
+–
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
+–
+ +
+–+
–+–
–
+
– – +–
–
8Ω8Ω
8Ω8Ω8Ω
4Ω4Ω4Ω 4Ω
BAND
DISP AS/PS
LOUDMODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL

- 13 -
System DiAgrAms 3-Way System
Using duAl Voice
Coil Woofers
Front
Rear
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
––
+
–
+–
+
+–+–
–
–
+–
+
+–+––
+– +
+
4Ωx 2
4Ωx 2 4Ωx 2
4Ωx 2 4Ωx 2 4Ωx 2
Sub
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
Crossover
Tweeter
Midrange
BAND
DISP AS/PS
LOUDMODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL

- 14 -
System DiAgrAms
Front Rear
12dB/octave LP
20Hz - 80Hz
12dB/octave HP
80Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
8Ω
+ –
+ –
8Ω
BAND
DISP AS/PS
MODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL
Lightning Audio Woofers

- 15 -
System DiAgrAms
Front Rear
12dB/octave LP
12dB/octa
ve HP
80Hz - 275Hz
12dB/octave HP
275Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
24dB / octaveLP
20Hz - 80Hz
8Ω8Ω
4Ω4Ω
2-Channel
Amplifier
Pass-Thru
BAND
DISP AS/PS
MODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL
Lightning Audio Woofers
Lightning Audio

- 16 -
System DiAgrAms
Front
12dB/octave LP
12dB/octave HP
80Hz - 275Hz
12dB/octave HP
275Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
24 dB /o c t a v e LP
20Hz-80Hz
RFA-812
Rear
Pass-Thru
8‰
4‰
8‰
2-Channel
Amplifier
4‰
BAND
DISP AS/PS
MODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL
Lightning Audio
Lightning Audio Woofers
12dB/octave LP
12dB/octave HP
80Hz - 275Hz
12dB/octave HP
275Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
4‰
4‰

- 17 -
System DiAgrAms
Front Rear
Pass-Thru
BAND
DISP AS/PS
MODE
MUTE
TUNE
123456
SEL
VOL
COMPACT DISC PLAYER WITH DIGITAL TUNER
RPT
TRACK SCAN RDM DISC
PUSH
SEEK
MENU
ST RPT RDMLOUDLOCAL
CD CHANGER CONTROL
12dB/octave LP
12dB/octave HP
80Hz - 275Hz
12dB/octave HP
275Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
d B /o c t a v e LP
20Hz-80Hz
RFA-812
8‰
4‰
8‰
2-Channel
Amplifier
4‰
Lightning Audio
Lightning Audio Woofers
Pass-Thru
12dB/octave LP
12dB/octave HP
80Hz - 275Hz
12dB/octave HP
275Hz - 20kHz
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
d B /o c t a v e LP
20Hz-80Hz
RFA-812
8‰
4‰
8‰
2-Channel
Amplifier
4‰
Lightning Audio
Lightning Audio Woofers

- 18 -
InternAtional
InformAtion