power amplifiers soundstrc@ owner’s manual

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SOUNDSTRC@ T E C H N 0 L 0 G 1 E s SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES 120 Blue Ravine Road - Folsom - California 95630 USA ph 916.351.1288 . fax 916.351.0414 revA - YV98 WWV. SOUfdDSTREAM.COM S@UNDSTREW/l@ 1 T E C H N 0 L 0 G I E S , RUBICON 204 404 604 41312 Channel Power Amplifiers Owner’s Manual and Installation Guide

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SOUNDSTRC@T E C H N 0 L 0 G 1 E s

SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES120 Blue Ravine Road - Folsom - California 95630 USA

ph 916.351.1288 . fax 916.351.0414revA - YV98

WWV. SOUfdDSTREAM.COM

S@UNDSTREW/l@ 1T E C H N 0 L 0 G I E S

,

RUBICON204404604

41312 ChannelPower Amplifiers

Owner’s Manualand

Installation Guide

Conaratulations!

You now own the Soundstream RUBICON amplifier, the product of an un-compromising design and engineering philosophy, Your SoundstreamRUBICON amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.

To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you thor-oughly acquaint yourself with its capabilites and features. Please retain thismanual and your sales receipt for future reference.

Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American innovation and the high-est quality control standards. When properly installed, they will provide youwith many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier ever need ser-vice or replacement due to theft, please record the following information whichwill help protect your investment.

Model and Serial #

Dealer’s Name

Date of Purchase

Installation Shop

Installation Date

/CAUTION!

Prolongsd listening at high levels may result in hearing luss,Even though y~~~new Soundstraam Rub&on amplifiersoundsbetter than anything yw’ve ever heard, exwcise w&kx~ toprevent hearing damage.

Table of Contents

Design Features ....................................................... p4-5

RUBICON Amplifier Diagram .............................. ~6-7

RUBICON Amplifier Diagram .............................. p 8 -9

RUBICON Amplifier Diagram .............................. p 10 -11

Crossover Adjustments ............................................. P 12

Hawkins Bass ControlTM Theory and Use .................. P 18

Installation: Speaker Output Modes .......................... P 14

Installation: Balanced/Unbalanced Inputs .................. PI5

Wiring .................................................................... Pl6

Installation: Mounting ................................................ Pl7

Installation: Level Setting and Front Spoiler .............. p 18

Sample System Diagrams ........................................ p 19-21

Protection Circuitry, Service and Troubleshooting.. .... p 22

Specifications ........................................................... P 23

RUBITM(_Rapid-Be @ranched _knpulse) This new proprietary power sup-ply topology eliminates “power sags” during low frequency reproductionby rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the power supply andallowing it to deliver the power required when reproducing low frequen-cies. Also, greater reserve gate power is stored for low voltage condi-tions that occur during extreme conditions.

STACTTM (STabilized Apex Qurent _Topology) Reduces power supplystress by 50%. Typical designs degrade the stereo image due to phasereversal of even-order harmonic distortion that occurs between the in-verted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is done at the poweramplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical power amplifier pro-duces no even-harmonic distortion itself and all preamplifier circuitry isrun completely in-phase, no even harmonic distortion phase reversaloccurs.

TridentTM Protection Topology provides three types of protection:I. Output protection against short circuits or improper loads.2. Ground fault detection: Shuts down the amplifier when a significantvoltage (> 5Volts) fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on lead)and battery ground.3. Thermal Protection: Puts the amplifier into thermal rollback or shutsthe amplifier down in extreme thermal conditions.

Hawkins Bass Control provides a focused subwoofer boost (O-9dB at45Hz) and routes otherwise wasted amplifier power back to the audiblebandwidth.

Harmonic Bass AlignmentTM The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic peaksare critically aligned to fundamental peaks at low frequencies. Thisproduces tighter, more accurate bass reproduction.

Drive Delay IITM Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after thepower supply eliminating turn-on pops. Turn off process is reversed:amplifier section turns off first, followed by the power supply.

Dynamically Optimized Power Grid TM . Power grid is evenly distrib-uted between primary and secondary power supplies, providing greaterdynamics and improved RF filtering.

4

ChassisinkTM All transistors are ideally located and sandwiched be-tween the circuit board and the heatsin k to provide cool efficient ampli-fier operation.

Differentially Balance RCA Input eliminates ground loop related noisein the audio.

Fully Balanced 6-pin DIN Input (604) for professional-quality perfor-mance and noise cancellation. The 6-pin DIN plug carries (k) signalinformation for Left and Right channels, audio ground, and =t 15 Vdc tooperate the Soundstream BLT I BLT4 Balanced Line Transmitters andBalanced X.0 crossovers.

Output Clipping Indicators (604) indicate clipping on the output stageof the amplifier. Monitoring the clipping indicators allows the user toachieve maximum SPL without clipping the amplifier.

Continuously Variable Crossover Networks: 12 dB/Octave highpassvariable from 65 to 220 Hz, and 24 dB/Octave lowpass crossovers vari-able from 30 Hz to 120 Hz. (12 dB/Octave lowpass on RUBICON204)

Flexible Dual Input Level Control allows 300 mV to 5 V input sen-sitivity.

Symmetrical Discrete Balanced Class A Drive Boards Auto-adjustfor linear performance while driving low impedance loads.

Removable Front Spoiler allows for stealth installation of RCA, Bal-anced Line, Speaker and Power wiring.

5

TOP VlEW FRONTVIEW BonoMvlEw(F3v4Tuu)

RUBICON

- i--w_/ t

I

n-16 ,

1.2.3 .

4 .

5.

6.7.0.

9lb.I l .12.

13.

14.

15.16.17.

18.

19.20.

21.

22.

KEY TO CALLOUTSFUSE LED - Indicates blown fuse.POWER LED - Indicates amplifier power.Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch - “SUB SONIC” to engagethe Sub Sonic filter at 13 Hz. “Hawkins Bass Control” to engage the highpass filter @ 45 Hz with built-in boost at +6dB for optimum bass for anyLow Pass channel.XOVER Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal lowpass filter, “IN” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for usewith external crossover.XOVER Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal lowpass filter, “H.P.” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for usewith external crossover.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.Input LEVEL - Channels 3&4 input level control.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels 3&4) crossover frequencycontrol for the internal high pass filter.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s 3&4.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels l&2.Input LEVEL - Channels l&2 input level control.Low Pass Control Adjustment - Crossover frequency control for the in-ternal low pass filter. Applies to any channel with the low pass filter en-gaged.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels l&2) crossover frequencycontrol for the internal high pass filter.LINE OUTPUTS - Full range outputs to external amplifier. Note: Signal isdriven from channel l&2 inputs.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s l&2.REMOTE - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in thevehicle.+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positiveterminalMain Fuse - Main power supply fuses.Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “MONO” for bridged monooutput (use right RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.Channels 3&4 INPUT SELECT - Selectable inputs from internal (fromchannels l&2) or external (from channels 3&4 local RCA inputs).Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “MONO” for bridged monooutput (use right RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.

Top View

RUBlCON404

Front View

8

Bottom View

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.7.8.

9.10.11.12.

13.

14.

15.

16.17.18.

19.

20.21.

22.

KEY TO CALLOUTSPower LEO - Indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto HighCWWt.Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch - “SUB SONIC” to engagethe Sub Sonic filter at 13 Hz. ‘“Hawkins Bass Control” to engage the highpass filter @ 45 Hz with variable boost (Q) for optimum bass for any chan-nel in Low Pass.XOVER Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal lowpass filter, “IN” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for usewith external crossover.Channels 3&4 INPUT SELECT - Selectable inputs from internal (fromchannels l&2) or external (from channels 3&4 local RCA inputs).XOVER Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal lowpass filter, “H.P.” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for usewith external crossover.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.Input LEVEL - Channels 3&4 independent left and right input level control.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels 3&4) crossover frequencycontrol for the internal high pass filter.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s 3&4.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels l&2.Input LEVEL - Channels l&2 independent left and right input level control.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels l&2) crossover frequencycontrol for the internal high pass filter.Low Pass Control Adjustment - Crossover frequency control for theinternal low pass filter. Applies to any channel with the low pass filterengaged.Hawkins Bass Control “Boost” Adjustment - Varies from 0 to +9 dB ofboost when the Hawkins Bass Control is engaged. Note: Applies to anychannel with the low pass filter engaged.LINE OUTPUTS - Full range outputs to external amplifier. Note: Signal isdriven from channel l&2 inputs.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s l&2.REMOTE - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in thevehicle.+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positiveterminalMain Fuse - Main power supply fuses.Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “MONO” for bridged monooutput (use right RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “MONO” for bridged monooutput (use right RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.

._-Top View Front View 60 ttom View

10

1.2.3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

IO.

11.

12.13.

14.15.

16.17.18.

19.20.

21.

22

23.

24.

25.26.27.28.29.30.

31.

32.

KEY TO CALLOUTSFUSE LED - Indicates blown fluse.Power LED - indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto High Current.Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch - “SUB SONIC” to engage the Sub Sonicfilter at 13 Hz. “Hawkins Bass Control” to engage the high pass filter @ 45 Hz withvariable boost (Q) for optimum bass for any channel in Low Pass.Clip Indicators - (Channels l&2) Indicates the signal output level is too high and theoutput stage of the amplifier is clipping.XOVER Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal low pass filter,“IN” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for use with external crossover.Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 1) Select “BALANCED” touse the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the RCA signal inputs.Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 2) Select “BALANCED” touse the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the RCA signal inputs.Clip Indicators - (Channels 3&4) Indicates the signal output level is too high and theoutput stage of the amplifier is clipping.XOVER Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “L.P.” for use with the internal low pass filter,“HP.” for use with the internal high pass filter, or “OUT” for use with external crossover.Left #Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 3) Select “BALANCED” touse the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the RCA signal inputs.Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 4) Select “BALANCED” touse the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the RCA signal inputs.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.Balanced Signal Input Connector - (Channels 3&4) 6-Pin Balanced input connectorfor use with the Soundstream BLT/BLT4 Balanced Line Trasmitter or X.0 crossover.Input LEVEL - Channels 3&4 independent left and right input level control.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels 3&4) crossover frequency control for theinternal high pass filter.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s 3&4.Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels l&2.Balanced Signal Input Connector - (Channels l&2) 6-Pin Balanced input connectorfor use with the Soundstream BLT/BLT4 Balanced Line Trasmitter or X.0 crossover.Input LEVEL - Channels l&2 independent left and right input level control.High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels l&2) crossover frequency control for theinternal high pass filter.Low Pass Control Adjustment - Crossover frequency control for the internal lowpass filter. Applies to any channel with the low pass filter engaged.Hawkins Bass Control “Boost” Adjustment - Varies from 0 to +9 dB of boost whenthe Hawkins Bass Control is engaged. Note: Applies to any channel with the low passfilter engaged.Subwoofer Level Control - Additional level control (k6dB) to any channel receivinginformation from the low pass filter.Line Outputs - Full range outputs to external amplifier. Note: Signal is driven fromchannel l&2 inputs.Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s l&2.REMOTE - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive terminalMain Fuse - Main power supply fuses.Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels l&2) Select “MONO” for bridged mono output (useright level and RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.Channels 3&4 INPUT SELECT - Selectable inputs from internal (from channels l&2) orexternal (from channels 3&4 local RCA inputs).Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “MONO” for bridged mono output (useright level and RCA input only). Select “STEREO” for stereo output.

11

Hawkins Bass Control - Theory and Use

The RUBICON204,404 and 604 amplifiers incorporates an on-board stag-gered electronic crossover, with full range RCA outputs to drive an externalamplifier. No external electronic crossover is necessary. The high and lowpass portions of the crossover can be set independently of one another.

In many car audio installations, there is a tendency for a “midbass boom.”Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will resonate or ring at thesemidbass frequencies. If we design the system so there is reduced ouput inthis region, the final response is very smooth and natural sounding. Thehigh pass crossover is independently variable from 65 to 220 Hz at 12 dB/Octave, and low pass crossover is independently variable from 30 to 120 Hzat 24 dB/Octave. (12 dB/Octave lowpass on RUBICON204)

For initial crossover setup, try setting the low pass filter to approximately60 Hz, and the high pass filter to approximately 100 Hz. Change the cross-over points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, powerhandling, and personal preference.

12 dB/Octave High Pass

Hawkins Bass Control (variable) is a unique subwoofer controlcircuit included with the Soundstream RUBICON and 604 am-plifier. It is capable of removing subsonic energy in program ma-terial below 45 Hz at 12 dB/Octave, while boosting subwooferfrequencies. The circuit consists of two controls. One engages asub sonic High Pass filter at 45 Hz, and the other adjusts theamount of boost (0 to +9 dB). The Hawkins Bass Control func-tions on either pair of channels (l&2 or 38~4) if their low pass filteris engaged.

The Boost control adjusts the amount of level applied at the set

--- rll[ljI

SUBHANKINS

SON Cl BASS

CONTROL

HAWKINSBASS

CONTROL

00’ 6.dB

Q

FIG. 1frequency, and is adjustable from 0 to +9 dB (see figure 2). When the boost is setto 0, Hawkins Bass Control acts as a sub sonic filter only. The simple act ofremoving potentially harmful low frequencies I O

can improve system output by as much as 3 5dB. NOTE: The RUBlCON204 contains OHawkins Bass Control (rixecj) which is dB -5

similiar to the variable version except the 1::boost is fixed at +6dB. -20,

I I

Application -25 _ - . -

L ISubwoofer drivers in general have excellent -3010 Frequency (Hz) 5 0 100 2 0 0

power handling characteristics over their opera- FIG. 2 VARIABLE BOOST

tional bandwidth. This bandwidth is determined by many factors, including driverdesign, and enclosure type. It is possible to overdrive any subwoofer driver bysending powerful signals outside of its operational bandwidth. These potentiallydamaging signals can be removed by adding a subsonic filter. Figure 3 showsthe effectiveness of the Hawkins Bass Control on woofer excursion in a ventedenclosure. The woofer travels 7.5 mm at 10 Hz. With Hawkins Bass Controlproperly adjusted, this excursion can be reduced to less than 1 mm. This is ofgreat benefit to lowering woofer distortion and increasing output.

AdjustmentAn easy method of optimizing your existingsubwoofer enclosure with Hawkin’s Bass loControl is as follows:

. 1.

I 2.. .I

3.

4.

Adjust the boost control to full counter ds_jiclock-wise (0) position. -15

Set the bass control switch to “HAWKINS -20BASS CONTROL”. :,2,5;Frequency (Hz) 5 0 100 2 0 0

Play moderate to loud bass material. FIG. 3 Limited ExcursionAdjust the boost (Q) control until you reach the desired level.

With Soundstream’s Hawkins Bass Control, the boost and frequency controlcan provide the “tailoring” needed for any type of “assisted” design and anywoofer in any type of installation.

12 13

( INSTALLATION STEP 1

SELECTING THE SPEAKER OUTPUT MODE

Channels 1 through 4 of the RUBICON204, 404 and 604 amplifiers have theability to operate in any one of the following modes:

Stereo @TACT); Use this mode for stereo operation (left and right channels).

Bridged Mono; Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using only theright channel input and gain control per pair of channels (for use with a singularmono input.)

Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation:

BRIDGED MONO S T E R E O- L+ -R+ - L+ - R +

ST

MIXED MONO-L+ - R+

[ INSTALLATION STEP 2

BALANCED / UNBALANCED INPUTThe RUBICON amplifier has the ability to accept either a standard Unbal-anced RCA signal input, or a Balanced “Pro Audio” style input signals with the useof the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other balanced lineaudio source. Before installing your system, you should decide upon whichsignal type you wish to run. There are advantages to both:

I 1 UNBALANCED INPUT 1 BALANCED INPUT I

1. Most preamplifier / 1. Improved Signal to Noise Ratiosource units have (S/N Ratio).

ADVANTAGESUnbalanced RCA outputs 2. Excellent noise cancellation(Industry Standard). characteristics.2. No Interface module is 3. Immune to noise radiated innecessary. the car audio environment.

The RUBICON amplifiers’ signal inputs accept a wide range of input level: from300 mVrms to 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. For the bestS/N Ratio, we recommend that the input level controls be set as far down aspossible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an acceptable level ofoutput.

Using the “Unbalanced” RCA InputWhen using the Unbalanced RCA input, the RlGHT channel input signal switchMUST be in the “UNBAL” position. Also, when first installing the amplifier usingthis input configuration, we suggest that the left channel input signal switch be inthe “UNBAL” position as well. If you experience alternator wine or other instal-lation noise with both switches in the “UNBAL” Dosition, trv movinq the LEFTchannel inout sicanal switch to the “BAL” position. This should remove anysystem noise due to the installation.

Using the “Balanced” RCA InputWhen using the Balanced 6-pin DIN audio input, both switches MUST be in the“BAL” position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, theinput level controls be set to the “minimum” position (rotated counter-clockwise).The system gain should then be adjusted on the BLT Balanced Line Transmitter,other other balanced line audio source. For the pin configuration, see the dia-gram below:

(NOTE: The pintion shown in theis the view looking into thBalanced input jack on th

LampMier.

EMLANCED

- Lefl Signal

-r5 v”3f!lL?E+ left Signal

+ 15 Volts

- Right Signa!

+ Right Sl’gnol!

Shield

1514

( INSTALLATION STEP 3 )WIRING

POWER AND GROUNDTo ensure maximum output from your RUBICON amplifier, use high quality, low-loss power and ground cables and connections (4 gauge for 604). The RUBICONamplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge power and ground cables. Determine fromthe chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.

up to 10’ up to 20’

I RUB/CON204 I 8orlOgauge I 8 gauge only I

I RUBICON I 8 or IO gauge I 8 gauge only II RUBICON604 I 4 or 8 gauge I 4 gauge only -7

CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSESEXTERNALLike all audio components, the RUBICON amplifiers must be fused near thebattery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the batterv. This willprevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below to determine thecorrect fuse value.

INTERNALThe RUBICON amplifiers are fused with automotive-type fuses. In the event ofblown power supply fuses, replace with the correct value fuse found in the chartbelow. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is supplied. Thismay result in amplifier damage and wi// void the warranfy!

RUBICON Amplifier Fuse Values

Amplifier FuseBattery Fuse / Circuit

Breaker

1 RUB/CON204 1 25 amp automotive 30 amp

1 RUl3iCOiv4o4 1 (2) 20 amp automotive I 50 amp I1 RUB/CO/V604 1 (2) 30 amp automotive I 80 amp I

f INSTALLATION STEP 4

AMPLIFIER LOCATIONThe RUB/CON amplifier employs highly efficient circuitry, a custom-engineeredheat sink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain lower operatingtemperatures. Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in atightly confined area or when driving especially low impedance loads at extremelyhigh levels.

When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel inthe vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. Themounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunkof the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and major electricalcomponents. To provide adequate ventilation, mount the amplifier so that thereare at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it.

MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIERa. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface.b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.C. Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.

a.

b.

C.

d.

e.f.

Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to theamplifier from the source unit.Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuitbreaker within 18” of the battery.Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuitbreaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It maybe necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.Double check each and every connection!Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.

REMOTE TURN-ONConnect the “Remote” line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When +I2Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.

SIGNAL CABLEUse a high quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal sianal lossto guarantee optimum performance.

SPEAKERThe RUBICON amplifiers will accept up toquality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best

16

CABLE8 gauge speaker cable. Use a highperformance and longevity.

Power up the system and look at the Power LED; there may be a 2-3 secondPOWER UP

delay from the time the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on theamp turns on, which is normal. Once the amplifer LED is on and the source unitis playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.

17

INSTALLATION STEP 5 1

The input level controls are located on the front of the amplifier. This is a uniquedual-stage circuit that adjusts both level and gain. This topology maintains betterS/N Ratio even when using sources with minimal output.

In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximumundistorted output at the same time. If you send a distorted signal to an amplifier,it is simply going to amplify distorted information. The same holds true if anoutboard processor or crossover begins to distort before you have maximumoutput from the amplifier. By setting all components to reach clipping at the sametime, you can maximize the output of your system. For your RUBICON amplifier,follow these steps for setting the input levels:

1. Turn the amplifier’s input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)2. Set the source unit volume to approximately 314 of full volume.3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’ input

level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.

Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set,position, and secure it using the supplied hardware.

place the front spoiler in

2-way with fader subwoofer I&& ~c&DI2 channels Qf Z-way high-pass, 2 CWWMWIS of bridged bw pa&.

CH1&2 CH3&4

B o t t o m view /(604) j

, __ _ -_._-____- .I CH1&2

, ~~~__I

CH1&2

Bottom View jf-204) i

I

CH3&4

Top View(204)1

+12VGNDREM L +

LINE OUTPUT

_.. __.. ._._ _ __ _IN P U T

Ground

1918

.i I.-3

n :. - 4 ;,z;: -5

Q00Q

000Q

d,2

TRIDENT PROTECTION CIRCUITRY

Your RUBICON amplifier is protected against both overheating and shortcircuits by means of main power supply fuses and the following circuits:

+ Speaker Protection

+ Ground Fault Differential

+ A fail-safe thermal protection circuit

NO7E: #yuu,experience bhvvr~ m&n pm&w suppiy fuses, it is Ifkegthiat th.e am@&w is seeing a dead &wt, either in the speaker w/m or inttw speaker its&. /%x%i~ the prubiem before blowing mMip/e fuses!DO lVC?Tincrease va/ues beyond #e otigirial fuse value! DcMg so wilwidyuur warrantand may damage yauramp#i&.

PROBLEM

No sound and fuse light (204 & Fuse is blown, replace fuse with proper604 only) is lit. value.

No Sound and Power LED is notlit

No sound, Power LED is lit.

Repeatedly blow amp fuse; I. Speaker or leads may be shortedfrequent act ivat ion Tr ident 2. Too low of a load on amplifierProtection 3. Verify adequate amp ventilation

No output from channels 3&4 with Switch CH3&4 Input Select to “CH1&2” on1 pair of RCA inputs the top of the amp

In 3 channel mode, fade capability Make sure Ch’s l&2 are H.P. on satellitedoes not operate with 2 pairs of speakers and Ch’s 3&4 are L.P. onRCA inputs subwoofer speakers,

CAUSE

1. No power or ground at the amp.2. No remote turn-on signal3. Blown fuse near the battery

1. No signal input2. The AIRBASS/Accessory switch is in the“IN” position. Remove bottom plate andmove the switch to the “OUT’ position (404& 604 only).

SPECIFICATIONS4 n Stereo 2 Q Stereo 1 n Stereo

MODEL (8 Q Bridged)(12.5 Vdc)

(4 Q Bridged) (2 Q Bridged) iirE’(12.5 Vdc) (12.5 Vdc)

I I20425Wx4 5owx4

(5OW x 2) (1 oow x 2)NA

I I200

I I4045owx4 1oow x4 lOOWx4

(1 oow x 2) (2OOW x 2) (2OOW x 2) I 4oo I

I I6048OWx4 150w x4 15owx4

(160W x 2) (3OOW x 2) (3OOW x 2) I 6oo ITHDSignal to NoiseFrequency ResponseStereo SeparationDampingInput SensitivityInput Impedance

cO.l%>lOOdB20 Hz to 20 kHz * 0.5 dB>90 dB>200300 mV to 5.0 Volts1 Ok Ohms

Crossover SpecificafionsLow Pass: 30 Hz - 120 liz at 24 dB/Octave (12 dB/Octave for 204)High Pass: 65 Hz - 220 Hz at 12 dB/Octave

Hawkins Bass Confrol0 to +9 dB Boost(404 & 604) +6dB Boost(204) (Hawkins Bass Control “IN”)Boost Frequency = 45 HzSub Sonic filter frequency = 13 Hz

Dimensions (W x D x H)RUBlCON204: 11” X 9.8” X 2.25” (279mm X 288mm X 57mm)RUBlCON404: 15” X 9.8” X 2.25” (381 mm X 288mm X 57mm)RUBlCON604: 17.25” X 9.8” X 2.25” (437mm X 288mm X 57mm)

Your Soundstream RUBICON amplifier is protected by a limited warranty.Please read the enclosed warranty card for details.

22