DS18 X Series Ultra Compact Class D 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier
Specifications
- Model: X Series Ultra Compact Class D Amplifier
- Channels: 1-2-4
- Variable Crossover: Fully Variable
- Protection Circuitry: Overload, Short Circuits, Overheating,Low Voltage, High Voltage, Reverse Polarity
Product Information
The DS18 X Series Amplifier is designed for high-quality audio reproduction for both audiophiles and everyday listeners. It offers the ability to customize sound to best match your speakers and listening preferences with its Fully Variable Crossover. The amplifier can be used with outboard passive or active crossovers for more complex systems, providing a 12dB per octave slope for precise frequency control.
The amplifier is equipped with protection circuitry against various issues such as overload, short circuits, overheating, and more, ensuring longevity and performance. Professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is recommended to maximize performance and warranty coverage.
Installation Instructions
- Choose a suitable location with adequate ventilation for the amplifier.
- Avoid mounting the amplifier with the fins facing down; they should face up vertically or horizontally.
- Secure the amplifier using the provided screws.
Input Section
There is no correct gain setting for the amplifier as different speakers have varying power demands. Adjust the gains based on individual speaker requirements to achieve optimal sound quality.
Listening carefully to each speaker and using good judgement is key to tuning the system effectively.
FAQ
Q: Do I need professional installation for the DS18 X Series Amplifier?
A: Professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is highly recommended to ensure optimal performance and warranty coverage.
Q: Can the X Series Amplifier be used with outboard crossovers?
A: Yes, the amplifier can be used with outboard passive or active crossovers for more advanced system configurations.
WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?
Thank you for choosing DS18’s X Series! Your choice of the X series indicates a desire for high quality audio reproduction in your vehicle. DS18’s X amplifier is the product of years of car audio expertise. Whether you are a daily driver, music lover, or a serious car audio competitor; DS18’s X amplifiers have got you covered.
To take full advantage of your new X Amplifier, please read and follow the instructions in this manual. As with all of our products, professional installation by one of our authorized dealers is highly recommended. If not, your amplifier’s performance may not live up to our standards or your own.
In addition to the installation service and expertise offered by an authorized dealer and professional technician, the warranty of this product may be extended when installed by an authorized DS18 dealer. Ask your authorized DS18 dealer about whether your product qualifies for an extended warranty.
Your choice in DS18’s X Series Amplifier suggests you are headed in the right direction!
INTRODUCTION
DS18’s X Amplifier is designed for high quality audio reproduction for the audiophile and everyday listener alike.
This amplifier offers the ability to tailor your sound to best fit your speakers and listening preferences with its Fully Variable Crossover.
This amplifier may also be used in conjunction with outboard passive or active crossovers, depending on the complexity of the system. The 12dB per octave slope offers steep roll-off above or below the selected frequency.
The X Series amplifiers come equipped with protection circuitry against overload, short circuits, overheating, low voltage, high voltage, and reverse polarity. These are designed to protect the amplifier from misuse and failure.
Professional installation by an authorized DS18/X Series amps dealer is highly recom-mended!
Otherwise, the performance of your new gear may not be satisfactory. In the event that you decide to do your own installation, please read and follow this manual very carefully. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of this product, your automobile, and possibly void the product warranty.
Amplifiers are generally mounted in the hatch/trunk area of a car or SUV, and under or behind the seat of most pickup trucks.
Select a location that will provide adequate ventilation for the amplifier. Avoid mounting the amplifier with the fins facing down.
The fins should be facing up, either vertically or horizontally. Secure the amplifier with the screws provided.
INPUT
INPUT SECTION
Because of the wide range of head unit output configurations all DS18/X Series amps have an adjustable input sensitivity of “Gain”, The gain is not a volume or a power limiting control like a throttle. It makes the amp more sensitive to input from the stereo. With the gain up the amp will reach full output at a lower volume setting on the deck. At higher gain settings the amp also becomes more sensitive to noise from the car’s electrical system. Try to run the gain at the lowest setting possible for your system.
There is no correct gain setting. Because speakers require different power demands to reach the same output, the gains most often need to be used to compensate for these differences. If you, tried to set all the gains at half way you would probably find the system didn’t sound very good. Using good judgement and listening carefully to each speaker is still the best way to tune a system.
POWER/PROTECTION INDICATOR LED
When the amplifier is on and in proper working condition, the green LED will illuminate. If the amplifier activates its protection mode, the red LED will illuminate. If your amplifier enters Protection Mode refer to the troubleshooting guide for possible solutions.
CONFIGURATION SWITCH
The X4 and the X4XL can be used in a 2ch, or 4ch input configuration. The channel switch will make the amplifier functional on all channels using 2 or 4 RCA inputs.
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
Without proper filtration, a tweeter is susceptible to damage from bass notes, while a subwoofer’s performance may sound unnatural when playing midrange notes. The role of a crossover is to precisely remove these unwanted sounds from the speakers system.
As you might guess, this process requires meticulous adjustments to guarantee that each speaker is producing the appropriate sounds without any discernible “holes” or low spots in the audio spectrum.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
These amplifiers utilize multi-channel design, meaning it has multiple channels of speaker outputs for enhanced audio capabilities. The inclusion of quick-disconnect plugs for speaker connection streamlines the setup process.
It’s urgent you approach this connection with precision. Begin by stripping the wire back, twisting the exposed leads, and inserting them into the block terminal. Exercise caution to avoid any loose or frayed strands of wire, and firmly tighten the flat-head screw down on the terminal to securely hold the wire in place.
Additionally, be mindful that if the wires ever encounter each other, the amplifier will automatically activate its protection mode. It is crucial to be well-versed in your total ohm load before initiating any connections.
INSTALLATION
- Before you start disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Tape up the end so it is isolated from the battery.
- Run an appropiate gauge wire from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this part of the installation carefully. This cable will carry very high current. If it should short to the body and it is not properly fused it could catch fire.
- Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse capable of the total current load of all amplifiers connected. Don’t install the fuse yet. Wait until the end. Locate the fuse as close as posible to the battery. If the fuse is further than 18 inches (wire length) from the battery you should reevaluate the wire and fuse placement.
- Find the closest clear metal area to the amp for a ground. Sand, grind or scrape all paint and undercoating from the body and screw the ground securely in place. It is advisible to test the ground with an ohmmeter between the ground cable and the negative battery cable to ensure a good low resistance connection. Some alloys used in some modern cars do not offer the best ground. If you believe this is the case, consult with the vehicle manufacturer.
- Run the speaker wire to the speakers. it is advised that you leave some extra wire at this point! You can clean it up later.
- If you haven’t already done so, mount the amp now.
- Connect the power and ground to the amplifier (only after this step should you install the fuse at the battery).
- Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Now is a good time to turn on the amplifier for the first time and make sure it turns on properly and does not go into protection.
- Connect the speaker wires to the amp and speakers (make sure the amp is off first) make sure the polarity (+ and -) are correct.
- Connect the RCA’s to the amp.
- Double check the amplifier’s control at this time. Make sure everything is set correctly for your system.
- Now you are ready to play it for the first time. It is best to leave the gain all the way down at first. Start with the head unit volume low and make your way up.
- Now you can tune the amp. Take your time and make only one adjustment at a time. It may take some time to get the system fully adjusted. During this time the amp is drawing current from the battery. You should check the battery voltage from time to time and recharge it if it gets low . That’s it . You are done, have fun!
X1
NOTE
If you only connect 1 subwoofer whether on speaker outputs #1 or #2, the maximum Impedance of the subwoofer should not exceed 1 ohm. If you connect 2 subwoofers whether on speaker outputs #1 and #2, the maximum impedance of each subwoofer required should not exceed 2 ohm.
X2
X4
BRIDGED MODE
X4XL
Use the “4CH” position when you have a 4 channel RCA input connected
Use the “2CH” position when you have a 2 channel RCA input connected
BRIDGED MODE
SPECIFICATIONS
X1
POWER
- Total Watts (Peak) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………900W
- RMS Power @ 4 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………140W
- RMS Power @ 2 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………220W
- RMS Power @ 1 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………300W
AUDIO
- Frequency Response …………………………………………………………………………………20Hz-500Hz
- Signal to Noise Ratio………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90dB
- Efficiency @ 4 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………………………80%
- Damping Factor …………………………………………………………………………………………………..200
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ……………………………………………………………….<0.2%
- Low-Level Input Range ……………………………………………………………………………..0.2-5V
- Selectable X-Over …………………………………………………………………………………………………..Fixed LPF
- X-Over Filter Range ……………………………………………………………………………………50Hz-250Hz
- Bass Boost Range …………………………………………………………………………………….. 0-18dB
- Bass Boost Frequency …………………………………………………………………………….40Hz
- Infrasonic Filter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10Hz-55Hz
- Phase Selector ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0/180º
FEATURES
- Amplifier Class ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Digital (D)
- Amplifier Type ………………………………………Monoblock Subwoofer
- Number of Channels ………………………………………………………………………………..1 Channel
- Minimum Impedance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………1 ohm
- Led Indicator ……………………………………………………………………Power / Protect
- Power Input Terminal Size …………………………………………………………………….8Ga
- Fuse Size…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..30A
- Remote Level Control ……………………………………….Yes (Dash Mount)
- Thermal Protection ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Over-Load Protection ……………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- DC Output Protection ………………………………………………………………………………………Yes
- Short Circuit Output Protection ……………………………………………………….Yes
- Voltage Input Protection ………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Ultra Compact Size for easy Installation in any application ………………………………………………………………………….Yes
- Stable/Reliable Four Layers Traces PCB Design …………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Surface Mount Component Technology …………………Yes
- Audio Precision Quality Control Verification……….Yes
- Body Color ………………………………………….. Brushed Black Aluminum
MEASUREMENTS
- Overall Lengh………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5.54″ / 140.8mm
Overall Width ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.24″ / 82.4mm - Overall Height …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.37″ / 34.8mm
- Heatsink Length …………………………………………………………………………4.75″ / 120.8mm
X2
- POWER / POTENCIA
- Total Watts (Peak) / Vatios Totales (Pico) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….1140W
RMS Power @ 4 ohm / Poder Continuo @ 4 OHM ……………………………………………………………………………………2 x 140W
RMS Power @ 2 ohm / Poder Continuo @ 2 OHM ……………………………………………………………………………………2 x 230W
RMS Power @ 4 ohm Bridge / Poder Continuo @ a puente de 4 OHM ………………………………………………………….. 380W
AUDIO / AUDIO
Frequency Response / Respuesta de Frecuencia…………………………………………………………………………………20Hz-20KHz
Signal to Noise Ratio / Relación Señal / Ruido………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90dB
Efficiency @ 4 ohm / Eficiencia @ 4 OHM …………………………………………………………………………………………………………80%
Damping Factor / Factor de Amortiguamiento …………………………………………………………………………………………………..200
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) / Distorsión Armónica Total (THD) ……………………………………………………………….<0.2%
Low Level Input Range / 5DQJRGH(QWUDGDGH%DMR1LYHO ……………………………………………………………………………..0.2-5V
Selectable X-Over / Cruze Seleccionable …………………………………………………………………………………………. LPF/FLAT/HPF
X-Over Filter Range / Rango de Filtro de cruce ……………………………………………………………………………………40Hz-400Hz
FEATURES / CARACTERÍSTICAS
Amplifier Class / Clase de Amplificadores ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Digital (D)
Amplifier Type / Tipo de Amplificador………………………………………………Stereo Full Range / Rango Completo Estéreo
Number of Channels / Número de Canales ………………………………………………………………………………..2 Channel / 2 Canal
Minimum Impedance / Impedancia Mínima……………………………………………………………… 2 Ohm Stereo / 4 Ohm Bridge
Led Indicator / Indicador Led ……………………………………………………………………Power | Protect / Encendido | Protección
Power Input Terminal Size / Tamaño de Entrada de Alimentación …………………………………………………………………….8Ga
Fuse Size / Tamaño de Fusible…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..40A
Thermal Protection / Protección Térmica……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
Over-Load Protection / Protección Contra la Sobrecarga ……………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
DC Output Protection / Protección de Salida de DC ………………………………………………………………………………………Yes / Si
Short Circuit Output Protection / Protección de Salida de Cortocircuito………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
Voltage Input Protection / Protección de Entrada de Voltaje………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
Ultra Compact Size for easy Installation in any application ………………………………………………………………………….Yes / Si
Stable/Reliable Four Layers Traces PCB Design …………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
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Surface Mount Component Technology / Tecnología de componentes de montaje en superficie …………………Yes / Si
Audio Precision Quality Control Verification / Verificación del control de calidad de precisión de audio……….Yes / Si
Body Color / Color de la carcasa ………………………………………….. Brushed Black Aluminum / Aluminio Negro Cepillado
MEASUREMENTS / MEDIDAS
Overall Lengh/ Longitud total………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5.54″ / 140.8mm
Overall Width / Ancho general ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.24″ / 82.4mm
Overall Height / Altura total …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.37″ / 34.8mm
Heatsink Length / Longitud de Disipador de Calor…………………………………………………………………………4.75″ / 120.8mm
X4
POWER
- Total Watts (Peak) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….1320W
- RMS Power @ 4 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 x 70W
- RMS Power @ 2 ohm ……………………………………………………………………………………4 x 140W
- RMS Power @ 4 ohm Bridge ……………………………………………………..2 x 220W
AUDIO
- Frequency Response …………………………………………………………………………………20Hz-20KHz
- Signal to Noise Ratio ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90dB
- Efficiency @ 4 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………………………80%
- Damping Factor …………………………………………………………………………………………………..200
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ………………………………………………………………<0.2%
- Low Level Input Range ……………………………………………………………………………0.2-5V
- Selectable X-Over ………………………………………………………………………………………… LPF/FLAT/HPF
- X-Over Filter Range ……………………………………………………………………………………… Fixed 80Hz
FEATURES
- Amplifier Class ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Digital (D)
- Amplifier Type ……………………………………………..Stereo Full Range
- Number of Channels ………………………………………………………………………………..4 Channel
- Minimum Impedance …………………………………………………………… 2 Ohm Stereo / 4 Ohm Bridge
- Led Indicator ……………………………………………………………………Power | Protect
- Power Input Terminal Size ……………………………………………………………………8Ga
- Fuse Size ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25A
- Thermal Protection……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Over-Load Protection ……………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- DC Output Protection ……………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Short Circuit Output Protection ……………………………………………………….Yes
- Voltage Input Protection………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Ultra Compact Size for easy Installation in any application ………………………………………………………………………….Yes
- Stable/Reliable Four Layers Traces PCB Design …………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
- Surface Mount Component Technology …………………Yes
- Configuration 2ch/4ch input selector ………………Yes
- Audio Precision Quality Control Verification ……….Yes
- Body Color ………………………………………….. Brushed Black Aluminum
- MEASUREMENTS
- Overall Lengh……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5.54″ / 140.8mm
- Overall Width ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.24″ / 82.4mm
- Overall Height …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.37″ / 34.8mm
- Heatsink Length …………………………………………………………………………4.75″ / 120.8mm
X4XL
POWER
- Total Watts (Peak) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….1800W
- RMS Power @ 4 ohm ……………………………………………………………………………………4 x 120W
- RMS Power @ 2 ohm ……………………………………………………………………………………4 x 180W
- RMS Power @ 4 ohm Bridge …………………………………………………….. 2 x 300W
AUDIO
- Frequency Response ………………………………………………………………………………..20Hz-20KHz
- Signal to Noise Ratio ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 90dB
- Efficiency @ 4 ohm …………………………………………………………………………………………………………80%
- Damping Factor …………………………………………………………………………………………………..200
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ………………………………………………………………<.10%
- Low Level Input Range / 5DQJRGH(QWUDGDGH%DMR1LYHO ……………………………………………………………………………..0.2-5V
- Selectable X-Over …………………………………………………………………………………………. LPF/FLAT/HPF
- X-Over Filter Range ……………………………………………………………………………………40Hz-500Hz
FEATURES
- Amplifier Class ………………………………………………………………………………………………. Digital (D)
- Amplifier Type ……………………………………………..Stereo Full Range / Rango Completo Estéreo
- Number of Channels ………………………………………………………………………………..4 Channel / 4 Canal
- Minimum Impedance…………………………………………………………….. 2 Ohm Stereo / 4 Ohm Bridge
- Led Indicator …………………………………………………………………..Power | Protect / Encendido | Protección
- Power Input Terminal Size …………………………………………………………………….8Ga
- Fuse Size …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..45A
- Thermal Protection …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Yes / Si
- Over-Load Protection ……………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
- DC Output Protection ………………………………………………………………………………………Yes / Si
- Short Circuit Output Protection ………………………………………………………Yes / Si
- Voltage Input Protection ………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
- Ultra Compact Size for easy Installation in any application ………………………………………………………………………….Yes / Si
- Stable/Reliable Four Layers Traces PCB Design …………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes / Si
- Surface Mount Component Technology …………………Yes / Si
- Configuration 2ch/4ch input selector………………Yes / Si
- Audio Precision Quality Control Verification ……….Yes / Si
- Body Color ………………………………………….. Brushed Black Aluminum
MEASUREMENTS
- Overall Lengh………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7.13″ / 181.2mm
- Overall Width ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.24″ / 82.4mm
- Overall Height …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.37″ / 34.8mm
- Heatsink Length………………………………………………………………………..6.33″ / 160.8mm
TROUBLESHOOTING
DIMENSIONS
REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL.
Included in X1 amp only
WARRANTY
Please visit our website DS18.com for more information on our warranty policy.
We reserve the right to change products and specifications at any time without notice.
Images may or may not include optional equipment.
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm.
www.P65Warning.ca.gov
Documents / Resources
 | DS18 DS18 X Series Ultra Compact Class D 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier [pdf] Owner's Manual DS18 X Series, DS18 X Series Ultra Compact Class D 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier, Ultra Compact Class D 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier, Class D 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier, 1-2-4 Channel Amplifier, Amplifier |