Soundstream Reference Series 200 Programming manual

REFERENCE
200/300/500
Power Amplifiers
OWNERS MANUAL
AND
INSTALLATION GUIDE
SOUNDSTREAM
T E C H N 0 L 0 G IE S

COAERA TULA TIONS!
You now own the REFERENCE Amplifier, the product of an
uncompromising design and engineering philosophy.
Your
Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier will outperform any other amplifier
in the world.
To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you
thoroughly acquaint yourself with its capabilities and features. Please
retain this manual and your sales and installation receipts for future
reference.
Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American craftsmanship and
the highest quality control standards, and when properly installed, will
provide you with many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier
ever need service or replacement due to theft, please record the
following information, which will help protect your investment.
Model and Serial #
Dealer’s Name
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
Installation Date
CA UTIOE”
‘Vi
Prolonged listening at high levels may
result in hearing loss. Even
though7your new Soufidsk?am REFERENCE amp!ifier sounds better
than anything you’ve ever heard, exercise caution to prevent hearing
damage.
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features ........................................................................... .4-5
REFERENCE Power Supply Design..................................... 6
Passive and Electronic Crossovers ......................................
6
6 dB/octave Passive Crossover Chart.................................. 7
12 dB/octave Passive Crossover Chart ................................
8
Series and Parallel Wiring .................................................... 9
LSE.Q Theory and Use
..................................................
1 O-l 1
Setting High Power/High Current........................................
12
Setting Coherent StereoTM/Mixed Mono/Bridged Mono
....... 13
Wiring
............................................................................. 14-15
Wiring Diagram .................................................................. 15
Installation and Mounting ....................................................
16
Level Setting ......................................................................
17
Protection Circuitry & Troubleshooting ............................... 18
Service ............................................................................... 18
Specifications ..................................................................... 19
3

REFERENCE Amdlifier
(REFERENCE500 stitiwh)
Hsndcmfkd in the U.S.A.
rm OND REMOTE
+L- -RI
HIGH CURRENT / “KM POWER
MONO I STEREO/MIXED MONO
DESIGN FEATURES
l Uncompromising Design and Construction including mil-spec glass epoxy
circuit boards and high current custom gold-plated solid brass connections
that will accept up to 4 gauge power/ground wire (8 gauge on the REF200).
l High Power/High Current Capability - Soundstream’s exclusive circuit which
permits customization of your amplifier to its particular application-high
current, low impedance loads (multiple subwoofers, less than 2 ohms mono)
or High Power, higher impedance loads (2 ohms mono and up).
l Coherent Stereo%illxed Mono selection for either “pure” stereo operation
or mixed mono for simultaneous stereo and mono.
l Chassisink” Darlington Power Array - Soundstream’s “overbuilding” of the
output section incorporates multiple output transistors instead of a few for
faster, stronger power delivery. The transistors are sandwiched between the
circuit board and the heatsink in a design called ChassisinkM to ensure cool,
efficient amplifier operation.

l PowerGrid Power Supply Design - All power supply components are located
near one another, connected by thick, wide PCB traces, which ensures rapid,
high current delivery. The entire power supply is isolated on one side of the
circuit board while the audio stage is located opposite it, guaranteeing minimal
noise.
l Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank -
Multiple small input power capacitors
are used to provide a lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), which means
more power in and out faster.
l Smart Thermal Rollback - Most amplifiers shut off when they get too hot. In
the unlikely event the REFERENCE amplifier reaches 85” C, it will gradually
roll back its average power (without affecting the dynamics). Once the
amplifier has cooled off, it returns to full power output. If overheating should
continue, a second thermal sensing protection circuit will shut off the amplifier
if the heatsink reaches 95” C.
l Unregulated Power Supply -4 ohm power ratings are measured at 12 volts,
meaning substantially greater output in the real world when the vehicle is
running, where voltages range from 13.2 to 14.4 volts.
l Fault Monitor LED on the front panel notifies you of blown power supply
fuses.
l 112 ohm Drive Ability - The REFERENCE amplifiers are designed to drive
virtually any load-all the way down to l/2 ohm stereo (1 ohm mono).
l Dual Discrete Class A Drive Stages - Over six times the drive current of most
amps, which maintains performance into low impedance loads.
l Drive DelayTM Muted Turn-on/off Circuit - A unique circuit which completely
eliminates any amplifier-related turn-on/off noises.
l Flexible Input Sensitivity accepts voltages from 100 mV to 2.5 V, permitting
maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source unit.
l Balanced Input Design for added immunity to noise caused by component
and vehicle electrical system interaction.
l LSE.Q (REFERENCESOO) fully adjustable subwoofer equalization circuit
providing frequency and leve/“Q” adjustment for optimum subwoofer
performance. An adjustable subsonic filter protects woofers from damaging
low frequency information and maximizes output in a usable range.

REFERENCE POWER SUPPLY DESIGN
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ an extremely efficient unregulated pulse-
width modulated power supply. REFERENCE amplifiers from Soundstream are
rated at 12 volts but are designed to take advantage of the additional voltage
available when the vehicle is running. The two major advantages of the
unregulated power supply are:
l awesome dynamic power capabilities
l added continuous power with higher voltages (see chart below)
Because of the dynamic properties of most music, all audio components should
be able to react accordingly. Thanks to their unregulated power supplies, the
REFERENCE amplifiers can comfortably exceed their rated power for dynamic
portions of the music.
4 Ohm Stereo Watts
0 20 40 60
4 ohm Power
25wattsx2@12volts
45 watts x 2 @ 14.4 volts
(REFERENCE200 shown)
PASSIVE AND,ELECTRONIC CRbSSOtiERS
,_
r’our REEERENCE amplifier is unique in its ability to switch between Coherent
3tereoTM
and mixed mono output mode. The REFERENCE amplifiers are
zapable of driving a,complete subwoofer and satellite system in the Mixed.Mono
configuration. However, for lowest distortion, maximum output, and best sound
quality, we recommend that you use an electronic crossover and multiple
:hannels of amplificbtion.
f a single REFERENCE amplifier is to driie a subwoofer and satellite system,
Dassive high and low pass crossovers will be necessary. Use the charts on
Dages 7 8 8 to detem\ine the values of the crossover,components.
6

6 dB/OCTAVE
PASSIVE CROSSOVER CHART
‘,
\
lrr--
/‘
8’
+ --+&-----
6 dB/octave hi_sh pass
K
-
+
Y-L----
,/”
L
6 dB/octave low pass
KEY
L = high quality (DCR < 1 ohm) inductor/coil
C = non-polarized 50 v (or greater) capacitor
FREQ.
80 Hz
100 Hz
130 Hz
200 Hz
280 Hz
400 Hz
600 Hz
800 Hz
1000 Hz
1200 Hz
1800 Hz
4000 Hz
2 ohms
L C
4.1 mH
3.1 mH
2.4 mH
1.6 mH
1.2 mH
0.8 mH
0.5 mH
0.41 mH
0.31 mH
0.25 mH
0.16 mH
0.08 mH
1000 pF
800 pF
600 pF
400 pF
300 pF
200 pF
138 pF
100 pF
78 pF
66 FF
44 pF
20 pF
4 ohms
LC
8.2 mH
6.2 mH
4.7 mH
3.3 mH
2.4 mH
1.6 mH
1.0 mH
0.82 mH
0.62 mH
0.51 mH
0.33 mH
0.16 mH
7
500 pF
400 pF
300 pF
200 FF
150 pF
100 pF
68 pF
50 pF
39 pF
33 pF
22 pF
IOpF
8 ohms
L
C
16 mH
12mH
10mH
8.8 mH
4.7 mH
3.3 mH
2.0 mH
1.6 mH
1.2 mH
1.0 mH
0.88 mH
0.33 mH
250 pF
200 pF
150 pF
100 pF
75 pF
50 pF
33 pF
28 pF
20 pF
16pF
IOpF
5 PF

112 dB/OCTAVE
PASSIVE CROSSOVER CHART
12 dWoctave hilsh pass
12 dB/octave low pass
KEY
Ll = high quality (DCR c 1 ohm) inductor/coil
Cl = non-polarized 50 v (or greater) capacitor
FREQ.
80 Hz
100 Hz
130 Hz
200 Hz
260 Hz
400 Hz
600 Hz
800 Hz
1000 Hz
1200 Hz
1600 Hz
4000 Hz
2 ohms
Ll Cl
5.5 mH
4.7 mH
3.3 mH
2.2 mH
1.8mH
1.1 mH
0.75 mH
0.5 mH
0.47 mH
0.33 mH
0.27 mH
0.10 mH
680 pF
560 pF
400 pF
300 pF
200 pF
150 pF
100 pF
68 pF
50 pF
44 pF
30 pF
15 wF
4 ohms
Ll Cl
11 mH
9.1 mH
6.8 mH
4.7 mH
3.6 mH
2.2 mH
1.5mH
1.0 mH
0.9 mH
0.75 mH
0.50 mH
0.22 mH
8
330 pF
270 pF
200 pF
15opF
100 pF
68 )rF
47 pF
33 pF
27 pF
22 FF
15pf
6.8 pF
8 ohms
Ll Cl
22 mH
18mH
15mH
9.1 mH
6.8 mH
4.7 mH
3.0 mH
2.0 mH
1.8mH
1.5 mH
1.0 mH
0.47 mH
180 pF
150 pF
100 pF
75 pF
50 pF
33 pF
26 pF
15pF
13pF
11 pF
6.8 pF
3.3 pF

SERIES AND PARALLEL WIRING
Below are examples of series and parallel wiring configurations. Please note
how the impedances differ with the different configurations.
Amplifier
i
r
+
r-P%7
jidl Jkk&
;“4 Ohm “1 / 4 Ohm “\,,
2-4 ohm drivers in parallel
= 2 ohms
Amplifier
+
_I
-
/“4 Oh; ‘> ~
?-
+(
/‘4 Ohm ‘\‘,
4-4 ohm drivers in parallel
=I ohm
2-4 ohm drivers in series
= 8 ohms
9

LSE.Q is a unique subwoofer
control circuit included with the
SOUNDSTREAM REFERENCE500
amplifier. It is capable of removing
subsonic energy in program material.
The circuit consists of two controls.
One adjusts the frequency of
operation and the other adjusts the
range of boost, With both controls
adjusted fully counter-clockwise, no
boost is applied and the amplifier is
flat in response down to 20 Hz.
The frequency control (Hz) adjusts
the starting point of the subsonic
filter. This high pass filter can be
adjusted from 20 Hz up to a
maximum of 60 Hz. This control is
useful for setting the lowest
frequency that your subwoofer will
see. (See figure 1)
/
I
i
LSE.Q
\
dB
( FEa B&T (
FIG. 1 LSEQ
FIG. 4 Variable “Q”
The Q control adjusts the amount of
boost applied at the set frequency.
This is adjustable from .707 (flat) to
2.8 (+9 dB). (See figure 2)
.
dB
FIG. 2 Variable ‘Q
When the Q is set to .707
(Butterworth), LSE.Q acts as a sub-
sonic filter only. (See figure 3)
LSE.Q THEORY AND USE
FIG. 3 Variable High Pass
The simple act of removing the signal
below the vented tuning frequency can
improve system output by as much as
3 dB.
With Q values greater than
,707, boost is added in addition to the
sub-sonic filter. (see figure 4)

Application
Woofers in vented enclosures have
good power handling characteristics
above the tuning frequency, but below
the tuning frequency, power handling
drops off considerably. This is due to
the loss of any appreciable resistive air
mass. At frequencies below
resonance, the woofer starts to
behave as if it were mounted in “free-
air”. If we wish to improve the
performance of a vented system, we
should remove these unwanted
signals from our system. These can be
removed by adding a subsonic filter.
Figure 5 shows the effectiveness of
LSE.Q on woofer excursion. Woofer
travel is 7.5 mm at IO Hz, with LSE.Q
properly adjusted, this excursion can
be reduced to less than 1 mm. This is
of great benefit to lowering woofer
distortion and increasing output.
Adjustment
An easy method of optimizing your
existing subwoofer enclosure with
LSE.Q’s “Hz” control is as follows.
1 Adjust frequency and boost control
to full CCW position. (See figure 6)
2 While listening to music with strong
bass content at a moderate level,
slowly adjust frequency control
clockwise. Listen for a reduction of
bass response. Now,
rotate
frequency control slightly backwards.
This serves the purpose of removing
the “subsonic” bass energy.
Soundstream’s LSE.Q contains the
same type of circuit with the added
benefit of infinite adjustability. Our “Q”
and “Hz” control can provide virtually
LSE.Q THEORY AND USE (continued)
any combination of boost and cut to
suit your designs. So, LSE.Q can
provide the “tailoring” needed for any
type of “assisted” design and any
woofer.
P
FIG. 5 Limited Excursion
FIG. 6 LSE.Q Setting
FIG. 7 Various Settings
11

4 INSTALLATION STEP 1 b
SETTING THE
HIGH PO WERLHIGH CURRENT SWITCH
The High Power/High Current switch allows the REFERENCE amplifier to be
one of two types of amps: either producing maximum power at higher
impedances (perfect for satellites) or at lower impedances (usually with multiple
subwoofers).
The circuit operates by selecting a set of power supply voltage rails best suited
to your particular application. One is a higher voltage “tap” optimized for high
impedance applications while the other is lower voltage designed to provide
more current, Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s REFERENCE amplifiers
can be configured to drive virtually any impedance and make maximum power!
1 R Stereo l/2
n Stereo
(2 fI Bridged)
(1 R Bridged)
REFERENCE 200
High Power
25 x 2 50x2 100x2 n/a
Watta
(50x1) (100 x 1) (200 x 1)
High Current
12.5 x 2 25x2 50x2 100x2
Watts
(25x1)
(50 x 1) (100 x 1) (200 x 1)
REFERENCE 300
High Power 75x2 150x2 150x2
nla
Watta
(150 x 1) (300 x 1) (300 x 1)
High Current
37.5 x 2
75x2 150x2 150x2
Watta
(75 x 1) (150 x 1) (300 x 1) (300x1)
REFERENCE 500
High Power
125x2 250x2 250x2
n/a
Watts
(250 x 1) (500 x 1) (500 x 1)
High Current
62.5 x 2 125x2 250x2 250x2
Watts
(125 x 1) (250 x 1) (500 x 1)
(500x1)
If you blow fuses with the REFERENCE amplifiers, switch to the High Current
mode.
If the problein persists, it is likelythat the amplifier is seeing a dead
short, either in the speaker wire or in the speaker itself.
before blowing multi$e fused
RecUQ the problem
12

d INSTALLATION STEP 2 D
COHERENT STEREO=?MIXED-
MONO/BRIDGED MONO
The REFERENCE amplifiers have the ability to operate in any one of the
following modes:
Coherent SfefeorM
with identical left and right stereo channels for
maximum fidelity. Best choice for satellite speakers. Use this mode unless
Mixed-Mono is necessary.
MiXed-MOB0 in order to drive, stereo and mono simultaneously; works well
for center channels. It can be used anytime you need a summed mono channel.
Somewhat sacrifices sonic accuracy as additional circuitry is introduced to one
channel. In Mixed-Mono, the leff channel is inverted, see diagram below or
on the bottom of the amplifier.
Bridged Mono for dedicated single channel operation; ideal for driving
subwoofers. It is also used when large amounts of power are necessary for
single speakers. In bridged mono, only the right channel input Is active.
MIXED MONO
+ L- -R*
COHERENT STEREO
+ L- - R+
BRIDGED MONO
+ L-
-R+
NOTE: If you intend to drive a
REFERENCE amp in Mono but have stereo
outputs’tiq your crossover or source unit,
you can put the switch in Mixed-Mono but
follaw the normal wiring for Bridged Mono.
13

4 INSTALLATION STEP 3 t
WIRING
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your REFERENCE amplifier, use high quality,
low-loss power and ground cables. The REFERENCE amplifiers will accept up to
4 gauge power and ground cables (8 ga. with REFERENCEZOO). Determine from
the chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS/FUSES
I
up to 10’
I
up to 20’
REFERENCE200
Soundstream Power80 or
Power1 00
(8 or 10 sa.)
Soundstream Power80
(8 ga.)
REFERENCE300
I
Soundstream Power40 or
Power 80
(4 or 8 ga.)
REFERENCE500
Soundstream Power40
(4 ga.)
Soundstream Power40 or
Power 80
(4 or 8 ga.)
Soundstream Power40
(4 ga.)
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the REFERENCE amplifiers must be fused near the
battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the battery. This
will prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below to determine
the correct fuse value.
INTERNAL
The REFERENCE amplifiers are fused with either automotive-type or Maxi-fuses.
In the event of blown power supply fuses, the “Fault” indicator on the front panel
will light. The fuses are accessible either from the front panel of the amplifier or
via a plastic plug on the bottom of the amplifier. See the chart below to determine
the fuse value. Never replace the fuses with a higher value than what is
supplied. This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty1
REFERENCE Amplifier Fuse Values
Amplifier Amplifier Fuse
REFERENCE200 20 amp automotive
REFERENCE300 30 amp automotive
REFERENCE500 40 amp MAXI-fuse
14
Battery Fuse
30 amp
40 amp
: 50 amp

WIRING (cont.)
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When +I2 volts
is received, the amplifier will turn on.
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a high-quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss
to guarantee optimum performance. Soundstream’s DL.1 and SL.1 are ideal.
SPEAKER CABLE
The REFERENCE amps will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a high
quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
Soundstream Speaker1 20 & 160 (12 and 16 gauge) are ideal.
FULL RANGE SPEAKERS
15

4 INSTALLATION STEP 4 b
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
1. AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The REFERENCE amplifiers employ highly efficient circuitry and a unique
ChassisinkTM design to maintain lower operating temperatures. Additional
cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly confined area or
when driving especially low impedance loads at extremely high levels.
When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel in
the vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The
mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk
of the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and major electrical
components. To provide adequate ventilation, mount the amplifier so that there
are at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it.
2.
3.
4.
SWITCHES
Set High Power/High Current and Coherent StereoTM/Mixed-Mono/Bridged Mono
switches to the appropriate positions (see pages 12 -13).
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
a. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the mounting surface.
b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes.
c. Mount the amplifier to the surface using the provided hardware.
WIRING
a. Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the amplifier
from the source unit.
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit breaker
within 18” of the battery.
c. Connect the fuse or circuit breaker to the battery. Leave the circuit breaker
off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be
necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e. Double check each and every connection!
f. Reconnect the fuse or circuit breaker.
5.
POWER UP
Power up the system and look at the green and red LEDs; depending on the
configuration, one should be lit. There may be a 2 -3 second delay from the time
the the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on the amp turns on,
which is normal. Once the amplifier power LED is on and the source unit is
playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.
16

4 INSTALLATION STEP 5 b
LEVEL SETTING
The input levels are adjusted by means of the input level controls located on the
front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both level
and gain. This topology maintains better Signal to Noise ratios even when using
sources with minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. The reason is because an amplifier will
only make what comes into it bigger. So, if you send it a distorted signal from
the head unit, the amplifier is going to amplify distorted information. The same
thing holds true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort before
you have maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all components to
reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output of your system.
For the REFERENCE amplifiers, follow the below procedure for the quickest,
easiest means of setting the levels.
1. Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-clockwise).
2. Set source unit volume to approximately 314 of fult volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
NOTE: Even though the Smr ratio with bw output sources is better with the
REFERENCE amplifiers than others, your best combination of output level and
Signal to Noise ratio will be achieved when the input levels are set between
5OCJmVand2.5V.
17

PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Your REFERENCE amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of the following circuits:
l Main power supply fuses
l Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback activating at 85°C.
l A fail-safe thermal protection circuit activating at 95°C.
Your amplifier also incorporates an innovative Fault Diagnosis system that
identifies a blown power supply fuse.
NOTE: If you experience b/own main power supply fuses, DO NOT increase
values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so will void your warranty and
may damage your amplifier.
PROBLEM
No sound and LEDs are not lit
Fault LED is lit
Repeatedly blown amp fuse,
frequent activation of Smart Power
Supply Circuit
CAUSE
l no power or ground at amp
0 no remote turn-on signal
l blown fuse near battery
l amp power supply fuse is blown
or missing
l check speaker configuration,
amp may be in “High Power”
mode, put amp into “High
Current” mode if speaker load is
less than 2 ohms (see p.12,
“Setting High Power/High Current
Switch”)
l speaker or leads may be shorted
l verify adequate amplifier
ventilation
SERVICE
Your Soundstream REFERENCE amplifier is protected by a limited warranty.
Please read the enclosed warranty card.
18

SPECIFICA TIONS
POWER
High Power 25x2
Watts
(50 x 1)
High Current 12.5x2
Watts
(25x1)
High Power
Watts
High Current
Watts
REFERENCE 300
75x2 150x2 150x2
n/a
(150 x 1) (300 x 1) (300 x 1)
37.5 x 2
75x2 150x2 150x2
(75 x 1) (150 x 1)
(300 x 1) (300x 1)
4 R Stereo 2 R Stereo
1 R Stereo II2 Cl Stereo
(8 Cl Bridged)
(4 C2 Bridged)
(2 R Bridged) (1 Q Bridged)
REFERENCE 200
50x2
(100 x 1)
25x2
(50x1)
100x2
(200x1)
50x2
(100x1)
n/a
100x2
(200x1)
REFERENCE 500
125x2
(250x1)
62.5 x2
(125x1)
250x2
(500x1)
125x2
(250x1)
250x2 n/a
(500x1)
250x2 250x2
(500x1)
(500x1)
High Power
Watts
High Current
Watts
THD
Signal to Noise
Frequency Response
Stereo Separation
Damping
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
LSE.Q (REFERENCEWO)
Dimensions (W x D x H)
REFERENCE200
REFERENCE300
REFERENCE500
co. 1%
>lOOdB
20 Hz to 20 kHz + 0.5 dB
>90 dB
>200
100 mV - 2.5 V
12K ohms
0.7 - 2.8 Q (0 to +9 dB) adjustment
from 30 to 60 Hz
6.25” x 9.5” x 2.25
8.5” x 9.5” x 2.25
12” x 9.5” x 2.25”
19

S’OUNDSTREAM@ a
TECHNOLOGIES
SOUNDSTREAM’TECHNOLOGIES
120 Blue Ravine Road . Folsom . California 95630 USA
ph 916.351.1288 . fax [phone]
n?“C - 1.13.95