Rockford Fosgate Fanatic Q FNQ1514 User manual

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car audio
fanatics
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operation &operation &
operation &operation &
operation &
installationinstallation
installationinstallation
installation
component systems

Dear Customer,
Congratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheworld'sfinestbrandofcaraudiospeakers. At
Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical reproduction at its best, and we are
pleasedyouchoseourproduct.Throughyearsofengineeringexpertise,handcraftsman-
ship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that
reproduce music with all the 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 provide specialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.
Greatproductandcompetentinstallationsareonly a pieceofthepuzzlewhen it comes
to your system. Make sure that your installer is using 100% authentic installation
accessories from Connecting Punch in your installation. Connecting Punch has
everything from RCA cables and speaker wire to Power line and battery connectors.
Insist on it! After all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
wearables,which include everything from T-shirtsand jackets to hats andsunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S.call602-967-3565orFAX602-967-8132.Forallothercountries,call+001-602-
967-3565 or FAX [phone].
If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product,
we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further
assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-9899. Be sure to have your serial
number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS OVER 100dB
MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS.HIGH POWERED AUTOSOUND
SYSTEMS MAY PRODUCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS WELL OVER
130dB. USE COMMON SENSE AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.
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 serve as
verificationofyourfactorywarrantyandmaybecomeusefulinrecoveringyour
product if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number:________________________________

Welcometo RockfordFosgate! Thismanual isdesigned toprovide information
for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you who want quick
information on how to install this product, please turn to the Installation
Section of this manual or refer to the icons listed below. Other information can
be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at Rockford Fosgate, have
workedveryhardtomakesurealltheinformationinthismanualiscurrent.But,
asweareconstantlyfindingnewwaystoimproveourproduct,thisinformation
is subject to change without notice.
G ETTING S TARTED
Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations for
curing installation problems
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T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................................1
Package Contents ....................................................................................... 1
Design Features .......................................................................................... 2
Installation Considerations ...........................................................................5
Mounting Location ...................................................................................... 6
Installation ................................................................................................. 7
Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 11
Specifications ........................................................................................... 12
Warranty Information ................................................................................ 14
International Information............................................................................ 15
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections

I NTRODUCTION
This manual provides information on the features and installation of the
Fanatic Q Systems. We suggest you save this manual for future reference.
WestronglyrecommendyouhaveyourAuthorizedRockfordFosgateDealer
install the Fanatic Q System. If you do choose to install the system yourself,
please be sure to read the entire manual before beginning.
FNQ1414
(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters
Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,
wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1404 4" Midrange Speakers
(2) 4" Speaker Grilles
(2) 4" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire
P ACKAGE C ONTENTS
– 1 –
FNQ1514
(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters
Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,
wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1405 51⁄4" Midrange Speakers
(2) 51⁄4" Speaker Grilles
(2) 51⁄4" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire
FNQ1614
(2) FNQ1401 Tweeters
Includes 3/4" [20mm] aluminum dome tweeter,
flush mount housing, surface mount housing,
wedge mount housing
(2) Tweeter Mounting Brackets
(4) #8-32 x .500 Screws
(4) #8-32 Black Nuts
(8) #8 x .75 Phillips Screws
(2) .110 Female Fast-on Connectors
(2) .110 Male Fast-on Connectors
(2) FNQ1406 61⁄2" Midrange Speakers
(2) 61⁄2" Speaker Grilles
(2) 61⁄2" Speaker Grille Rings
(2) “RF” Speaker Grille Logos
(2) FNQ142x 2-Way Crossovers
(8) #8 x 1.25 Phillips Screws
(20') 18 Gauge Speaker Wire

5
D ESIGN F EATURES
Tweeter
1. 3/4" Aluminum Dome Tweeter – To ensure accurate high frequency reproduc-
tion,the tweeterdome mustbe bothlightand strong.The FanaticQ Component
Systems use an aluminum dome with a silk surround. This combines the low
mass and strength of aluminum with the smoothness of silk for the ultimate in
high frequency reproduction.
2. FerrofluidCooling–Thissyntheticfluidisheldinplaceinthemagneticgap.The
fluidbathesthevoicecoilallowinghigherpowerhandlingandgreaterreliability.
3. Neodymium Magnet –What goodwoulda tweeterbe ifitwas toobigto mount
in your favorite spot? The Fanatic Component Systems use a highly efficient
neodymiummagnettoenableaverysmalltweetertohaveverybigperformance.
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D ESIGN F EATURES
Midrange
4. Rubber Surround – The durable rubber surround withstands the
extremesoftheautomotiveenvironment.Italsoimprovessoundquality
byreducing2ndand3rdorderharmonicsandprovideswiderfrequency
response.
5. 3-Layer Glass Fiber Composite Cone –Theidealconematerialwould
be infinitely strong, very light and would have very high damping to
ensure great sound quality. The Fanatic Q Series Component Systems
usea3layerglassfibercompositeconethatisstrong,lightandhashigh
internal damping to provide excellent reproduction of sound.
6. Flat Spider – The spider has the job of centering the voice coil and
providingtherearsuspensionforthespeaker.TheFanaticQComponent
Systemsuseadurableflatspidertoensuregreatsoundwithlonglifeand
durability.
7. Large 1-1/4" Voice Coil with Anodized Aluminum Former – Just like
allRockford Fosgatewoofers, allFanaticComponent Systemmidrange
drivers use an aluminum voice coil former for more efficient dissipation
ofheat.Dissipatingtheheatiskeytolonglifeandhighpowerhandling,
so go ahead and crank it up! The voice coil in the Fanatic Q series
component system is larger than the voice coil in some manufacturer's
woofers.
8. Proprietary Cast ABS Basket – This basket has unique cosmetics and
provides a solid platform for the midrange, reducing coloration of the
sound.
9. VentedPolePiece–Thepolepieceextendsfromthebackofthespeaker
intothevoicecoilarea.TheFanaticQComponentSystemusesavented
polepiecetoallowcoolairtocirculateinthevoicecoilgapwhichallows
greater power handling and increased reliability.
10. Aerovent Backplate – The curved shape of the backplate opening
reduces“huffing”noisescausedduringhighexcursions.Theairmoving
inandoutofthepolepieceishandledmuchmorequietlyandefficiently
than in conventional systems.
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Crossover
11. CompetitionQuality2-WayButterworthCrossover–Featuresa24dB
peroctavehigh-pass crossoverfor thetweeter anda 24dB/octavelow-
passcrossoverforthemidrange.Thesteepslopeofthetweetercrossover
gives better power handling. The low-pass crossover provides a
seamless transition between the tweeter and midrange.
12. Optical Compression – This built-in protection circuit limits power to
thetweeterwhenthe“danger”thresholdisexceeded.Becauseitsimply
limits power and doesn't shut the tweeter off, this circuit is completely
inaudible.
13. Gold-PlatedScrewTerminals–Terminalsplatedingoldformaximum
resistance to corrosion ensure great sound for years to come. These
terminals accept bare wire or 1/4" spade lug connectors.
14. 0dB/–3dB/–6dBTweeterPad–Insomeinstallations,youmayfindthat
thetweeterlocationismuchclosertoyourearsthanthemidrange.This
pad allows you to match the tweeter level to the midrange for the best
balance.
15. TweeterPhaseSwitch–This0°/180°switchallows easy comparison
oftweeterphasewithoutdisconnectingspeakerwires.Simplyleavethe
switch in the position that sounds best in your particular installation.
16. Mylar Capacitors – These high-end, “low loss” capacitors are used to
maintain maximum sound quality.
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I NSTALLATION C ONSIDERATIONS
Tools Needed
The following is a list of some of the tools necessary for the installation of your
speakers.
Power Drill with assorted bits #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Tape Measure Voltmeter
General
1. Forsafety, disconnectthe negativelead fromthe batteryprior tobeginning
the installation.
2. Neverrunwiresunderneaththevehicle.Runningthewiresinsidethevehicle
provides the best protection.
3. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber of plastic
grommets to protect any wires routed through metal.
4. Mountthespeakers/crossoversawayfromelectricalsources(otherthanthe
amplifier) i.e., power cables, electronic fuel pumps, vehicle computers,
and other potential noise sources.
5. Mount the speakers/crossovers away from areas of extreme heat or
moisture.
Speakers
1. Makesurethereisanarealargeenoughofthespeakertomount.Warning!
Failuretodothiscancausedamagetothespeakerifthespeakerframe
is bent during installation.
2. Check to see that the location is deep enough for the speaker(s) and the
location does not interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle.
3. When mounting the speaker(s) in the door of a vehicle, make sure the
speaker(s) do not interfere with either the door or window operation.
4. When mounting the speaker(s) on the rear deck of the vehicle, check the
operationoftherearhatchortrunklid.Makesurethetorsionbarsandother
moving parts are not obstructed by the speaker(s) installation.
•PleaserefertotheSpecificationssectionofthismanualforpropermounting
diameter and depth of the speaker(s).
Crossovers
1. Make sure there is a flat area large enough for the crossover to mount.
2. Forbestresults,mountthecrossover(s)nexttotheamplifierforadecorative
finishtotheinstallationandprovideaneasyupgrade(nonewwirestorun)
for a bi-amp Rockford Fosgate system in the future.
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M OUNTING L OCATION
Asolidfrontstagewithagoodimageisoneofthemostdifficulttaskstoachieve
inavehicle.Nocarhastheoptimumlisteningenvironment.Thismakesproper
sound staging very difficult to accomplish. Most speakers tend to be placed
where they will fit easily, as opposed to where they can perform the best. The
mountinglocationofyourspeakerswillhaveagreateffectonthesoundquality
of your stereo system. The special care taken to place the speakers will yield
many hours of listening enjoyment in return. Several important recommenda-
tions should be followed.
• Placethespeakerswheretheyhaveadirect
path to the listening area.
• Forthebestintegrationbetweenthemidrange
and tweeter, the tweeter should be placed
lessthan 2" fromthemidrange. (Figure1)
• If you cannot place the tweeter less than 2"
from the midrange, then place the tweeter
more than 7" from the midrange. Placing
the tweeter 2"-7" from the midrange can
cause destructive interference (frequency
response problems) which will affect the
speaker's ability to reproduce the frequency range around the crossover
frequency of the system.
• Wheneverpossible,placethetweeterdirectlyaboveorbelowthemidrange
as this maximizes the imaging (point source) capability of the speakers.
(Figure 2)
Figure 1
2" or less
Figure 2-A Figure 2-B
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• Soundradiatedfroma“pointsource”hasthemostoptimumstereoimaging
becausetheseparationoftheacousticalcentersbetweenthemidrangeand
tweeter for each channel is at the optimum. Figure 2-A describes a
horizontal speaker alignment. In a closed environment such as an
automobile,horizontalspeakeralignmentcancausesevereamplitudeand
phase differences which will degrade not only the imaging, but also the
frequency response. This is due to the path length differences between the
midrangeandtweeter.Figure2-Bdisplaysaverticalalignmentbetweenthe
midrangeandtweeter.Withaverticalalignment,thepathlengthdifference
between the midrange and tweeter are reduced to a minimum. The result
isanegligibledifferenceinpathlengthsbetweenthemidrangeandtweeter
regardless of the proximity of the listener to the speakers. Mounting the
speaker with minimum path length difference will ensure the best staging
and imaging possible from your audio system.
I NSTALLATION
Mounting the Midrange
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1. Cut the proper size hole for the midrange/woofer.
• For the FNQ1404, cut a 98.55mm (329⁄32") diameter hole
• For the FNQ1405, cut a 115.57mm (49⁄16") diameter hole
• For the FNQ1406, cut a 148.51mm (527⁄32") diameter hole
2. Place the midrange over the mounting hole and mark the location of the
screw mounting holes.
3. Remove the midrange. Drill the holes for the screws using a 1/8" drill bit.
4. Route the wire through the hole.
5. Attach the wires and be sure to observe the proper speaker polarity.
6. Place the speaker into the hole and screw the speaker into place. Be
careful not to bend the speaker frame during this step.
7. Press the speaker grille into the mounting ring.