Soundstream P4.800 800W 4-Channel Picasso Series Class A/B Amplifier User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Soundstream P4.800 800W 4-Channel Picasso Series Class A/B Amplifier. To ensure optimal performance and safety, please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install or operate the amplifier. Keep this manual for future reference.

Safety Information

Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the amplifier and connected components:

Professional Installation Recommended: Installation of car audio components requires experience with electrical wiring and automotive procedures. If you are unsure, consult a qualified professional installer.
Power Disconnection: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before starting any installation work to prevent electrical shorts.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure the amplifier is mounted in a location that allows for adequate air circulation to prevent overheating. Do not cover the amplifier with carpets or other materials.
Correct Wiring: Use appropriate gauge wiring for power, ground, and speaker connections as specified in this manual. Incorrect wiring can lead to fire or equipment damage.
Fuse Protection: Always use the correct fuse rating for the amplifier. Never replace a fuse with one of a higher rating.
Avoid Moisture: Do not expose the amplifier to moisture or water.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

Soundstream P4.800 Amplifier Unit
Mounting Hardware (screws)
User Manual (this document)

Product Overview

The Soundstream P4.800 is a high-performance 4-channel Class A/B amplifier from the Picasso Series, designed to deliver powerful and clear audio to your vehicle's speaker system. It features a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply for efficient operation and a heavy-duty aluminum heat sink for effective thermal management.

Figure 1: Top view of the Soundstream P4.800 amplifier, showcasing its sleek design and robust aluminum heat sink for optimal cooling.

Soundstream P4.800 Amplifier Control Panel and Connections

Figure 2: Rear view of the Soundstream P4.800 amplifier, detailing the control panel with LPF, X-OVER, HPF, Level, Bass Boost adjustments, High Level and Low Inputs, and power/protect indicators.

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the amplifier's performance and longevity. Refer to Figure 2 for connection points.

1. Mounting Location

Choose a dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Ensure sufficient space around the amplifier for air circulation.
Mount the amplifier securely using the provided hardware to prevent movement during vehicle operation.

2. Power Connections

Battery (+12V): Connect a heavy-gauge power cable (e.g., 4-gauge) directly from the vehicle's positive battery terminal to the amplifier's +12V terminal. Install an in-line fuse holder within 18 inches (45 cm) of the battery.
Ground (GND): Connect a heavy-gauge ground cable of the same length as the power cable from the amplifier's GND terminal to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle chassis. Ensure a solid electrical connection.
Remote (REM): Connect a smaller gauge wire from the amplifier's REM terminal to the remote turn-on output of your head unit. This wire turns the amplifier on and off with your stereo.

3. Speaker Connections

The P4.800 is a 4-channel amplifier. It can power four speakers or be bridged to power two speakers at higher power.

4-Channel Mode: Connect each speaker's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals to the corresponding CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 speaker outputs on the amplifier. Ensure correct polarity.
Bridged Mode (2-Channel): For higher power output to two speakers (e.g., subwoofers), bridge channels. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the speaker to the CH1+ terminal and the negative (-) terminal of the speaker to the CH2- terminal for the first bridged pair. Repeat for CH3+ and CH4- for the second pair. Refer to the amplifier's markings for specific bridging instructions. Minimum impedance for bridged mode is typically 4 ohms per bridged channel.

4. Signal Input

Low-Level Input (RCA): If your head unit has RCA pre-outs, connect RCA cables from the head unit's front and rear outputs to the amplifier's LOW INPUTS (CH1/CH2 and CH3/CH4).
High-Level Input: If your head unit does not have RCA pre-outs, use the HIGH LEVEL inputs. Connect the speaker wires from your head unit's speaker outputs to the amplifier's HIGH LEVEL input terminals using the provided connectors.

Operating Instructions

Once installed, adjust the amplifier settings for optimal sound.

1. Initial Power-Up

After all connections are made, reconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal.
Turn on your head unit. The amplifier's POWER indicator (green LED) should illuminate. If the PROTECT indicator (red LED) illuminates, refer to the Troubleshooting section.

2. Adjusting Controls (Refer to Figure 2)

Level (Gain): This control matches the amplifier's input sensitivity to the output level of your head unit. Start with the level set to minimum. Play a familiar track at about 75% of your head unit's maximum volume. Slowly increase the amplifier's level until you hear distortion, then back off slightly.
X-OVER (Crossover Switch): Select the desired crossover mode:
- FULL: Full range audio output (no filtering).
- HPF (High-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies above the set point to pass, blocking lower frequencies. Useful for protecting smaller speakers from bass.
- LPF (Low-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies below the set point to pass, blocking higher frequencies. Essential for subwoofers.
HPF (High-Pass Filter) Control: If HPF is selected, adjust this knob to set the cutoff frequency (50Hz - 4kHz).
LPF (Low-Pass Filter) Control: If LPF is selected, adjust this knob to set the cutoff frequency (50Hz - 4kHz).
Bass Boost: Provides an adjustable bass boost (0 to +12 dB) at 50 Hz. Use sparingly to avoid distortion and speaker damage.

Maintenance

The Soundstream P4.800 amplifier requires minimal maintenance.

Cleaning: Periodically wipe the amplifier's exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Inspection: Regularly check all wiring connections for tightness and corrosion. Ensure adequate ventilation around the amplifier.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your amplifier, consult the table below before contacting support.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No Power (Power LED off)	Blown fuse, poor power/ground connection, no remote signal.	Check in-line fuse and amplifier fuses. Verify +12V, GND, and REM connections. Ensure head unit is on.
Protect LED On (Red)	Overheating, speaker short circuit, impedance too low.	Allow amplifier to cool. Check speaker wiring for shorts. Verify speaker impedance is within amplifier's specifications. Ensure proper ventilation.
No Sound Output	RCA cables disconnected, gain too low, speaker wires disconnected.	Check RCA connections at head unit and amplifier. Adjust gain control. Verify speaker wire connections.
Distorted Sound	Gain set too high, poor ground, damaged speakers.	Reduce gain level. Check ground connection. Inspect speakers for damage.

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Soundstream P4.800 amplifier:

Model: P4.800
Channels: 4-Channel
Amplifier Class: Class A/B
RMS Power Rating:
- 4 ohms: 125 watts x 4 channels
- 2 ohms: 200 watts x 4 channels
- 4 ohms, Bridged: 400 watts x 2 channels
Max Power Output: 800 watts
Variable Bass Boost: 6 to +12 dB at 50 Hz
Variable Low-Pass Filter (LPF): 50-4,000 Hz, 24 dB/octave
Variable High-Pass Filter (HPF): 50-4,000 Hz, 24 dB/octave
Subsonic Filter: 24 dB at 15-40 Hz
Power Supply: Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) MOSFET
Heat Sink: Heavy-duty aluminum
Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 48.26 x 20.96 x 5.08 cm (19 x 8.25 x 2 inches)
Weight: 2.27 kg (5 lbs)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
UPC: 709483042285

Warranty and Support

Soundstream products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Soundstream website. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact Soundstream customer service through their official channels.

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