Phoenix Gold RX2 Series Monoblock Power Amplifiers Owner's Manual

Introduction

The RX2-series amplifiers represent the next evolution of the reliable and great sounding RX series. Featuring a new, more efficient circuit design, these amplifiers offer increased power output while decreasing chassis size. They are designed to be the reference for style and value in any installation. Built with the legendary Phoenix Gold reliability, they feature heavy-duty heatsinks, robust unregulated power supplies, and oversized direct input power and speaker terminals. The audiophile-grade output transistors ensure exceptional sound quality. Upgrading your stock system is made easy with high-level inputs, allowing you to retain your OEM radio while enhancing the sound. RX2-series amplifiers deliver effortless power and clarity in a convenient chassis size. The PG name plate is rotatable to match your installation's orientation, allowing you to showcase your system.

Models: RX2 1000.1 • RX2 500.1 • RX2 250.1

Features

• Class-D Topology: RX2 1000.1 / RX2 500.1
• Class-A/B Topology: RX2 250.1
• Small Footprint Chassis Design
• Robust Unregulated Power Supplies
• Rotatable Name Badge for Installation Flexibility
• High Level Inputs for Easy OEM Integration
• Remote Bass Controller Included
• Audio Precision® Quality Control Verification

Specifications

RX2 1000.1 Specifications

RX2 500.1 Specifications

RX2 250.1 Specifications

Note on Power Ratings: All RX2 amplifiers are conservatively rated and will exceed their RMS power ratings. All RMS power ratings and measurements are at 14.4 volts with no more than 1% THD.

Remote Bass Controller: Under-dash or console mountable level controller. Fine-tune your bass output with a simple turn of the precision controller. Includes Amplifier Status LED for easy reference. 16ft of cable included.

Rotatable Badging: Rotate for proper orientation to match installation needs.

Product Controls and Terminals

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL: This port connects to the remote subwoofer level control, allowing up to 20dB of volume adjustment. This controls the level of the low-pass signal, not bass boost.

BASS EQ: Selectable EQ with boost adjustment to 0dB, 6dB, or 12dB.

LPF (LOW PASS FILTER): Controls the low-pass crossover point. Continuously variable from 40Hz to 200Hz.

LOW INPUT: Connect preamp signal cables from the head unit or signal processor to these terminals.

SUBSONIC: Controls the subsonic high-pass filter crossover point. Continuously variable from 10Hz to 40Hz to remove low frequencies, increasing system efficiency, output, and speaker protection.

GAIN: Used to achieve maximum amplifier power with a wide variety of input signal sources and levels.

HIGH INPUT: Used when utilizing a source unit with high-level output and no RCA signal connections, such as an OEM factory source unit or aftermarket head unit.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS: Used to connect the amplifier to speakers. The minimum impedance for RX2 250.1 and RX2 500.1 is 2 ohms. The minimum impedance for the RX2 1000.1 is 1 ohm.

POWER/PROTECT LED: Amplifier status indicator. Blue indicates all systems are working and the amplifier is on. Red indicates protection mode (Thermal, Short Circuit, or Blown Fuse). Refer to Troubleshooting section.

FUSE: On-board fuse protection via ATC fuses. If a fuse blows, replace it only with the same value to avoid damage and voiding the warranty.

BATT+ (Battery Positive): Must be connected to the fused positive terminal (+12V) of the car's battery. A fuse must be located within 18 inches of the battery to protect the vehicle, fused at or below the amplifier's onboard fuse rating.

REMOTE: Must be connected to a switched +12V source, typically a trigger wire from the head unit or an ignition lead.

GROUND: Must be connected to the negative terminal of the car's battery or bolted to a clean, unpainted part of the vehicle's chassis. Use of an Stinger Expert Ground Terminal (SPTE) is recommended.

Wiring Diagrams

Diagram 1: Parallel - Single Voice Coil

This is the simplest connection for a single voice coil speaker. Connect one positive lead from the amplifier's positive terminal (either is internally connected) to the speaker's positive terminal. Connect one negative lead from the amplifier's negative terminal to the speaker's negative terminal. The amplifier will see the same load impedance as the speaker (e.g., a 4 Ohm speaker presents a 4 Ohm load).

Diagram 2: Parallel - Single Voice Coil - Multiple Speakers

To wire multiple single voice coil speakers in parallel: Connect one positive lead from the amplifier's positive terminal to the positive terminal of the first speaker. Connect one negative lead from the amplifier's negative terminal to the negative terminal of the first speaker. Repeat these steps for the second speaker. The amplifier will see half the load impedance of a single speaker (e.g., two 4 Ohm speakers in parallel present a 2 Ohm load).

Diagram 3: Parallel - Dual Voice Coil

To connect to a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) speaker in parallel: Connect one positive lead from the amplifier's positive terminal to the positive terminal of the speaker's first voice coil. Connect one negative lead from the amplifier's negative terminal to the negative terminal of the speaker's first voice coil. Repeat these connections for the second voice coil. The amplifier will see half the impedance rating of each voice coil (e.g., a 4 Ohm DVC speaker wired this way presents a 2 Ohm load; a 2 Ohm DVC speaker presents a 1 Ohm load).

Diagram 4: Parallel - Dual Voice Coil - Multiple Speakers

To wire multiple DVC speakers in parallel: For each speaker, first connect the two voice coils in parallel (positive of coil 1 to positive of coil 2, negative of coil 1 to negative of coil 2). Then, connect the combined positive of the first speaker to the amplifier's positive terminal, and the combined negative to the amplifier's negative terminal. Repeat for the second speaker. The amplifier will see one quarter of the impedance rating of each voice coil (e.g., two 4 Ohm DVC speakers wired this way present a 1 Ohm load).

Diagram 5: Series - Single Speaker - Dual Voice Coil

To wire a DVC speaker in series: Connect one positive lead from the amplifier's positive terminal to the positive terminal of the speaker's first voice coil. Connect one negative lead from the amplifier's negative terminal to the negative terminal of the speaker's second voice coil. Connect a jumper wire between the negative terminal of the first voice coil and the positive terminal of the second voice coil. The amplifier will see the sum of the impedances of the two voice coils (e.g., two 2 Ohm voice coils wired in series present a 4 Ohm load).

Diagram 6: Series-Parallel - Dual Voice Coil - Multiple Speakers

To wire multiple DVC speakers in series-parallel: First, wire each speaker's dual voice coils in series (connect the negative of one coil to the positive of the other coil with a jumper wire, leaving one positive and one negative terminal open for each speaker). Then, connect the remaining positive terminal of the first speaker to the amplifier's positive terminal, and the remaining negative terminal to the amplifier's negative terminal. Repeat for the second speaker. The amplifier will see the same load as a single voice coil in this setup (e.g., 4 Ohm DVC speakers will present a 4 Ohm load; 2 Ohm DVC speakers will present a 2 Ohm load).

System Tuning

1. Install all system fuses.
2. Set amplifier input sensitivity controls to their minimum positions (fully counterclockwise).
3. Set all amplifier crossover switches according to your system's design.
4. Make preliminary adjustments to the crossover frequency; 80Hz is a good starting point for high and low pass. Fine-tune later for best sound quality.
5. If using a Remote Subwoofer Level Control, set it to maximum (fully clockwise).
6. Turn the head unit on with the volume set to minimum.
7. Visually check the amplifier has turned on via the power LED.
8. Check other components to ensure they are powered up.
9. Set the head unit's tone controls, balance, and fader to the center (flat) position. Turn off any loudness or other signal processing features.
10. Set the head unit's volume control to 3/4 of maximum. Play music you typically listen to.
11. Turn up the amplifier's sensitivity or input level control until the speakers reach maximum undistorted output.
12. Repeat sensitivity level adjustments for all other amplifiers.
13. Reduce the head unit's volume to a comfortable listening level.
14. Listen to various musical selections to check overall system balance (front to rear, midbass to midrange). Adjust levels to blend speakers correctly if one set is too loud.
15. Note for Subwoofers: For subwoofers controlled by the Remote level control, keep the level set from step 11 or 12. Use the control to blend subwoofers with the rest of the system. Subwoofer volume may need adjustment based on road noise and recording differences.
16. Fine-tune crossover frequencies for the smoothest possible blending of speaker sets.
17. Adjust Bass Equalization Controls on the amplifier, head unit, or processor if necessary to increase output.
18. Note on Bass Boost: Use bass boost controls sparingly. Every 3dB of boost requires double the power at 45Hz. If your subwoofer system requires significant boost, check for out-of-phase woofers, leaking subwoofer boxes, or incorrect box size.
19. With all levels set correctly, the system will reach overall maximum undistorted output at the volume level set in step 10.

Troubleshooting

NO POWER:

Check voltage at the amplifier with a DMM (volt meter) at the +12v and REM terminals (with head unit on). Voltage should be between 11.5V and 14.4V. Ensure the amplifier's ground connection is good and solid. Check the fuse at the battery. Use a meter to verify continuity across the fuse. If the fuse is blown, check the power wire and the amplifier for a short circuit. If the short is within the amplifier, contact a Phoenix Gold dealer. If no short is present, replace the fuse.

POWER WITHOUT SOUND:

Turn the amplifier off. Check all input and output signal cables and power connections. Check speakers for shorts using a DMM or by connecting them to another audio source. After verifying connections, turn the amplifier on again.

POWER, NO SOUND, PROTECT LED LIT:

The red PROTECT LED indicates thermal or over-current protection. High internal operating temperature triggers thermal shutdown; the amplifier will restart after cooling. A shorted speaker lead or operation into low impedance loads triggers over-current shutdown; cycle power at the amplifier's REM terminal to restore operation. Check for shorted speaker wiring, damaged speakers, or crossover systems if over-current shutdown occurs.

NO SOUND FROM ONE OR MORE CHANNELS:

Check the head unit's balance control. Check speaker connections and signal input connections. For very low output, check the head unit's fader control or the amplifier's input sensitivity level. Ensure the subsonic frequency control is not set too high and the LP frequency control is not set too low simultaneously.

FREQUENT AMPLIFIER SHUTDOWN WITH AUTOMATIC RECOVERY:

This indicates chronic thermal shutdown due to consistently high internal temperatures, often caused by inadequate ventilation. Ensure you are not running a lower-than-recommended impedance. Check for damaged speakers or passive crossover systems. Chronic thermal shutdown may also result from normal operation at elevated output power levels, which can be resolved by providing additional amplifier cooling, installing a higher-power amplifier, or reducing the amplifier's output level.

POWER CYCLES ON/OFF QUICKLY:

If the power indicator repeatedly turns off when the audio system is on, check all ground connections. Check the amplifier's connection to the battery. Check battery voltage; if low, recharge or replace the battery.

Product Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY ON AMPLIFIERS

Phoenix Gold warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized Phoenix Gold dealer in the United States of America. Phoenix Gold will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge if service is necessary due to manufacturing defect or malfunction. The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, product modification, neglect, failure to follow installation instructions, or unauthorized repair attempts. It does not cover incidental or consequential damages, or the cost of removing or reinstalling units. Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is also not covered.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTIES:

Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country's Authorized Phoenix Gold reseller, not by Phoenix Gold directly. Consumers needing service or warranty information for these products must contact their country's reseller.

Contact Information

Phoenix Gold is a Power Brand of AAMP Global.

15500 Lightwave Drive, Suite 202
Clearwater, Florida 33760

Phone: 866-788-4237

Email: info@phoenixgold.com

Website: www.phoenixgold.com

Copyright © 2018 Phoenix Gold. Designed and Engineered in the USA. Expertly Manufactured in China.