RetroSound Quadraphonic User manual

USER’S MANUAL
Quadraphonic
4-Channel Amplifier
MODERN SOUND FOR YOUR CLASSIC

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Welcome............................................ 2
What’s in the Box .................................. 3
Precautions ........................................ 4
Mounting the Amplifier ............................. 6
Power and Ground Connections ....................... 7
Wiring - RetroSound® Radios | Direct ............... 8
Wiring - RetroSound® Radios | RCA .................. 9
Wiring - Other Radios .............................. 10
Controls ........................................... 11
Troubleshooting .................................... 12
Specifications ..................................... 13
Warranty........................................... 14
Table of Contents

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Thank you for purchasing a RetroSound® Quadraphonic
4-channel amplier.
General Features
• 4-channel amplifier
• Full-range Class D digital circuitry
• 45-watt RMS x 4 channels full-range @ 4 ohms
• Built-in high pass filter
• Advanced circuitry and thermal protection
• Directly connects to your RetroSound radio
• Works with any aftermarket radio with low-level RCA outputs
• Optional wiring kit available for aftermarket radios
• Compact size fits almost anywhere
• Dimensions: 7.05 in x 3 in x 1.65 in (17.9 cm x 7.1 cm x 4.2 cm)
The information enclosed in this user’s manual is to be used as a guide to assist you with
installation and operation of your amplier. This guide does not cover every installation
possibility, vehicle, or aspect of the installation process.
Retro Manufacturing, LLC, RetroSound®, or its subsidiaries assume no responsibility for
any installation. Due to continuing improvements, features and specications are subject
to change without notice. This manual may be updated from time to time without notice.
Visit our website for the latest updates: help.retromanufacturing.com.
Welcome

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The items shown below are packaged with your Quadra-
phonic amplier.
What’s in the box
Metal Screw (x4)
Quadraphonic Amplifier

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PLEASE OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN INSTALLING
AND USING THIS UNIT:
This user’s manual does not cover all possible installation scenarios.
Please be sure to follow the instructions carefully while attempting instal-
lation. If you feel you cannot install this unit yourself, consult with a local
car audio professional.
Retro Manufacturing, LLC is not liable for any problems resulting
from improper installation of the unit.
If you have questions about installing your amplifier, contact us at
[e-mail] or visit our help site at
help.retromanufacturing.com
• IMPORTANT: This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with
12 volt DC negative ground systems only.
• Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal from your vehicle’s bat-
tery before installation.
• Ensure adequate clearance around the amplifier’s heat sinks for prop-
er air flow. If you’re mounting the amplifier near the radio, always main-
tain at least 2 inches of clearance between the radio and amplifier.
• Never mount the amplifier directly to the radio body.
• Never install the unit in a location where it interferes with your field of
vision.
• Never install the unit upside down. Mounting upside down will com-
promise heat dissipation and engage its protection circuitry.
• If the unit does not turn on, check all wiring first. Then check the fuse
in your vehicle’s fuse panel and the fuse on the +12 volt lead near the
battery. If either fuse has failed, eliminate the cause of the failure, and
replace the fuse with one prescribed for this unit.
• Do not disassemble or modify the unit or attempt to repair it yourself.
If the unit needs to be repaired, consult your dealer or Retro Manu-
facturing, LLC.
Precautions

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• This unit is not designed for a marine environment. Please do not use
the unit where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive dust. Expo-
sure to moisture will damage the unit and void your warranty.
• Use caution when routing wires to prevent them from being caught in
the vehicle’s chassis. Screws and moving parts such as seat rails can
cause damage to the wiring if improperly routed.
• Never splice into the power lead to supply other equipment with power.
• After installation and wiring, always check the normal operation of oth-
er electrical equipment.
• Make sure that no wires interfere with driving or getting in and out of the
vehicle. Insulate all exposed wires to prevent short-circuiting or electric
shock.
• Keep the volume of your radio at a level that allows you to hear outside
noises, such as emergency sirens and train crossing warnings. Pro-
longed exposure to high volume levels may also result in hearing loss.
The following tools may be required for your installation:
• Electric Drill with Bits
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Standard Screwdriver
• Wire Strippers
• Wire Crimper
• Utility Knife
• Digital Multi-Meter
Precautions

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Mounting The Amplifier
The compact size of the RetroSound® Quadraphonic amplifier enables
considerable installation flexibility. For example, the amplifier may be
placed behind the dash or under the seats. It is best to mount the amplifier
in a location that allows air to freely circulate around it and allows access
to the end panel controls for adjustments. Although both thermal and
overload protection are built in, if the amplifier overheats it will reduce its
power output to maintain operation.
Find a dry, clear and well-ventilated area in which to mount the amplifier.
The area should be free of any obstructions that might block air flow to the
amplifier. It should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight.
You may use the amplifier as a template to mark the four screw locations
with a felt-tip marker. Set the amplifier aside before drilling the mounting
holes. Use caution to make certain there are no objects behind the
installation area that may become damaged by drilling.
If mounting beneath a seat, it is best if there is at least one inch of space
from all sides of the amplifier to allow for proper ventilation. If installing
the amplifier behind the dash, make sure it has at least two inches of
clearance to avoid interference.
Mounting Near The Radio
2” clearance to avoid
interference.
Mounting Under a Seat
1” clearance from all sides
for proper airflow
2”
1”
1”

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Power and Ground Connections
Electrical System Test
The Quadraphonic amplifier is designed to work within a range of 12 volts
to 14.4 volts DC. Before connecting any wiring, use a multi-meter to test
the vehicle’s electrical system for adequate power supply. First, check the
voltage at the battery with the ignition in the off position. The multi-meter
should read no less than 12 volts. Next, check voltage at the battery with
the engine running. The multi meter should show a reading between 12
and 14.4 volts. If your vehicle’s electrical system does not fall within these
parameters, consult an auto electrician before proceeding with the instal-
lation.
The Quadraphonic utilizes a very efficient digital Class D design. For most
installations 8 to 14 gauge power and ground primary wire is suitable. For
longer runs, use thicker gauge wire.
Constant 12 volt(+) Yellow Wire
The constant 12 volt (+) yellow wire should be wired directly to the vehicle’s
positive (+) battery terminal using 8 to 14 gauge primary wire. Start at the
vehicle’s battery, and run the cable back to the amplifier. Avoid running the
wire over engine components and heater cores. The use of the included
in-line fuse is required at the positive (+) battery terminal. Connect the fuse
holder as close to the battery as possible (within 6-8 inches of the positive
(+) battery terminal). This fuse should be no greater than 15 amps. Leave
the fuse out until the final connections have been made.
Ground (-) Black Wire
Locate a metal area as close to the amplifier as possible (preferably the
floor pan or vehicle chassis). Use a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate
any paint for a better ground connection. Secure the ground wire to the
vehicle using a bolt, star washer and nut. See diagram below for close-up
of correct ground connection.
Bolt
Star Washer
Ground Wire
Ring Connector
Vehicle Chassis
Bare Metal
Grounding Example
NOTE: Remove any paint below the ring
connector for proper grounding.

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Wiring: RetroSound Radio® | Direct Connection
Connect the Quadraphonic amplifier directly to your RetroSound® radio by
connecting the power connector (black) and speaker connector (brown) from
the amplifier to the Main Harness. Next, connect the black GROUND lead to
a suitable grounding point and the yellow CONSTANT lead to the vehicle’s
battery (see page 6). Connect the front & rear speakers to the output side
of the amplifier using the Speaker Harness supplied with your RetroSound
Radio. Refer to the Installation and Assembly Manual for instructions on
how to connect the Power Harness. This amplifier is NOT bridgeable.
REMOTE/AMP TURN-ON (Blue/White)
POWER
QUAD4
Input Side (from radio) Output Side (to speakers)
MAX
HPF FULL
GAIN
MINMAXMIN
GAIN
HPF FULL
X-OVER
FRONT REAR
RetroSound® Radio (high-level connections)
Connect ground to chassis or
frame close to the amp.
to speakers and power connections
from radio
15 amp
fuse
Leave RCA
connection
capped when
not in use.
POWER ANTENNA (Blue)
GROUND (Black)
Left Rear Speaker
Green (+)
Green/Black (-)
Left Front
Speaker
White (+)
White/Black (-)
Right Front
Speaker
Gray (+)
Gray/Black (-)
Right Rear Speaker
Purple (+)
Purple/Black (-)
IGNITION/ACC (Red)
Connect yellow lead to battery.
Connect black lead to ground.
GROUND (Black)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
Power Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
Speaker Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
Main Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
Power Connector
Speaker Connector

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Wiring: RetroSound Radio® | RCA Connection
Connect the Quadraphonic amplifier to your RetroSound® radio’s wiring
harness by connecting the power connector (black) and RCA cables to
the input side of the amplifier. When using RCA connections, the brown
speaker connector is not needed. Next, connect the black GROUND lead to
a suitable grounding point and the yellow CONSTANT lead to the vehicle’s
battery (see page 6). Connect the front & rear speakers to the output side
of the amplifier using the Speaker Harness supplied with your RetroSound
Radio. Refer to the Installation and Assembly Manual for instructions on
how to connect the Power Harness. This amplifier is NOT bridgeable.
REMOTE/AMP TURN-ON (Blue/White)
POWER ANTENNA (Blue)
Left Front
Speaker
White (+)
White/Black (-)
Right Front
Speaker
Gray (+)
Gray/Black (-)
RetroSound® Radio (low-level (RCA) connections)
POWER
QUAD4
Input Side (from radio) Output Side (to speakers)
MAX
HPF FULL
GAIN
MINMAXMIN
GAIN
HPF FULL
X-OVER
FRONT REAR
Connect ground to chassis or
frame close to the amp.
to speakers and power connections
GROUND (Black)
Left Rear Speaker
Green (+)
Green/Black (-)
Right Rear Speaker
Purple (+)
Purple/Black (-)
IGNITION/ACC (Red)
Connect yellow lead to battery.
Connect black lead to ground.
GROUND (Black)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
NOTE: Two sets of RCA
cables are not included.
Power Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
Speaker Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
Main Harness
Included with RetroSound Radio
from radio
Power Connector
Speaker Connector
DO NOT USE with
RCA connected
X

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Wiring: Other Radios
Connect the RCA cables from the radio to the Quadraphonic amplifier,
or cut and remove the speaker connector (brown) from the input side of
the amplifier and connect the leads directly. Cut and remove the power
connector (black) from the input side of the Quadraphonic and connect
the leads to the output source. Always use butt connectors or solder when
making direct connections. Next, connect the black GROUND lead to a
suitable grounding point and the yellow CONSTANT lead to the vehicle’s
battery (see page 6). Connect the front & rear speakers to the output side
of the amplifier. This amplifier is NOT bridgeable.
REMOTE/AMP TURN-ON (Blue/White)
POWER ANTENNA (Blue)
Left Front
Speaker
White (+)
White/Black (-)
Right Front
Speaker
Gray (+)
Gray/Black (-)
Aftermarket Radio
POWER
QUAD4
Input Side (from radio)
Output Side (to speakers)
MAX
HPF FULL
GAIN
MINMAXMIN
GAIN
HPF FULL
X-OVER
FRONT REAR
Connect ground to chassis or
frame close to the amp.
to speakers and power connections
from radio
GROUND (Black)
Left Rear Speaker
Green (+)
Green/Black (-)
Right Rear Speaker
Purple (+)
Purple/Black (-)
IGNITION/ACC (Red)
Connect yellow lead to battery.
Connect black lead to ground.
GROUND (Black)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
CONSTANT +12 Volt (Yellow)
Use a RetroSound®690 Harness for
a cleaner installation.
NOTE: Two sets of RCA
cables are not included.
Use butt
connectors or
solder wires
together.
IMPORTANT
For direct
connections
remove
black
connector.
Use the low-level
(RCA) connections.
IMPORTANT: The Blue/White amplifier
turn-on lead must be connected to your radios
amplifier turn-on lead. Check your radio
manual for correct wire color associations.
Cut and remove the
power connector.
Power Connector
Cut and remove the
speaker connector.
Speaker Connector
OR

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Controls
A. Front and Rear HPF/FULL Electronic Filter
These switches activate the built-in electronic filter. When set to HPF
(High Pass Filter), the filter limits bass frequencies, sending only those
frequencies above 100Hz to the speakers. This is useful in a system in
which a separate subwoofer is used to reproduce bass frequencies. When
set to FULL the full spectrum of music is sent to the connected speakers.
B. Front and Rear Gain Control
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the
radio. The Gain Control is not a volume control. Use the source unit to
control system volume. Use these steps to set the Gain Control:
1. 1. Set the Gain Control to minimum by turning the Gain Control knobs
completely counter clockwise.
2. 2. On the radio, set the Bass and Treble to zero, and adjust the volume
to approximately 2/3 of maximum.
3. 3. Slowly increase the amplifier’s Front Gain Control clockwise by
turning the knob until the sound has just begun to distort. Then turn
the Front Gain Control counterclockwise slightly to cut distortion.
Repeat this process for the Rear Gain Control. This will allow the
amplifier to operate at maximum efficiency.
Failure to follow these steps could result in damaged speakers and/
or amplifier.
C. Power
When the power is on, the LED indicator will illuminate in blue.
Input Side (from radio)
Output Side (to speakers)
POWER
QUAD4
MAX
HPF FULL
GAIN
MINMAXMIN
GAIN
HPF FULL
X-OVER
FRONT REAR
Input Side (from radio)
Output Side (to speakers)
POWER
QUAD4
MAX
HPF FULL
GAIN
MINMAXMIN
GAIN
HPF FULL
X-OVER
FRONT REAR
AB B C

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Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
Power LED does not
turn on
• Check to ensure that the yellow
constant wire has 12 to 14.4 volts.
• Check to ensure that the blue/white
amplifier turn-on lead has 12 volts.
Power LED illuminates
blue, but there is no
power output
• Advanced protection circuitry
is engaged due to high internal
temperature of the amplifier. The
amplifier needs more clearance around
the chassis. If this continues, choose a
better ventilated mounting location.
• High operating temperature can
also be caused by an incorrect input
sensitivity level. Reset the Gain Control.
The amplifier becomes
very hot and shuts
down or plays at a very
low volume
• Thermal protection is engaged.
Check for proper impedance at speaker
terminals and air flow around the
amplifier.
• Voltage protection is engaged. Voltage
to the amplifier is not within the 12 to
14.4 volt operating range. Inspect the
charging system.
• Short circuit protection is engaged.
Check for speaker wires shorted to each
other or the vehicle chassis.
Alternator noise that
varies with RPM
• Check for damaged RCA cables.
• Check the radio and amplifier ground.
• Turn down the amplifier Gain Control.
Poor bass response • Speakers are out of phase. Ensure
that positive and negative speaker
terminals are wired correctly.

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AmplierAmplier
Output Power ...................................45 Watts x 4 channels RMS @ 4 ohms
Peak Output ................................................................ 55 watts x 4 channels
Signal to Noise Ratio ...........................................................................>90dB
Input Sensitivity ................................................................... 200 mV-6.0 volts
Frequency Response .................................................................28Hz-28KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion ...................................<0.2% @ 45 watts x 4 RMS
FiltersFilters
High Pass Filter/Slope ............................................................... 12dB/octave
Filter Frequency ...................................................................................100Hz
Other SpecicationsOther Specications
Fuse ..........................................................................15-amp ATC Style (x1)
Size (L x W x H) ............ 7.05 in x 3 in x 1.65 in (17.9 cm x 7.1 cm x 4.2 cm)
NOTE: All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications

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Your unit comes with a manufacturer's warranty covering any defects in materials and
workmanship. Retro Manufacturing, LLC (collectively referred to as "the warranter"), at
its option, will either (a) repair your unit with new or refurbished parts or (b) replace it with
a new or refurbished unit. The warranty period starts from the original purchase date and
is valid for the length of time indicated in the chart below. The decision to repair or replace
will be made by the warranter.
ITEMITEM WARRANTYWARRANTY
QUADRAPHONIC One (1) Year
During the "Parts" warranty period, there will be no charge for parts. You must mail in your
unit during the warranty period at your expense. This warranty only applies to products
purchased directly from Retro Manufacturing or an authorized dealer. This warranty
is extended only to the original purchaser of a new product that was not sold "as is."
A purchase receipt or other proof of the original purchase date is required for warranty
service.
To handle a warranty issue go to www.retromanufacturing.com/returns-center and fill
out the Returns Form to receive a Return Authorization (RA) number. A RA number must
accompany all returns and warranty issues. Any product received without a RA number
will be refused.
LIMITED WARRANTY-LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS
This warranty ONLY COVERS failures due to defects in materials and workmanship and
DOES NOT COVER normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage. The warranty ALSO
DOES NOT COVER damages that occurred during shipment, failures which are caused
by products not supplied by the warranter, failures that result from accident, misuse,
abuse, neglect, bug infestation, mishandling, misapplication, alteration, faulty installation,
set-up adjustment, maladjustment of consumer control, improper maintenance,
improper antenna, inadequate signal reception or pickup, power line surge, improper
voltage supply, lightning, modification, commercial use (such as use in hotels, offices,
restaurants, or other business uses) or rental use of the product, or service by anyone
other than Retro Manufacturing, LLC, or damage that is attributable to acts of God.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS LISTED UNDER
LIMITED WARRANTY. THE WARRANTER IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS UNIT
OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. (As examples, this
excludes damages for lost time, the cost of having someone remove or re-install an
installed unit if applicable, travel to and from the servicer, and loss of media, data, or
other memory contents. The items listed are not exclusive but are for illustration only.)
ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the exclusions may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state. If a problem with this unit develops during or after the
warranty period, you may contact your dealer or Retro Manufacturing, LLC.
Warranty

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MODERN SOUND FOR YOUR CLASSIC
7470 Commercial Way | Henderson, NV 89011
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Published: 02/17/2023 | ©2023 Retro Manufacturing, LLC