1. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to your equipment:
- Always disconnect the vehicle's battery negative terminal before beginning any electrical installation.
- Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrical hazards and ensure optimal performance.
- Use appropriate tools and wear safety gear, including eye protection, during installation.
- Consult a professional car audio installer if you are unsure about any installation steps or wiring procedures.
- Avoid mounting components where they could obstruct vehicle operation, safety devices (like airbags), or passenger movement.
- Protect all wiring from sharp edges and moving parts to prevent shorts and damage.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- 1 x BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 Chaos Exxtreme Series 8-inch Car Subwoofer
- 1 x BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Riot Series Monoblock Class A/B Car Amplifier
- 1 x BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8-Gauge Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit, including:
- 8 Gauge Power Cable
- 8 Gauge Ground Cable
- 18 Gauge Turn-On Wire
- 16 Gauge Speaker Wire
- RCA Interconnect Cable
- Split Loom Tubing
- Wire Ties
- Rubber Grommets
- Fuse Holder with Fuse
3. Installation Guide
3.1. CXX8 Subwoofer Installation
The CXX8 subwoofer is designed for optimal bass reproduction. Proper mounting within an appropriate enclosure is crucial for performance.
Front view of the BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 8-inch subwoofer, showcasing the cone and surround.
Rear view of the BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 8-inch subwoofer, showing the magnet structure and speaker terminals.
Installation Steps:
- Enclosure Selection: Choose or construct an appropriate sealed or ported enclosure for an 8-inch subwoofer. Refer to enclosure design guidelines for optimal sound.
- Mounting Hole: Cut a mounting hole with a diameter of 7.25 inches (184 mm) in the enclosure.
- Mounting Depth: Ensure a mounting depth of at least 3.78 inches (96 mm) is available within the enclosure.
- Secure Subwoofer: Place the subwoofer into the mounting hole and secure it to the enclosure using appropriate screws, ensuring a tight, airtight seal.
- Wiring: Connect speaker wires to the subwoofer terminals, observing correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
3.2. R1100M Amplifier Installation
The R1100M monoblock amplifier provides power to your subwoofer. Proper mounting and wiring are essential for safe and efficient operation.
Top view of the BOSS Audio Systems R1100M monoblock amplifier, featuring the BOSS logo.
Detailed view of the BOSS Audio Systems R1100M amplifier's connection panel, showing power inputs, speaker outputs, RCA inputs, and control knobs.
Installation Steps:
- Mounting Location: Choose a secure, well-ventilated mounting location, away from heat sources, moisture, and potential obstructions.
- Mount Amplifier: Securely mount the amplifier using the provided hardware.
- Power Connection (BATT+): Connect the 8-gauge power cable from the vehicle's battery (with an inline fuse holder installed within 18 inches of the battery) to the amplifier's BATT+ terminal.
- Ground Connection (GND): Connect the 8-gauge ground cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle chassis and to the amplifier's GND terminal. Ensure a solid, low-resistance connection.
- Remote Turn-On (REM): Connect the 18-gauge turn-on wire from your head unit's remote output to the amplifier's REM terminal. This turns the amplifier on/off with your head unit.
- Speaker Output: Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier's speaker output terminals, ensuring correct polarity.
- Signal Input: Connect RCA interconnect cables from your head unit's subwoofer output to the amplifier's RCA inputs. If your head unit lacks RCA outputs, use the high-level inputs with speaker-level signals.
3.3. KIT2 Wiring Kit Usage
The KIT2 provides all necessary cables and accessories for a complete amplifier installation. Follow these general guidelines for routing and connecting the wiring.
Wiring Guidelines:
- Power Cable Routing: Route the 8-gauge power cable from the battery through the firewall to the amplifier. Use rubber grommets to protect the cable where it passes through metal.
- Ground Cable Routing: Route the 8-gauge ground cable from the amplifier to a suitable chassis ground point, keeping it as short as possible.
- Remote Turn-On Wire: Route the 18-gauge turn-on wire alongside the power cable or signal cables.
- Speaker Wire: Route the 16-gauge speaker wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer.
- RCA Interconnect: Route the RCA interconnect cable from the head unit to the amplifier, ideally on the opposite side of the vehicle from the power cables to minimize noise.
- Cable Management: Use split loom tubing and wire ties to protect and organize all wiring, preventing chafing and ensuring a neat installation.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed, adjust the amplifier settings for optimal sound performance.
- Gain Control: The gain control matches the amplifier's input sensitivity to the output voltage of your head unit. Start with the gain set to minimum. Play a familiar track at about 75% of your head unit's maximum volume. Gradually increase the amplifier's gain until you hear distortion, then back off slightly until the sound is clear.
- Low Pass Crossover (LPF): The LPF filters out high frequencies, ensuring only bass frequencies are sent to the subwoofer. Adjust this setting (typically between 80Hz and 120Hz) to blend the subwoofer's output seamlessly with your main speakers.
- Bass Boost: The bass boost feature enhances low frequencies. Use this sparingly and with caution. Excessive bass boost can lead to distortion and potential damage to the subwoofer.
- Remote Subwoofer Control: If connected, use the wired remote control to conveniently adjust the subwoofer's output level from the driver's seat without needing to access the amplifier directly.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your BOSS Audio Systems components.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the amplifier and subwoofer. Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish or components.
- Inspection: Periodically check all wiring connections for tightness and signs of corrosion. Loose connections can lead to poor performance or overheating.
- Ventilation: Ensure that the amplifier's cooling fins are free from dust and debris to maintain proper airflow and prevent overheating.
- Environmental Factors: Protect the components from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and excessive moisture.
6. Troubleshooting
Refer to the table below for common issues and their potential solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Power / No Sound | Blown fuse; Loose power, ground, or remote wire; Low battery voltage; Head unit off or muted. | Check and replace fuse; Verify all power, ground, and remote connections; Check battery voltage; Ensure head unit is on and not muted. |
| Distorted Sound | Gain set too high; Incorrect speaker impedance; Improper LPF setting; Damaged speaker wire; Overpowering subwoofer. | Reduce amplifier gain; Verify speaker impedance matches amplifier output; Adjust LPF; Inspect speaker wiring for shorts or damage; Ensure subwoofer power handling is not exceeded. |
| Amplifier Overheating | Insufficient ventilation; Speaker impedance too low; Gain set too high; Loose power/ground connections. | Ensure amplifier has adequate airflow; Verify speaker impedance is within amplifier's rated range (2-8 Ohm); Reduce gain; Tighten power and ground connections. |
| No Bass Output | Subwoofer not connected; LPF set too high or too low; RCA cables loose or faulty; Head unit subwoofer output disabled. | Check subwoofer wiring; Adjust LPF to appropriate range (e.g., 80-120Hz); Verify RCA cable connections; Check head unit settings for subwoofer output. |
7. Specifications
7.1. BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 Subwoofer
- Resonant Frequency: 49 Hz
- Sensitivity SPL (1W/1m): 83 dB
- Dimensions: 8.25” x 8.25” x 4.3” (210mm x 210mm x 109mm)
- Cutout Diameter: 7.25” (184 mm)
- Mounting Depth: 3.78” (96 mm)
- Max Power: 600 Watts
- Voice Coil: Single 4 Ohm
- Cone Material: Polypropylene
- Surround Material: Rubber
7.2. BOSS Audio Systems R1100M Amplifier
Diagram showing the dimensions of the BOSS Audio Systems R1100M monoblock amplifier.
- Dimensions: 9.13” x 10.44” x 2.25” (232mm x 265mm x 57mm)
- Weight: 4.43 lbs.
- Speaker Impedance: 2 to 8 Ohm
- THD @ RMS Output: 0.01%
- S/N Ratio: 102 dB
- Frequency Response: 9 Hz to 50 kHz
- Fuse Quantity: 1 x 30 Amp ATO Blade
- Maximum Supply Voltage: 14.4 Volts
- Output Power: 1100 Watts (Max)
- Number of Channels: 1 (Monoblock)
- Mounting Type: Surface Mount
- Material: Metals and Plastics
7.3. BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 Wiring Kit
- Gauge: 8 Gauge
- Components: Power Cable, Ground Cable, Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, RCA Interconnect, Split Loom Tubing, Wire Ties, Rubber Grommets, Fuse Holder with Fuse.
8. Warranty Information
BOSS Audio Systems products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. This product is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty terms, duration, and claim procedures, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official BOSS Audio Systems website for the most current information.
9. Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact BOSS Audio Systems customer support. Visit our official website for contact details, FAQs, and additional resources.
