Audio To Go ATG15W3500 15-inch Subwoofer

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Audio To Go ATG15W3500 15-inch Subwoofer. Please read these instructions thoroughly before attempting installation or use to ensure optimal performance and safety. Retain this manual for future reference.

Image: The Audio To Go brand logo displayed alongside two ATG15W3500 subwoofers, illustrating the product line.

Safety Information

Observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the subwoofer, your vehicle, or personal injury:

• Professional Installation Recommended: Due to the complexity of car audio systems, professional installation is highly recommended.
• Power Disconnection: Always disconnect the vehicle's battery before performing any electrical work.
• Proper Wiring: Ensure all wiring is correctly connected and insulated to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards. Refer to the wiring diagram for dual voice coil (DVC) configurations.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the subwoofer and amplifier to prevent overheating.
• Secure Mounting: Mount the subwoofer securely within an appropriate enclosure to prevent movement during vehicle operation.
• Volume Levels: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• 1x ATG15W3500 15-inch Subwoofer

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your subwoofer. This section outlines general steps; specific vehicle requirements may vary.

1. Enclosure Selection

The ATG15W3500 requires a suitable enclosure for optimal sound reproduction. Consult car audio resources or a professional installer for recommended sealed or ported enclosure designs that match the subwoofer's specifications and your vehicle's space.

2. Mounting the Subwoofer

Securely mount the subwoofer into the chosen enclosure. Ensure a tight seal around the mounting flange to prevent air leaks, which can degrade performance.

Image: A direct front view of the ATG15W3500 subwoofer, showcasing its cone, surround, and central dust cap with the ATG logo.

3. Wiring Connections

The ATG15W3500 features a 4-Ohm Dual Voice Coil (DVC) design. This allows for flexible wiring configurations to match your amplifier's impedance requirements. Common configurations include:

• Parallel Wiring (2 Ohms): Connect the positive terminals of both voice coils together, and the negative terminals of both voice coils together. Then connect these combined positive and negative terminals to the amplifier. This configuration presents a 2-Ohm load to the amplifier.
• Series Wiring (8 Ohms): Connect the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. Then connect the remaining positive and negative terminals to the amplifier. This configuration presents an 8-Ohm load to the amplifier.

Always ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) and use appropriate gauge wiring for power and speaker connections. Refer to your amplifier's manual for its specific impedance capabilities.

Image: A side-angled view of the ATG15W3500 subwoofer, highlighting the spring-loaded speaker terminals for wiring connections.

4. Amplifier Connection

Connect the wired subwoofer to a suitable amplifier. Ensure the amplifier is capable of handling the impedance load presented by the subwoofer's wiring configuration and provides sufficient power (RMS) for optimal performance without distortion.

Operating Instructions

Once installed, follow these guidelines for operating your subwoofer:

• Initial Power-Up: After installation, turn on your car audio system at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume and check for proper operation.
• Amplifier Settings: Adjust your amplifier's gain, crossover frequency, and bass boost settings according to your preferences and the acoustics of your vehicle. Start with conservative settings and make small adjustments.
• Crossover Frequency: Set the low-pass filter (LPF) on your amplifier or head unit to filter out high frequencies from the subwoofer, typically between 60Hz and 100Hz, allowing it to reproduce only bass frequencies.
• Break-in Period: Allow a break-in period of approximately 20-30 hours of normal listening before operating the subwoofer at maximum output. This allows the suspension components to loosen and perform optimally.

Maintenance

The ATG15W3500 subwoofer requires minimal maintenance:

• Cleaning: Periodically wipe the subwoofer cone and surround with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect wiring connections for tightness and signs of corrosion. Check the subwoofer surround for any tears or damage.
• Environmental Protection: Protect the subwoofer from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your subwoofer, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound:
  • Check all wiring connections (power, ground, remote, speaker) to ensure they are secure and correctly polarized.
  • Verify the amplifier is receiving power and turning on. Check fuses.
  • Ensure the head unit is sending an audio signal to the amplifier.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the amplifier's gain setting.
  • Check for proper crossover settings; ensure the subwoofer is not playing frequencies too high for its design.
  • Inspect the subwoofer cone and surround for physical damage.
• Weak Bass Output:
  • Verify amplifier gain and bass boost settings.
  • Ensure the subwoofer is wired to the correct impedance for the amplifier.
  • Check for air leaks in the enclosure.
  • Confirm the subwoofer is in phase with other speakers in the system.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The ATG15W3500 Subwoofer comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation provided at the time of purchase or contact Audio To Go customer support.

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please visit the official Audio To Go website or contact their customer service department. Keep your proof of purchase handy when seeking support.