XFIRE AUDIO EFX Series User manual

EFX1000D
Mobile power amplifier
Owners manual
XFIREAUDIO.COM

EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED
Introduction
Welcome to XFIRE AUDIO ‘‘The New Breed Of Mobile Audio’’.
Congratulations on purchasing one of the finest autosound power amplifiers in existence.
Born in The U.S.A from rigorous pursuits of exceptional sound, strength, performance, and style delivering kick ass mo-
bile audio! Relentless pride and passion with 30 plus years of experience and excellence in the 12 volt industry.
It’s Your Music, It’sYour Style, It’s Your Life, AMPLIFIED!
Purchase and serial number information.
Record your New XFIRE AUDIO product information for future reference.
Purchase Date
Retailer
Model #
Serial #
EFX series amplifiers The result of XFIRE AUDIO’s commitment to design and build sleek, elegant, yet seriously powerful
amplifiers able to fit into any audio application with ease.
• UltraecientMonoBlockClassDtopologydesignwith5voltinputsand2ohmstability.
• ExtensivecustomizationcontrolslikeLP/Subsoniccrossoversmakeiteasytodesigntheperfectsoundstage.
• SwitchableRCAinputs,exceptlowandhighlevelsignals.
• Autosensingforhighlevelinputs,autoturnon/oforseamlessintegrationwithOEMsystems
• Remoteoutputforswitchingaccessories.
• Small,sleek,blacked-outallaluminumchassis.
• “Direct Device Mount”PCB’s and tight tolerance components for improved signal to noise ratios for superior musi-
cal reproduction from the very first note.
• InputandoutputconnectorsdirectPCBmountedensuringmaximumpowerandsignaltransferwhilesidepanel
secured terminals resist flex, twist or breakage for structural integrity and performance.
• ISOTEK protects against thermal overload, low voltage and short circuits.
EFX series amplifiers are are sleek and modern. No filler, 100% killer.
Are you ready to rock?
This operating manual provides necessary information for the installation and use of your EFX amplifier. Please read it
carefully to insure a lifetime of high fidelty autosound enjoyment.
Features

Specifications
RMS Power @ 2Ω, 14.4V 1%THD 1x500W
RMS Power @ 4Ω, 14.4V 1% THD 1x350W
Damping Factor >200
Frequency Response 20Hz-250hz(-3dB)
Signal/NoiseRatio@RatedPower 98dB(A-Weighted)
Operating Voltage 8.2 - 16V DC
Auto Turn On DCOset/Audio
Remote In With Low Level Inputs Selected
Remote Out With High Level Inputs Selected
X-over Functions LPF
X-over Frequency Adjustment 40Hz-220Hz
X-over Slope 12dB/Octave
Subsonic 10Hz-50Hz
Bass Boost 0-12dB@45Hz
Recommended Fuse rating 60 Amp
Dimensions : H x W x L 53x150x233
All specifications are subject to change without notification due to continual product improvements.
XFIREAUDIO.COM
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

Installation
ActualinstallationofanEFXamplierisnotadiculttask.However,ittakesafewtools,considerablecareandprecise
attention to the instructions in this manual. If you doubt that you are up to the task, or your car proves to require special
installationskills,werecommendhavingtheworkdonebyanauthorizedXFIREAUDIOinstallationprofessional.
Safety instructions
• Alwaysdisconnectthenegative(“-”)batteryterminalbeforemakinganyconnectionstotheamplier.
• Fusethepositive(“+”)powerlead,withtherightvaluefusewithin30cmofthebatteryconnection,thefuserating
for each EFX amplifier is given in the specifications.
• EachEFXamplierisdesignedforusewitha12VoltDCnegativegroundsystem.
• Mounttheampliersecurely.Donotuseunmounted.
• Makesureallwireconnectionsaresecureandprotectedsothereisnodangerofripsorpinchesinthewire.
• Makesureyoursourceunitisswitchedowhenmakinginputconnectionstotheamplier.
• Inspectyourampliermountinglocationcarefullytoavoiddamaginggastanks,gaslines,brakeorhydrauliclines
and electrical wiring.
• Installtheamplierinalocationwhereitwillhaveenoughventilation,protectionfromengineheat,heatersor
direct sunlight, rain and dirt. Do not install in the engine compartment.
• Avoidplayingyourcaraudiosystemforlongperiodsoftimeathighvolumewhentheengineisnotrunning.This
will prevent unneccesary battery drain.
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

An EFX amplifier needs a few things to be happy in a car :Ventilation and a“clean”source of power.
VENTILATION Is important with any mobile amplifier. An amplifier can generate a considerable amount of heat
when driven hard, and car interiors can get quite hot in the summer. Be careful when choosing a spot to mount the
amplifier. Make sure there is enough airflow along the hetasink of the amplifier.
CLEAN POWER Power connections are often overlooked as a source of noise and other frustrations in a mobile
installation. Since mobile amplifiers are powered by a low-voltage car battery, the current required to reach max
outputpowercanbeveryhighandtheresistanceofthepowerwiresbecomesverycriticalinminimizingpower
losses. Since the car’s electrical system is powered by an inherently noisy alternator, you need a low-resistance
ground to keep the high-powered mobile audio system “quiet”. To reduce power loss, power wiring should be
made directly to the battery, using proper gauge copper wire. For safety reasons an inline fuseholder with the rec-
ommended fuse rating needs to be installed within 18 inches of the battery. The heavier the wire, the less chance
there is for power loss. Also, keep wire lenghts as short as possible.
 Thegroundleadservesdouble-duty.Inadditiontohandlingallthepower(asmuchasthepositivepowerlead),
the ground is responsible for keeping noise to a minimum.The less the ground resistance, the less noise.
We recommend the same guage ground wire as the power wire. Ensure you have a single point of ground for the
entire audio system to avoid groundloops and inducting noise into the system. Use the Power Wiring Selection
Chart to determine the minimum wire guage for a given power output and length. Remember, there is no such
thing as too little resistance!
Power wiring selection chart: Total ouput power Vs length of positive power wire
Length 100W 150W 200W 300W 600W 1000W >1000W
5 ft. 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 1 AWG
10 ft. 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 1 AWG
15 ft. 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 0 AWG
20 ft. 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 0 AWG
25 ft. 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 1 AWG 2x 1 AWG
30 ft. 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG 4 AWG 2 AWG 1 AWG 2x 1 AWG
MinimumrecommendedAmericanWireGaugesizesforpowerandgroundconnections.
XFIREAUDIO.COM
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

_
+CAR
BATTERY
FUSE
Remote turn on
Ground
Use recommended
fuse rating
!
HEAD UNIT
Connections
1 GROUND (-) Ground connection should be made to the vehicle’s chassis with a clean, bare metal, strong connec-
tion keep the length of the ground wires as short as possible. Always use the same wire thickness as used for the
positive 12V DC connection.
2 REMOTE INPUT (REM)Thisistheconnectiontoturntheamplieronandowhentheamplierisusedwith
low(Line)levelinputs.Whena+12VDCvoltageisappliedtothisterminaltheamplierwillswitchon,whenthis
voltageisremovedtheamplierwillswitcho.Usuallythisisdonebythesourceunit’sremoteoutput.Thesource
unit’sremoteoutputleadorpowerantennaleadwillsupply+12VDCwhentheunitisturnedon.
REMOTE OUTPUT(REM)Thisistheconnectionusedtoturnadditionalamplier(s)onandowhentheamplier
isusedwithhigh(Speaker)levelinputs.Connectthisterminalwithremoteinputterminalofadditionalampli-
er(s).
3 POSITIVE (+12V)Positivepowerconnectionshouldbemadedirectlytothevehicle’sbatterypositive(“+”)ter-
minal.Usetheproperwirethickness(seePowerWiringConnectionchart)andmakesureyouinstallaninline
fuseholder within 18 inches of the battery connection, the fuse rating for each EFX amplifier is given in the speci-
fications.
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

EFX1000D - Subwooferwiring
single subwoofer - dual subwoofer
4 - 8 Ohm Sub
2 - 4 Ohm Sub 4 - 8 Ohm Sub
4 LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS This is where you connect your speakers. When connecting loudspeakers to an EFX
amplifier, please be sure to observe proper polarity. Do not load the amplifier with so many speakers that the
minimum impedance capacity is exceeded.
Speaker wiring selection chart: Ouput power to speaker Vs length of speaker wire
Length 80W 100W 150W 200W 300W 500W
5 ft. 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG
10 ft. 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG
15 ft. 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG
20 ft. 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 8 AWG 8 AWG
MinimumrecommendedAmericanWireGaugesizesforspeakerconnections.
XFIREAUDIO.COM
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

1000D
EFX
Controls
5 INPUTS (RCA) These inputs are connectd to the source unit’s outputs.
6 Input Level SwitchThiscontrolisusedtoselectHighlevel(SPKIN)orLowlevel(PREIN)inputs.
7 AUTO TURN ON When the amp is switched to accept High level inputs, this switch is used to select if the amplifier
needstoswitchon/oviaremoteinputsignal(Rem)orviaAutoSensing(DCOsetandAudio)
8 GAIN This control is used to match the amplifier’s input sensitivity to the source unit’s output.
9 LOW PASS FREQ. This control is used to set the Low Pass filter frequency for the speaker outputs.
10 SUBSONIC. This control is used to filter out extremely low frequencies. Extremely low frequencies can damage
yoursubwoofer(s).
11 XTREME BASS. This control is used to give a boost your bass. Take care while adjusting this knob we do not call it
XTREME BASS for nothing!
12 POWER & PROTECTION LEDSThePowerLEDshowsiftheamplierisON(LEDisgreen-orblue-lit),theprotection
LEDshowsiftheamplierisinprotection(LEDisred-lit).
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

Signal Input
Tp to prevent noise and RF inductance, use only high quality shielded audio cables that are no longer than necessary.
Try to avoid running these low-level cables near cellular phone equipment, electronic management systems or other
potential interference sources.
Setting the controls
Turn the gain level on your amplifier to minimum and set the LPF to aproximately 10 o’clock position. Turn the volume
onthesourceunitdownbeforeyouturnonthepower(thiswillsaveyourspeakersifsomethingisn’tright!).Turnthe
system on, check if the power LED on your amplifier is ON and the protection LED remains OFF.
Turnthevolumeofyoursourceunit3/4ofthewayup(thisisyourmaximumvolumewithoutdistortion).
Slowly turn up the gain on your amplifier to the point when your speakers just start to distort, now turn the gain a little
down untill the distortion is gone. Turn down the volume on the source unit.
Now it is time to set the x-over to the right setting : Turn the LPF to the position where you like the sound of your bass.
Listen to the system and fine tune the gain on the amplifier if needed.
XFIREAUDIO.COM
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

Almost all problems can be eliminated by re-checking connections and settings in your system. Follow the steps below
as a guide. If you cannot solve the problem, consult your XFIRE AUDIO installation professional.
NO SOUND - POWER LED IS OFF
1. Checktheinlinefuse(s)inthepositivepowercable,replacetheseifneeded.
2. Check the negative power cable connections.
3. Checkifthesystemoperatingvoltageisbetween8.5V-16VDC,ourampliershaveahighandlowvoltagepro-
tection.
4. Verify source unit operation.
5. Check connection of REMOTE TURN ON wire. If steps 1-4 are OK your amplifier should switch ON and the power
LED should light up.
NO SOUND - POWER LED IS ON
1. Check the RCA cables are properly connected on the source unit and amplifier.
2. Check the RCA cables for damages and replace the cables if needed.
3. Check the speaker cables for damages and if they are connected properly, replace cables if needed.
4. Check if the speakers are damaged and replace if needed.
NO SOUND - PROTECTION LED IS ON
1. Thespeakersconnectedhaveanimpedanceunderthespeciedloadorthespeakers/speakercableshaveashort
circuit.
2. The amplifier runs really hot, mount the amplifier as recommended in the INSTALLATION section, check the imped-
anceofthespeakersandmeasureiftheoperatingvoltageiswithin8.5V-16VDC.
3. CheckforDCosetontheRCAinputs,ifsocheckthesourceunitandRCAcablesfordamages.
POOR BASS RESPONSE
1. Check if all speakers are connected with the right polarity, speakers connected out of phase will cancel each other
resulting in a poor bass response.
2. Checkiftheconnectedspeakers/subwoofer(s)areOK,replaceifneeded.
ENGINE NOISE
1. Use only high quality shielded RCA cables.
2. Ensurethat all signal transfer wires(RCA, speakercables etc.)arekeptseparatelyandawayfrompowerand
ground wires.
3. EnsureyouhaveonlyONEgroundconnection(starground)forallyouraudiocomponents.
4. Ensure that the point of ground is 100% metal which has been sanded free of rust, paint etc.
5. “Optional”ReplacetheOEMgroundcablefromthebatterywiththepropergaugewire(seePowerWiringSelection
Chart).
In case of difficulty
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

Notes :
XFIREAUDIO.COM
EFX series LIFE AMPLIFIED

XFIRE AUDIO limited warranty.
U.S.A.warranty:90days.(1yearifinstalledbyanauthorizeddealer.)
Whatiscovered:ThiswarrantyappliesonlytoXFIREAUDIOproductssoldtoconsumersbyauthorizeddealersintheU.S.A.Productspurchasedby
consumersfromanauthorizeddealerinanothercountryarecoveredonlybythatcountry’sdistributor.
Whoiscovered:TheoriginalpurchaserofXFIREAUDIOproductboughtfromanauthorizeddealerintheU.S.A.Toreceivewarranty,theoriginal
purchaser must provide a copy of the receipt with customer name, dealer, XFIRE model purchased with the date of purchase. Please retain all
receipts for warranty purposes should they be needed. Warranty is not transferable.
Productsfoundtobedefectiveduringthewarrantyperiodwillbereplaced(withaproductdeemedequivalent)atthediscretionofXFIREAUDIO.
What is NOT covered:
• Abuse(includingburntvoicecoils)improperinstallation,operatingproductotherthanwhichitwasdesigned,waterdamage,theft,
product damage from vehicle accidents, or shipping damages.
• Any costs incurred for removal or reinstallation.
• Any product with altered, defaced or removed serial numbers.
• Damage to other components.
• Productspurchasedfromunauthorizeddealers,retailersorinternetsites.
Buyersbewareoftheinternet.ANYXFIREAUDIOproductboughtonlinethatisNOTfromandauthorizeddealerwillvoidanyandallwarranty.
Limit on implied warranties: Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in duration to the
period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, thus limitations may
not apply. No person shall assume for XFIRE AUDIO any other liability in connection with the sale of products.
Obtainingwarranty:Contactyourlocalauthorizeddealer.
Should you need additional assistance please email XFIRE AUDIO : salesusa@xfireaudio.com
©2018 XFIRE AUDIO ® LLC. All rights reserved.
‘‘XFIRE AUDIO’’,‘‘LIFE AMPLIFIED’’, and‘‘THE NEW BREED OF MOBILE AUDIO’’ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of XFIRE AUDIO LLC.