zapco Z600C2-SL SymbiLink User manual

SymbiLink™
System
Model Z600C2-SL
Balanced
Competition Power Amplifier

Contents
Z600C2-SL KEY FEATURES 3
POWER CONNECTIONS 4
SIGNAL CONNECTIONS 5
SPECIFICATIONS 6
POWER VS DISTORTION 7
INSTALLATION 7
THE Z600C2-SL ALSO WORKS WITH THE SYMBILINK™
LINE DRIVER 9
WHY USE THE BALANCED SYMBILINK™ SYSTEM? 10
NON-LINEAR INDUCED DISTORTION 11
CABLE AND CONNECTOR PINOUT 12
OPTIONAL RSD REMOTE STATUS DISPLAY 12
THE Z600C2-SL SUPPLIES POWER TO SIGNAL
PROCESSORS, SUCH AS THE SP7-SL 13
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 14

3
Thank you for purchasing the Z600C2-SL.
The Z600C2-SL is a no compromise stereo amplifier
conservatively rated at 150 watts per channel into four
ohms, 325 watts per channel into 2 ohms, and 400 watts per
channel into a one ohm load.
The fully regulated power supply in the Z600C2-SL is a new
design that dramatically increases power and efficiency.
New Gate Drive Boost circuitry greatly improves the
MOSFET switching performance and allows for cooler
operation. The Z600 C2-SL is the perfectionist’s no
compromise amplifier as evidenced by such features as its
four layer PC board, and twenty four power devices.
Z600C2-SL Key Features
•Balanced SymbiLink™ Technology •Very high damping factor
•Dual pro audio balanced
differential Inputs •Triple path global feedback
•Four layer PC board •Massive power / ground planes on all
four layers
•Ultra Low Distortion •Can drive highly reactive loads
•Symmetrical, discrete power
amplifier circuitry •Massive regulated switching supply with internal energy storage
•Separate LED's for Power and
Protection •Short circuit, high temperature, reverse, DC offset, and over-voltage
protection
•Stable to one ohm •Sixteen 25-ampere bipolar amplifier
output transistors
•Very high current output stage -
Greater that 200 amps / channel •Quality ZAPCO construction / Made in the U.S.A.
•Precision 1% resistors used
throughout •Three year warranty (Dealer installed)
•Surface mount technology •Eight 50-ampere MOSFET switching
devices
•Low radiated noise for clean AM /
FM reception •Designed and manufactured in the USA

4
Power Connections
Use # 8 gauge or heavier stranded wire for both power and
ground connections.
Although the amplifier is fused on the endplate, an
additional 100 ampere fuse must be placed in line within
12” of the battery. Failure to install this additional fuse will
cause smoke or fire if this wire is shorted to the chassis.
Make this connection directly to the battery.
Make the ground (12V-) connection directly to the car
chassis. Do not share this connection with other equipment.
The power terminals are designed for bare, stranded wire.
Do not solder tin these connections! Solder tinned
connections compress after a few weeks, resulting in a poor
connection.

5
Signal Connections
Note:
Keep the fan on the bottom plate clear from obstruction.
When operating in bridged mode, the amplifier is driven by
the left input.

6
Specifications
Power per channel - 2 channel mode THD
150 watts x 2 @ 4Ω, 20 - 20kHz < .01%
325 watts x 2 @ 2Ω< .02%
450 watts x 2 @ 1Ω< .05%
Power - Bridged Mono
325 watts x 1 @ 4Ω< .02%
900 watts x 1 @ 2Ω< .05%
Frequency Response 2 Hz - 150 kHz
S/N Ratio > 100 dB
Transient Distortion < .002%
Slew Rate > 75 v/µS
Separation @ 1 kHz, “A” weighted > 80 dB
Damping Factor > 1000 @ 4Ω
Input Sensitivity (in three ranges) .25 - 12.5 volts
Max. Current Requirements 130 amperes @ 800 watts
Idle Current 2.5 amperes
Dimensions 2.5” x 8” x 19.375”

7
Power Vs Distortion
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 be 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.

8
POWER
A #8 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 ZAPCO directly at
[phone] between 9 am and 5 pm Pacific time, and
we will be glad to assist you.

9
The Z600C2-SL also works with
the SymbiLink™ Line Driver
BalancedDifferential
SymbiLinkCable
Do not connectpowertothe
driverwhen usedwithany
SymbiLink™amplifier.
Unbalanced RCA
Inputs
Upto300'ofcablemaybe
usedwithoutaudio
degradation

10
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
impedances, causing transient ringing. (See the
drawing, below)

11
NON-LINEAR INDUCED
DISTORTIONS

12
Cable and Connector Pinout
Optional RSD Remote Status
Display

13
The Z600C2-SL supplies power to
signal processors, such as the
SP7-SL
SP7-SL
Balanced7-BandEq

14
Technical Assistance
Should you experience a problem with your Z600C2-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] Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Pacific
time
Fax: [phone]
If you need to return this product for repair, please call the
factory for a return authorization number. We will ask you for
information which will include your name, return shipping
address, daytime phone number, model and serial 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. Once we issue
you a return authorization number, please write it in a highly
visible area on the package. Zapco will not accept any
packages that do not have a valid return authorization
number clearly marked on the outside of the package.
Send all repairs to:
A.R.P.A. of America Corp.
Attn.: Service Department
413 S. Riverside Drive, Suite D
Modesto, CA 95354

15
A.R.P.A. OF AMERICA CORP.
413 SOUTH RIVERSIDE DRIVE. SUITE D
MODESTO, CA 95354
[phone]
FAX [phone] Z600C2-SL
REV. E
11/96