Introduction
Thank you for choosing DS18 NXL marine amplifiers! Your selection indicates a desire for high-quality music reproduction. DS18 NXL marine amps bring over four decades of audio expertise. Whether you are a daily driving music lover or a serious car audio competitor, DS18 NXL marine amps offer the right product for you.
To fully utilize your new DS18 NXL marine amps, please read and follow the instructions in this manual. Professional installation by an authorized DS18 NXL marine amps dealer is highly recommended for optimal performance. Unauthorized installation may affect performance and potentially void the warranty. Extended warranties may be available through authorized dealers.
DS18 NXL marine amplifiers provide high-quality audio reproduction for both audiophiles and everyday listeners. All models feature fully variable crossovers with 12dB per octave slopes, allowing precise sound tailoring to your speakers and listening preferences.
Fully Variable Crossovers
These crossovers simplify installation and eliminate the need for external crossover units. They can also be used in conjunction with existing passive or active crossovers. The 12 dB per octave slope provides a steep roll-off above or below the selected frequency.
Protection Circuitry
Features include protection against Overload, Short Circuit, Thermal, and Reverse Polarity. These functions safeguard the amplifier from misuse and common failure causes.
DS18 NXL Series Models
- NXL200.2D: 200 Watts / 2 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
- NXL400.4D: 400 Watts / 4 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
- NXL600.1D: 600 Watts / 1 Channel Class D - Monoblock Marine Amplifier
- NXL800.5D: 800 Watts / 5 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
- NXL850.4D: 850 Watts / 4 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
- NXL900.6D: 900 Watts / 6 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
- NXL1100.1D: 1100 Watts / 1 Channel Class D - Monoblock Marine Amplifier
- NXL1000.8D: 1000 Watts / 8 Channel Full Range Digital Marine Amplifier
Installation and Setup
Mounting Location
Professional installation by an authorized DS18 NXL marine amps dealer is highly recommended. If performing your own installation, read this manual carefully. Failure to do so may compromise product integrity, your vehicle, and warranty. Select a location with adequate ventilation. Avoid mounting with fins facing down; fins should face up, vertically or horizontally. Secure the amplifier with provided screws.
Warranty Inspection
Before securing the amplifier, carefully inspect the mounting location to avoid drilling into or damaging electrical, hydraulic, fluid, or fuel lines.
Input Section (Waterproof RCAs Harness)
DS18 NXL marine amps feature adjustable input sensitivity ("Gain"). Gain is not a volume or power limiter; it adjusts the amplifier's sensitivity to the stereo's input signal. Higher gain settings allow the amplifier to reach full output at lower volume levels but can also increase sensitivity to electrical noise. Aim for the lowest gain setting that provides adequate output without introducing noise.
There is no single correct gain setting, as speakers have different power demands. Gain settings should be adjusted individually to compensate for these differences. Proper tuning involves listening carefully to each speaker.
Crossover Controls
A crossover filters unwanted frequencies. It protects tweeters from bass notes and prevents subwoofers from playing midrange frequencies, ensuring each speaker reproduces its intended sound range. Careful adjustment is crucial for a smooth frequency response without "holes" or dips.
Controls typically include:
- HPF (High-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies above a set point to pass.
- LPF (Low-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies below a set point to pass.
- SENS (Sensitivity): Adjusts input sensitivity.
- FREQ (Frequency): Sets the crossover point.
- BOOST: Bass Boost control (on select models).
- PHASE: Adjusts speaker phase (0° or 180°).
- SUBSONIC: Filters very low frequencies below a set point, typically for subwoofers.
Diagram Description: The input section diagram shows RCA input jacks (Front, Rear, Sub), Line Output jacks, and various control knobs and switches (HPF, LPF, SENS, FREQ, BOOST, PHASE, SUBSONIC) arranged on the amplifier's top panel. Specific settings are illustrated for different channel configurations.
Bass Boost
Models NXL600.1D, NXL800.5D, and NXL1100.1D feature adjustable bass boost. Activate this feature at low volumes. If no improvement is heard, the woofer may not require it. The Low Pass Filter (LPF) must be engaged for Bass Boost to function. Use Bass Boost judiciously, as it significantly increases power demands. Minimizing its use by adjusting woofer position or enclosure size is recommended.
Speaker Outputs
These are multi-channel amplifiers with multiple speaker outputs. They use an over-mold harness. Connect speaker wires carefully using insulated, waterproof marine connectors. Ensure wires are properly stripped and twisted. Accidental contact between wires can trigger protection mode.
Important: Always know your total speaker impedance (ohm load) before making connections.
Installation Instructions
- Before starting, disconnect the negative battery cable and tape the end.
- Run an appropriately gauged power wire from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this carefully, as this cable carries high current and can cause fire if shorted and not fused.
- Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse rated for the total current load of all connected amplifiers. Do not install the fuse yet. Position the fuse as close to the battery as possible (within 18 inches).
- Find a clear metal area on the vehicle body for the ground connection. Sand or scrape paint and undercoating to ensure a solid connection. Test ground resistance with an ohmmeter against the negative battery cable.
- Run speaker wires to the speakers, leaving some extra length for adjustments.
- Mount the amplifier if not already done.
- Connect the power and ground wires to the amplifier.
- Only after connecting power and ground, install the fuse at the battery.
- Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Turn on the amplifier for the first time to ensure it powers up correctly without entering protection mode.
- Connect speaker wires to the amplifier and speakers (ensure the amp is off). Verify correct polarity (+/-).
- Connect RCA cables to the amplifier.
- Double-check all amplifier controls and settings to ensure they are correct for your system.
- Begin testing by setting the gain to its lowest setting. Start with the head unit volume low and gradually increase it.
- Tune the amplifier by making one adjustment at a time. This process may take time and draws current from the battery. Periodically check battery voltage and recharge if necessary.
Specifications
| Model No. | NXL200.2D | NXL400.4D | NXL600.1D | NXL800.5D | NXL850.4D | NXL900.6D | NXL1000.8D | NXL1100.1D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output @ 4 Ohm | 100W x 2 | 100W x 4 | 250W | 80W x 4 + 200W | 200W | 160W | 130W | 1100W |
| Power Output @ 2 Ohm | 150W x 2 | 150W x 4 | 400W | 125W x 4 + 300W | 300W | 240W | 200W | 900W |
| Power Output @ 1 Ohm | - | - | 600W | NOT RECOMMENDED | - | - | - | 600W |
| Power Output @ 4 Ohm Bridged | 300W x 1 | 300W x 2 | 250W x 2 (Front/Rear) | - | 500W | 400W | 360W | 600W |
| Waterproof Level | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 | IPX65 |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| S/N Ratio Ref 1W @ 4 Ohm | >90dB | >90dB | >90dB | >90dB | >95dB | >95dB | >95dB | >95dB |
| Gain Range | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V | 0.2V-5.0V |
| Crossover Range | 40Hz-3KHz | 40Hz-3KHz | 50Hz-250Hz (LPF only) | 40Hz-3KHz(Front/Rear) 50Hz-250Hz(Sub) | 40Hz-3KHz | 40Hz-3KHz | 40Hz-3KHz | 40Hz-3KHz |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20KHz | 20Hz-20KHz | 40Hz-500Hz | 20Hz-20KHz | 20Hz-20KHz | 20Hz-20KHz | 20Hz-20KHz | 20Hz-20KHz |
| Bass Boost | N/A | N/A | 0dB-18dB | 0dB-18dB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0dB-18dB |
| Input/Output/Power | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD | HARNESS OVERMOLD |
| Dimensions (Lx125x42MM) | 192MM (7.56") | 245MM (9.65") | 215MM (8.46") | 295MM (16.1") | 295MM (16.1") | 295MM (16.1") | 320MM (12.59") | 265MM (10.43") |
Installation Diagrams
NXL200.2D (2CH/200W RMS)
This diagram illustrates the installation for the 2-channel NXL200.2D amplifier. It shows RCA inputs for Front and Rear, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections include +12V, GND, and REM terminals, with a recommendation for a fuse at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Speaker outputs are labeled CH1/CH2, connecting to a speaker rated for 2-8 OHM. Wire color codes provided are: RIGHT+ (Grey), RIGHT- (Grey/Black Stripes), LEFT+ (White), LEFT- (White/Black Stripes). The diagram also details Bridge Mode connections for increased power to a single subwoofer (4-8 ohm).
NXL600.1D (1CH/600W RMS MonoBlock)
This diagram depicts the installation for the 1-channel NXL600.1D MonoBlock amplifier. It features RCA inputs and Line Output jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). The single set of speaker terminals, SUB+ and SUB-, connects to a subwoofer rated for 1-8 OHM. Wire color codes are: SUB+ (Black), SUB- (Black/White Stripes).
NXL400.4D (4CH/400W RMS)
This diagram shows the installation for the 4-channel NXL400.4D amplifier. It includes Front and Rear RCA inputs, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Four sets of speaker terminals (FR+, FR-, FL+, FL-, RR+, RR-, RL+, RL-) are shown, connecting to speakers rated for 2-8 OHM. A detailed speaker wire color code table is provided: FR+ (Grey), FR- (Grey/Black Stripe), FL- (White/Black Stripe), FL+ (White), RR+ (Purple), RR- (Purple/Black Stripe), RL- (Green/Black Stripe), RL+ (Green). Bridge Mode options for front and rear channels are illustrated for subwoofer connections (4-8 ohm).
NXL800.5D (5CH/800W RMS)
This diagram illustrates the installation for the 5-channel NXL800.5D amplifier. It features Front, Rear, and Sub RCA inputs, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Speaker outputs include four pairs for front/rear speakers (FL+, FL-, FR+, FR-, RL+, RL-, RR+, RR-) connecting to 2-8 OHM speakers, and one pair for a subwoofer (SUB+, SUB-) connecting to a 4-8 ohm subwoofer. A table lists speaker wire color codes for all channels. Bridge Mode options are shown for front/rear channels and subwoofer connections.
NXL850.4D (4CH/850W RMS)
This diagram shows the installation for the 4-channel NXL850.4D amplifier. It includes Front and Rear RCA inputs, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Four sets of speaker terminals (FR+, FR-, FL+, FL-, RR+, RR-, RL+, RL-) are shown, connecting to speakers rated for 2-8 OHM. A detailed speaker wire color code table is provided: FR+ (Grey), FR- (Grey/Black Stripe), FL- (White/Black Stripe), FL+ (White), RR+ (Purple), RR- (Purple/Black Stripe), RL- (Green/Black Stripe), RL+ (Green). Bridge Mode options for front and rear channels are illustrated for subwoofer connections (4-8 ohm).
NXL900.6D (6 CH/900W RMS)
This diagram illustrates the installation for the 6-channel NXL900.6D amplifier. It features Front, Rear, and 5/6 RCA inputs, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Six sets of speaker terminals (CH1+ to CH6-) are shown, connecting to speakers rated for 2-4 OHMS. A detailed table lists PIN, Wire Color, and Printed Sleeve for each channel, including bridging options (e.g., Bridge+(CH1/2)).
NXL1100.1D (1CH/1100W RMS Class-D MonoBlock)
This diagram depicts the installation for the 1-channel NXL1100.1D MonoBlock amplifier. It features RCA inputs and Line Output jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). The single set of speaker terminals, SUB+ and SUB-, connects to a subwoofer rated for 1-8 OHM. Wire color codes are: SUB+ (Black), SUB- (Black/White Stripes).
NXL1000.8D (8CH/1000W RMS)
This diagram illustrates the installation for the 8-channel NXL1000.8D amplifier. It features RCA inputs for channels 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8, and Line Output RCA jacks. Power connections are +12V, GND, and REM, with a fuse recommended at the battery for wire short protection (using 10 AWG wire for 4-7 ft, or 8 AWG for 7-15 ft). Eight sets of speaker terminals (CH1+ to CH8-) are shown, connecting to speakers rated for 2-4 OHMS. A detailed table lists PIN, Wire Color, and Printed Sleeve for each channel, including bridging options (e.g., Bridge+(CH1/2)).
Warranty Information
Should your amplifier require service, please consult the dealer from which it was purchased or contact DS18 Local Dealer. Do not attempt to return your amplifier directly without first calling for a Return Authorization Number. Units received without an accompanying Return Authorization Number will be processed more slowly. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt from an authorized dealer for in-warranty service consideration; otherwise, repair charges will apply. Units received without a receipt will be held for 30 days for contact to obtain a copy of the receipt. After 30 days, units will be returned without repair.
More Information
For more information, please visit DS18.COM.
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