Phoenix Gold Sapphire User manual

Phoenix Gold warrants to the first consumer/purchaser of a new
Phoenix Gold Sapphire electronic product that it be free from
defects in material and workmanship. The sole obligation of
Phoenix Gold under this limited warranty shall be to provide,
without charge, parts and labor necessary to remedy defects, if
any, which appear within 30 days, if installed by a consumer or 18
months if installed by an authorized “Sapphire” retailer/installer
from the date of purchase.
This warranty is the sole and exclusive express warranty given
with respect to the Phoenix Gold electronic product and all other
express warranties are hereby excluded. Neither Phoenix Gold
nor the authorized Phoenix Gold Retailer/Installer is responsible
for indirect, incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.
The Phoenix Gold warranty does not extend to any defect,
malfunction or failure caused by misuse, abuse, accident, faulty
hookup, defective associated equipment or the use of the product
with equipment for which it was not intended. Please read your
owners manual carefully.
There are two ways that you may utilize the warranty on a Sapphire
electronic product purchased in the USA.
1) You may return the product to the authorized Phoenix Gold
Retailer/Installer from whom it was originally purchased along
with proof of purchase. Without proof of purchase warranty
repair may not be covered!
2) Or contact Phoenix Gold and acquire an RA# for the product and
ship it with proof of purchase prepaid (and insured) via UPS to
the address below. Without proof of purchase warranty repair
may not be covered!
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside of the USA, please contact your Phoenix Gold distributor.
If you have any questions, call or fax us as noted.
Phoenix Gold • One Phoenix Gold Way • 9300 North Decatur
Portland, OR 97203 • Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
PHOENIX GOLD “SAPPHIRE” ELECTRONICS LIMITED
1

GOLD
INSTALLATION GUIDE • TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Warranty ...............................................................1
Before You Begin Your Install .........................................2
Features ............................................................................... 3
Specifications & Output Power .................................. 4
Controls And Functions .............................................5-8
SA1.0 & SA1.0x ......................................................... 5
SA1.4x ...........................................................................6
SA1.5x ...........................................................................7
SA3.0x .........................................................................8
Choosing The Right Location ........................................ 9
Mounting Considerations & Cable Connections ...10
General Adjustments & X-over Adjustments ........ 11
Sapphire System Designs ......................................12-14
System (1) SA1.0 ....................................................12
System (2) SA1.4x & SA1.5x .............................13
System (3) SA1.0x & SA3.0x ...........................14
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR INSTALLATION
Congratulations on your new purchase! Your Sapphire
amplifier is Made With Pride In The U.S.A. and
manufactured at Phoenix Gold with meticulous
quality control and exacting standards.
Sapphire Series amplifiers take advantage of the
best electronic components in the industry and
utilize construction techniques typically found only
in exotic car audio products. Your amp can drive
a tough 2 ohm stereo load and offers thermal
protection and tri-mode output to name only a few
features. Sapphire Amplifiers offer true power and
performance • That’s 100% Phoenix Gold!
Properly installed, your Sapphire amplifier will provide
years of listening enjoyment. Before installing your
Sapphire amplifier, please take a moment to carefully
read the entire manual. It is required reading for
the protection of your vehicle and for the maximum
performance of your car audio system.
Thanks for buying Phoenix Gold!
2

FEATURES
COMMON TO ALL MODELS
•Tri-Linear output capability, simultaneous
stereo & bridged mono set up is possible
•MOS-FET switching power supply
•Variable input sensitivity
•Thermal overload protection
•Output overload protection
•Optically isolated power supply
•Extensive burn-in and QC testing for the
ultimate in reliability
•Stable into 2 ohm stereo loads
•2 layer Gold plated 2 ounce copper G10 glass
epoxy printed circuit board
•Muting circuitry assures no turn on/off noise
•12dB per octave electronic crossover (x models)
• MADE IN THE GOOD OL’ USA
TEAM PH0ENIX GOLD
SUPPORT FROM PHOENIX GOLD
Team Phoenix Gold is a factory program designed
to support consumers and dealers competing
in IASCA, USAC & WAC associations using a
combination of Phoenix Gold products. This team is
for people who share a common goal • Winning!
We promote winning team cars and knowledgeable
team members. Team Phoenix Gold members share
ideas about many “not so obvious” aspects of
system installation and competition. We publish
teammate suggestions and technical support
to put together a winning system. The Bottom
Line, Team Phoenix Gold gives it’s members the
resources and attitude they need to Finish In The
Winners Circle.
Team Phoenix Gold is also about having fun. Ask
any of the team members and they’ll tell you the
same. When you join Team Phoenix Gold you’re
part of a team of elite car audio enthusiasts.
A team that strives for perfection! If you'd like
more information or a team application, call Team
Phoenix Gold at [phone].
3

SPECIFICATIONS
COMMON TO ALL MODELS
•THD at rated power 4 ohms ..............................0.02%
•Frequency response ...................... 20-20kHz +/- 1dB
•Signal to noise ratio ..........................................>100dB
•Input sensitivity ...................................... 200mV to 2V
•Idle current .......................................................................1A
•Dampening factor @ 1kHz .......................................250
•Min to Max voltage requirements ................10.5-15V
•Dimensions: SA1.0 & 1.0x: ........8.00 x 8.25 x 2.00
SA3.0x: ..................8.00 x 9.50 x 2.00
SA1.4x: ....................8.00 x 13.10 x 2.00
SA1.5x: .................. 8.00 x 15.50 x 2.00
OUTPUT POWER - MODELS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED REGIONS
1.0x - 2 Channel Amplifier
Into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8vDC ....................30/40 WRMS
Into 2 ohms @ 12/13.8vDC ....................45/60 WRMS
Bridged into 4 ohms @ 12vDC ........... 90/120 WRMS
Total Dynamic Power ..................................... 240 Watts
SA3.0x - 2 Channel Amplifier
Into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8vDC ...................75/100 WRMS
Into 2 ohms @ 12/13.8vDC ..................110/150 WRMS
Bridged into 4 ohms @ 12vDC .......220/300 WRMS
Total Dynamic Power .....................................480 Watts
4
RATED OUTPUT POWER
CONTINUOUS OUTPUT POWER PER CHANNEL
SA1.0 - 2 Channel Amplifier
Into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ......................30/40 WRMS
Into 2 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ...................... 45/60 WRMS
Bridged into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ....90/120 WRMS
Total Dynamic Power ..........................................240 Watts
SA1.4x - 4 Channel Amplifier
Into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ......................30/40 WRMS
Into 2 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ...................... 45/60 WRMS
Bridged into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8V DC ....90/120 WRMS
Total Dynamic Power ......................................... 480 Watts
SA1.5x - 5 Channel Amplifier
Into 4 ohms @ 12/13.8 V DC .....................30/40 WRMS
Into 2 ohms @ 12/13.8 V DC .....................45/60 WRMS
Bridged into 4 ohms @ 12V DC ...............90/120 WRMS
Subwoofer Out into 4 ohms @ 12V DC 90/120 WRMS
Subwoofer Out into 2 ohms @ 12V DC .110/140 WRMS
Total Dynamic Power .........................................600 Watts
A WORD ABOUT OUTPUT POWER
At Phoenix Gold, we rate power output of an amplifier
at two different voltages. Without your engine
running, the amplifier is operating at 12 volts I.E.
(worst) case. At 13.8 volts (engine running)
the amplifier will produce more power!
GOLD

LEFT RIGHT
RCA INPUT
GAIN
2.2
LEFT RIGHT
PWR BRIDGED
2 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.0
4 5 7 8
CROSSOVER
On
Off
High
Low
X-over For SA1.0x Only
6
IN THE USA
MADE WITH PRIDE
S
A1.0
Sapphire
by Phoenix Gold
RemB+B-
2 31
1. Power Ground (B- Chassis Ground): We recommend using Phoenix
Gold PRO10B or PS9R ground cable for a clean connection.
2. Power Input (B+ Positive 12 Volts DC): This 24kt Gold (3) position
barrier type connector is designed to accommodate up to 7 gauge
power cable with our PRO81/82’s. We recommend our PRO10/7R or
PS9/7R power cable and always use the same gauge ground cable.
3. Remote Turn-On: Connect the automatic antenna lead or "remote"
12V DC lead from source unit to this terminal. This connection allows
the amplifier to be turned ON and OFF at the source unit.
4. RCA Inputs: This two channel amplifier has left and right pre amp
inputs. Typically all CD players and AM/FM cassette decks
with RCA connections are compatible.
5. Gain Adjustment: Allows amplifer to produce full power output when
input voltage is between 0.2 - 2.0 volts.
6. High / Low Pass Switch (SA1.0x only): Selects either High Pass
(125Hz) or Low Pass mode (90Hz). Feature only available in
selected markets.
7. Power On LED: Indicates the amplifier is receiving 12V DC at the B+
and Remote input terminals. The amplifier is “On”.
8. Speaker Outputs: This specially designed (4) position 24kt Gold
barrier connector, accepts up to 10 gauge speaker wire. We suggest
termination with a Phoenix Gold PRO404 spade terminal.
SA1.0 & SA1.0x
CONTROLS
& FUNCTIONS
5

.2.2 22 500500 3030
LR
GAIN FREQ
FRONT
FREQ GAIN
L R
REAR
HIGH
LOW
4 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.4 x
4 5 6 7 7 6 5 4
RemB+B-
PWR
IN THE USA
MADE WITH PRIDE
S
A1.4
x
Sapphire
by Phoenix Gold
+ LEFT - + RIGHT -
F
R
3
2
1
8
9
1. Power Ground (B- Chassis Ground): We recommend using Phoenix
Gold PRO10B or PS9R ground cable for a clean connection.
2. Power Input (B+ Positive 12 Volts DC): This 24kt Gold (3) position
barrier type connector is designed to accommodate up to 7 gauge
power cable with our PRO81/82’s. We recommend our PRO10/7R or
PS9/7R power cable and always use the same gauge ground cable.
3. Remote Turn-On: Connect the automatic antenna lead or "remote"
12V DC lead from source unit to this terminal. This connection allows
the amplifier to be turned ON and OFF by the source unit.
4. RCA Inputs: This four channel amplifier has front & rear pre-amp
inputs. Typically all CD players and AM/FM cassette
decks with RCA connections are compatible.
5. Gain Adjustment: Allows amplifer to produce full
power output when input voltage is between 0.2 - 2.0 volts.
6. Crossover Adjustment: This amplifier has front & rear adjustable
crossovers ranging from 30Hz to 500Hz.
7. High / Low Pass Switches: These switches select either High Pass
or Low Pass for the front and rear channels.
8. Power On LED: Indicates the amplifier is receiving 12V DC at the B+
and Remote input terminals. The amplifier is “On”.
9. Speaker Outputs: This specially designed (8) position 24kt Gold
barrier connector, accepts up to 10 gauge speaker wire. We suggest
termination with a Phoenix Gold PRO404 spade terminal.
GOLD
SA1.4x
CONTROLS
& FUNCTIONS
6

1. Power Ground (B- Chassis Ground): We recommend using Phoenix
Gold PRO10B or PS9R ground cable for a clean connection.
2. Power Input (B+ Positive 12 Volts DC): This 24kt Gold (3) position
barrier type connector is designed to accommodate up to 7 gauge
power cable with our PRO81/82’s. We recommend our PRO10/7R or
PS9/7R power cable and always use the same gauge ground cable.
3. Remote Turn-On: Connect the automatic antenna lead or "remote"
12V DC lead from source unit to this terminal. This connection allows
the amplifier to be turned ON and OFF at the source unit.
4. RCA Inputs: This (5) channel amplifier has front and rear pre-amp
inputs. When all (4) inputs are used, front and rear channels
fade and subwoofer is not affected by the preamp fader. All
channels may also be driven by using front inputs only.
5. Gain Adjustment: Adjustment of the amplifier to produce full power
between 0.2 - 2.0 Volts.
6. Crossover Adjustment: This amplifier has front, rear & subwoofer
crossovers ranging from 30Hz to 500Hz. Front and rear outputs
are stereo high pass and the Subwoofer output is a summed mono
low pass.
7. Power On LED: Indicates the amplifier is receiving 12V DC at the B+
and Remote input terminals. The amplfier is “On”.
8. Speaker Outputs: This specially designed (10) position 24kt Gold
barrier connector, accepts up to 10 gauge speaker wire. We suggest
termination with a Phoenix Gold PRO404 spade terminal.
RemB+B-
PWR
L R L R
FRONT REAR
SUB
+
-
IN THE USA
MADE WITH PRIDE
S
A1.5
Sapphire
by Phoenix Go l d
x
87 1 2 3
.2.2 .2 22 2
500500 500 3030 30
LRGAIN GAIN
FREQ FREQ
FRONT
FREQ
GAIN L R
REAR
SUB
5 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.5 x
46565654
SA1.5x
CONTROLS
& FUNCTIONS
7

1. Power Ground (B- Chassis Ground): We recommend using Phoenix
Gold PRO10B or PS9R ground cable for a clean connection.
2. Power Input (B+ Positive 12 Volts DC): This 24kt Gold (3) position
barrier type connector is designed to accommodate up to 7 gauge
power cable with our PRO81/82’s. We recommend our PRO10/7R or
PS9/7R power cable and always use the same gauge ground cable.
3. Remote Turn-On: Connect the automatic antenna lead or "remote"
12V DC lead from source unit to this terminal. This connection allows
the amplifier to be turned ON and OFF at the source unit.
4. RCA Inputs: This two channel amplifier has left and right pre-amp
inputs. Typically all CD players and AM/FM cassette decks
with RCA connections are compatible.
5. Gain Adjustment: Adjustment of the amplifier to
produce full power between 0.2 - 2.0 Volts.
6. High / Low Pass Switch: Selects either High Pass or Low Pass.
7. Crossover Adjustment: This amplifier has adjustable crossover
ranging from 30Hz to 500Hz.
8. Power On LED: Indicates the amplifier is receiving 12V DC at the B+
and Remote input terminals. The amplifier is “On”.
9. Speaker Outputs: This specially designed (4) position 24kt Gold
barrier connector, accepts up to 10 gauge speaker wire. We suggest
termination with a Phoenix Gold PRO404 spade terminal for the best
signal connections.
GOLD
IN THE USA
MADE WITH PRIDE
A3.0
Sapphire
by Phoenix Gold
x
S
2 31
LEFT RIGHT
RCA INPUT
GAIN
2.2
LEFT RIGHT
CROSSOVER PWR BRIDGED
2 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A3.0x
High
Low
4 5 8 9
6
500
30
FREQ
7
SA3.0x
CONTROLS
& FUNCTIONS
8

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION:
The Sapphire amplfiers have been designed
to dissipate heat very efficiently. However,
prolonged operation at high volumes or use in low
impedance systems not utilizing a fan can cause
the amplifier to overheat and shut down. Make
sure that there is at least a 2 inch clearance
above and around the amplifier.
The amplifier may be mounted upright (Figure
1), horizontial (Figure 2), vertical (Figure 3),
but if possible NEVER upside down (Figure 4) a
position which causes the heat to “feed-back”
into the amplifier causing a premature system
shut down.
The unit should be protected from exposure to
moisture and it is best to mount the amplifier
on:
1. The back wall or floor of the trunk.
2. Custom built amplifier rack.
Place the amplifier in the position that you wish
to use and check for clearances around the unit!
FIGURE 1
Heat Rises Away From Unit
LEFT RIGHT
RCA INPUT
GAIN
2
.2
2 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.0
LEFT RIGHT
RCA INPUT
GAIN
2.2
2 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.0
FIGURE 2
Heat Rises Into Unit
FIGURE 2
Horzontial Mount FIGURE 3
Vertical Mount
FIGURE 4
Inverted Mount
9
FIGURE 1
Upright Mount

GOLD
MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS
Is there enough clearance for the RCA cables and
connectors? Will the speaker cables be able to
enter the terminal connectors correctly? Does your
mounting position allow for easy access to the
indicator LED's and amplifier controls?
1. Using the amplifier as a template. Mark the
mounting surface with a felt pen or pencil.
(Placing masking tape on the surface first
will make these marks more visible).
2. Inspect location for fuel lines, wire harness
and other important vehicle obstacles.
2. Drill 1/8 inch pilot holes.
3. Mount the amplifier with four (4) #10 by
3/4 inch panhead phillips screws.
4. Never Mount amplfier to metal surfaces.
Do not drill any holes while using the amplifier as a
template. It is very easy to damage the amplifier's
powder coated surface with a drill.
POWER/GROUND & SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
1. Use the largest gauge power and ground cable
available. We recommend Phoenix Gold
PRO7R/B or
PS7R/B cable. The barrier strip power terminal can
handle up to 7 gauge wire when utilizing PRO80
or PRO81 spade lug terminals.
2. Always place a fuse or circuit breaker no more
than 12 inches from the battery. This protection
is for the vehicle, not the stereo.
3. For audio connections, we recommend using high-
quality audio interconnects like the Phoenix Gold
TransBalanced or the Compact CSI cables. These
cables are sonicaly superior and will unwanted
“radiated noise” from your system. Aways install
the audio cables away from the power wires.
Doing so will reduce noise caused by the power
wires “radiating” noise into the audio cables.
The use of supperior audio cables make a big
difference in the performance of your system.
10

GAIN ADJUSTMENT
Begin your adjustments at minimum sensitivity
(Gain control at 2V). After selecting “dynamic”
music, adjust the volume control on your source
unit to approximately 3/4 max volume i.e.
“maximum unclipped output.” Next, slowly turn the
"Gain" control on the amplifier clockwise until you
hear the music starting to distort. High frequency
clipping is the easiest to detect.
The SA1.4x has both front and rear gain controls,
while the SA1.5x has front, rear and sub controls.
You must adjust each gain control separately.
THE SA1.0x MODEL
This amplifier has a built-in 12dB/octave Hi Pass
or Low Pass active crossover. The fixed crossover
point for the Hi Pass is 125Hz and Low Pass is
90Hz. These points are not adjustable.
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENT • SA1.3.0x , SA1.4x AND SA1.5x
Setting the crossover points in a car is dependent
on the car's size and the woofers / mid bass
drivers being used. If you are using a large enough
mid bass driver (8" or 6") it is best to use a low
crossover point (below 100Hz). This is true based
on the fact that all cars have standing wave
problems between 100 and 500Hz. The woofer,
being a larger radiator then the mid bass driver,
excites these standing waves with more energy.
Using a large radiator in this frequency range
causes the midbass to be muddy and colored. If
you keep the woofer crossover out of this area,
your integration between woofer and mid bass will
be smoother and sonicaly better. If you are using a
small mid bass driver (5.25" or 4"), you must use a
higher crossover point as not to cause a large dip
in the mid bass response. The fine tuning should
be done with an RTA and your ears. This last
procedure usually guarantees smooth sounding
bass and mid bass in your car.
Note: If the crossover is set at lower frequency
with the Low Pass switch engaged, you
may not have any output!
11

Z-ROCK
This 4 ohm system utilizes one SA1.0 amplifier connected to an XVR14 passive
crossover. Illustrated above, the XVR14 provides outputs for FRONT L/R,
SUBWOOFER, REAR and CENTER mono.
LEFT RIGHT
RCA INPUT
GAIN
2.2
LEFT RIGHT
PWR BRIDGED
2 CHANNEL
AMPLIFIER
S
A1.0
LEFT
INPUT
RIGHT
INPUT
+-+-
RIGHT
FRONT
+-
CENTER
MONO
SUB
+-
REAR
MONO
+-
LEFT
FRONT
+-+-
SYSTEM DETAILS
SM600
6" MIDRANGE
SM600
6" MIDRANGE
SM600
6" MIDRANGE
SM600
6" MIDRANGE
ST25
TWEETER
5" MIDRANGE5" MIDRANGE
SM500SM500
5" MIDRANGE5" MIDRANGE
SM500SM500
10" WOOFER
SW410SW410
10" WOOFER
3.5" DUAL CONE
SC320
3.5" DUAL CONE
SC320
ST25
TWEETER
12
SYSTEM (1) SA1.0

Z-ROCK
This system utilizes one SA1.5x or SA1.4x connected to four Sapphire speakers
and utilizes the built-in adjustable 12dB per octave subwoofer crossover
(SA1.5x only). This eliminates the need for an external crossover.
RemB+B-
PWR
L R L R
FRONT REAR
SUB
+
-
IN THE USA
MADE WITH PRIDE
S
A1.5
Sapphire
b y Phoeni x Gol d
x
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SC620
6" COAXIAL
SW412
SW412
12" WOOFER
12" WOOFER
SYSTEM DETAILS
OPTIONAL: 1.5x MODEL ONLY
Connects to RCA's on other side
13
SYSTEM (2) SA1.5x or 1.4x