Orion 220GX User manual

Installation Manual
ORION Car Audio Power Amplifiers
Models 220gx, 240gx, 280gx, 2150gx,
4100gx, GS-100 and GS-1000
Built in the U.S.A. from the ground up specifically
for high performance car stereo systems
^ ORION
When Only The Best Will Do

INTRODUCTION
You have purchased the finest car audio power
amplifier available on the market. ORION amplifiers
really do set new standards for performance and re¬
liability. They are superbly crafted and precision
calibrated. If you install each amplifier properly
with careful attention to all the details covered in
this manual, you will be astonished with the quality
of sound and you will have an audio system that
you can be proud of and enjoy for many years.
• All ORION amplifiers are built in the U.S.A. from
the ground up specifically for high performance
car stereo systems. Car stereo systems are our only
business.
• All ORION amplifiers and accessories are manu¬
factured to exacting military standards. Extensive
testing and burn-in makes for super reliability in
even the toughest situations.
• Each amplifier contains a +15 volt power supply
which also services ORION accessories (“phantom
power”). This ensures maximum dynamic per¬
formance from all accessories while maintaining
optimum ground isolation to minimize potential
engine noise. A POWER ON indicator light is
included.
• Variable input sensitivity (gain adjust) allows use
with most radios and decks.
• Optically isolated remote turn-on circuit isolates
the radio or deck from the amplifier.
• FET switched 40 dB audio attenuator reduces
turn-on/turn-off '‘thump”.
• Parallel RCA and DIN Inputs provide considerable
versatility for interconnections.
• 6 Hz high pass filter eliminates dc offset.
• A wide variety of accessories arc available for flex¬
ibility in designing overall audio systems (refer to
figure 7).
This manual covers the following ORION gx and
GS type car audio power amplifiers:
Table of Contents
220gx Description and Equipment Supplied.3
240gx and GS-100 Description and Equipment
Supplied.4
280gx and GS-1000 Description and Equipment
Supplied. 5
2150 gx Description and Equipment Supplied .... 6
4100gx Description and Equipment Supplied .... 7
Orion Accessories, Description .8, 9
Orion Cable Assemblies.9
Using Existing 6x9 Speakers. 10
Use of a Crossover Module. 11
Use of a Bridging Module. 19
Use of a 30 dBLP Low Pass Filter. 12
Use of a 30 sBHP High Pass Filter. 12
Mounting the Amplifier. 26
Power and Ground Connections . 27
Speaker Connections. 34
System Adjustments. 35
220 gx (refer to page 3)
240 gx (refer to page 4)
280 gx (refer to page 5)
21 50 gx (refer to page 6)
4100gx (refer to page 7)
GS-100 (refer to page 4)
and
GS-1000 (refer to page 5)
NOTE: The GS-100 and GS-1000 Amplifiers are
hand tuned to customer requirements.
2

ORION 220gx
Stereo Power Amplifier
40 Watts RMS
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
AMPLIFIER
LEFT
INPUT RCA
CONNECTOR
CHASSIS
GROUND
TERMINAL POWER
LUG FUSEHOLDER
POWER
LEAD
AUDIO
GROUND
LEAD
^ (For fl oating j
ground systems)
DIN
CONNECTOR
(In parallel with
RCA connectors,
includes Phantom
Power output)
RIGHT
INPUT RCA
CONNECTOR
GAIN CONTROL
(Both channels)
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
5 AMP FUSE
SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS
CABLE ASSY
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFICATIONS
The ORION 220 gx is a stereo power amplifier that
includes all the features of the larger ORION ampli¬
fiers and provides 20 watts RMS output per channel,
or 40 watts when bridged using ORION Bridging
Module 400 BDG (see fig. 7).
The 220gx can be used to greatly improve existing
factory sound systems utilizing 6x9 speakers. In
customized systems, the 220gx can be used to drive
tweeters and mid-range speakers in multiple ampli¬
fier applications.
Output Power Per Channel
with both channels driven
into 4 ohms @12 Vdc ... 20 WRMS
Distortion:
Typical.0.006%
Maximum.0.03%
Frequency Response.6 Hz to 30 KHz±0.5 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio.90 dB
Input Sensitivity.150 mV to 5 Vrms
Output Impedance.4 ohms to 16 ohms
Input Impedance.lOKohms
Remote Turn-on Current . . 50 mA
Current Consumption:
@ No Signal. 200 mA
@ Maximum Output .... 7 Amps
Voltage Requirements .... 10V to 16V
Damping Factor.Greater than 500
Output Section Slew Rate . 30V per microsecond
Stereo Separation.80 dB
Overall Dimensions.4 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches
3

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
ORION 240gx (80 Watts RMS)
or ORION GS-100 (100 Watts RMS)
Stereo Power Amplifier
POWER
CABLE ASSY
BATTERY
CONNECTION _
LUG POWER LEAD
POWER ON
LED \
RIGHT
GAIN CONTROL\^
RIGHT INPUT
RCA _
CONNECTOR
DIN
CONNECTOR —
(In parallel with
RCA connections,
includes Phantom
Power output)
LEFT INPUT r
RCA /
CONNECTOR /
LEFT
GAIN CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ORION 240gx or GS-100 is an excellent choice
for easy listening systems where you want full range
with smooth highs and rich, tight bass. The amplifier
is also ideal for handling the tweeters and mid-range
speakers in competition systems. It is a great starter
amplifier system where you intend to add more amp¬
lifiers at a later time.
The 240gx provides 40 watts RMS of distortion-
free power per channel or 160 watts at 4 ohms when
bridged using the ORION Bridging Module 400 BDG
(see page 8).
The GS-100 provides 50 watts RMS per channel
and is hand tuned per customer requirements.
FUSEHOLDER
CHASSIS
GROUND
TERMINAL
LUG
FUSEHOLDER '*%
MOUNTING TWO 15 AMP
HARDWARE FUS ES
SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS
CABLE ASSY
AMPLIFIER
TURN-ON CONNECTION
WIRE (BLUE)
GS-100 orcv^ir
Hand tuned to customer requirements
240 gx
Output Power Per Channel
with both channels driven
into 4 ohms @12 Vdc ... 40 WRMS
Distortion:
Typical.. . 0.006%
Maximum.0.03%
Frequency Response.6 Hz to 30 KHz±0.5 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio.107 dB
Input Sensitivity.150 mV to 5 Vrms
Output Impedance.4 ohms to 16 ohms
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance .....
Remote Turn-on Current
10K ohms
50 mA
Current Consumption:
@ No Signal. 200 mA
@ Maximum Output.15 Amps
Voltage Requirements .... 10V to 16V
Damping Factor.Greater than 500
Output Section Slew Rate -30V per microsecond
Stereo Separation.80 dB
Overall Dimensions.7.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches
4

ORION 280gx (160 Watts RMS)
or ORION GS-1000(200 Watts RMS)
Stereo Power Amplifier «ggr
ground systems
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
POWER
CABLE ASS
BATTERY
CONNECTION
LUG
mwmwwmi ■
POWER ON .
LED
RIGHT
GAIN CONTROL
RIGHT INPUT
RCA -
CONNECTOR
DIN
CONNECTOR "
(In para I lei with
RCA connections,
includes Phantom
Power output)
LEFT INPUT /
RCA
CONNECTOR j
LEFT
GAIN CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ORJON 280gx is one of our most popular
amplifiers for use in professional car stereo systems.
This amplifier gives you a great deal of versatility in
designing your audio system and is unmatched in
total performance.
The 280gx delivers 80 watts RMS of distortion
free output per channel or 320 watts at 4 ohms when
bridged using the ORION Bridging Module 400 BDG
(see page 8).
The GS-1000 provides 100 watts per channel and
is hand tuned per customer requirements.
AMPLIFIER
CHASSIS
' GROUND
TERMINAL
LUG
FUSEHOLDER
POWER LEAD
FUSEHOLDER
SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS
CABLE ASSY
TURN-ON CONNECTION
WIRE (BLUE)
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
TWO 30 AMP
FUSES
GS-1000
Hand tuned to customer requirements.
280 gx
Output Power Per Channel
with both channels driven
into 4 ohms @12 Vdc ... 80WRMS
Distortion
Typical. 0.006%
Maximum.. . 0.03%
Frequency Response.6 Hz to 30 KHz±0.5 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio.Better than 110 dB
Input Sensitivity.150 mV to 5 Vrms
Output Impedance.4 ohms to 16 ohms
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance.lOKohms
Remote Turn-on Current . . 50 mA
Current Consumption:
@No Signal. 250 mA
@Maximum Output.30 Amps
Voltage Requirements .... 10V to 16V
Damping Factor.Greater than 500
Output Section Slew Rate . . 30V per microsecond
Stereo Separation.80 dB
Overall Dimensions.11 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches
5

ORION 2150gx
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED T
Stereo Power Amplifier
300 Watts RMS
AMPLIFIER
AUDIO
GROUND LEAD
For floating
ground
\
POWER LEAD
POWER CABLE
BUTT SPLICE
CHASSIS POWER CABLE
POWER ON
LED
LEFT INPUT
RCA
CONNECTOR
DIN
CONNECTOR
(In parallel with
RCA connections,
includes Phantom
Power output)
RIGHT INPUT
RCA
CONNECTOR
GAIN CONTROL
TURN-ON CONNECTION
WIRE (BLUE)
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS
CABLE ASSY
BATTERY
CONNECTION
LUG
fuseholder
AND 30 AMP
FUSE
DESCRIPTION
The ORION 2150gx has been designed to satisfy
the most demanding audiophile. This is the ideal
amplifier when you want to get the most out of your
CD player. It provides clean, extremely accurate
sound at both low and high levels with very quick
reaction to transients. In real terms, this means
higher peak output and greater dynamic range.
The ORION 2l50gx delivers 150 watts RMS
output per channel or 600 watts at 4 ohms when
bridged using the ORION Bridging Module 400 BDG
(sec page 8).
Output Power Per Channel
with both channels driven
into 4 ohms @12 Vdc ..
Distortion
Typical.
Maximum.
Frequency Response ....
Signal to Noise Ratio ....
Input Sensitivity.
Output Impedance.
Input Impedance.
SPECIFICATIONS
150 WRMS
0.008%
0.03%
6 Hz to 30 KHz+0.5 dB
Better than 110 dB
150 mV to 5 Vrms
4 ohms to 16 ohms
10K ohms
Remote Turn-on Current .
Current Consumption:
@No Signal.
@Maximum Output. . . .
Voltage Requirements . . .
Damping Factor .......
Output Section Slew Rate
Stereo Separation.
Overall Dimensions . . . .
. 50 mA
. 600 mA
. .50 Amps
. 10V to 16V
. Greater than 500
. .30V per microsecond
. 80 dB
. 17 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches
6

ORION 4100gx
Four Channel Power Amplifier
400 Watts RMS
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
POWER
LEADS
POWER ON LEDS
A SIDE
GAIN CONTROL-
A SIDE /
DIN CONNECTOR
B SIDE
DIN CONNECTOR
B SIDE
GAIN CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The 4100gx contains two pairs of stereo amplifiers
with a separate power supply for each pair of amp¬
lifiers. It has been designed for installations where
space limitations preclude the use of separate stereo
amplifiers. Each of the four channels supplies 100
watts RMS or 400 watts when bridged using ORION
Bridging Module 400 BDG (refer to page 8).
As shown above, two power cable assemblies and
two power leads arc provided (one for each of the
internal power supplies). Each pair of amplifiers must
be grounded separately as shown on pages 32 and 33.
A single blue turn-on wire is used to turn on all four
channels.
V /
4-CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
POWER CABLE
ASSEMBLIES '
FUSEHOLDERS
/
ii
TWO 30 AMP
FUSES
TURN-ON CONNECTION
WIRE (BLUE)
Output Power Per Channel
with each channel driven
into 4 ohms @12 Vdc . .
SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS
CABLE ASSY
TWO 30 AMP
FUSES
BUTT
SPLICE
'MOUNTING
HARDWARE
SPECIFICATIONS
Distortion:
Typical . .
Maximum
Frequency Response
Signal to Noise Ratio
Input Sensitivity.
Output Sensitivity .
Input Impedance.
100 WRMS
0.006%
0.03%
6 Hz to 30 KHz ±0.5 dB
Better than 110 dB
150 mV to 5 Vrms
4 ohms to 16 ohms
1 OK ohms
Remote Turn-on Current . 50 mA
Current Consumption:
@No Signal. 750 mA
©Maximum Output ... 70 Amps
Voltage Requirements ... 10V to 16V
Damping Factor.Greater than 500
Output Section Slew Rate 30V per microsecond
Stereo Separation.80 dB
Overall Dimensions. 22 x 8.5 x 2.25 Inches
7

J'aJZiJio
ORION ACCESSORIES
300 PRQ PRE-AMPLIFIER EQUALIZER
The ORION 300 PRQ provides pre-amplification plus
three bands of equalization (40 Hz cut and boost,
180 Hz cut and boost, and 15 kHz cut and boost).
Designed primarily to help compensate for speaker
deficiencies, eliminate distortion, and boost range.
Input is independently adjustable from 30 mV to
3V RMS. Includes a high-quality volume control
Powered by “phantom power” provided by any
ORION amplifier or an ORION PPS 100 Phantom
Power Supply.
600 EQM EQUALIZER MODULE
Audiophile grade equalization for well set-up car
audio systems. Features high quality, troublefree
rotary controls. The 600 EQM provides six equal¬
ization points (35 Hz, 90 Hz, 180 Hz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz,
and 15 kHz. Input sensitivity is adjustable. Powered
by “phantom power” provided by any ORION amp¬
lifier or an ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply.
200 CRX ACTIVE CROSSOVER
The ORION 200 CRX is a highly efficient, contin¬
uously adjustable, 12 dB per octave, 2-way crossover.
Designed for use in multi-amplifier systems with some
amplifiers dedicated to the low frequencies and some
amplifiers dedicated to the high and midrange fre¬
quencies. Independent adjustment of low pass and
high pass frequencies from 50 Hz to 5 kHz. Extremely
versatile—capable of driving up to 20 amplifiers.
“Phantom power” is supplied by any ORION ampli¬
fier or by an ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply.
300 CRX 3-WAY ACTIVE CROSSOVER
The ORION 300 CRX is a versatile 12 dB per octave
3-way crossover. Designed for use in multi-amplifier
systems with some amplifiers dedicated to only the
high frequencies, some amplifiers dedicated to only
the midrange frequencies, and some amplifiers dedi¬
cated to only the low frequencies. Independently
adjustable for each frequency range. “Phantom
power” is supplied by any ORION amplifier or by
an ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply.
400 BDG
BRIDGING MODULE
The ORION 400 BDG Bridging Module is used to
convert two stereo channels to mono to double the
output power. Generally used to convert the lows
(bass) to mono while leaving the midranges and highs
in stereo. Four modes of operation:
1. Mixed mono output. 2. Summed mono output.
3. Bridged stereo right. 4. Bridged stero left.
Can be used in single or multi-amplifier systems.
Powered by “phantom power” provided by any
ORION amplifier or an ORION PPS 100 Phantom
Power Supply.
500 PMQ PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER
Outstanding flexibility. Allows you to change the
frequency of boost and cut. The ORION 500 PMQ
Parametric Equalizer features five dual controls -
outer knob for selecting the frequency band, and
an inner knob for controlling boost or cut for each
band. Frequency bands are 20 to 60 Hz, 40 to 120
Hz, 250 to 750 Hz, 2.5 to 7.5 kHz, and 5 to 15 kHz.
Boost and cut for each frequency band is 10 dB up
or 10 dB down. The EQ curve is fixed. Includes a
high-quality volume control. Gain adjustment is
30 mV to 3V RMS. Powered by “phantom power”.

||p ' ,
30 dBLP LOW PASS FI LTER and
30 dBHP HIGH PASS FILTER
When you want pure sound, add a 30 dBLP Low Pass
Filter or a 30 dBHP High Pass Filter (or both) to your
system. 30 dB per octave low pass or high pass. Cut¬
off frequency from 48 Hz to 6 kHz through the use
of two plug-in chips. The 30 dBLP Low Pass Filter is
used to keep the midrange and high frequencies out
of your subwoofers, correct for mismatched speakers,
eliminate speaker box resonance problems, and re¬
move distortion. The 30 dBHP High Pass Filter is
used to make your tweeters sound more lively. Iso¬
lated audio ground to prevent audio ground loops
and eliminate engine notes. Powered by “phantom
power”- provided by any ORION amplifier or an
ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply.
200 DAB DUAL AMP BALANCER
The ORION 200 DAB Dual Amp Balancer
allows individual level adjust for multi¬
amplifier use. You can crank up the front
speakers and tone down the rear speakers,
or the other way around. For use with decks
and radios with or without fader controls.
A switch is provided on the rear of the unit
for selecting dual or single input termina¬
tions. No operating power required.
100 LED DISPLAY
Ideal for input monitoring to avoid overdriving. 12V
dual 10 segment display. Continuously adjustable for
fine tuning. Docs not add audio distortion in the sig¬
nal path. Can be mounted under the dash or in the
dash.
PPS 100
PHANTOM POWER SUPPLY
Provides +15 and -15V dc phantom
power for use with all ORION acces¬
sories. DIN and RCA output connec¬
tors. Remote turn on wire. Pulls mini¬
mal current so is not a factor in overall
power usage for audio system.
ORION CABLE ASSEMBLIES
A large variety of top quality ORION cable assem¬
blies are available through your dealer, as follows:
5 PIN DIN TO DIN
Lengths: 6 inches, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 20 feet
5 PIN DIN TO RCA
Lengths: 1,2,4, 10 and 20 feet
Order by description. Prices are reasonable and cable
assemblies are shipped the same day the order is
received.
Speaker connections cable assemblies, power wire
and noise filter are also available.

PLANNING YOUR CAR AUDIO SYSTEM
It is important that you decide what you are trying
to achieve. Car audio systems can vary from merely
upgrading your existing factory installation to multi¬
amplifier systems that include equalizers, bridging
modules, crossover modules, low pass filters, high pass
filters, and a variety of speakers. This section contains
the simple approaches to audio system design to the
very complex. By studying the diagrams, you will see
that you can start with a relatively simple system that
can gradually grow by adding accessories and additional
amplifiers.
A. USING EXISTING 6 X 9 SPEAKERS
If you want a good performance system without having
to install special speakers in your car, a single 220 gx,
240gx, or GS-100 amplifier will do an excellent job for
you. A basic single amplifier system is shown in figure 1.
|U
Yel low 1+}
8lack/Yellow(-;
Speakers
Right
RCA Cabl es
Orange (+)
3BB
.ORION 220gx,
240 gx or GS-100
AMPLIFIER
Figure 1. Basic Single-Amplifier System Using
Existing 6X9 Speakers
(1) Adding Equalization. To improve the system even
more, you could add an equalizer, such as an
ORION 300 PRQ Pre Amp Equalizer, 600 EQM
Equalizer, or 500 PMQ Parametric Equalizer (see
page 8). The equalizer would be inserted in the
system between the deck and the amplifier as
shown in figure 2.
(2) Front and Rear Speakers. If your car is equipped
with front and rear speakers, you will want to use
a separate amplifier for each pair of speakers as
shown in figure 3.
ciTo
ii ■ |>
CJ£zr~\
if i -i
O
‘ rape —; J
l L '
r~ —i—i
ORION 220gx.
240 gx or GS-100
AMPLIFIER
“Phantom Power (+15V & -15V) is supplied to all
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through
the DIN cable. /T*T\
f ^ \^+15V
-15 V —
LEFT —Q ^2* RIGHT
DIN CONNECTOR
-AUDIO
GROUND
Figure 2. Basic Single-Amplifier System Using
an Equalizer and Existing 6X9 Speakers

(3) Adding Subwoofers. For added punch, you could
add a couple of subwoofers to the system as shown
in figure 4. This will give you the most coherent
and natural sound. In this system, a pair of mid¬
range/tweeter speakers are located in the front
(usually in the top of the dash), and a midrange/
tweeter speaker is located in each rear door or side
panel. The subwoofers are installed in the rear.
This does not mean that the passengers seated in
the rear will be overcome by the bass. Low fre¬
quency sound waves tend to wrap around the in¬
terior such that they are perceived as coming from
all directions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: At this point, you must deter¬
mine if your car has enough power to supply the needs
of the engine, lighting system, and air conditioning
system as well as the audio system. An existing car
electrical system can generally handle up to four 220gx
or 240gx amplifiers, or up to three 280gx or GS-100
amplifiers. If you plan to use more, or larger, amplifiers,
refer to the discussion on "power requirements" on
page 29.
(4) Adding Crossover or Bridging Modules. An existing
speaker system can also include a crossover module
and/or bridging module similar to the custom sys¬
tems described in paragraphs B through F below.
B. USE OF A CROSSOVER MODULE
An ORION 200 CRX Active Crossover or 300 CRX
3-Way Active Crossover can be one of the most im¬
portant additions to your car audio system. It lets
you adjust the highs and midranges to where they
sound best, then independently adjust the lows to
where they sound great. The 200 CRX Active Cross¬
over contains a low pass filter section (for your sub¬
woofers) and a high pass filter section (for midranges
and tweeters). The 300 CRX 3-Way Active Cross¬
over contains a low pass filter section for the sub-
NOTE:
The DIN and RCA input connect¬
ors for all amplifiers are wired in
parallel. This means that when an
input is connected to the DIN
connector, it is also present at the
RCA connectors and the other
way around. This makes it pos¬
sible to connect several amplifiers
in parallel as shown in this figure.
"Phantom power is supplied to
the equalizer by the amplifier
through the DIN cable.
SUBWOOFER
AMPLIFIER
mm
Yel low (+)
Black/Yellow(-)
SUBWOOFERS
Orange {+)
Black/Orange {-)
Figure 4. Typical Way of Adding Subwoofers to a System
11

woofers, a bandpass filter section for the midranges,
and a high pass filter section for the tweeters.
(1) Use of 200 CRX Active Crossover. This crossover
module can be used in a variety of ways: It could
be added to the simple two-amplifier system as
shown in figure 5. It could also be used in a 3-amp
system as shown in figure 6. Note in figure 6 that
an ORION 200 DAB Dual Amp Balancer has been
added to control the level of sound that comes
from each section of the car audio system.
(2) Use of 300 CRX 3-Way Active Crossover. For even
better control, use the 300 CRX as shown in fig¬
ure 7. This will give you separate control of the
low frequencies, midrange frequencies, and high
frequencies.
C. U SE OF A BRIDGING MODULE
The ORION 400 BDG Bridging Module can turn your
amplifiers into real power houses. Bridging an ampli¬
fier converts a two-channel amplifier into a single
channel amplifier (mono output). Each internal chan¬
nel '‘sees" half of the total impedance of the load.
For example, when using two 8-ohm speakers, each
channel in the amplifier sees half of this 8 ohms or
4 ohms. If you were using a 280 gx amplifier, which
delivers 80 watts per channel, the output delivered
to each speaker will be 160 watts when bridged, thus
the output is doubled.
The 400 BDG Bridging Module can be used in the
summed mono mode, mixed mono mode, or bridged
stereo right and left.
(1) Summed Mono Mode. In the summed mono mode
(true mono), the bridging module is generally used
to drive the subwoofers in mono (bridged power).
This application is very practical since in stereo
recordings the kick drums and bass are centered
between stereo right and stereo left, along with the
other rhythm instruments. Driving the subwoofers
in mono maintains the centering effect while
doubling the output to the subwoofers. Always
keep in mind that it takes much more power to
drive low frequencies than high frequencies.
A typical 3-amplifier system using a bridging
module is shown in figure 9.
(2) Mixed Mono Mode. If you are installing a single
amplifier system, the mixed mono mode can be
used as shown in figure 10. This mode is used to
provide more power to the subwoofers while
maintaining stereo left and right. In this system,
the 400 BDG Bridging Module accepts the stereo
inputs and turns one channel over 180° (inverts
the channel). Both channel outputs of the ampli¬
fier are now connected to the subwoofer with the
inverted channel being used as the negative input.
This works because the two channels are 180°
out-of-phasc.
The left mid/high speaker is connected norm¬
ally, but the connections to the right mid/high
speaker must be turned over to retain the stereo
effect. This means that the yellow lead now be¬
comes the negative lead and the black/yellow lead
becomes the positive lead.
CAUTION; The speakers must never be grounded to
the car chassis or body. To do so will cause severe noise
problems and, in the case of bridging, cancel out the
two-phase operation.
(3) Bridged Stereo Right and Left. This application is
used when you want to maintain the stereo effect
while doubling the output power of your amps. A
typical system is shown in figure 11.
D. U SE OF 30 dBLP LOW PASS FILTER
NOTE : Low pass and high pass filters can only be used
effectively in multi-amp systems such as shown in fig¬
ures 12, 13 and 14.
If you are using mismatched subwoofers, or having
speaker box resonance problems, or experiencing bass
distortion, consider using a 30 dBLP Low Pass Filter as
shown in figure 12. This filter will keep the midrange
and high frequencies out of your subwoofers. The cut¬
off frequency is selected by plugging in two resistive
chips. This means that if you install 80 Hz chips in the
filter, only frequencies of 80 Hz and below will pass
through to your subwoofers and frequencies above
80 Hz will be blocked.
E. U SE OF 30 dBHP HIGH PASS FILTER
The 30 dBHP High Pass Filter is used primarily to
make your tweeters sound more lively. Keep in mind
that it is the low frequencies that hurt the tweeter per
formance. A typical application of a high pass filter is
shown in figure 13. The high pass filter produces large
amounts of attenuation (reduction in power) to fre
quencies below the cutoff frequency and no attenua
tion to frequencies above the cutoff frequency. This
means that if you install 4 kHz chips in the filter, only
frequencies of 4 kHz and above will pass through to
your tweeters and frequencies below 4 kHz will be
blocked.
F. “ KILLER SYSTEMS"
Figure 14 shows a “Killer System” that uses an ORION
200 CRX Active Crossover to separate the highs from
the lows. A 30 dBHP High Pass Filter is used to enhance
the performance of separate pair of tweeters. All sub
woofers are driven from the SUMMED MONO output
of a 400 BDG Bridging Module. A 30 dBLP Low Pass
Filter is used to control the lows to a selected set of
subwoofers.
Figure 15 shows a “Killer System” that uses an ORION
300 CRX Active Crossover to separate the highs, mid
ranges and lows. This approach offers the best overall
control of the speakers and makes it possible to use
several amplifiers connected in parallel.
12

-15V-
LEFT-
/' CT 'V^-1 5V
..
-AUDIO
GROUND
ORION 300 PRO
PRE AMP EQUALIZER
or
ORION 600 EQM
EQUALIZER
or
ORION 500 PMQ
PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER
DIN CONNECTOR
All ORION Accessories and
Amplifiers have this DIN
configuration.
"Phantom Power (+15V & -15VI is supplied to all
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through
the DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not
used, the ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Sup¬
ply is required.)
SUBWOOFERS
HIGHS AMPLIFIER
MID/HIGH
FREQUENCY
SPEAKERS
1
This is a simple two-amplifier system using a 200 CRX
Active Crossover for better control of the frequencies
applied to the speakers. The LOW FREQ output is con¬
nected to the lows amplifier to drive the subwoofers,
and the HIGH FREQ output is connected to the highs
amplifier for driving the midrange and highs speakers.
This allows you to carefully balance the higher and
midrange frequencies with the lows. In practice, over¬
lapping the crossover point slightly results in smooth
transitions of sounds delivered to the speakers. For
example, the cutoff frequency for lows could be ad¬
justed to 400 Hz. This would mean that all frequencies
below 400 Hz would be passed to the lows amplifier at
100% power. The attenuation {reduction in power) is
12 dB which is a reduction in power of about 90%. An
octave is a doubling of frequency so that at 800 Hz
only about 10% of the power would go to the sub¬
woofers. In this example, the high output would be ad¬
justed to pass only frequencies above 300 Hz. This
would give you about 100 Hz overlap. Then you could
make slight adjustments to provide the sound that
pleases you the most.
This system could be designed using two 240gx 2-chan-
nel amplifiers (40 watts per channel} or two GS 100
2-channel amplifiers. For added power, you could
choose two 280gx 2-channel amplifiers (80 watts per
channel), two GS-1000 2-channel amplifiers (100 watts
per channel), or a single 4100gx 4-channel amplifier
(100 watts per channel).
For installation, connections and adjustments, refer to
pages 26 through 35.
Speaker impedance could be 4 to 16 ohms.
Figure 5. Two-Amplifier System Using an ORION 200 CRX Active Crossover

DECK
-15V-
LEET-
Z cr ^*' 5V
RIGHT
\AUDI0
GROUND
"Phantom Power (+15V & -15VI Is supplied to all
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through
the DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not
usee, the ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Sup
ply is required.)
ORION 600 EQM
EQUALIZER or
500 PMQ PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER
, m0>m tntlui
7 VII I 17 y
orion
*"»' 200 CRX
ORION 200 CRX
CROSSOVER
Low Freq Output
DIN Cable
DIN Cable
Input selector
switch must be
in the IN position
(engaged)
Tweeter
Midrange
Tweeter
Midrange
Tweeter
Midrange
Tweeter
Midrange
Select passive crossovers
per speaker manufacturer's
specifications.
ORION 200 DAB
DUAL AMP
BALANCER
SUBWOOFER
AMPLIFIER
DIN Cable
This is a 3-amplifier system using a 200 CRX Active Crossover. The LOW
FREQ output is connected to the lows amplifier to drive the subwoofers. The
HIGH FREQ output is connected through a 200 DAB Dual Amp Balancer
that provides individual level adjust for the front and rear high/mid speakers.
You would balance the higher and midrange frequencies and the lows similar
to that described in figure 5 on page 13.
For this system, you would probably want to use three 280gx 2-channel
amplifiers {80 watts per channel) or three GS-100 2-channel amplifiers (100
watts per channel). For more power, you might use a 4100gx 4-channel amp¬
lifier to drive the front and rear speakers and a 2150gx 2-channel amplifier
(150 watts per channel) to drive the subwoofers.
For installation, connections and adjustments, refer to pages 26 through 35.
Speaker i mpedance could be 4 to 16 ohms.
Figure 6. Three-Amplifier System Using 200 CRX Active
Crossover and 200 DAB Dual Amp Balancer
14

"Phantom Power (+15V & -15V) is supplied to all
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through
the DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not
used, the ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Sup¬
ply is required.)
TWEETER AMPLIFIER
Yell ow(+)
TWEETERS
DIN Cable
This is a 3-amp system using a
300 CRX 3-Way Active Cross¬
over. The 300 CRX makes it
possible to use separate ampli¬
fiers for the tweeters, midrange
speakers, and subwoofers.
Less power is required to drive
the high frequencies to the tweet¬
ers than that required for midrange
and low frequencies, so this dia¬
gram shows a 240gx (40 watts
per channel) amplifier being
used. A GS-100 (50 watts per
channel) could also be used.
The midrange and subwoofer
amplifiers could be selected
according to your output power
requirements and space avail¬
ability. (If you decide on amp¬
lifiers larger than 280gx's, you
will probably have to add an
additional battery. Refer to page
27.)
Black/Yellowf-)
Orange(+)
Black/Orange (-)
MIDRANGE
SPEAKERS
ORION 600 EQM
EQUALIZER
or
ORION 500 PMQ
PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER
High Freq
Output
- Midrange Output
MIDRANGE AMPLIFIER
DIN Cable
Yel low (+)
Black/Yell ow(-)
Orange<+)
Black/Orangei
ORION 300 CRX
CROSSOVER
Low Freq
Output
SUBWOOFERS
SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER
The high frequency output of the 300 CRX is an adjustable high pass filter. A common
adjustment would be to pass all frequencies 4000 Hz and above to the tweeters. The mid¬
range output is a bandpass filter with separate controls for adjusting the low end and the
high end. A common adjustment might be to pass all frequencies between 100 Hz and
4100 Hz, but the settings are dependent on the settings of the high and low frequency
outputs. There should be a certain amount of overlapping. The low frequency output
is an adjustable low pass filter. A common adjustment would be to pass all frequencies
below 180 Hz. The actual settings of the frequencies depend on what sounds best in your
system.
If you intend to use this system, we highly recommend that you double the output of
your subwoofer amplifier by adding a 400 BDG Bridging Module as shown in figure 9.
DIN Cable
Yellow (+)
Black/Yellow(-l
Orange (+)
Black/Orange (-)
For installation, connections and adjustments, refer to pages 26 through 35.
Speaker impedance could be 4 to 16 ohms.
Figure 7. Three-Amplifier System Using a 300 CRX 3-Way Active Crossover

ORION 200 CRX
CROSSOVER
+ 15V 'Phantom Power' (+15V & -15V) is supplied to all
-15V “rtf \\ ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through the
LEFT—— R lGHT DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not used, the
>J \AUDtO ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply is required.)
DIN CONNECTOR GRO UND
SUBWOOFERS
LOWS AMPLIFIER
ORION 300 PRO
PRE AMP EQUALIZER
or
ORION 600 EQM
EQUALIZER
or
ORION 500 PMQ
PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER
ORION 400 BDG
BRIDGING
MODULE
Orange(+)
DIN Cable
Black/Orange
Black/Vellow
High
Freq
Output
/
Low
Freq
Output
DIN Cable
X Summed
Mono
Output
HIGHS AMPLIFIER
Select Passive Crossovers
per Speaker Manufacturer's
Specifications 1
Yel low{+)
MID/HIGH
FREQUENCY
SPEAKERS
Black/Yel low(-)
Tweeter
lidrange
This diagram shows a method for summing only the lows and permitting
the midrange and highs to remain in stereo. In this system, an ORION
200 CRX Active Crossover is used to separate the lows from the highs as
described in figure 5, and the 400 BDG Bridging Module is connected only
to the lows side. In this way, the midrange and high frequencies are applied
to the highs amplifier as stereo. Both channels of the low frequencies are
applied to the Bridging Module. In the 400 BDG Bridging Module, the signals
for one channel are turned over 180 degrees (inverted) with respect to the
other channel. The inverted channel output of the amplifier is now used as
speaker ground and the non-inverted channel output is used as speaker
positive. The BLACK/YELLOW and BLACK/ORANGE leads are NOT used.
Orange (+)
Black/Orange {-)
This diagram shows two 8-ohm subwoofers connected in parallel. This
reduces the impedance to a total of 4 ohms thus increasing the effective
power output even more.
For installation, connections and adjustments, refer to pages 26 through 35.
Midrange
Figure 8. Two-Amplifier System Using 200 CRX Active Crossover and the Summed Mono Output of a
400 BDG Bridging Module to Double the Power Delivered to the Subwoofers
16

1
DECK
RIC.HT
Ml D/I HUH
SPEAKER
Bl ack/Yel I ow (+)
ORION 300 PRO
PRE AMP
EQUALIZER
or
ORION 600 EQM
EQUALIZER
ORION 400 BDG
BRIDGING
MODULE
DIN Cable
Yellow(-)
SUBWOOF EH
Yellow (-1
Orange { + )
Orange (+}
Black/Orange (-
Mixed mono operation using a 400 BDG Bridging Module is the approach to
use when you want to add a subwoofer to the a single amplifier system. This
mode can be used to provide more power to the subwoofer while maintaining
stereo left and right. In this system, the 400 BDG Bridging Module accepts
the stereo inputs and turns one channel over 180 degrees (inverts the channel).
Both channel outputs of the amplifier are now connected to the subwoofer
with the inverted channel being used as the negative input. This works be¬
cause the two channels are 180 degrees out-of-phase.
A REMINDER: The speakers must never be grounded to tho car chamits or
body. To do so will cause severe noise problems and, in the case of bridging,
cancel out the two phase operation.
► 15V
GROUND
DIN CONNECTOR
All ORION Accessorial anil
Amplifiers have this DIN
configuration.
The left mid/high speaker is connected normally, but the connections to the
right mid/high speaker must be turned over to retain the stereo effect. This
means that the yellow lead now becomes the negative lead and the black/
yellow lead becomes the positive lead.
'Phantom Power' (+15V & -15V) is supplied to dll
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through th«
DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not UMd,
ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Supply is requimd )
Figure 10. Mixed Mono Connections in a Single Stereo Amplifier System Using a 400 BDG Bridging Module
18

DECK
RIGHT FRONT AMPLIFIER
Left
Output
ORION
400 BDG
BRIDGING
MODULE
Right
Output
ORION
600 EMQ
EQUALIZER
or
ORION
500 PMQ
PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER
DIN Cable
RIGHT REAR AMPLIFIER
DIN Cable
This application is used when you want to maintain the stereo effect
while doubling the output power of your amplifiers. The right amplifiers
are connected to the RIGHT output of the 400 BDG Bridging Module and
the left amplifiers are connected to the LEFT output.
In this system, the 400 BDG Bridging Module accepts the stereo inputs and
turns one channel over 180 degrees (inverts the channel), Both channel
outputs of each amplifier are now connected to the speaker with the inverted
channel being used as the negative input. This works because the two chan¬
nels are 180 degrees out-of-phase.
The ORANGE lead from each amplifier is used as the positive lead and the
YELLOW lead is used as the negative lead. The BLACK/YELLOW and
BLACK/ORANGE leads are not used.
A REMINDER: The speakers must never be grounded to the car chassis
or body. To do so will cause severe noise problems and, in the case of bridging,
cancel out the two-phase operation.
-,5V
DIN CONNECTOR
S')
All ORION Accessories and
LEFT —hyb'+jr— RIGHT
Amplifiers have this DIN
\audio
configuration.
GROUND
"Phantom Power I+15V & -15VI is supplied to all
ORION accessory modules by the amplifier through
the DIN cable. (When ORION amplifiers are not
used, the ORION PPS 100 Phantom Power Sup¬
ply is required.)
Figure 11. Method of Doubling Output of Amplifiers Using Bridged Stereo Right and Left
__ 19