MTX Thunder TA Super TA7801 User manual

TA7801 Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Thank you for choosing MTX to help reach the ultimate goal with your vehicle. Adding MTX amplifi ers 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.
Specifi cations
Primary Ratings:
Power Output: 400 watts RMS x 1-channel at 4 ohm and
≤
1% THD+N
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (1 watt): 69dB
Secondary Ratings:
Power Output: 800 watts RMS x 1-channel at 2 ohm and
≤
1% THD+N
Power Output: 1,200 watts RMS x 1-channel at 1 ohm and
≤
1% THD+N
THD+Noise (Distortion) (1 watt):
≤
.5%
Frequency Response (-3dB): 20Hz-200Hz
Maximum Input Signal: 10V
Maximum Sensitivity: 100mV
Dimensions: 9-5/8” x 20-11/16” x 2-1/2” (245mm x 525mm x 65mm)
Smart Engage™ Auto-Turn-On (Patent No: US06556683)
Patented Adaptive Class D Technology (Patent No: US06753729)
Patented Power Supply (US05598325)
Input Sensitivity Switch: 100mV-1V/1V-10V
Crossover: Low @ 40Hz-200Hz, 24dB
Subsonic @ 30Hz, 12dB/oct, Defeat
Quasi Parametric EQ: Boost/Cut +/-12dB, Freq. 30Hz-80Hz
Remote Subwoofer Level Control
Features
1. Prizm EFX – All MTX amplifi ers 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 fi ns. Fan speed is continuously variable and controlled
by the amplifi er’s output, 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 amplifi ers feature RCA type input connections. All MTX
amplifi ers 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 amplifi ers 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 amplifi er. A remote turn-on
wire is not necessary when connecting the amplifi er’s high-level input to a high-powered source unit (car
stereo). The amplifi er will automatically turn on when music is received through this type of connection.
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. Gain Control – This feature is used to fi ne-tune the input sensitivity of the amplifi er to the source unit’s output
level.
6. Variable 40Hz-200Hz, 24dB Low-Pass X-over – This control allows the user to choose the exact low pass
frequency range the amplifi er will play for the best possible performance. The upper end of the crossover
frequency point can be selected from 40Hz–200Hz at 24dB per octave.
7. Fixed Subsonic Filter – This feature limits frequencies from 30Hz at 12dB per octave and below from being
sent to the subwoofers. The subsonic feature includes a selectable on/off switch.
8. Quasi Parametric Equalizer - This one band equalizer provides individual frequency and -/+ 12dB gain
adjustment controls. Any frequency from 30Hz to 80Hz can be chosen and boosted or cut up to 12dB.
9. Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Remote Gain) – 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 amplifi ers include StreetWires connectors for effi cient current and
maximum voltage transfer.
11. Speaker Connection – Two sets of speaker terminals are provided for dual woofer applications. When
connecting a single woofer, use only one set of speaker terminals.
12. Power Terminals – This is the main power connection for the amplifi er. 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. The distance to
the ground should be as short as possible and no more than 18”.
• REM – To turn the amplifi er 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.
• CAP+ - Capacitor Positive Input – The ideal connection point for the positive side of the capacitor to increase
the amplifi er’s performance.
• CAP- - Capacitor Negative Input – The ideal connection point for the negative side of the capacitor to increase
the amplifi er’s performance.
Before Starting
MTX recommends that you have your new Thunder amplifi ers installed by an authorized MTX retailer, preferably
MECP certifi ed. 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 amplifi er, speakers, and/or vehicle electrical system. Please
double check the connections before turning the system on.
Installation
Mounting
Place your Thunder amplifi er at the predetermined mounting location. Use a felt pen to mark the exact position
of the mounting holes on the mounting surface. Set the amplifi er 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 into the amp’s inputs.
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 amplifi er’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 amplifi er please observe the printed polarity markings on the
amplifi er’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 two PARALLEL speaker terminals, a positive and negative for a single woofer and an
OPTIONAL second set of positive and negative terminals for a two woofer confi guration. These amps can
drive a minimum of a 1 ohm load.
Note: Please pay attention and make sure the speakers or woofers are the correct IMPEDANCE (OHMS) BEFORE
attaching to the amplifi er.
3. Power Terminals – Please take proper measures during installation to protect the power wires as best you
can. For example, when running the power cable from the vehicle’s battery through the fi rewall, use a fi rewall
bushing for protection. Run the power wire through the interior of the vehicle, under the carpet, and to the
amplifi er. 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 amplifi er please observe the printed markings on the amplifi er’s
StreetWires power connector. Failing to wire the power cables properly could result in amplifi er damage.
• +12V: This is the main power input for the amplifi er and must be connected directly to the positive terminal
of the car battery for the amplifi er 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 amplifi er and must be connected directly to the metal chassis
of the vehicle for the amplifi er to operate properly. A properly grounded amplifi er can be run harder and
longer than a poorly grounded amplifi er. The ground on the amplifi er 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 amplifi er installation. The more power
the amplifi er 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 amplifi er. The larger gauge (diameter) wire will hold more
voltage over longer runs. Also, by having a larger diameter ground wire, the amplifi er can run more effi ciently.
MTX recommends using a minimum of 4 gauge power and ground cables to get the best performance.
• REM: This connection turns the amplifi er 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 amplifi ers 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.
• CAP+: This 8 gauge terminal is internally wired in parallel with the +12V on the StreetWires Power connector.

It is the ideal connection point for the positive side of a capacitor to increase the amplifi er’s performance.
• CAP-: This 8 gauge terminal is internally wired in parallel with the GND on the StreetWires Power connector.
It is the ideal connection point for the negative side of the capacitor to increase the amplifi er’s performance.
Double check all the previous connection installation steps, in particular the speaker and power wiring. Securely
mount the amplifi er. 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
specifi cation. If the specifi cation 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 Gain Control – Before you start setting your amp gains, be sure to defeat all EQs (“off”
position). You want to set the gain levels properly BEFORE applying any equalization.
Start with the source unit’s volume around ¾ of the way up, and the gain on the amp all the way down (counter-
clockwise). 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.
3. Adjusting the Low, 24dB @ 40Hz - 200Hz Variable Low Pass X-over Frequency Controls–
• Setting for Subwoofers: Using “L-PASS CROSSOVER” you have control over what frequency you want your
amp to start crossing over your signal. By turning this control all the way counter-clockwise you are crossing
the signal over at 40Hz (the range is counter-clockwise 40Hz to clockwise 200Hz) This means that the amp will
send the woofers the frequencies from 20Hz to 40Hz and then start to taper down as the frequencies go over
40Hz (24dB/octave roll off). The industry standard for low pass crossover point is right around 90Hz. However,
by experimenting with the crossover point (higher or lower) you will fi nd what sounds best in this install. The
decibel per octave roll off (dB/oct) means how fast the amplifi er tapers down as the frequencies get higher.
This amp uses a 24 decibel per octave roll off, which is pretty steep, or tapers off fairly quickly from the
crossover point. This design complements both the subwoofer and the mid to provide greater musical detail.
4. Setting the 30Hz, 12dB Fixed Subsonic Filter – First enable the Subsonic Filter by selecting the “ON” position
of the SUBSONIC FILTER switch. This feature will help remove some of the potentially damaging low
frequencies of 30Hz and below from your subwoofer system. Use this feature if the subwoofer breaks up at
lower frequencies.
5. Adjusting the Quasi Parametric Equalizer – In some applications the bass amplifi er needs some help in
boosting or cutting certain frequencies. A quasi parametric equalizer is distinguished from a parametric
equalizer in that it allows the user to control only the level and the center frequency of the boost or cut but not
the “Q”.
The following steps describe what each of the two controls of the parametric bass EQ do in isolation. It is
important to understand these behaviors, because they must all be considered when setting up the bass EQ.
• Setting the Frequency: Begin listening for the loudest musical spot or range within the bass range of your

sound system. Adjust the center frequency to match this point. For most systems, the best center frequency
adjustment will be between 40-50Hz. Use 45Hz (12 o’clock setting) as a starting point and adjust up or down
gradually.
• Setting the Boost/Cut: Once you have determined the loudest musical spot or range within the bass range of
your sound system, start cutting until the response is smooth and even. You can also boost low spots within
the musical range, but don’t go crazy with the boost knob. There is a lot of boost available, 12dB, but begin
with a low boost setting (around 3dB) and try to stay below 6dB whenever possible. Remember that for every
3dB of additional boost you dial in, you are asking the amplifi er to double its power output for a given signal
in the boost region.
6. Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Remote Gain) – Let’s say the amplifi er’s gain is set at halfway. When the
remote subwoofer level control is plugged in, you have external control of the gain from zero to halfway. The
installation of this level control is NOT necessary to get full power from the amplifi er.
Note: One Remote Subwoofer Level Control can control two or more amplifi ers using a mini plug Y-adapter.
7. Prizm EFX – Now that you have completed adjusting all your amplifi er settings, you can set the lighting effects
to your personal taste.
• Selecting Colors: You can change the backlit colors simply by turning the dial labeled PRIZM COLOR, located
in the MTX PRIZM EFX section of the control panel, left or right. Starting at the left most position, the colors
range from RED to GREEN, BLUE, and then RED again. You can choose any color in between making the
combinations unlimited.
• Selecting the EFX Feature: You can switch Prizm EFX lighting to “pulsate” with the beat of the 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
Insuffi cient 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 amplifi er 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
Amplifi er gain set too high Lower amplifi er 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
Amplifi er defective Return for service