Cerwin-Vega CVP Series Amplifiers Manual

Introduction

Cerwin-Vega proudly introduces the reimagined CVP Series amplifiers, an exceptional fusion of power, performance, and affordability. Engineered with a compact footprint, CVP amplifiers fit virtually any installation environment without sacrificing output. The remarkable power-to-size ratio delivers clean, high-impact sound that punches well above its class. Combining premium sound quality, versatile features, and unbeatable value, this amplifier line aims to exceed expectations. Whether building a system for everyday driving or high-performance competition, CVP amplifiers offer a perfect balance of strength, style, and substance.

Warranty Information

Cerwin Vega (a division of CV & DA Holdings, Inc.) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase, provided it was purchased from an authorized Cerwin Vega retailer within the United States. This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchase in its original installation. The original purchaser must reside in the United States and be able to provide proof of purchase and installation from the authorized retailer. Should a manufacturing defect occur, Cerwin Vega will replace or repair the defective product with a product of the same or equivalent value and performance. Damage or failure caused by burnt voice coils, negligence, improper use, abuse, product modification, unauthorized repair attempts, accident, acts of God, or misrepresentations by retailers, and improper/inadequate packaging during return shipping are not covered.

Specifications

Installation Guide

General Precautions

WARNING: Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100dB can cause permanent hearing loss. Cerwin Vega amplifiers can exceed that level, so please exercise restraint when listening and enjoying your new amplifier.

• This unit is designed for negative ground 12V DC operation only.
• Total system impedance must not be less than 2 ohm in a bridged or stereo configuration (monoblocks are 1 ohm stable).
• Avoid installing the unit where it would be subject to high temperatures, direct sunlight, hot air, rain, moisture, or dust.
• Do not cover the amplifier with carpet or wires.
• Do not use the amplifier with a weak car battery; optimum performance depends on a normal battery supply voltage.
• For safety reasons, keep the volume of your car audio system moderate while driving to still hear normal traffic sounds and emergency vehicles.

Mounting Precautions

Although Cerwin Vega CVP amplifiers incorporate heat sinks and protection circuits, mounting the amplifier in a tight space without adequate air movement can damage internal circuitry over time. Choose a location that provides ample ventilation around the amplifier. For easy system set-up, mount the amplifier so side panel controls are accessible. To increase thermal run times on low impedance loads, an additional fan is recommended. Ensure any moving air across the amplifier reduces heat.

1. Mark mounting hole locations using a felt pen.
2. Mounting the amplifier on carpet will significantly reduce air flow, resulting in reduced thermal run times.
3. Mount the amplifier on a solid surface. Avoid mounting to subwoofer enclosures or areas prone to vibration. Do not install the amplifier on plastic or other combustible materials.
4. Prior to mounting, ensure you do not cut or drill into the fuel tank, fuel lines, brake lines, or electrical wiring.

Wiring Precautions

WARNING: It is important to upgrade the ground connection between the negative (-) battery post and the vehicle body or chassis to achieve optimum electrical performance.

1. Before installation, ensure the source unit power switch is in the OFF position.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) lead of the battery before making any power connections.
3. When making connections, ensure each one is clean and secure. Insulate all connections to prevent damage.
4. A secure clean ground connection is critical. Connect the ground directly to the car chassis to minimize resistance and avoid noise problems.
5. Add an external fuse on the amplifier's positive (+) power lead, connected as close as possible to the vehicle's (+) battery terminal (approx. 18 inches). Use a rating that equals the total current consumption at full output of all amplifiers in the system. This external fuse protects the vehicle from short circuits that can cause a fire.

Fuse Connection Diagram: Illustrates the placement of an inline fuse holder between the battery's positive terminal and the amplifier's power input, typically within 18 inches of the battery. The fuse rating should be equal to 1/2 of the full power current draw.

RCA Connection Diagram: Shows how to connect RCA cables from the source unit's pre-amp outputs to the amplifier's RCA inputs.

System Diagrams

CVP700.2 - 2 Channel Speaker Connection

Diagram Description: Shows how to connect two speakers in stereo mode (connecting to CH1 and CH2 speaker outputs) and how to connect two speakers in bridged mode (connecting to the CH1 positive and CH2 negative speaker outputs). Impedance should be 2-8Ω per channel or 4-8Ω bridged.

CVP1400.4/CVP2400.4 - 4 Channel Speaker Connection

Diagram Description: Illustrates connecting four speakers in stereo mode (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4) or two speakers in bridged mode (using CH1/CH2 and CH3/CH4 pairs). Impedance should be 2-8Ω per channel or 4-8Ω bridged.

CVP2400.1/CVP3600.1 - Mono Channel Speaker Connection

Diagram Description: Details connecting speakers to mono amplifiers. Options include connecting multiple speakers (e.g., two 4Ω speakers in parallel for a 2Ω load, or two 2Ω speakers in parallel for a 1Ω load) or a single speaker. The mono amplifiers are stable down to 1Ω.

Setup Guide

To adjust the gain setting, set the LPF to an arbitrary frequency (80Hz is a good starting point). Turn the amplifier gains all the way down (counterclockwise). If using a remote level control, plug it into the amplifier and turn it to the "MAX" position. Next, turn the source unit (headunit) volume up to almost full volume (usually about 2/3rds of the way up) or until distortion is audible. This will be NEARLY full volume on most source units. Next, increase the amplifier gain setting until adequate volume is achieved, or until distortion is audible, then turn it down a bit until the distortion is inaudible. Ideal signal-to-noise and dynamic range are achieved with the gain at minimum. Most users find adequate gain and volume at less than halfway in the adjustment range. Avoid setting the amplifier gain very high, as noise and distortion will increase significantly. Remember that GAIN is gain, NOT volume.

For a more in-depth level setting (gain adjustment) procedure, visit the Cerwin Vega website.

The LPF crossover adjustment can be fine-tuned based on vehicle, system configuration, and taste. Generally, a lower crossover frequency (below 60Hz) provides a tighter sound, while crossing over higher (above 70Hz) results in a more robust, tubbier sound.

After setting the input gain adjustment and crossover, you may choose to add a small amount of "Bass Boost" in the low-frequency region. Remember that the Bass Boost/EQ filter feature will not fix a poorly designed subwoofer enclosure or subwoofers that didn't sound good to begin with.

Ensure any bass EQ or low-frequency equalization from the source unit is set to OFF or FLAT. While playing the same musical selections used during the gain setting process, slowly increase the level of the Bass EQ/EQ filter. If you do not notice much difference, it will not serve any benefit to increase the boost further. If the boost has audible benefits without adding appreciable distortion, find a level that suits your taste. It is much easier to construct the right subwoofer enclosure for your listening preferences than relying on a bass boost control.

Features and Controls

The CVP Series amplifiers offer various controls and features for optimal audio performance. These include Status LEDs, High Pass Filter (HPF) Crossover, Low Pass Filter (LPF) Crossover, Gain adjustment, Bass Boost, RCA and High-level inputs, XOVER mode selection, Remote Level Control port, Speaker Outputs, and Power Input terminals.

Feature Descriptions:

• 1. Status LEDs: Indicate amplifier status (green for normal operation, red for protection fault).
• 2. HPF Crossover Adjustment: Selects the crossover point for high-pass filtering. Range varies by model (e.g., 52-400 Hz for CVP700.2/CVP1400.4/CVP2400.4; 10-250 Hz for CVP2700.5; 10-50 Hz for CVP2400.1/CVP3600.1).
• 3. LPF Crossover Adjustment: Selects the crossover point for low-pass filtering. Typically limited between 52-400 Hz.
• 4. GAIN: Matches the preamp stage of the amplifier to the source unit. This is NOT a volume control. Range is approximately 0.25V to 6V.
• 5. Bass Boost: Adds 0 to +12dB of boost at 45Hz. Use with caution to avoid overpowering subwoofer systems.
• 6. RCA INPUT: Standard Left and Right channel signal input via RCA jacks. Can accept either HI (speaker level) or LO (RCA) signals. Keep these away from power wiring to reduce noise.
• 7. XOVER: Switch to select crossover function: HPF (filters bass for midrange/mid-bass drivers), LPF (filters highs for subwoofers), or FLAT (no filter).
• 8. High-level input interface: Designed to receive analog audio signals from vehicle head units with auto-turn on (4-8V).
• 9. Remote Level Control: Allows the user to control the amplifier's gain level remotely, up to the maximum adjustment set on the amplifier. It does not add additional boost.
• 10. SPEAKER OUTPUT: Terminals for connecting speakers. Stereo connections are labeled. Bridged connections use specific terminals (e.g., LEFT + and RIGHT -).
• 11. POWER INPUT: Connections for input power, chassis ground, and remote turn-on. Use a minimum of 8 gauge wiring for power and ground connections (4 gauge recommended for monoblocks). Ensure any wiring passing through metal uses a grommet. Do not use CCA power/ground wire.