B² Audio Kraken User Manual

Introduction

The Kraken

Behold, the KRAKEN. The monster that comes from the depths. Lurking from the world below, where it has been known to man, for nearly one thousand years. A beast so unique in its appearance it was feared by any man travelling the sea!

So what has this got to do with an amplifier you may think? It fits straight in line with the folklore of the heritage of the brand. But it is a fitting description on an amplifier that goes above and beyond. This is exaggerated in any way, extreme because it can be, but finally it is for the select few. Those who want more, but don't adhere to any rules. The Kraken is our take on a fullbred competition amplifier. A pure powerhouse, a tool, a means to an end. But summed up, it is the amp you'd need to break barriers not meant to be broken.

To obtain the full potential of any amplifier & to minimize failure, the Kraken needs to run on a severely upgraded electrical system. Don't take any shortcuts, a better electrical equals enhanced performance and stability.

Note: Continuous exposure to SPL above 100 dB can seriously damage your hearing. High power auto sound systems can easily produce SPL above 140 dB. Enjoy your passion with sense and respect for the environment.

Design Features

KRAKEN

All features are subject to change in the continuing effort to improve the products without notice.

Continuous Output Power (RMS)

Measured @ <1% THD (50 Hz)

14.4 V < 1% THD

• Output Power @ 4 Ω: 9000 W
• Output Power @ 2 Ω: 16000 W
• Output Power @ 1 Ω: 30000 W

Operational Voltage: 9.5V~16V | Current Draw: 2700 A | Efficiency (Average): 80%

Descriptions of Specifications

Operation below minimum impedance will stress the amplifier & excessive heat can occur, causing the amplifier to go into thermal protection. The amplifier can eventually become unstable and components may break!

The circuit may sustain permanent damage and protection/clip lights won't turn off or flash sequentially. The amplifier can't be strapped/bridged.

Protection may also be caused by the following:

• Input voltage from headunit being too high/low / power supply voltage too high/low.
• Speaker overload
• Short circuit

[CAUTION] Speaker outputs will have rail voltage even after the amplifier has been turned off for a while! Do not short the connections!

Measure with a DMM (Multi meter) prior to making any changes to the speaker wires.

[CAUTION] Full output power according to the spec is based on a sufficient electrical supply system. If your system is inadequate, the efficiency of the amplifier decreases, hurting the performance!

The Kraken will need a dedicated AGM battery supply of min 2500 Ah and 30000 CCA. If you are using a common lithium source of 6C, a 500 Ah lithium battery is needed.

Panel Layout

Diagram Description: The front panel features input and output RCA jacks, controls for Subsonic, LPF, Gain, and Boost, a Remote Level Control Port, and indicator LEDs (PWR, CLIP, PRT). It also has speaker output terminals.

Input

RCA signal input from the source unit. Use a signal of min 0.2 V to max 5 V to ensure proper operation.

Output

RCA signal output routed from the input signal. Can be used to provide signal to subsequent amplifiers.

Subsonic (12 dB/Oct)

Variable high pass crossover (subsonic) from 15 Hz to 50 Hz. It is highly recommended to set it according to the tuning of your loudspeakers enclosure / t/s parameters to avoid unnecessary strain to your sound system.

LPF (12 dB/Oct)

Variable low pass crossover from 40 Hz to 180 Hz.

Gain

Adjusts signal input voltage from the input source to match the amplifier's input stage. 5V ~ 0.2V is the voltage range. Sudden voltage spikes or voltages beyond the above may cause errors or damages to the input section. Eventually the amplifier can go into protect. It is advisable to use a low (< 1V) input if the amplifier is driven into a low ohm load.

Boost

Level control with 0~12 dB. Any level of more than 3 dB is not advisable. It can lead to a highly clipped signal, which can damage your speakers. Use it with caution and set your gain correctly.

Remote Level Control Port

Connection of external level controller with clipsensor and voltmeter. Caution, it is not a volume knob and shall be adjusted in accordance with the amplifier's gain.

PWR / CLIP / PRT

PWR LED lit: means amp is operational after a health check start up sequence.

CLIP flashing indicates the signal is occasionally above 1% THD. As long as it is not constantly lit or flashing over a longer duration of time, there should be no harm. However a lit CLIP LED can and will have potential to cause damage to the loudspeakers connected.

PRT lit: the amp has gone into protection, caused by either circuit damage, short circuit, thermal issues etc. If so, turn the amp off, check all connections and review your entire system. Let the amp cool down. Read the troubleshooting section of the manual for further info.

Speaker Output

4 pin layout speaker terminal. Each pair is internally bridged. Do not attempt to bridge externally. The minimum load is 1 Ω. Any connection below 1 Ω is not warranted. The amp can't be strapped or bridged in any way either.

This circuit design will have a high output voltage on BOTH speaker terminals, even after the amplifier has been shut off for a while. For any connections or changes in configuration, do measure if voltage is still present prior to doing so. This will avoid potential shorted circuits.

Power Terminals

Diagram Description: The rear panel displays power input terminals (GND, +12V), remote input (REM), and remote output (REM OUT) for external devices. It shows how to connect the battery and remote turn-on sources.

GND (Ground Connection)

Connects to the vehicle's chassis. Keep as short as possible (< 20″ / 50 cm). Use minimum 0AWG cable for optimal operation.

OUT (Remote Output)

Switched remote output for additional devices such as amplifiers, signal processors etc.

+12V (Power Connection)

Connects to the positive terminal of the battery. For specified performance 0AWG cable is required. Fuses shall be placed within 8″ / 20 cm of the battery.

REM (Remote Input)

Switched remote input connection.

[CAUTION] Installation of the amplifier shall be done in the following steps:

1. Connect the +12V wire, keep in mind this wire has to be fused at the battery as well.
2. Ensure the ground is appropriate, then connect it to the amplifier.
3. Connect the switched remote.
4. Reattach negative wire (ground) to the battery.
5. Operation over 16V will cause the amplifier to go into protect & can void the warranty!

Installation

Installation Considerations

If you choose to install the amplifier by yourself, please read the entire owner's manual carefully. Before you start your installation, please take all steps into consideration.

If in doubt, please go to www.b2audio.com for authorized distributors / dealers that will be able to configure your set up & ensure the warranty of your amplifier.

Preparation

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before mounting or making any connection. Check the battery & alternator ground (-) connection. Make sure they are properly connected/dimensioned & free of corrosion. Before selecting a mounting location for the amplifier, please take cooling & safety into consideration. Avoid areas with excessive vibration & up side down installation!

In order to avoid excessive heat from the amplifier, it is recommended to find a mounting location that allows for vertical positioning of the heatsink fins. For safety purposes, install the amplifier in a dry and well ventilated location and make sure no cables or other harness of the car is interfaced with the mounting location or will present a hazard to the car's cable, control cables, fuel lines/tanks, hydraulic lines or other components of the vehicle. Route the RCA cables away from high current wires, if possible run RCA, Power and Speaker cables individually and with a good distance from each other.

Power Connectors

12V (Power Connection)

Before mounting the amplifier, disconnect the negative (-) wire from the battery to protect any accidental damage to the amplifier or the audio system. The amplifiers are equipped with 0 AWG power & ground terminals. It is crucial that all terminals are used with the adequate cable to ensure correct operation.

Connect the power cables to the power terminal labeled as +12V. The amplifier is not equipped with fuses, so external fuses are required at both the battery and the amplifier. Connect one end of the fuse holder to the power cable and the other end of the fuse holder to the positive battery terminal within 8″ /20 cm of the same cable. The same shall be done at the other end of the cable that connects to the amplifier. The fuses will protect the system and the vehicle against the possibility of a short circuit in the power cable. Make sure that the fuses and the fuse holder is according to the system requirements.

GND (Ground Connection)

Locate a secure grounding connection as close as possible to the amplifier. Make sure the location is clean and provides a direct electrical connection to the chassis of the vehicle. Connect one end of an equal sized cable as the positive cable to the location of ground. It is important that the ground cable is as short as possible, but no longer than 20″ / 50 cm at maximum. Run one end of the cable to the grounding point. Run the other end of the cable to the mounting location. Connect the ground cable to the terminals labeled as GND.

REM (Remote Connection )

Run a remote turn on cable from the switched +12 V source. This may be a toggle switch, a relay, the source unit's remote output cable or power antenna trigger cable. Connect the remote turn on cable to the power terminal labeled as REM. The REM out terminal is mainly intended for connection of another amplifier ran in a chain, but it can also be used for other units.

INPUT (RCA Cable)

Run the RCA cables away from the high current cables / speaker cables and connect to the amplifier. Use high quality cables with a secure grounding point to avoid amplifier malfunction and / or alternator whine.

Speaker Connection

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the connection of speaker wires to the amplifier's 4-pin speaker output terminals. It illustrates positive (+) and negative (-) connections for each speaker pair, noting they are internally bridged.

Speaker Impedance: 1 Ohm ~ 8 Ohm

Loads under what is specified will cause excessive heat & the amplifier will reach thermal at a faster rate & will eventually go into protect. Impedance load under 1 ohm is not warranted!

We recommend using minimum 8 Ga speaker cables to acquire the intended performance & efficiency. Run the speaker cables from your speakers to the amplifier's mounting location. Ensure these are ran separately and away from high current cables and if possible the RCA cables as well. In all cases where cables are penetrating the vehicle's chassis use grommets to protect the cable.

Connect the speaker wires according to the terminals on the speaker(s). Strip 3/8″ / 1 cm of insulation of the end of each cable and twist the cable strands together tightly. Make sure there are no stray strands that could touch other cables or terminals as it can cause a short circuit.

Crimp spade plugs over the end of the cable or tin the ends with solder to provide a solid terminal. Connect the cable ends to the amplifier as shown in the diagram. Note, the amplifier's speaker terminals are internally bridged.

[CAUTION] Installation of the amplifier shall be done in the following steps:

1. Connect the +12V wire, keep in mind this wire has to be fused at the battery as well.
2. Ensure the ground is appropriate, then connect it to the amplifier.
3. Connect the switched remote.
4. Reattach negative wire (ground) to the battery.
5. Operation over 16V will cause the amplifier to go into protect & can void the warranty!

Troubleshooting

The protection circuits of the amplifier prevents severe damages from faulty conditions & improper use. The protection indicator will switch on due to short circuit connection & speaker overload, thus the amplifier will be turned off. Prior to inspecting the occurred problem, turn all levels down & all power off, then carefully check the installation for wiring mistakes, shorts or faulty ground (GND). If the amplifier shuts down due to excessive heat, the protection indicator will light up; please allow time for the unit to be cooled off. Before removing your amplifier, refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures step by step. If not at ease, contact an authorized installer which can assist you.

Amplifier Doesn't Turn On

• Measure voltage on the +12V terminal.
• Ensure that the remote terminal has min. 13.8 V DC remote connection.
• Recheck the ground (GND) connection. Inspect the in-line fuses.
• Check the protection LED is not on.

Protection LED is Lit Once the Amplifier is Turned On

• Check shorts on speaker wires & the connected load / impedance. Check power cables & GND.
• Disconnect the speaker cables and reset the amplifier.
• High / Low voltage, operation voltage is 9.5V~16. Voltages below / beyond this will cause the amplifier to go into protect.

Fuse Blowing

• Measure the speaker impedance & that it is in accordance with the configuration.
• Inspect the power cable for shorts along with vehicle chassis.

Overheating

• Measure the speaker impedance & that it is in accordance with the configuration.
• Check speaker shorts.
• Ensure airflow around the amplifier is sufficient & that the amplifier is not installed in areas of excessive vibration & upside down!

Audio Output Insufficient - Distorted Sound

• Ensure that the gain settings on the amplifier is matched with the output level of the head unit.
• Adjust the head unit volume.
• Check speaker shorts.
• Adjust the crossover frequencies in accordance with the setup.
• If no output at all, check the RCA connections & the cable itself.

Turn On Thump

• Disconnect the signal input to the amplifier, then turn it on and off.
• a) If the noise is cancelled, then connect a delay turn on module on the REM wire running from the source unit to the amplifier.
• b) Use another 12V source for REM lead to the amplifier. If the noise is cancelled, use a relay to isolate the amplifier from the turn on thump.

High Hiss - Alternator Whine

• Ensure that all signal transferring wires (RCA, speaker cables etc) are kept separately / away from the power and the ground wires.
• Bypass all electrical components between the Head unit and the amplifier. Connect the Head unit directly to the amplifier's input. If the noise is eliminated, the unit bypassed is the one causing the noise.
• Remove the existing ground wires for all electrical components installed. Ensure that the point of ground is 100% metal which has been grinded free of rust, paint etc.
• Replace the ground cable from the OEM battery / alternator and ensure it is grounded accordingly.
• Test the battery and alternator load (can be carried out by a professional).
• Ensure that the vehicle's electrical system is in a good condition, this includes distributor, alternator, spark plugs / wires, voltage regulators etc.

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Limited Warranty Information

AUDIOPHILE ACOUSTICS B² SWEET LIKE DANISH

B2 audio offers a limited warranty under the following terms:

The product is to be free of defects in material & workmanship under normal use for a period of 1 year from the date of the original purchase, when installed by an authorized dealer. Items not installed by authorized dealers will be warrantied for 30 days from the original purchase. Original sales receipt must be accompanied with all returns. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the product & it being sold by authorized B2 audio dealers.

The warranty does not cover:

1. Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, improper operation, water / solvents & shipping.
2. Product modification, neglect, failure to follow installation instructions & misrepresentation by the seller.
3. Products used for competition purposes or are of such a character.
4. Any product that has been opened.
5. Products that has had the serial number defaced, altered or removed.
6. The cost of shipping the product back for repair to an authorized repair centre & cost of return of non-defective items.