DS18 CANDY-X Series Digital Amplifiers Owner's Manual
This manual provides detailed information on the installation, operation, and specifications of the DS18 CANDY-X series digital car amplifiers.
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your DS18 CANDY-X Class D Amplifier. Designed with the latest electronic technology, these amplifiers deliver high-quality stereo playback in mobile applications, featuring low harmonic distortion, ample reserve voltage, and high temperature stability.
Functions and Controls
This section details the various controls and their functions for different models.
DS18 CANDY-X1B / CANDY-XXL1B Controls
Top panel view showing controls labeled 1 through 9. Key controls include HIGH LEVEL INPUT, INPUT (Low Level), GAIN, BASS BOOST, BOOST FREQ, LPF, PHASE CONTROL, REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET, and REMOTE CONTROLLER.
- 1. HIGH LEVEL INPUT: High level input terminals. Features Auto Turn-On/Off functionality, activating the amplifier when an audio signal is detected from this port, eliminating the need for a REM cable.
- 2. LOW LEVEL INPUT: Left and right channel inputs for connecting preamplifier outputs from a source unit (head unit, CD player, DAT) or an external electronic crossover.
- 3. GAIN: Volume adjustment knob.
- 4. BASS BOOST: Adjusts bass boost level from 0dB to 18dB.
- 5. BOOST FREQUENCY: Sets the frequency range for bass boost, from 40Hz to 100Hz.
- 6. LPF (Low Pass Filter): Adjusts the low-pass filter frequency from 50Hz to 150Hz.
- 7. PHASE CONTROL: Phase adjustment switch, ranging from 0° to 180°.
- 8. REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET: Connection port for the remote controller, which allows for gain boost. Ensure the volume knob is at maximum before using the remote.
- 9. REMOTE CONTROLLER: Volume level knob, with a gain range of 0.2V to +6V.
Rear/side panel view showing terminals labeled 10 through 15. Key terminals include INDICATOR LIGHT (Blue for power, Red for protect), GND (Ground), REM (Remote), +12V (Power), FUSE, and SPEAKER outputs.
- 10. INDICATOR LIGHT: ? Blue LED indicates the amplifier is on and functioning. ? Red LED indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode is active.
- 11. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the vehicle chassis with a minimal cable length.
- 12. REM: Connects to the remote cable from the source unit to control amplifier switching (10-15V DC).
- 13. +12V: Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
- 14. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Replace only with the same type and rating.
- 15. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.
DS18 CANDY-X2B Controls
Top panel view showing controls labeled 1 through 6. Key controls include HIGH LEVEL INPUT, LOW LEVEL OUTPUT/INPUT, GAIN, BASS BOOST, FREQ, and X-OVER.
- 1. HIGH LEVEL INPUT: High level input terminals. Features Auto Turn-On/Off functionality, activating the amplifier when an audio signal is detected from this port, eliminating the need for a REM cable.
- 2. LOW LEVEL OUTPUT/INPUT: LOW LEVEL OUTPUT: A daisy chain output for connecting to another amplifier. LOW LEVEL INPUT: For connecting to any source (head unit) with a low level output (RCA).
- 3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
- 4. BASS BOOST: Adjusts bass boost level from 0dB to 12dB.
- 5. FREQ: Frequency adjusting knob, ranging from 40Hz to 2kHz.
- 6. X-OVER: Switches for High Pass Filter (HPF), Full Pass Filter (FULL), or Low Pass Filter (LPF).
Rear/side panel view showing terminals labeled 7 through 12. Key terminals include INDICATOR LIGHT (Blue for power, Red for protect), GND (Ground), POWER/REM, +12V (Power), FUSE, and SPEAKER outputs (LEFT, BRIDGE, RIGHT).
- 7. INDICATOR LIGHT: ? Blue LED indicates the amplifier is on and functioning. ? Red LED indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode is active.
- 8. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the vehicle chassis with a minimal cable length.
- 9. REM: Connects to the remote cable from the source unit to control amplifier switching (10-15V DC).
- 10. +12V: Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
- 11. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Replace only with the same type and rating.
- 12. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.
DS18 CANDY-X4B / CANDY-XXL4B Controls
Top panel view showing controls for CH1/2 and CH3/4. Key controls include HIGH INPUT, INPUT (Low Level), GAIN, X-OVER, FREQ, and BASS BOOST for each channel pair.
- 1. HIGH LEVEL INPUT: High level input terminals. Features Auto Turn-On/Off functionality.
- 2. LOW LEVEL INPUT: CH1/CH2/CH3/CH4 inputs for connecting preamplifier outputs from a source unit or external crossover.
- 3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
- 4. BASS BOOST: Adjusts bass boost level from 0dB to +12dB.
- 5. FREQ: Frequency adjusting knob, ranging from 40Hz to 2kHz.
- 6. X-OVER: Switches for High Pass Filter (HPF), Full Pass Filter (FULL), or Low Pass Filter (LPF).
Rear/side panel view showing terminals labeled 7 through 12. Key terminals include INDICATOR LIGHT (Blue for power, Red for protect), GND (Ground), POWER/REM, +12V (Power), FUSE, and SPEAKER outputs (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, BRIDGE).
- 7. INDICATOR LIGHT: ? Blue LED indicates the amplifier is on and functioning. ? Red LED indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode is active.
- 8. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the vehicle chassis with a minimal cable length.
- 9. REM: Connects to the remote cable from the source unit to control amplifier switching (10-15V DC).
- 10. +12V: Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
- 11. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Replace only with the same type and rating.
- 12. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.
DS18 CANDY-X5B Controls
Top panel view showing controls for CH1/2, CH3/4, and SUB. Key controls include HPF, X-OVER, GAIN, LOW INPUT, SUB GAIN, LPF, INPUT SELECT, SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET, and SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER BOX.
- 1. HPF: High-pass frequency adjusting knob, from 40Hz to 250Hz.
- 2. X-OVER: Switches for High Pass Filter (HPF) or Full Pass Filter (FLAT).
- 3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
- 4. LOW INPUT: Left and right channel inputs for connecting preamplifier outputs from a source unit or external crossover.
- 5. SUB GAIN: Knob for SUB volume adjustment.
- 6. LPF: Low pass frequency adjusting knob, from 50Hz to 150Hz.
- 7. INPUT SELECT: Allows the SUB channel input to work with CH 1/2/3/4 (A/B) or CH 5/6 (SUB).
- 8. SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET: Connects to the remote controller for SUB gain adjustment. Turn volume knob to maximum before using the remote.
- 9. SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER BOX: Volume level knob for SUB.
Rear/side panel view showing terminals labeled 10 through 15. Key terminals include INDICATOR LIGHT (Blue for power, Red for protect), GND (Ground), POWER/REM, +12V (Power), FUSE, and SPEAKER/SUB outputs (SUB, CH1, CH3, BRIDGE, SPEAKER, CH2, CH4).
- 10. INDICATOR LIGHT: ? Blue LED indicates the amplifier is on and functioning. ? Red LED indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode is active.
- 11. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the vehicle chassis with a minimal cable length.
- 12. REM: Connects to the remote cable from the source unit to control amplifier switching (10-15V DC).
- 13. +12V: Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
- 14. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Replace only with the same type and rating.
- 15. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.
System Wiring Diagrams
Refer to the following diagrams for proper system wiring configurations.
CANDY-X1B / CANDY-XXL1B: 2 Speaker Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's SPEAKER terminals are connected to two speakers. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X1B / CANDY-XXL1B: Single Speaker Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's SPEAKER terminal is connected to a single speaker. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X2B: 2 Channels Stereo Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's LEFT and RIGHT SPEAKER terminals are connected to two speakers. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X2B: Bridged Mode Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's BRIDGE SPEAKER terminals are connected to a single subwoofer. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X4B / CANDY-XXL4B: 4 Channels Stereo Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 SPEAKER terminals are connected to four speakers. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X4B / CANDY-XXL4B: 3 Channels Bridged Mode Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's BRIDGE SPEAKER terminals (likely CH1/CH3 or CH2/CH4 bridged) are connected to a subwoofer, and the remaining SPEAKER terminals (e.g., CH2 or CH4) are connected to a speaker. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X4B / CANDY-XXL4B: 2 Channels Bridged Mode Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's BRIDGE SPEAKER terminals (likely CH1/CH3 and CH2/CH4 bridged) are connected to two speakers or subwoofers. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X5B: 5 Channels Stereo Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's CH1/2, CH3/4, and SUB SPEAKER terminals are connected to front speakers, rear speakers, and a subwoofer, respectively. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
CANDY-X5B: 3 Channels Bridged Mode Configuration
Diagram shows connections from the source unit (head unit) to the amplifier's HIGH INPUT and REMOTE terminals. The amplifier's BRIDGE SPEAKER terminals (likely CH1/CH3 or CH2/CH4 bridged) are connected to a subwoofer, and another SPEAKER terminal (e.g., CH2 or CH4) is connected to a speaker. The amplifier's +12V terminal connects to the battery's positive terminal (with an inline fuse), and the GND terminal connects to the vehicle chassis ground. A remote turn-on lead from the source unit connects to the amplifier's REM terminal.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for each model in the DS18 CANDY-X series.
CANDY-X1B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 1800W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 240W |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 400W |
RMS Power @ 1 Ohm | 600W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~250Hz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | Fixed LPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 50Hz~150Hz |
Bass Boost Range | 0~18dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 40Hz~100Hz |
Phase Selector | 0~180° |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Monoblock Subwoofer |
Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
Minimum Impedance | 1 Ohm |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 20A x 3 |
Remote Level Control | Remote Dash Mount |
Thermal Protection | (>158°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
CANDY-XXL1B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 3000W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 400W |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 700W |
RMS Power @ 1 Ohm | 1000W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~250Hz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | Fixed LPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 50Hz~150Hz |
Bass Boost Range | 0~18dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 40Hz~100Hz |
Phase Selector | 0~180° |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Monoblock Subwoofer |
Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
Minimum Impedance | 1 Ohm |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 40A x 3 |
Remote Level Control | Remote Dash Mount |
Thermal Protection | (>158°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
CANDY-X2B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 800W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 2 x 120W |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 2 x 200W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Bridge | 350W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~20kHz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | LPF/FULL/HPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 40Hz~2kHz |
Bass Boost Range | 0/6/12dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 50Hz |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Stereo Full Range |
Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
Minimum Impedance | 2 Ohms St/4 Ohms Bridge |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 25A |
Thermal Protection | (>158°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
CANDY-X4B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 1600W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 4 x 120W |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 4 x 200W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Bridge | 2 x 350W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~20kHz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | LPF/FULL/HPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 40Hz~2kHz |
Bass Boost Range | 0/6/12dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 50Hz |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Stereo Full Range |
Number of Channels | 4 Channels |
Minimum Impedance | 2 Ohms St/4 Ohms Bridge |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 30A x 2 |
Thermal Protection | (>158°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
CANDY-XXL4B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 3200W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 4 x 220W |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 4 x 400W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Bridge | 2 x 750W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~20kHz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | LPF/FULL/HPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 40Hz~2kHz |
Bass Boost Range | 0/6/12dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 50Hz |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Stereo Full Range |
Number of Channels | 4 Channels |
Minimum Impedance | 2 Ohms St/4 Ohms Bridge |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 50A x 2 |
Thermal Protection | (>158°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
CANDY-X5B Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Total Watts (Peak) | 2000W |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms | 4 x 120W + 220W (SUB) |
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms | 4 x 200W + 360W (SUB) |
RMS Power @ 1 Ohm | 500W (SUB) |
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Bridge | 2 x 350W |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~20kHz / 20Hz~250Hz (SUB) |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 70dB |
Efficiency @ 4 Ohms | >75% |
Damping Factor | 26 |
Input Impedance | 10K Ohms |
Channel Separation | 50dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% |
Low Level Input Range | 0.2~6V |
High Level Input | 2~10V |
Selectable X-Over | FULL/HPF |
X-Over Filter Range | 40Hz~250Hz / 50Hz~150Hz (SUB) |
Bass Boost Range | 6dB/12dB |
Bass Boost Frequency | 50Hz |
Amplifier Class | Digital |
Amplifier Type | Stereo Full Range + Subwoofer |
Number of Channels | 5 Channels |
Minimum Impedance | 2 Ohms St/4 Ohms Bridge + 1 Ohm (Sub) |
Led Indicator | Power | Protect |
Power Input Terminal Size | 4 Ga |
Fuse Size | 40A x 2 |
Remote Level Control | Remote Dash Mount |
Thermal Protection | (>180°F) |
Over-Load Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Short Circuit Output Protection | ✔️ Yes |
Voltage Input Protection | (9-16V) |
Body Color | Finish | Black Matte |
Measurements
Physical dimensions for each amplifier model.
Diagrams showing overall length (A), width (B), height (C), and heatsink length (D) for the amplifier models.
Model | A (Length) | B (Width) | C (Height) | D (Heatsink Length) |
---|---|---|---|---|
CANDY-X1B | 8.3" / 211mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 7" / 180mm |
CANDY-XXL1B | 11" / 280mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 9.8" / 250mm |
CANDY-X2B | 6.5" / 165mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 5.27" / 134mm |
CANDY-X4B | 8.3" / 211mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 7" / 180mm |
CANDY-XXL4B | 13" / 330mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 11.8" / 300mm |
CANDY-X5B | 11" / 280mm | 5.9" / 150mm | 2.16" / 55mm | 9.8" / 250mm |
Troubleshooting
Common issues and their solutions.
Amplifier Will Not Power Up
- Check for good ground connection.
- Check remote DC terminal for at least 10V DC.
- Check for battery power on the + terminal.
- Check all FUSES.
- Ensure the protection LED is not lit. If lit, shut off amplifier briefly and repower.
High Hiss or Engine Noise (Alternator Whine) in Speakers
- Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifier. If the hiss or noise disappears, gradually reconnect each component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs until the faulty or noisy component is identified.
- It's advisable to set the amplifier input level as insensitive as possible to achieve the best subjective signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Try to drive the highest possible signal level from the head unit.
Protection LED Comes On When the Amplifier is Powered Up
- Check for shorts on speaker leads.
- Check that volume control on the head unit is turned down low.
- Remove speaker leads, and reset the amplifier. If the protection LED still comes on, then the amplifier is faulty.
- The amplifier will shut down automatically when the unit's temperature reaches 85°C. This protects the unit from damage.
Amplifier Gets Very Hot
- Check that the minimum speaker impedance for that model is correct.
- Check for speaker shorts.
- Check that there is good airflow around the amplifier. In some applications, an external cooling fan may be required.
Distorted Sound
- Check that the level control is set to match the signal level of the head unit.
- Check that all crossover frequencies have been properly set.
- Check for shorts on the speaker leads.
High Squeal Noise from Speakers
This is always caused by poorly grounded RCA patch cord.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Overly high volume can damage speakers.
- ⚠️ Use caution near gasoline tanks and electric wires.
- ⚠️ Protect connecting wires to avoid damage or short circuits.
- ⚠️ Power must be supplied from the battery anode via FUSE.
- ⚠️ Ensure the sound system is turned off when checking the amplifier.
- ⚠️ Always use the same type of FUSE when replacing.
Note: DS18 reserves the right to make necessary changes or improvements to the product without prior notice.
Warranty
For more information on the warranty policy, please visit DS18.com.