DS18 GFX Series Amplifiers Owner's Manual
This manual provides detailed information for the DS18 GFX series monoblock car amplifiers.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing DS18! To take full advantage of your new DS18 GFX amplifier, please read and follow the instructions in this manual. Professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is highly recommended.
The DS18 GFX Car amplifiers offer high-quality audio reproduction. All models feature fully variable crossovers with 12dB per octave slopes, allowing you to tailor the sound to your speakers and listening preferences.
Key features include:
- Platinum Finish Connections: Ensures solid electrical connections that resist corrosion.
- Fully Variable Crossovers: Promote installation ease and save the cost of outboard crossovers. The 12 dB per octave slope offers steep roll-off.
- Protection Circuitry: Guards against Overload, Short Circuit, Thermal, and Reverse Polarity to protect the amplifier.
Features & Characteristics
The DS18 GFX amplifiers are designed for high output in a compact size.
- Digital Full Range Monoblock Amplifier.
- Specially designed for Mid-bass, Midrange, or Driver speakers.
- Extremely high output with a small footprint.
- Available models support 0.5 / 1 / 2 ohm minimum impedance.
- Power / Protection / Clip LED indicators.
- Full Adjustable HP/LP Crossover @ 12dB/oct.
- Bass boost with adjustable frequency.
- Level Knob Remote Control for dashboard included.
- Forced cooling available in some models.
- Multiple forms of electronic protection (thermal, Over-Load, Short Circuit, impedance, Voltage, Clipping).
Input Section (Gain)
The adjustable input sensitivity, known as "Gain," controls how sensitive the amplifier is to the input signal from the head unit. It is not a volume control. Setting the gain too high can increase sensitivity to noise from the car's electrical system. It is recommended to run the gain at the lowest setting possible for your system.
There is no single correct gain setting, as speakers require different power demands. Gains are used to compensate for these differences. Using good judgment and listening carefully to each speaker is the best way to tune a system.
Crossover Controls
A crossover is a device that removes unwanted frequencies from a speaker or amplifier. For example, it prevents bass notes from reaching tweeters and midrange notes from reaching subwoofers, ensuring each speaker reproduces the correct sounds.
The DS18 GFX amplifiers feature fully adjustable High Pass (HP) and Low Pass (LP) crossovers, typically ranging from 15Hz to 2KHz for HP and 50Hz to 20KHz for LP, with a 12dB/octave slope.
Bass Boost
DS18 GFX amplifiers offer adjustable bass boost. Start adjustments at low volume. If no improvement is heard, the woofer may not require bass boost. Use Bass Boost carefully, as it significantly increases power demands. Minimize its use by adjusting woofer position or enclosure size.
Bass Boost Range: Typically 0-12dB.
Bass Boost Frequency: Typically 35Hz - 70Hz.
Speaker Outputs
This amplifier is equipped with a large block-style terminal for speaker connection. Ensure connections are made carefully and neatly, with no loose or frayed wires. Tighten the Allen head screws securely. If speaker wires come into contact with each other, the amplifier will enter protection mode.
Installation Instructions
WARNING: Before securing the amplifier, inspect the mounting location carefully to ensure you do not drill into or damage any electrical, hydraulic, fluid, or fuel lines.
- Before starting, disconnect the negative cable from the car battery and tape the end to isolate it.
- Run an appropriate gauge power wire from the battery to the amplifier. This cable carries high current and must be properly fused to prevent fire hazards in case of a short circuit.
- Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse capable of the total current load of all connected amplifiers. Locate the fuse as close as possible to the battery (within 18 inches of wire length). Do not install the fuse until the final step.
- Find the closest clear metal area on the vehicle body for a ground connection. Sand, grind, or scrape away all paint and undercoating from the body and screw the ground wire securely in place. A ground connection with low resistance is crucial.
- Run the speaker wires to the speakers, leaving some extra wire for adjustments.
- Mount the amplifier securely. Avoid mounting with fins facing down; fins should face up vertically or horizontally for adequate ventilation.
- Connect the power and ground wires to the amplifier.
- ONLY AFTER THIS STEP - INSTALL THE FUSE AT THE BATTERY.
- Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Turn on the amp for the first time and ensure it powers on correctly without entering protection mode.
- Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier and speakers (ensure the amplifier is off first). Verify correct polarity (+ and -).
- Connect the RCA cables to the amplifier.
- Double-check all amplifier controls and settings to ensure they are correct for your system.
- You are now ready to play music. Start with the head unit volume low and the amplifier gain all the way down. Gradually increase volume and gain.
- Tune the amplifier slowly, making only one adjustment at a time. This process may take time. During tuning, the amplifier draws current from the battery; check battery voltage periodically and recharge if necessary.
Professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is highly recommended. Failure to follow instructions may compromise product integrity, your vehicle, and void the warranty.
Specifications
The following table details the specifications for the DS18 GFX series amplifiers.
| Model / Modelo | GFX-1.4k1 | GFX-2.2k1 | GFX-3k1 | GFX-3k2 | GFX-5k.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power @ 8 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 8 ohms (14.4V) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1000W | N/A |
| Power @ 4 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 4 ohms (14.4V) | 550W | 800W | 1000W | 2000W | N/A |
| Power @ 2 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 2 ohms (14.4V) | 950W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 2000W |
| Power @ 1 ohm (14.4V) / Potencia @ 1 ohm (14.4V) | 1400W | 2200W | 3000W | N/A | 3500W |
| Power @ 0.5 ohm (14.4V) / Potencia @ 0.5 ohm (14.4V) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5000W |
| Frequency Response / Respuesta de Frecuencia | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) / Distorsión armónica total (THD) | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Low level Input Range / Rango de Entrada de Bajo Nivel | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V |
| Hi Pass X-Over Filter Range / Paso Alto del Filtro de Crossover | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ |
| Low Pass X-Over Filter Range / Paso Bajo del Filtro de Crossover | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ |
| Bass Boost Range / Rango del Refuerzo de Graves | 0~12dB | 0~12dB | 2~12dB | 3~12dB | 4~12dB |
| Bass Boost Frequency / Frecuencia del Refuerzo de Graves | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ |
| Recommended Fuse / Tipo de Fusible Recomendado | 140A | 220A | 300A | 300A | 500A |
| Minimum Impedance / Impedancia M | 1 OHM | 1 OHM | 1 OHM | 2 OHM | 0.5 OHM |
| Power Input Terminal Size / Calibre del Cable de Entrada | 2 AWG | 2 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG |
| Model / Modelo | GFX-5k1 | GFX-5k2 | GFX-8k.5 | GFX-8k1 | GFX-8k2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power @ 8 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 8 ohms (14.4V) | N/A | 2000W | N/A | N/A | 3500W |
| Power @ 4 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 4 ohms (14.4V) | 2000W | 3500W | N/A | 3500W | 5000W |
| Power @ 2 ohms (14.4V) / Potencia @ 2 ohms (14.4V) | 3500W | 5000W | 3500W | 5000W | 8000W |
| Power @ 1 ohm (14.4V) / Potencia @ 1 ohm (14.4V) | 5000W | N/A | 5000W | 8000W | N/A |
| Power @ 0.5 ohm (14.4V) / Potencia @ 0.5 ohm (14.4V) | N/A | N/A | 8000W | N/A | N/A |
| Frequency Response / Respuesta de Frecuencia | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ | 15Hz-20KHZ |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) / Distorsión armónica total (THD) | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Low level Input Range / Rango de Entrada de Bajo Nivel | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V | 0.5~8V |
| Hi Pass X-Over Filter Range / Paso Alto del Filtro de Crossover | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ | 15Hz - 2KHZ |
| Low Pass X-Over Filter Range / Paso Bajo del Filtro de Crossover | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ | 50Hz - 20KHZ |
| Bass Boost Range / Rango del Refuerzo de Graves | 5~12dB | 6~12dB | 7~12dB | 8~12dB | 9~12dB |
| Bass Boost Frequency / Frecuencia del Refuerzo de Graves | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ | 35Hz - 70HZ |
| Recommended Fuse / Tipo de Fusible Recomendado | 500A | 500A | 800A | 800A | 800A |
| Minimum Impedance / Impedancia M | 1 OHM | 2 OHM | 0.5 OHM | 1 HM | 2 OHM |
| Power Input Terminal Size / Calibre del Cable de Entrada | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG |
Wiring Diagrams & Configuration Examples
The rear panel of the DS18 GFX amplifiers features terminals for power input (+12V, REM, GND), audio signal input/output (RCA), and speaker outputs. Indicator LEDs (PWR, CLIP, PRT) provide status information.
Power Input: Connect the +12V terminal to the vehicle's battery positive terminal via an appropriate fuse for short circuit protection. Connect the GND terminal to the vehicle's chassis ground. Connect the REM terminal to the head unit's remote turn-on output.
Speaker Outputs: Connect speaker wires to the designated terminals, observing correct polarity (+/-). The minimum impedance supported varies by model (e.g., 0.5-1 ohm, 1-2 ohm, 2-4 ohm).
Audio Signal Output: RCA jacks are provided to feed the audio signal to another amplifier (daisy-chaining).
Wiring Configuration Examples:
- Diagram 1: Illustrates wiring two speakers in parallel to achieve a 1-ohm load from two 2-ohm speakers, or a 2-ohm load from two 4-ohm speakers.
- Diagram 2: Shows wiring four speakers in parallel, resulting in a 1.33-ohm load from four 4-ohm speakers, or a 2.66-ohm load from four 8-ohm speakers.
Dimensions
The amplifier chassis has dimensions of approximately 236mm (Length) x 72mm (Height) for the main unit. Specific model lengths and heights are provided below:
- Lengths (mm): GFX1.4k1: 141, GFX2.2k1: 191, GFX3k1: 211, GFX3k2: 211, GFX5k.5: 291, GFX5k1: 291, GFX5k2: 291, GFX8k.5: 416, GFX8k1: 416, GFX8k2: 416.
- Heights (mm): GFX1.4k1: 115, GFX2.2k1: 164, GFX3k1: 185, GFX3k2: 185, GFX5k.5: 265, GFX5k1: 265, GFX5k2: 265, GFX8k.5: 390, GFX8k1: 390, GFX8k2: 390.
Warranty & Safety
Please visit DS18.com for more information on the warranty policy. DS18 reserves the right to change products and specifications at any time without notice.
? DANGER: SPEAKER CONNECTOR WITH LIVE DC OUTPUT. DO NOT TOUCH THE SPEAKER OUTPUT WITH THE AMPLIFIER ON. IT MUST BE INSTALLED BY PROFESSIONALS.
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