ETON AM500 1-Channel Class-D Amplifier

Introduction

ETON thanks you for purchasing this amplifier module and congratulates you on selecting this excellent product. The ETON amplifier module guarantees outstanding performance. Its electrical, mechanical, and tonal characteristics will be maintained at the original high standard throughout the entire operational life of the product. We wish you many pleasant listening hours.

This manual is designed to ensure correct installation and operation. It contains information and essential procedures for the correct functioning of the product and its attached external devices. Please read the manual carefully before beginning installation or connection of the subwoofer with the active amplifier module.

Contents

• 4-Pin High-level input connection cable
• Cable remote control
• Airtight aluminium die-cast reinforcement module
• Speaker cable / screws with cabinet sealing

Safety Instructions

Attention! Please read all warnings in this manual. This information is highlighted to inform you of potential danger of personal injury or damage to property.

Hearing Damage

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 85dB can cause permanent hearing loss. High-powered auto-sound systems may produce sound pressure levels well over 130 dB, potentially causing permanent hearing damage. Use common sense and avoid such risks!

Volume and Driver Awareness

Using sound components can impair your ability to hear necessary traffic sounds, potentially creating a hazard while driving. ETON accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

ATTENTION! If sheet metal must be cut or removed, contact your authorized car dealer for professional advice. Damage to supporting body structures may lead to the withdrawal of the vehicle's operating permit.

Packaging and Contents

The AM 500 amplifier module features an aluminium die-cast housing and is packed in a protective carton. Do not damage the packaging and store it for future use in case of damage. Upon receipt, verify that the packaging is intact, the contents match specifications, and the product shows no obvious damage. If parts are missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately, providing the model name and serial number.

Tools Required

• Fuse-holder and fuse
• Wrench for battery post
• Wire strippers
• Wire cutters
• Tongs
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Additional tools for removing vehicle panels
• Power, remote, and speaker wires of adequate length, diameter, and color
• Suitable sealing tape / sealants

NOTE: We recommend using power cable of at least 4 AWG (approx. 20 mm²) for the power (B+) and ground connections.

Precautions - Read First

Caution! Before installation, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire, or injury. This may not be possible in all modern vehicles; consult your carmaker or owner's handbook regarding battery changes.

Note: Installation and adjustment should only be entrusted to qualified personnel. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

Warning! Before connecting external devices not belonging to this amplifier unit, refer to their respective operation instructions.

Warning! Do not attempt to repair the amplifier module yourself. Contact your ETON dealer for technical assistance. Unauthorized modifications will void the warranty.

Warning! The amplifier module is designed for installation in custom subwoofer cabinets and the ETON RES 10 AR. Ensure airtightness towards the subwoofer using sealing tape/sealants that do not affect the module's function or cooling. The module generates waste heat transferred to the aluminium housing, which acts as a passive heat sink. This can pose a risk of injury (burns) or damage to surrounding parts. Operate only when permanently installed or mounted in a suitable frame/enclosure. The module is designed for a +12 Volt DC power supply.

Before Installation

This section focuses on considerations for installing the amplifier module in suitable subwoofer enclosures. If installing in a non-ETON or custom enclosure, check space availability and subwoofer chassis technical specifications. Compare the AM 500 module's specifications with your subwoofer chassis to ensure compatibility.

Before installing, follow these rules:

1. Read and understand the instructions carefully before attempting installation.
2. For third-party or custom enclosures, determine the amplifier module's placement. Prepare an installation opening with sufficient depth and a flat contact area.
3. Check your subwoofer chassis' impedance and maximum load capacity. Adjust the module's power accordingly. To do this, remove the front panel by unscrewing all hexagon socket screws (SW 2.5). Pay attention to screw types and positions; do not interchange them during reassembly.

If your subwoofer has a 2 Ω impedance and only one voice coil connection, power limitation via a jumper (position) is mandatory. Use without a limiter is not permitted and may damage the amplifier module!

Features

Diagram showing the ETON AM 500 amplifier module with numbered controls.

• 1. Low-Level Inputs / RCA Cinch Inputs
• 2. Wired Remote Control Input
• 3. Status LED (ON/OFF/PROTECT)
• 4. Phase Shift (0° / 180°)
• 5. GAIN / Sensitivity (MIN / MAX)
• 6. LPF Low Pass Filter (adjustable 40 – 125 Hz)
• 7. Bass Boost (adjustable 0 dB – 12 dB)
• 8. High-Level Input
• 9. High-Level Input Impedance (INPUT LOAD): 10 / 150 / 600 Ω
• 10. High-Level Input Voltage: 15 V / 40 V
• 11. Auto Turn On Detection: SIG (Signal), DC (Voltage), REM (Remote +12V)
• 12. Fuses: Min. 2 x 30 A ATC
• 13. +12V Power Input
• 14. REM Input (Remote In +12V)
• 15. -GND Input (Ground)
• 16. Power Limiter via Jumper: (Front plate must be removed)
• 17. Subsonic Filter (ON/OFF)

Power Limiter

As mentioned, power limitation is required for subwoofers operating at 2 Ω. If your subwoofer has a single voice coil and a 2 Ω resistance, the front panel must be removed to move the jumper. Pay attention to screw types and positions when opening.

Three jumper positions are available. Ensure vertical installation of jumpers:

1. Position 1 (Left): Standard position, no power limitation.
2. Position 2 (Middle): 2nd level of power limitation.
3. Position 3 (Right): 3rd level of power limitation, recommended for small or weak subwoofer chassis.

Please limit the power according to your subwoofer chassis. Excessive amplifier power can damage the subwoofer chassis, cause fuse short circuits, or damage the amplifier.

Power Limiter Output Specifications:

• STAGE 1 (Left Jumper): 1 x 540 W RMS at 4 Ω (no limiter). Power at 2 Ω without limiter is not supported.
• STAGE 2 (Middle Jumper): 1 x 250 W RMS at 4 Ω (mid limiter); 1 x 485 W RMS at 2 Ω (mid limiter).
• STAGE 3 (Right Jumper): 1 x 165 W RMS at 4 Ω (high limiter); 1 x 325 W RMS at 2 Ω (high limiter).

(All specifications are *1% THD IEC468 Weighting)

Installation into a Subwoofer Cabinet

Insert the active amplifier module into a suitable subwoofer enclosure. Cut a hole of approximately 188 x 64 mm. Test-fit the enclosure and mark screw points. Pre-drilling the 6 screw points with a smaller HSS drill bit is recommended to prevent fraying. Ensure sufficient space behind the module for heat dissipation, avoiding direct contact with insulation material or cables. Ensure a flat and tight installation. Remove any protrusions from the cut edge using sandpaper or a file. An airtight installation can be achieved using EPDM sealing tape. When connecting the subwoofer chassis, ensure correct polarity: red = plus (+), black = minus (-). Cut connection cables to appropriate length; excessively long cables can cause interference.

Secure the amplifier module firmly using suitable screws. Ensure no cables are trapped. The module must be seated flat, using suitable, heat-resistant sealants (e.g., EPDM sealing tape).

Installation and Wiring

Wiring Diagram (Power Input)

Diagram shows connections for Power Input: +12V Battery (red cable), Fuse (30A recommended), +12V Remote On (REM input), and Chassis Ground (black cable). Ensure proper cable gauge (min. 4 AWG / 20 mm²) and short cable runs (max. 45 cm) for the fuse holder to the battery positive terminal.

Use high-quality, fine-stranded OFC copper cables. Ensure properly stripped cable ends, using suitable wire end ferrules and ring/fork terminals. Cables must be properly protected with a fuse (min. 60 A). Use a predefined grounding point on your car body or create one by removing paint, cleaning, drilling, and securely fastening the ground point. If bodywork or sheet metal work is involved, consult your vehicle manufacturer and avoid damaging load-bearing parts. Seek advice from your dealer. Connect the switch-on plus/remote line to the "REM" terminal.

Wiring Diagram (Hi-Level Input)

Diagram shows connections for Hi-Level Input. For high-level connection, connect the adapter cable set to the vehicle's audio signal cables: White cable to the right positive channel (+), white/black cable to the right negative channel (-). Grey cable to the left positive channel (+), and grey/black cable to the left negative channel (-). Then connect the adapter cable set to the amplifier's High-Level Input.

Installation and Wiring (cont.)

Wiring Diagram (Lo-Level Input / RCA Cinch)

For low-level input (RCA/Cinch), ensure correct channel assignment (left/right). Use multi-shielded RCA cables with flow direction indicators to reduce noise interference. Avoid routing audio signal cables (RCA) alongside power cables. Ensure cables are firmly plugged in to prevent signal failures.

Remote Control

You can adjust your subwoofer's level using the wired remote control. Plug the supplied remote control cable into the module, listening for the click to confirm engagement. The remote control can be installed anywhere in the vehicle.

Adjustment and Start-up

Before powering on, check all wiring for damage, ensure connections are secure, and verify fuse protection. Reconnect the vehicle battery's positive terminal or switch on the +12V power supply. If a separate remote (+12V switch-on plus) line is not used, the integrated Auto-Turn On function can be utilized. The module can be switched to SIG (Signal Detection) or DC (Voltage Detection). The amplifier will turn on based on the detected signal. If a remote cable is used, the switch must be set to "REM".

Turn on your audio source/head unit. The amplifier should start. Check the status LED for the current status. A red LED indicates an error; begin troubleshooting or contact your ETON dealer.

INPUT LOAD Setting

If connected via the high-level input, set the audio input signal impedance (INPUT LOAD). Options are 10 Ω, 150 Ω, and 600 Ω.

• 10 Ω: If a loudspeaker was connected to the head unit/control unit or amplifier.
• 150 Ω: If an amplifier/booster was factory-connected or previously installed. Recommended for VW/Audi/Skoda.
• 600 Ω: If an amplifier/booster was factory-connected or previously installed. Recommended for BMW.

INPUT VOLTAGE Setting

When using the high-level input signal, filter it against distortion. If the signal is from a factory or aftermarket amplifier, it has a higher voltage. For optimal input quality, set the toggle switch to 40 V input voltage. If the signal is from a standard radio/head unit without an additional amplifier, set the switch to 15 V input voltage, as this signal has less voltage.

Adjustment and Start-up (cont.)

LPF Low Pass Filter

The module has a built-in low-pass filter to cut frequencies between 40 and 125 Hz.

Subsonic Filter

The AM 500 features a switchable subsonic filter from 25 Hz (12 dB/octave slope).

Phase Shift

You can reverse the subwoofer's polarity by rotating the phase by 180°. The louder setting is usually the correct phase; test with various music tracks.

GAIN Input Sensitivity

Adjust input sensitivity by setting the head unit to "Flat". Remove all Bass Boost, EQ, and other tone controls. Set the fader to the center for a neutral stereo audio signal. Turn your radio/head unit volume to approximately 3/4 of maximum. Slowly turn the GAIN control clockwise from "Min" until the audio signal begins to distort or no longer increases in volume. Repeat this process to find the optimal point, then slightly reduce the gain. Test with various music tracks for best results. Ensure LPF and Bass Boost settings do not negatively affect gain adjustment. Set "Bass Boost" to 0 dB and adjust the LPF filter frequency concurrently with the gain.

Technical Data

Conformity & GPSR

This marking indicates that within the EU, this product should not be disposed of with other household wastes. To prevent risks to the environment or human health, please recycle responsibly to encourage the reuse of material resources. Use available return and collection systems, or contact the retailer where you purchased the product for safe recycling.

The product bears the [CE certification mark].

Notes

Notes section for user annotations.

Disclaimer

ETON reserves the right to make modifications or improvements to the products illustrated without notice. All rights reserved. Partial reproduction of this manual is prohibited.