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

– 8 –
PASSENGER MOUNTING
Under the seat or floor mounting will work as long as there is a
minimum of 1” (2.5 cm) of air gap above the amplifier heatsink.
Vertical mounting of the amplifier is still the best.
Caution! Be sure to avoid running the power wires near the low
level input cables, antenna, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The
power wires carry substantial currents and could induce noise.
1. Power –The gold B+ terminal must be connected directly to the
positive (+) terminal of the battery with an appropriate size wire.
(See the Specifications for more information.) This provides a
power source with a low voltage drop and low noise.
Be sure to use the supplied fuse and fuseholder within 18”
(45.7cm)ofthebattery’spositive terminal. Failuretodosomay
cause damage to the vehicle and the amplifier.
WIRING THE SERIES 1
Note: Youwillneedtocutthewireloopthat
is attached to the fuse holder in half and
splice the fuse into the power line using
appropriate in-line butt connectors.
If the power wire must be extended beyond
17’(518.16cm),werecommendtheuseof10
gauge stranded wire.
Cut
here
X
2. Ground –The GND terminal grounds the amplifier and is
connectedtothechassisof the vehicle. When grounding, scrape
paint off metal to ensure a good, clean ground connection. To
preventgroundloops,werecommendyourefrainfromextending
the ground wire beyond 18”(45.72 cm) in any installation.
3. Remote Turn-On –The Series 1 amplifiers are turned on by
supplying positive (+) 12 volts to the AP terminal. Usually the
terminal is connected to the source unit’s “Accessory”or “Auto
Antenna”lead, either of which will go to +12 volts when the
source unit is activated.
Although the majority of high quality automotive source units
have an Accessory or Antenna output, there may be exceptions.
IfthesourceunithasnoAutoAntennalead(oriftheAutoAntenna
goes down during tape/CD operation), we recommend a switch
inthecarwithone terminalconnectedto+12voltsandtheother
totheSeries1APlead.Thiswillallowyoutoengagetheamplifier
manually.

– 9 –
4. Input –The amplifier’s signal input RCA jacks should be con-
nected to the source unit’s signal outputs with high-quality
braided or double-shielded interconnecting RCA cables.
Note: Be sure to route the Series 1 signal input cable away from
the main power wire and the car’s wiring harnesses to avoid
noise coupling.
IfthesourceunitdoesnotutilizeRCAcables,connecttheleftand
right positive speaker output wires from the source unit to the
amplifier’sHighLevelSpeakerInputConnector.Thecenterpinis
then connected to the chassis of the source unit.
5. Speakers –Series 1 amplifiers are rated for safe operation into
loads of 2Ωor greater in stereo mode, or 4Ωin bridged/mono
configurations. The primary loads on any amplifier come from
directly connected speakers without using capacitors. The mea-
suredresistanceforeachsideshouldnotbelessthan2Ωstereoor
4Ωbridged/mono.
6. Bridged/Mono Configuration –The Series 1 amplifiers are ca-
pable of bridged/mono configurations.
This configuration enables you to:
•Run a single woofer with stereo satellites
•Run two bridged amplifiers as a high power stereo system
•Run one amplifier with a bridged/mono woofer and another
as a high-frequency stereo amp, etc.
Note: The 4600x allows the above 3 configurations all in one.
For more information refer to the wiring diagrams beginning on
page 14.
Note: To bridge the amplifier, use the L+ and R–speaker
connectors.
CAUTION! Series1amplifiersarenotrecommendedforimped-
ance loads below 2Ωstereo or 4Ωbridged/mono.
Be sure to observe proper speaker terminal polarity throughout
thesystem. ItiscriticalfortheSeries1tousethecorrectnegative
terminalfor right and leftchannels, since the RIGHTNEGATIVE
(-) TERMINAL is the “hot”terminal for the right speaker. DO
NOT chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable opera-
tion may result.

– 10 –
ACTIVE CROSSOVER MODE SELECTIONS FOR
THE 2600XAND 4600X
The Series 1 2600x and the 4600x amplifiers feature a selectable
electroniccrossover.Onemodulecontrolstwo output channels that
can be configured in a High-Pass, Low-Pass, or Full Range (factory
default)position.(Note:The4600xhas2modulesasitisa4-channel
amplifier). Selection is made by positioning a removable module
card. Both the 2600x and 4600x are shipped with 100Hz 12dB per
octaveButterworthalignedcrossovermodules.Additionalcrossover
frequency modules are available from your Authorized Rockford
Fosgate Dealer.
Note: The factory default setting is Full Range.
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SETTINGS
To change the crossover mode, remove the crossover module from
thehousing. Rotatethemoduletothedesiredsettingandgentlypush
themodulebackinto theamplifierhousingasshownonthediagram
on the back of the amplifier.
Example: The 2600x is shipped with a 100Hz module. With the
module in the Full Range setting, the amplifier will pass through all
20Hz - 20kHz frequencies.
In the Low-Pass setting, only those frequencies below 100Hz will
pass through the amplifier.
In the High-Pass setting, only those above 100Hz will pass through
the amplifier.

– 11 –
WIRING DIAGRAMS - 2300 / 2600X
2300/2600XBASIC SYSTEM
–+
Series 1
2300
2600x
–+
Source Unit
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Right Full Range 4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Left Full Range
*Xover Module
(2600x only)
Full Range Position
GND
AP
B+
–L+
–R+
*See page 10 for proper crossover use.
Left Right Power
Left GND Right
High Level Inputs
Gain

– 12 –
2300/2600X3-WAY STEREO/MONO SYSTEM
–+–+
••••
MX
MX
+–
TX
–+
TX
••
–+
Source Unit
Series 1
2300
2600x
*Xover Module
(2600x only)
Full Range Position
–R+ –L+
GND
AP
B+
Tweeter Tweeter4Ω
Right Midrange 4Ω
Left Midrange
6.6mH Coil
4ΩSubwoofer
*See page 10 for proper crossover use.
Left Right Power
Left GND Right
High Level Inputs
Gain

–+–+
•••
–+
+–
TX
TX
MX MX
–+
Series 1
2600x
•
Series 1
2600x
– 13 –
See page 10 for
proper crossover use.
2600X3-WAY BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM
Source Unit
High Pass
Left GND Right
High Level Inputs
Gain
Left Right Power
GND
AP
B+
–R+ –L +
TweeterTweeter 4Ω
Right Mid-Woofer 4Ω
Left Mid-Woofer
Left GND Right
High Level Inputs
Gain
Left Right Power
4ΩSubwoofer
GND
AP
B+
–R+ –L +
Amp 2
Amp 1

WIRING DIAGRAMS - 4600X
– 14 –
The following pages show some examples for wiring the Series 1 4600x
amplifier to your vehicle's speaker system.
+ –
–+
GND AP B+
+R–+L– – R+ –L+
+–+–
Series 1
4600x
LEFT RIGHT POWER LEFT
LEFT GND RIGHT LEFT GND RIGHT
REAR
CROSSOVER
FRONT
CROSSOVER
RIGHT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
4600XFRONT/REAR FADING
FULL RANGE SYSTEM
Source Unit
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Right Mid-Woofer 4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Right Mid-Woofer
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Left Full Range
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Right Full Range
See page 10 for proper crossover use.

– 15 –
4600X3-WAY MULTI-CHANNEL
STEREO/BRIDGED MODE
See page 10 for proper crossover use.
+ –
–+
+–
•
•
•
•
TX
–+
TX
–+
GND AP B+
+R–+L– – R+ –L+
Bridged
Series 1
4600x
LEFT RIGHT POWER LEFT
LEFT GND RIGHT LEFT GND RIGHT
REAR
CROSSOVER
FRONT
CROSSOVER
RIGHT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
4ΩSubwoofer
Tweeter Tweeter
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Right Mid-
Woofer
4Ω(2Ωmin.)
Left Mid-
Woofer
Source Unit

– 16 –
4600X2 CHANNEL BRIDGED
LOW PASS
See page 10 for proper crossover use.
Source Unit
+––+
GND AP B+
+R–+L– – R+ –L+
Bridged Bridged
Series 1
4600x
LEFT RIGHT POWER LEFT
LEFT GND RIGHT LEFT GND RIGHT
Rear CrossoverFront Crossover
RIGHT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
HIGH LEVEL INPUTS
GAIN
FRONT
Front
Xover Module
Low-Pass Position
Rear
Xover Module
Low-Pass Position
4ΩSubwoofer 4ΩSubwoofer

–17 –
TROUBLESHOOTING
This troubleshooting guide is intended to assist you with certain
problemswhich may occur. Ifyou still encounterproblems, see your
Authorized Rockford Dealer for assistance.
Problem
Amplifier will not play —Remote Turn-on light is off.
Solution
1. Check the DC voltage at the amplifier’s B+ terminal with a
voltmeter. The voltage should measure between 11.5V - 15.5V.
If voltage is not found, check the battery, fuse, fuse housing and
wire connections. Fix, repair, or replace accordingly.
2. If the amplifier still does not play, check the voltage at the
amplifier’s remote turn-on lead. The voltage should measure
between 11V - 15V.
a. If voltage is above or below the prescribed measurements,
checkforproperconnectionsandhavetheheadunitchecked
by an Authorized Dealer or Service Center.
b. If the remote turn-on current draw from the head unit is
connected to multiple amps and/or electronics, the current
draw may be too great. Check for proper connections. (Use
a relay to suppress the excessive current draw.)
Problem
Amplifier will not play —Remote Turn-on light is on:
Solution
1. Unplugtheheadunitandtesttheamplifierwithanotherworking
sourceunit(i.e.,bench-testradio,walkman,etc.). Iftheamplifier
plays, check the in-dash leads for cuts, breaks and/or shorts.
2. Iftheamplifierstilldoesnotplay,disconnecttheexistingspeakers
and connect a set of test speakers to the output of the amplifier
(any type of speaker will do - i.e., simple home box type,
bookshelf, raw speaker, etc.). If the amp plays, check for shorts
or blown voice coils in the vehicle’s speaker system.