zapco Z250C4-SL SymbiLink User manual

Model Z250C4-SL
Competition Four Channel
Amplifier
A.R.P.A. OF AMERICA CORP.
MADE IN MODESTO, CA U.S.A.

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Table of Contents
The SymbiLinkZ250C4-SL 3
Z250C4-SL Key Features 4
Front Panel Layout - Input Section 5
Front Panel Layout - Output Section 6
Specifications 7
Power Per Channel vs. Distortion,
Four Channels Driven 7
Installation 8
The Z250C4-SL Also Works With The
SymbiLinkLine Driver 9
The Z250C4-SL Supplies Power To Signal
Processors, Such As The SP7-SL 10
Why Use The Balanced SymbiLinkSystem? 11
SymbiLinkCable And Connector Pinout 12
Technical Assistance 13

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The SymbiLinkZ250C4-SL
Thank you for purchasing the Z250C4-SL.
The Z250C4-SL is a four channel amplifier that is conservatively rated at
30 watts x 4 into four ohms, 60 watts x 4 into two ohms and 100 watts x
4 into one ohm loads.
The Z250C4-SL features SymbiLinkbalanced inputs. These
professional style connections eliminate induced distortion and noise for
the ultimate in sonic purity. The SymbiLinksystem also allows for
simple connections to other SymbiLinkcomponents, greatly simplifying
the installation process.
The power supply in the Z250C4-SL is a new design that dramatically
increases the available power and efficiency. New Gate Drive Boost
circuitry greatly improves the MOSFET switching performance and
allows cooler operation. Low distortion, very high stereo separation and
smooth, fast transient response are all characteristics of this amplifier.

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Z250C4-SL Key Features
•Balanced SymbiLink
Technology •Quality ZAPCOconstruction
•Dual pro audio balanced
differential inputs •Computer-linearized bias for class A performance
•Low radiated noise for clean
AM/FM reception •Separate LED’s for Power and Protection
•Low global feedback •Low T.I.M., high slew rate
•Surface mount technology •Can drive highly reactive loads
•Symmetrical, discrete power
amplifier circuitry •High current PC board with massive power & ground
planes
•Gate Drive Boost maximizes
power supply efficiency and
improves overall performance
•Short circuit, high temperature,
reverse voltage, DC offset and
over-voltage protection
•Load stability to one ohm •Sixteen 25-ampere bipolar
amplifier output transistors
•Eight 50-ampere MOSFET
switching devices •Three year warranty (dealer installed)
•Precision 1% resistors used
throughout •Designed and manufactured in the USA

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Front Panel Layout

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Specifications
Power per Channel - 4 channel mode T.H.D. +N
30 watts x 4 @ 4Ω<.02%
60 watts x 4 @ 2Ω<.04%
100 watts x 4 @ 1Ω<.3%
Power - Dual bridged mono
120 watts x 2 @ 4Ω<.04%
200 watts x 2 @2Ω<.3%
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +0, - .35dB
S/N Ratio @ 1kHz > 100dB
Transient Distortion <.016%
Slew Rate > 40v/µS
Separation @ 1kHz, Front or Rear > 70dB
Damping Factor @ 1kHz > 490 @ 4Ω, 230 @ 2Ω
Input Sensitivity 500mv - 5 volts
Max. Current Requirements 37 amperes @ 260 watts
Idle Current 1.65 amperes
Dimensions 7.5” x 14” x 2.5”
Power per channel vs. Distortion, four
channels driven

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Installation
Careful thought and planning is essential when installing any piece of
equipment in your vehicle. To ensure proper operation and maximum
performance of your amplifier, ZAPCOrecommends that the
installation is performed by a ZAPCOauthorized dealer. If this service
is unavailable to you, or you wish to do your own installation, the
following guidelines must be followed:
MOUNTING
Always select a dry location in the trunk or passenger compartment only.
This unit must be securely fastened to a solid surface.
Consideration must be given to air flow for proper heat dissipation.
POWER
A #10 gauge or larger wire should be used for power and ground
connections. A fuse must be installed on the power wire within 18
inches of the battery for safety reasons. The size of this fuse will vary
depending on the system configuration. The ground wire should be
connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle. This ground point
should be clean and sanded to bare metal.
Never use seat or seatbelt bolts for grounding!
If you have any questions regarding proper use or installation of this
component, please consult your local authorized ZAPCOdealer. The
safety of your equipment and your vehicle could depend on proper
installation. If you do not have a local dealer, please contact the factory
directly at [phone] between 8am and 5pm Pacific time and we
will be glad to assist you.

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The Z250C4-SL also works with the
SymbiLinkLine Driver

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The Z250C4-SL supplies power to
signal processors such as the
SP7-SL

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Why use the Balanced SymbiLink
System?
RCA style unbalanced cables have the following disadvantages:
1) Magnetic & electrostatic pickup.
Noise and audio distortion can be induced into the cable
because the cable shield is also the audio (-) connection.
2) Unbalanced cables are typically driven into very high
impedance’s, causing transient ringing. (See the drawing,
“Transient Distortions” below)

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SymbiLinkCable and Connector
Pinout

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Technical Assistance
Should you experience a problem with your Z250C4-SL, please contact
the dealer that sold you this product. If your dealer is unable to solve
your problem, you may contact the factory service department directly.
Phone: [phone] mon-fri 8am-5pm pacific time
Fax: [phone]
If you need to return this product for repair, please include your name,
return shipping address, daytime phone number, and a detailed
description of your problem. A photocopy of your original purchase
receipt is necessary to determine warranty status and should also be
included.
Send all repairs to:
A.R.P.A. of America Corp.
Attn.: Service Department
413 S. Riverside Drive, Suite D
Modesto, CA 95354

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A.R.P.A. of America Corp.
413 S. Riverside Drive, Suite D
Modesto, CA 95354
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Z250C4-SL
Rev. C
11/95