Rockford Fosgate 2300 User manual

®®
2300 / 2600X/ 4600X
AMPLIFIERS
OWNER'SMANUAL
Series 1

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of America’s finest brand of car audio
amplifiers. AtRockfordFosgatewearecommittedtomusicalreproduction
at its best, and we are pleased you chose our product. Through years of
engineering expertise, hand craftsmanship and critical testing procedures
wehave createda widerange ofproducts thatreproduce musicwith allthe
clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford
Fosgate product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer, as we
providespecializedtrainingthroughRockfordTechnicalTrainingInstitute
(RTTI). Please read your warranty and retain your receipt and original
carton for possible future use.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your
Rockfordaccessories,whichincludeeverythingfromT-shirtsandjacketsto
hats and sunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accesso-
ries, please call 1-800-366-2349 or FAX [phone] in the U.S. For
Canada,callKorbonTradingat905-567-1920.ForInternationalordersFAX
+001-1-602-967-8132 or call +001-1-602-967-3565.
The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it
in the space provided below as your permanent record. This will become
useful in recovering your amplifier if it is ever stolen and serve as verifica-
tion of your factory warranty.
Serial Number: ____________________
Model Number:____________________
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
CONTINUOUSEXPOSURETOSOUNDPRESSURELEVELSOVER100dB
MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. HIGH POWERED
AUTOSOUND SYSTEMS MAY PRODUCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS
WELLOVER130dB.USECOMMONSENSEANDPRACTICESAFESOUND.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications.................................................................................... 1
Introduction ...................................................................................... 3
Operating Features ..................................................................... 3
Design Features................................................................................. 4
Installation Considerations ................................................................ 6
Tools Needed ............................................................................. 7
Battery & Charging............................................................................ 7
Mounting Locations .......................................................................... 7
Trunk Mounting.......................................................................... 7
Passenger Mounting ................................................................... 8
Wiring the Series 1............................................................................ 8
Power......................................................................................... 8
Ground....................................................................................... 8
Remote Turn-on ......................................................................... 8
Input........................................................................................... 9
Speakers ..................................................................................... 9
Bridged/Mono Configuration ...................................................... 9
Active Crossover Mode Selections for the 2600x and 4600x ........... 10
Crossover Frequency Settings ................................................... 10
Wiring Diagrams............................................................................. 11
Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 17
Dynamic Power Measurements....................................................... 20
Warranty Information...................................................................... 22

– 1 –
SPECIFICATIONS
Series 1 2300 Series 1 2600x Series 1 4600x
Dynamic Power Rating (IHF 202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4 Voltage1
Bridged/Mono into a 4ΩLoad 90 Watts 180 Watts 180 Watts x 2
Per channel into a 2ΩLoad 45 Watts 90 Watts 90 Watts x 4
Per channel into a 4ΩLoad 30 Watts 60 Watts 60 Watts x 4
Continuous Power Rating (IASCA Standard) - Measured at 12.6 Battery Voltage
RMS continuous power per channel, all channels
driven into a 4Ωload from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less
than 0.08% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 15 Watts 30 Watts 30 Watts x 4
RMS continuous power per channel, all channels
driven into a 2Ωload from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with less
than 0.3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 30 Watts 60 Watts 60 Watts x 4
RMS continuous power bridged/mono into a 4Ωload
from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than 0.3% Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) 60 Watts 120 Watts 120 Watts x 2
1See Appendix A - Dynamic Power Measurements for information on these specifications.

– 2 –
Series 1 2300 Series 1 2600x Series 1 4600x
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Over 105 dB A weighted
Bandwidth 10 Hz to 100 kHz ±3dB
Damping Factor @ 4ΩAt output connector - Over 200
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5dB
IM Distortion (IHF) Less than 0.05%
Input Impedance 20k ohms
Input Sensitivity (250 mV - 1 Volt)
Protection Internal analog-computer output protection circuitry limits power in case of
overload. Thermal switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating.
Crossover Card N/A 12 dB/octave with selectable
High-Pass, Low-Pass and Full Range
Battery Fusing Rates 10 Amps 20 Amps 30 Amps
(External to Amplifier)
Fuse Type ATC ATC ATC
Dimensions 7.9” (20.07cm) W 7.9” (20.07 cm) W 7.9” (20.07cm) W
5.1” (12.95cm) L 6.1” (15.49cm) L 9.1” (23.11cm) L
2” (5.08cm) H 2” (5.08 cm) H 2” (5.08 cm) H
Specifications subject to change without notice.

– 3 –
INTRODUCTION
This manual provides information on the features, installation and
operation of the Series 1 2300, 2600x and 4600x Amplifiers. We
suggest you save this manual for future reference.
WestronglyrecommendyouhaveyourAuthorizedRockfordFosgate
Dealer and Service Center install your new Series 1 amplifier. If you
dochooseto install your Series1amplifier yourself, please besureto
read the entire manual before beginning.
OPERATING FEATURES
TheSeries1stereo power amplifiers provide state-of-the-art sound in
cars, vans, boats, or wherever a high current 12 volt power source is
available. Features include:
Discrete Surface Mount Technology – a manufacturing method that
allows the packaging of complex circuitry in small areas, reducing
noise and crosstalk for lower distortion.
ActiveElectronicCrossoverModule–builtintothe2600xand4600x
features12dB/octave Butterworth filters. The independent crossover
modes in these plug-in modules allow for various configuration
possibilities.
N-Type V-FET Output Drive Circuitry– delivers music with lower
noise and distortion while maintaining a higher slew rate, increased
efficiencyandhigherpoweroutputcapabilitythanmostamplifiersof
this class.
High Current/High Voltage Output – delivers the power needed for
all listening levels and music frequencies to hear every note.
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) DC/DC Non-Regulated Power
Supply – assures wider dynamic headroom than the more common
regulated power supplies.
High or Low Level Adjustable Input Sensitivity – permits maximum
compatibility with source units. This allows adjustment of the input
sensitivity level of the power amplifier for RCA (preamp level) or
speaker (high level) inputs.
RealTimePowerProtection(R.T.P.P.)–allowsforthegreatestpower
output under all load conditions. When output reaches an unsafe
level it will be reduced, unlike current limiting which often causes
premature protection or failure to protect at all.

Gold-Plated Connectors – of high quality to provide lower resistance
and better reliability.
Series 1 Housing – The extruded aluminum heatsink design of the
Series 1 was designed for high performance cooling.
– 4 –
2.
for 4600x model
1.
3.
4.
1. Low Level RCA Input Connectors
The amplifier’s signal input female RCA pin jacks should be
connected to the source unit’s signal outputs with high quality
RCA cables. The connectors are gold plated to eliminate the
possibility of corrosion that can cause signal deterioration.
2. High Level Speaker Input Connectors
These connectors are used to connect to a source unit that does
not provide low level RCA outputs. This connector accepts 1/8"
spade lugs. Do not attempt to solder wires directly to this
connector.
3. LED Power Indicator
The LED illuminates when the unit is in operation.
4. Input Gain Control
Thiscontrolisfactorypresetto500millivoltstomatchmostradios
and is variable from 250 millivolts to one volt. (More than likely
it will not need adjusting.)
Ifjustalittlemovementofthevolumecontrolfromthesourceunit
drives the amplifier into distortion, reduce the input gain control
so that the distortion doesn’t start until the source unit volume
control is at about 3/4 of its rotation.
DESIGN FEATURES
Input/LED Side

GND AP B+
+R–+L– – R+ –L+
Bridged Bridged
–+–+
– 5 –
for 4600x model
5. Power/Speaker Connectors
The gold-plated terminal block connectors are:
GND Supplies ground to the amplifier.
AP Theamplifieristurnedonbyconnectingtheremoteturn-
on wire to the source unit's “Auto Antenna” or remote
turn-onlead,eitherofwhichshouldgoto+12voltswhen
the source unit is activated.
B+ Supplies power to the amplifier.
+R–Connect the Right and Left channel outputs to the
speakers.
The terminal block connector accepts wire sizes from 10 gauge
to 20 gauge. *
Spade connectors are not needed because of the design of the
connector. The installer should be careful not to allow wires to
fray or touch. The recommended strip length is 1/4" (.635cm).
*Rockford Fosgate’s Perfect Interface line of accessories includes high
qualitypowerandspeakerwire,gold-platedRCAinterconnectingcables
and other products to complete your installation. Ask your Authorized
Rockford Fosgate Dealer about Perfect Interface.
Power/Speaker Side
+L–

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
– 6 –
This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for
installing your new Series 1 amplifier. Checking your battery and
currentsoundsystem,aswellaspre-planningyoursystemlayoutand
bestwiring routes willsaveinstallationtime. Whendecidinghowto
lay out your new system, be sure that each component will be easily
accessible for making adjustments.
Before beginning any installation, be sure to follow these simple
rules:
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before
attempting to install the amplifier.
2. For safety, disconnect the battery ground cable prior to begin-
ning the installation process.
3. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to
mounting your amplifier in place.
4. Use only quality connectors for making connections. See your
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for Perfect Interface wire
enhancements.
5. Thinkbeforeyoudrill! Becarefulnottocutordrillintogastanks,
fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical
wiring when working on any vehicle.
6. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires
inside the vehicle provides for the best protection.
7. Avoidrunning wiresoverorthroughsharpedges. Userubberor
plasticgrommets to protectwires routed through holes inmetal.
8. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage
withproperfusing. Installafuseholderandfusewithin18”(45.7
cm)ofthebatteryterminaltosafeguardfrompossibledamageor
injury. This fuse and fuseholder is included with the Series 1
amplifier. (See installation instructions on page 8.)
9. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and
always connected to metal that is welded to the main body, or
chassis, of the vehicle.

– 7 –
TOOLS & SUPPLIES NEEDED
Wire Cutters Phillips Screwdrivers
Wire Strippers Flat Blade Screwdrivers
Wire Crimpers Battery Post Wrench
Voltmeter Electric Hand Drill with assorted bits
Power Wire - [10-12 AWG; approx. 17’ (518.72 cm)]
Grounding Wire - [10-12 AWG.; max. length 1.5’ (45.72 cm)]
Remote (AP) Turn-On Wire - [18 AWG; approx. 12’ (365.76 cm)]
Assorted wire connectors
In-line butt connectors that match power and ground wire AWG
3/8" (.953cm) Battery Ring Terminal
1/4" (.635cm) Ground Terminal
1-1/2" (3.81cm) #8 Pan Head Mounting Screws (4)
Series1amplifierswillnaturallyputanextraloadonyourbatteryand
charging system. We recommend you check your alternator capac-
itytoensureamplechargingcapabilitytohandletheadditionalload
of your new Series 1 equipment. Stock electrical systems in good
conditionwilltypicallyhandletheextraloadofanyindividualSeries
1 unit without problems, although battery and alternator life may be
slightly reduced. If problems arise, we suggest you first check the
charging system, then use a heavy duty battery and/or a high output
alternator.
The mounting location and position of the Series 1 will have a great
effect on its ability to dissipate the heat generated in normal opera-
tion. The Series 1 has a heatsink designed for heat dissipation and
internal overheating shutoff circuitry to avoid overheating. The
amplifier is reasonably tolerant of mounting variations, however,
care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation.
TRUNK MOUNTING
The temperature inside a trunk can reach as high as 175°F (80°C)
during the summer months. Since the thermal shutoff point for the
Series 1 is 195°F (90°C), it is easy to see that the amplifier must be
mounted for maximum cooling capability. Mounting the amplifier
on the floor or under the rear parcel tray prevents sufficient convec-
tionalairflowcooling. Mountingtheunitverticallyonasurfacewith
the fin grooves running up and down usually results in the best
cooling.
MOUNTING LOCATIONS
BATTERY AND CHARGING