DS18 CANDY-X Series Class D Amplifiers Owner's Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing this DS18 CANDY-X Class D Amplifier. The amplifier has been designed using the latest electronic technology available, allowing you to produce high quality stereo playback in mobile applications. This system provides you with low harmonic distortion, a considerable amount of reserve voltage and high temperature stability.

Functions and Controls

CANDY-X1B / XXL1B

The following describes the functions and controls for the CANDY-X1B and CANDY-XXL1B models:

1. HIGH INPUT: High level input terminals.
2. LOW INPUT: Left and right channels inputs of the amplifier system. Preamplifier outputs of a source (head unit) or of an external crossover must be connected to them.
3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
4. BASS BOOST: The boost ranges from 0dB to 18dB.
5. BOOST FREQUENCY: The boost frequency ranges from 40Hz to 100Hz.
6. LPF: Low pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 50Hz to 150Hz.
7. PHASE CONTROL: Phase adjusting switch, the phase ranges from 0° to 180°.
8. REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET: To be connected with the remote controller, which helps to boost the gain. Please turn the knob of volume to be maximum before using the remote.
9. REMOTE CONTROLLER: Volume level knob.
10. INDICATOR LIGHT: When the power LED sends out blue light, it means the amplifier is working. When the LED sends out red light, it indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode.
11. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the car chassis. Keep the length of the ground cable to a minimum.
12. REM: Terminal to be connected with the remote cable, which comes from the source and controls the amplifier switching on. Applied voltage must be between 10 and 15V DC.
13. +12V: Anode of power connection terminals. Connect to the anode of the car battery.
14. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Use the same power fuse if replacement is needed.
15. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.

CANDY-X2B

The following describes the functions and controls for the CANDY-X2B model:

1. HIGH INPUT: High level input terminals.
2. LOW LEVEL OUTPUT: A daisy chain output for connection to another amplifier with a low level input, using only a single RCA output from the source (head unit).
3. LOW LEVEL INPUT: For connection to any source (head unit) with a low level output. This is your RCA output from the source (head unit).
4. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
5. BASS BOOST: The boost ranges from 0dB to 12dB.
6. HPF: High pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 40 Hz to 250 Hz.
7. LPF: Low pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 50Hz to 150Hz.
8. X-OVER: Optional switches for high pass filter (HPF), full pass filter (FULL), or low pass filter (LPF).
9. INDICATOR LIGHT: When the power LED sends out blue light, it means the amplifier is working. When the LED sends out red light, it indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode.
10. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the car chassis. Keep the length of the ground cable to a minimum.
11. REM: Terminal to be connected with the remote cable, which comes from the source and controls the amplifier switching on. Applied voltage must be between 10 and 15V DC.
12. +12V: Anode of power connection terminals. Connect to the anode of the car battery.
13. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Use the same power fuse if replacement is needed.
14. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.

CANDY-X4B

The following describes the functions and controls for the CANDY-X4B model:

1. HIGH INPUT: High level input terminals.
2. LOW INPUT: CH1/CH2/CH3/CH4 inputs of the amplifier system. Preamplifier outputs of a source (head unit) or of an external electronic crossover must be connected to them.
3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
4. BASS BOOST: The boost ranges from 0dB to 12dB.
5. HPF: High pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 40 Hz to 250 Hz.
6. LPF: Low pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 40Hz to 250Hz.
7. X-OVER: Optional switches for high pass filter (HPF), full pass filter (FULL), or low pass filter (LPF).
8. INDICATOR LIGHT: When the power LED sends out blue light, it means the amplifier is working. When the LED sends out red light, it indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode.
9. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the car chassis. Keep the length of the ground cable to a minimum.
10. REM: Terminal to be connected with the remote cable, which comes from the source and controls the amplifier switching on. Applied voltage must be between 10 and 15V DC.
11. +12V: Anode of power connection terminals. Connect to the anode of the car battery.
12. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Use the same power fuse if replacement is needed.
13. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.

CANDY-X5B

The following describes the functions and controls for the CANDY-X5B model:

1. HPF: High pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 40 Hz to 250Hz.
2. X-OVER: Optional switches for high pass filter (HPF), full pass filter (FULL), or low pass filter (LPF).
3. GAIN: Knob for volume adjustment.
4. LOW INPUT: Left and right channels inputs of the amplifier system. Preamplifier outputs of a source (head unit) or of an external crossover must be connected to them.
5. SUB GAIN: Knob for SUB volume adjustment.
6. LPF: Low pass frequency adjusting knob, the frequency ranges from 50Hz to 150Hz.
7. BASS BOOST: The boost ranges from 0dB to 12dB.
8. PHASE CONTROL: Phase adjusting switch, the phase ranges from 0° to 180°.
9. SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET: To be connected with the remote controller, which helps to adjust sub gain. Please turn the knob of volume to be maximum before using the remote.
10. SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER BOX: Volume level knob.
11. INDICATOR LIGHT: When the power LED sends out blue light, it means the amplifier is working. When the LED sends out red light, it indicates the amplifier's self-protection mode.
12. GND: Ground terminal. Connect to the car chassis. Keep the length of the ground cable to a minimum.
13. REM: Terminal to be connected with the remote cable, which comes from the source and controls the amplifier switching on. Applied voltage must be between 10 and 15V DC.
14. +12V: Anode of power connection terminals. Connect to the anode of the car battery.
15. FUSE: Standard automatic fuse. Use the same power fuse if replacement is needed.
16. SPEAKER: Speaker connecting terminals.

System Wiring Configurations

CANDY-X1B / XXL1B (Monoblock Subwoofer / Stereo Full Range Class D Amplifiers)

General Wiring Description: Connect the source unit (e.g., car stereo) to the amplifier's input terminals (HIGH INPUT or LOW INPUT). Connect the remote turn-on lead from the source unit to the REM terminal on the amplifier. Connect the amplifier's +12V terminal to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery, and the GND terminal to a clean chassis ground point on the vehicle. Connect speakers to the SPEAKER terminals.

Monoblock Configuration (e.g., CANDY-X1B): A single speaker (subwoofer) is connected to the single channel speaker output terminals.

XXL1B Configuration: Similar to the CANDY-X1B, this monoblock amplifier is connected to a single speaker (subwoofer).

CANDY-X2B (Stereo Full Range Class D Amplifiers)

2 Speaker Stereo Configuration: Connect the source unit to the amplifier's input terminals. Connect the remote turn-on lead. Connect the +12V and GND terminals to the car battery and chassis ground, respectively. Connect one speaker to the Left speaker output terminals and another speaker to the Right speaker output terminals. Speaker impedance: 2~4 Ohms.

Bridged Mode Configuration: This mode combines two channels for increased power output to a single speaker. Connect the source unit, remote, power, and ground as usual. Connect the speaker to the bridged output terminals (typically a combination of positive from one channel and negative from another). Speaker impedance: 4~8 Ohms.

CANDY-X4B (Stereo Full Range Class D Amplifiers)

4 Channels Stereo Configuration: Connect the source unit to the amplifier's input terminals. Connect the remote turn-on lead. Connect the +12V and GND terminals to the car battery and chassis ground. Connect speakers to the SPEAKER terminals for CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4. Speaker impedance: 2~4 Ohms per channel.

3 Channels Bridged Mode Configuration: Bridge two channels (e.g., CH1+CH2) for one speaker, and connect speakers to the remaining two channels (CH3, CH4). Speaker impedance for bridged channels: 4~8 Ohms. Speaker impedance for single channels: 2~4 Ohms.

2 Channels Bridged Mode Configuration: Bridge two pairs of channels (e.g., CH1+CH2 and CH3+CH4) for two speakers. Speaker impedance: 4~8 Ohms per bridged pair.

CANDY-X5B (Stereo Full Range Class D Amplifiers)

5 Channels Stereo Configuration: Connect the source unit to the amplifier's input terminals (CH1/CH2, CH3/CH4, and potentially a separate input for the subwoofer if applicable, though the diagram shows all RCA inputs connected to the head unit). Connect the remote turn-on lead. Connect the +12V and GND terminals to the car battery and chassis ground. Connect four speakers to the stereo speaker outputs (e.g., CH1/CH2, CH3/CH4). Connect a subwoofer to the dedicated subwoofer speaker output terminals. Speaker impedance for main channels: 2~4 Ohms. Speaker impedance for subwoofer: 1~4 Ohms.

Troubleshooting

Before removing your amplifier, refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures. Always test the speakers and their wires first.

AMPLIFIER WILL NOT POWER UP.

• Check for good ground connection.
• Check that the remote DC terminal has at least 10V DC.
• Check that there is battery power on the + terminal.
• Check all FUSES.
• Check that the protection LED is not lit. If it is lit, shut off the amplifier briefly and then repower it.

HIGH HISS OR ENGINE NOISE (ALTERNATOR WHINE) IN SPEAKERS.

• Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifier. If hiss/noise disappears, then plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs. If hiss/noise disappears, continue this process until the faulty/noisy component is found.
• It is best to set the amplifier input level as insensitive as possible for the best subjective S/N ratio.
• Try to drive as high a signal level from the head unit as possible.

PROTECTION LED COMES ON WHEN THE AMPLIFIER IS POWERED UP.

• Check for shorts on speaker leads.
• Check that the 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 its temperature goes up to 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 a poorly grounded RCA patch cord.

WARNING

• Over high volume will damage your speakers.
• Be cautious when you use the amplifier near gasoline tanks and electric wires.
• Protect the connecting wires and parts to avoid any damage or short circuit.
• The power must be supplied from the anode of the battery via a FUSE.
• The sound system must be in the turning-off situation when you check the amplifier.
• Be sure that you use the same type of FUSE when you need to replace it.

* DS18 reserves the right to make needed changes or improvements to the product, without informing the customer in advance.

Specifications