BOSS RIOT Series Car Audio Amplifiers
Introduction
With the BOSS RIOT amplifier series, BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS introduces two new models, the R1002 (Two Channel) and R1004 (Four Channel), both designed in the USA. These amplifiers feature both high-level and RCA low-level inputs on the front panel, allowing input level to be precisely controlled by variable input gain controls. These features help integrate the amplifier into your system regardless of the nature of your input source.
What is Included?
Upon unpacking your new amplifier, please verify that the package contains all the following items:
- RIOT amplifier
- High Level input cable with connector
- Four (4) mounting screws
If any item is missing, please contact the store where you purchased the player.
Features
Your new RIOT amplifier features the following:
- 2 Ohm stable stereo operation with output power increase
- Soft turn-on circuit
- Remote turn-on/turn-off circuit
- Variable input gain control
- Nickel-plated RCA low level and high level inputs
- LED power indicator
- White anodized aluminum heatsink
Safety and Installation
General Precautions
Before installing and using your new BOSS amplifier, please become familiar with all the information contained in this manual. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
- Do not open or attempt to repair this unit yourself. Dangerous high voltages are present which may result in electric shock. Refer any repairs to a qualified service technician.
- To avoid risk of electronic shock or damage to the amplifier, do not permit any of this equipment to become damp or wet from water or drinks. If this occurs, immediately unplug the power wires and send the amplifier to your local dealer or service center as soon as possible.
- If there is smoke or any peculiar odor present during use, or if there is damage to any of the component enclosures, immediately unplug the power cord and send the amplifier to your local dealer or service center as soon as possible.
Installation Precautions
Before you drill or cut any holes, investigate your car's layout very carefully. Take special care when you work near the gas tank, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring.
Never operate the amplifier when it is unmounted. Attach all audio system components securely to prevent damage, especially in an accident.
Before making or breaking power connections in your system, disconnect the vehicle battery. Confirm that your head unit or other equipment is turned off while connecting the input jacks and speaker terminals.
If you need to replace the power fuse, replace it only with a fuse identical to that supplied with the amplifier. Using a fuse of a different type or rating may result in damage to your audio system or your amplifier, which is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
SHOCK HAZARD! Do not open the case of this product. There are dangerous voltages present within the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts within the unit.
Mounting the Amplifier
- Find a suitable location in the vehicle in which to mount the amplifier.
- Make sure there is sufficient air circulation around the intended mounting location.
- Mark the location for the mounting hole screws by positioning the amplifier where you wish to install it. Use a scribe or mounting screw, inserted through each of the amp's mounting holes, to mark the mounting surface. If the mounting surface is carpeted, measure the hole centers and mark with a felt tip pen.
- Drill pilot holes in the mounting surface for the mounting screws. Place the amplifier in position, and attach the amplifier to the mounting surface securely using screws.
Connecting the Amplifier
Before doing any wiring, review this manual and identify the diagrams to follow for power, input, and speaker connections for your particular installation. Be sure you understand all the connections before you proceed.
Power and Ground Connections
- Connect the power ground terminal to the closest point on the chassis of the car. Keep this ground wire to less than 39" (100 cm) in length. Use 8 gauge (or heavier) wire.
- Connect the remote terminal to the remote output of the head unit using 16 gauge (or heavier) wire.
- Connect an empty fuse holder within 18" (45 cm) of the car battery, and run 8 gauge (or heavier) cable from this fuse to the amplifier location.
- Check that the fuse holder is empty. Then connect the fuse holder to the "BATT+" connection on the amplifier.
Multiple Amplifier Configurations
If multiple amplifiers are being used in your system, either:
- Run a separate pair of cables from the battery and a chassis ground point to each amplifier. Each (+) cable must have its own inline fuse.
- Or, run a 4 AWG cable from the fuse holder at the battery to a distribution block at or near the amplifier's location. Then run separate cables from the amplifier to this distribution block and to independent chassis ground points.
Input and Speaker Connections
Connect all line inputs and outputs (if used) using high-quality cables. Connect all speakers, following the diagrams in this manual. Be sure to observe proper polarity to avoid audio phase problems.
Initial Power-Up and Setup
- Insert fuse(s) into the battery fuse holder(s).
- Recheck all connections before powering up the amplifier.
- Power up the head unit and the amplifier. Then set the volume control on the head unit to about 3/4 volume, and adjust the amplifier's input level control(s) to just below the level of distortion.
- Further fine tuning of the various controls may be necessary to obtain best results.
Important Note on Level Control
Do not mistake the input level control for a volume control! It is designed ONLY to match the output level of your audio source to the input level of your amplifier. Do not adjust this input level to maximum unless your input level requires it. Ignoring these instructions will result in an input overload to the amplifier, and excessive audio distortion. It can also cause the protection circuit to engage.
Wiring Diagrams
Low Level Input Wiring
Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.
NOTE: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier at the same time!
2-Channel Amplifier (R1002)
RCA cables connect from the audio outputs of the head unit or signal processor to the INPUTS (labeled L and R) on the R1002 amplifier. Each input has a variable INPUT LEVEL control.
4-Channel Amplifier (R1004)
RCA cables connect from the audio outputs of the head unit or signal processor to the CH 1/2 and CH 3/4 input pairs on the R1004 amplifier. Each channel pair has a variable INPUT LEVEL control.
High Level Input Wiring
The high level input(s) should only be used when your head unit lacks RCA outputs. If the RCA outputs are not present, connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to the high level input connector of the amplifier. Be sure to observe polarity to avoid audio phase problems.
NOTE: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier at the same time!
2-Channel Amplifier (R1002)
Wires connect from the speaker terminals of the head unit to the HIGH LEVEL INPUTS on the R1002 amplifier, labeled R+, R-, L+, L-.
4-Channel Amplifier (R1004)
Wires connect from the speaker terminals of the head unit to the HIGH LEVEL INPUTS on the R1004 amplifier, labeled CH1+, CH1-, CH2+, CH2-, CH3+, CH3-, CH4+, CH4-.
Power and Speaker Wiring Diagrams
2-Channel Amplifier (R1002)
Power Connections: The +12V terminal connects to the battery via a fuse. The REM terminal connects to the head unit's remote turn-on terminal. The GND terminal connects to a chassis ground point.
Speaker Connections: The LEFT Speaker terminals (+/-) connect to the left speaker. The RIGHT Speaker terminals (+/-) connect to the right speaker. Speaker impedance is 2-8 OHMS.
4-Channel Amplifier (R1004)
Power Connections: The +12V terminal connects to the battery via a fuse. The REM terminal connects to the head unit's remote turn-on terminal. The GND terminal connects to a chassis ground point.
Speaker Connections: The CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 speaker terminals (+/-) connect to their respective speakers. Speaker impedance is 2-8 OHMS.
Troubleshooting
If you experience operation or performance problems with this product, compare your installation with the electrical wiring diagrams. If problems persist, read the following troubleshooting tips:
| Symptom | Possible Remedy |
|---|---|
| Amplifier will not power up. | Check for a good ground connection. Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 6.5-7VDC. Check for battery power on the (+) terminal (at least 12V). Check all fuses and replace if necessary. Ensure the Protection LED is not illuminated; if it is, briefly shut off and repower the amplifier. |
| Protection LED comes on when amplifier is powered up. | Check for short circuits on speaker leads. Turn down the volume control on the head unit to prevent overdriving. Remove speaker leads and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED still comes on, the amplifier may be faulty and requires servicing. |
| No output. | Check that all fuses are OK. Ensure the amplifier is properly grounded. Verify the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 6.5-7VDC. Confirm RCA audio cables are plugged into the proper inputs. Check all speaker wiring. Reset the Level Control. |
| Low output. | Check the RCA interconnect cables and all speaker wiring. |
| Audio present in only one channel. | Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifiers. If the hiss disappears, plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs. If the hiss disappears at this point, continue this process to find the faulty/noisy component. It is best to set the amplifier's input level control as low as possible for the best subjective signal-to-noise ratio. Try to set the head unit volume as high as possible (without distortion) and the amp input level as low as possible. |
| High hiss in the speakers. | Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects. |
| Squealing noise from speakers. | Check that the Input Level Control is set to match the signal level of the head unit, keeping it as low as possible. Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set. Check for short circuits on the speaker leads. Ensure the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct. |
| Distorted sound. | Check that the Input Level Control is set to match the signal level of the head unit, keeping it as low as possible. Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set. |
| Amplifier gets very hot. | Check that there is good air circulation around the amp. In some applications, it may be necessary to add an external cooling fan. Check that the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct. |
| Engine noise (static type) | This is usually caused by poor quality RCA cables, which can pick up radiated noise. Use only the best quality cables, and route them away from power cables. |
| Engine noise (alternator whine) | Check that speaker leads are not shorted to the vehicle chassis. Check that the RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis. Check that the head unit is properly grounded. |
Specifications
| MODEL | Two Channel Car Audio Amplifier (R1002) | Four Channel Car Audio Amplifier (R1004) |
|---|---|---|
| MAX POWER into 2 Ohms | 100W X 2 | 100W X 4 |
| Min. speaker impedance | 2 Ohms | 2 Ohms |
| THD | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Frequency response | 12Hz-22kHz | 12Hz-22kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 90dB | 90dB |
| Channel separation | 60dB | 60dB |
| Fuse rating | 7.5A x 1 | 15A x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 5-3/16" | 7-10/16" |
All specifications subject to change without notice.
