MTX Thunder TA High TA5604 User manual

TA5604 Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Thank you for choosing MTX to help reach the ultimate goal with your vehicle. Adding MTX amplifiers and
matching MTX speakers and subwoofers with StreetWires connections will put you in a better position to
hear, feel, and experience all of the music the artist intended.
Specifications
Primary Ratings:
Power Output: 75 Watts RMS x 4 Channels at 4 Ohms and ≤1% THD+N
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (1Watt): 76dB
Secondary Ratings
Power Output: 150 Watts RMS x 4 Channels at 2 Ohms and ≤1% THD+N
Power Output: 300 Watts RMS x 2 Bridged at 4 Ohms and ≤1% THD+N
Power Output: 600 Watts RMS x 1 Bridged at 2 Ohms and ≤1% THD+N
THD+Noise (Distortion) (1Watt): ≤.25%
Frequency Response (-3dB): 20Hz-20kHz
Maximum Input Signal: 10V
Maximum Sensitivity: 100mV
Dimensions: 9-5/8” x 16-11/16” x 2-1/2” (245mm x 424mm x 65mm)
Smart Engage™ Auto-Turn-On (Patent No: US06556683)
Patented Pure N-Channel Technology (Patent No: US05631608, US05783970)
Patented Power Supply (US05598325)
Input Sensitivity Switch: 100mV-1V/1V-10V
Summed Front Rear Line Level Output
Crossover: Hi, 12dB / Low, 24dB Mono @ 40Hz-350Hz, Defeatable
Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Rear channels only)
Dual Mono Output (Low pass on 4 channels)
Features
1. Prizm EFX – All MTX amplifiers include backlit adjustment controls on the top surface of the product.
• Color – The backlit controls offer unlimited colors on the display -- from RED, GREEN, and BLUE to any color
in between.
• EFX – You can switch Prizm EFX lighting to “pulsate” with the beat of the music.
2. Xtant Technology Cooling (XTC) – A thermal-regulated turbo-charged intercooler supplies fan forced cool air
evenly and constantly through tightly packed bonded fins. Fan speed is continuously variable and controlled
by the amplifier’s output load, temperature of heatsink, and transformers. Exhaust from the internal heatsink
is strategically positioned to cool the transformers to maintain maximum performance at all volumes.
3. Bi-Level Inputs with Smart Engage™ – All MTX amplifiers feature RCA type input connections. All MTX
amplifiers allow both high level and line level input into the RCA type input connections.
• Low Level Input – Source units with an output signal level of 100mV–10V may be used. See “Input
Sensitivity” for proper voltage level setting.
• High Level Inputs with Smart Engage™ – All MTX amplifiers allow high level inputs through RCA type input
connections using provided high level adapters. Source units with an output signal level of 100mV–10V may
be used. See “Input Sensitivity” for proper voltage level setting.
• Smart-Engage™ Auto-Turn-On - An auto-turn-on circuit is included within the amplifier. A remote turn-on
wire is not necessary when connecting the amplifier’s high level input to a high-powered source unit (car
stereo). The amplifier will automatically turn on when music is received through this type of connection when
using a factory head unit.
Note: Smart Engage™ is only active on the left input.
4. Input Sensitivity – The Input Sensitivity switch is used to set the proper input voltage range:

X1 POSITION: 100mV–1V (Typically for RCA Input)
X10 POSITION: 1V–10V (Typically for Speaker Level Input)
5. Stereo Gain Control – This feature is used to fine-tune the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit’s
output level.
6. Variable Hi, 12dB / Low, 24dB Mono @40Hz–350Hz X-over – This control allows the user to choose the
exact low pass or high pass frequency range the amplifier will play for the best possible performance. A
high pass or full range output may be selected for the front output. A high pass, low pass, or full range
output may be selected for the rear output. The upper end of the low pass crossover range can be selected
from 40Hz–350Hz at 24dB per octave with a mono output. The lower end of the high pass crossover range
can be selected from 40Hz-350Hz at 12dB per octave with a stereo output.
7. Dual Mono Output (low pass only) – This feature is used when driving subwoofers and the amp is wired
in a bridged front and bridged rear configuration (2-channel) or all channels combined configuration (1-
channel) to ensure all channels receive the same signal.
8. Summed Front/Rear Line Level Output – This line level output is used to send a signal to an additional
amplifier. The signal is not affected by front rear fading.
9. Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Remote Sub) – This port allows the use of the optional “remote level
control”. . The Remote Subwoofer Level Control is a bass control module that can be installed in any
location within the vehicle for remote adjustments.
10. StreetWires Connectors – All MTX amplifiers include StreetWires connectors for efficient current and
maximum voltage transfer.
11. Speaker Connection – These output terminals are individually labeled for proper speaker connections.
When bridging the amplifier, use the left positive terminal and the right negative terminal only. Warning, do
not individually bridge the front and/or rear of the amplifier with an impedance lower than 4 Ohms.
12. Power Terminals – This is the main power connection for the amplifier. The power and ground wire size
should be the same gauge.
• GND – The ground wire from this connection must be attached to bare metal on the vehicle.
• REM – To turn the amplifier on/off, this terminal must be connected to the source unit’s “remote or electric
antenna” wire.
• +12V – The power wire from this connection must be attached to the positive side of the vehicle battery.
Before Starting
MTX recommends that you have your new Thunder amplifiers installed by an authorized MTX retailer, preferably
MECP certified. If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you have read the instructions carefully and have
the following tools:
• Electric drill
• Phillips bit or screwdriver
• 1/8” bit
• Wire cutters/crimpers
• Safety glasses
• X-Acto knife
Disconnect the vehicle’s negative battery connection. Any deviation from the recommended connection
procedures may cause serious damage to the amplifier, speakers, and/or vehicle electrical system. Please
double check the connections before turning the system on.
Installation
Mounting
Place your Thunder amplifier at the predetermined mounting location. Use a felt pen to mark the exact position
of the mounting holes on the mounting surface. Set the amplifier aside. Then with a sharp, precise blade cut
small circles in the carpet and padding around the four marks denoting your mounting holes to expose the
metal underneath. Use a center punch to make an indentation in the metal to ensure that you drill the exact
position for the screws.
Note: Please use common sense and make sure that all vehicle wires, gas lines, brake lines, etc. are clear and will
not interfere with the installation. ALWAYS WEAR PROPER SAFETY GLASSES.

Connections
1. Bi-Level Inputs (Low/High Level Input) with Smart Engage™ – Both a low and high level signal can be used.
Be sure to lay the signal wire away from all power cables and vehicle computers. Use high quality twisted pair
interconnect cables to decrease the possibility of radiated noise entering the system.
• Using RCA Connections: If the source unit has RCA outputs, simply attach a signal cable from the source unit
to the amp’s RCA input. This will provide signal to the amp.
• Using Speaker Level Connections: If the source unit does not have RCA outputs, a high level signal can be
used instead by taking the supplied high level RCA adapter cables and connecting the bare wire ends to the
vehicle’s rear speaker wiring. Connect the left negative speaker wire to the green with black stripe wire on the
supplied high level RCA adapter. Connect the left positive speaker wire to the solid green wire. Do the same
for the right speaker connection using the purple wire. Now plug the RCA connectors located on opposite
end of the supplied high-level RCA cables into the amp’s inputs. When connecting the front channel, use the
included grey and white high level RCA adapter cables. The grey wire is used for the front left and the white
wire is used for the front right.
2. Speaker Wire Connections –
When installing the speaker wires, please take proper measures to protect them. For example, when
connecting the door speakers, the speaker wire should run from the amplifier’s output terminals, under the
carpet, and through the factory rubber boot (loom) that protects the wires in the inner door jam. If the factory
boot cannot be used, take other measures to protect these wires. Sometimes the door has to be completely
removed to use the factory boot. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a
professional to help you.
When connecting the speaker wires to the amplifier please observe the printed polarity markings on the
amplifier’s StreetWires connector. Failing to wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass
response or poor overall sound quality.
These amps will have eight speaker terminals: front left positive, front left negative, front right positive, front right
negative, rear left positive, rear left negative, rear right positive, and rear right negative.
• Stereo (4-channel) Connection: This configuration is typically used with full range or high frequency
speakers. Each channel can drive a minimum of a 2 ohm load.
• Front Stereo/Rear Bridged (3-channel) Connection: This configuration is typically used with full range
speakers connected to the front outputs and subwoofer(s) connected to the rear outputs. Each front channel
can drive a minimum of a 2 ohm load. The rear bridged configuration can drive a minimum of a 4 ohm load.
• Bridged Front and Rear (2-Channel) Connection: This configuration is typically used with subwoofers. Both
the front and rear outputs can be bridged individually and each can drive a minimum of a 4-ohm load. No
front and rear gain matching is required if the Dual Mono feature is on. Use the rear gain control only for
adjusting the gain for all channels.
• Dual Mono (1-Channel) Connection: This configuration is typically used with subwoofers. All channels can
be combined for max power (both the front and rear outputs can be bridged together) and can drive a
minimum of a 2-ohm load. The Dual Mono feature is must be on. Use the rear gain control only for adjusting
the gain for all channels.
Note: Please pay attention and make sure the speakers or woofers are the correct IMPEDANCE (OHMS) BEFORE
attaching to the amplifier.
3. Power Terminals – When installing the power wires, please take proper measures to protect them as
best you can. For example, when running the power cable from the vehicle’s battery through the firewall,
use a firewall bushing for protection. Continue running the power wire through the interior of the vehicle
under the carpet and to the amplifier. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask
a professional to help you. Be sure to lay the power wire away from all signal cables.
When connecting the power wires to the amplifier please observe the printed markings on the amplifier’s
StreetWires power connector. Failing to wire the power cables properly could result in amplifier damage.
• +12V: This is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive
terminal of the car battery for the amplifier to operate properly. It is important that a main fuse is installed a
maximum of 18” from the battery.
• GND: This is the ground connection for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the metal chassis
of the vehicle for the amplifier to operate properly. A properly grounded amplifier can be run harder and
longer than a poorly grounded amplifier. The ground on the amplifier should be as short as possible and
be connected directly to the vehicle’s metal chassis. Do not connect to factory bolts of ANY kind. When
attaching the ground to the chassis, sand all the paint away from the contact point. A grounding block like the

StreetWires GT4 should be used whenever possible as this piece of equipment has 5 times the surface area of
a normal screw.
The gauge of the power and ground wire is often an overlooked aspect of amplifier installation. The more power
the amplifier receives, the more power it will produce. Power cables have a natural resistance, and will lose
voltage by the time the power makes its way to the amplifier. The larger gauge (diameter) wire will hold more
voltage over longer runs. Also, by having a larger diameter ground wire, the amplifier can run more efficiently.
MTX recommends using a minimum of 4 gauge power and ground cables to get the best performance.
• REM: This connection turns the amplifier on and off and needs to be connected to a remote turn-on wire
from your source unit if you are using a low level input connection.
Note: When numerous amplifiers are used in the same system, look into using a relay with a separate power wire
connected to an alternative power source to take the strain off the source unit. Normal source units can only
keep a constant 12 volts to 2 or possibly 3 amps. This wire should also be run away from the RCA cables.
Double check all the previous connection installation steps, in particular the speaker and power wiring. Securely
mount the amplifier. If everything is in order, reconnect the vehicle’s negative battery connection and begin
following the feature setup and adjustment steps.
Feature Setup and Adjustments
1. Selecting the Input Sensitivity Range – Before you turn on your system, you must select the proper input
sensitivity range on your amp using the button labeled INPUT SENS located in the GAIN CONTROL section of
the control panel.
• Setting for Aftermarket Source Units: Refer to your aftermarket owner’s manual for line level output
specification. If the specification is not available, please follow the instructions listed below.
X1 POSITION: 100mV–1V (Typically for RCA Input)
• Setting for Factory (OEM) Source Units: To check the amount of voltage that is present from the source
unit, take a multi meter, or a volt/ohm meter, on the AC setting, (range from 100mV up to 10 volts) attach the
positive and negative leads directly to any exposed speaker. It will not matter if the polarity is correct, it will
read the same amount of voltage.
X10 POSITION: 1V–10V (Typically for Speaker Level Input)
Note: It is important not to have the amp set up to receive a low voltage signal and give it a high voltage signal.
Doing this can cause damage to the amp.
2. Adjusting The Individual Gain Control/s – Before you start setting your amp gains, be sure to defeat all
“EQ’s” (“off” position). You want to set the gain levels properly BEFORE applying any equalization.
Start with the source unit’s volume around 3⁄4 of the way up, and the gain on the amp all the way down
(counterclockwise). Slowly increase the gain clockwise until the speaker starts to distort. Immediately
decrease gain until the distortion goes away. This will be a good reference point on the volume control to
where the signal starts to distort. Remember every CD will be different, use common sense and constantly
listen for obvious distortion and adjust volume accordingly. The gain on the amp has nothing to do with how
much power the amp can produce, just how fast the amp puts out max power. Just like in an automobile,
full throttle is very rarely needed.
Note: No front and rear gain matching is required if the Dual Mono feature is on. Use the rear gain control
only for adjusting the gain for all channels.
3. Adjusting the Hi, 12dB / Low, 24dB Mono @ 85Hz Switchable X-over Frequency Controls–
• Setting For Subwoofers: First enable the electronic crossover by selecting the “ON” position of the X-
OVER switch, then select the “L-PASS” (Low pass) position on the L-PASS/H-PASS switch. By selecting
this setting, the amp crosses the signal over at 85Hz with a 24dB/Oct roll off. Meaning the signal tapers off
fairly quickly at frequencies over 85Hz.
• Setting For Components and Separates: First enable the electronic crossover by selecting the “ON”
position of the X-OVER switch, then select the “H-PASS” (High pass) position on the L-PASS/H-PASS
switch. By selecting this you are giving the speakers 85Hz – 20kHz. The 12dB/Oct roll off means that the
frequencies under (lower then) the set 85Hz, will taper off at moderate slope.

• Setting For Full Range (No Crossover): To disable the electronic crossover, select the “OFF” position of
the X-OVER switch. This setting will allow the amplifier to play all frequencies.
4. Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Remote Sub) – Lets say the amplifiers gain is set at half way, when
the remote subwoofer level control is plugged in, you now have external control of the gain from zero – half
way. The installation of this level control is NOT necessary to get full power from amplifier.
5. Prizm EFX – Now that you have completed adjusting all your amplifier settings, you can set the lighting
effects to you personal taste.
• Selecting Colors: You can change the backlit colors simply by turning the Pot labeled PRIZM COLOR
located in the MTX PRIZM EFX section of the control panel left or right. Starting at the most counter
clockwise position, the colors range from RED, GREEN, BLUE, and RED again or any color in between
making the combination unlimited.
• Selecting The EFX Feature: You can switch Prizm EFX lighting to “pulsate” with beat of music. Simply
depress the button labeled PRIZM EFX located in the in the MTX PRIZM EFX section of the control panel to
turn this feature on or off.
Trouble Shooting
Read this if you want to be a do-it-yourselfer or give us a call at 800-CALLMTX.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
No LED indication No +12V at remote connection Supply +12V to terminal
No +12V at Power connection Supply +12V to terminal
Insufficient ground connection Verify ground connection
Blown power fuse Replace fuse
LED on, no output Volume on head unit off Increase volume on head unit
Speaker connections not made Make speaker connections
Gain control on amplifier off Turn up gain
Signal processing units off Apply power to signal processor
All speakers blown Replace speakers
Output distorted Head unit volume set too high Lower head unit volume
Amplifier gain set too high Lower amplifier gain
Balance reversed Speakers wired L + R reversed Wire speakers with correct orientation
RCA inputs reversed Reverse RCA input
Bass is weak Speakers wired out Wire with correct of phase
phase
Not using MTX woofers Buy MTX woofers
Blowing fuses Excessive output levels Lower volume
Amplifier defective Return for service