Precision Power ArtSeries Amplifiers Owner's Manual

Introduction

Congratulations and thank you for choosing a PrecisionPower, Inc. high performance mobile audio amplifier. PrecisionPower is proud to be a world leader specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacture of "State of the Art" mobile audio electronics. Our success is derived from the fact that we do not incorporate gadgets or passing fads into our products. Sound engineering practice, combined with deceptively simple yet highly effective circuit designs, characterize every PPI product. Our demand for maximum value dictates that every ounce of fat be trimmed if it does not contribute to sound quality or reliability. This is why PPI products have consistently enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for sound value. We are sure that your new Art Series amplifier will provide you the "State of the Art" in mobile audio amplification.

Important Safeguards

The following list of 'Important Safeguards has been compiled to help you achieve optimum satisfaction and the highest quality performance from your new mobile audio amplifier. Please take the time to review these safeguards before operation and or installation of your new Art Series amplifier.

• Read Instructions: This manual provides specific information concerning the operation and installation of your new amplifier. Please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
• Keep Your Sales Receipt: Your PPI amplifier has a three-year limited warranty when installed by an Authorized PPI dealer. Non-Authorized dealer installed (PPI) amplifiers carry a one-year parts / ninety days labor limited warranty. A copy of your sales receipt must accompany your amplifier for all warranty service.
• Follow Instructions: All use and installation instructions should be followed to assure proper operation of your new Art Series amplifier.
• Heed All Wiring Requirements: A high-performance amplifier requires minimum wire gauges for Power, Ground, Remote Turn-On, and Speaker cables.
• Heed all Fusing Requirements: Fusing requirements are established for continued safe operation. Replacement with a higher value fuse may result in damage and voiding of warranty.
• Installation Accessories: Art Series amplifiers require non-supplied installation accessories. Refer to the Installation Section for requirements or consult your Authorized PPI dealer.
• Water and Moisture: Never mount your Art Series amplifier in a location subject to immersion or exposure to water.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this amplifier yourself. Opening or removing covers will void your warranty. For service information, consult your Authorized PPI dealer or call PrecisionPower, Inc. at 1-800-62-POWER. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Standard Time.
• Caution!: The use of a high-powered audio system may cause hearing loss or damage. While PPI systems are capable of "Concert level" volumes, they are designed for enjoying subtleties at reasonable sound pressure levels. The use of a high-powered audio system may impair your ability to hear traffic sounds, potentially constituting a traffic hazard. We advise lower volume levels while driving.

Glossary of Terms

AM II

Adaptive MOSFET II is an advanced protection circuit designed to prevent amplifier shut-off due to low load impedance. AM III optimizes output power to maintain uninterrupted operation whenever the amplifier senses a load impedance of less than two Ohms. An L.E.D. signals when AM II is working.

Bridging

Combining two amplifier channels into one channel, typically used to create a mono output.

Gain

The ratio of output voltage to input voltage. The gain control allows adjustment to the amplifier's output level for varying input levels.

L.E.D.

Light Emitting Diode. Indicates power on / off and when AM II is working.

Load Impedance

Measurement of speaker(s) resistance / reactance that the amplifier must drive.

Mixed Mono

The amplifier's ability to play the Left and Right Stereo channels while playing a third (bridged) mono channel.

PWM

Pulse-Width Modulated power supply. Our PWM maintains a regulated output voltage and a high conversion efficiency over the input supply range of 11 - 15 VDC. The result is less demand on the battery, lower (amplifier) operating temperature, and extremely accurate low frequency reproduction.

Remote Turn-On

Low current automatic switching circuit that turns the amplifier on and off. Typically connected to the remote antenna or amp turn-on lead of most car radios, cassette, or CD players.

ACM

Amplifier Control Module. Our ACM-420 (optional) controls up to ten PPI amplifiers for synchronized system start and "noise gate" functions to inhibit background noise when no music signal is present.

Features

Applicable Models: A100.2 / A200.2 / A300.2 / A600.2 / A1200.2 / A204.2 / A404.2

• Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) Switching Power Supply for High-Efficiency
• Regulated Power Supply Provides Full Rated Power from 11 - 15 VDC
• Discrete Power Amp Circuitry
• Internally Bridgeable
• Mixed Stereo / Mono Operation
• Output Short Circuit Protection
• Differential Input Stage
• Low Impedance Protection with Diagnostic L.E.D.
• Adjustable Input Sensitivity
• Gold RCA Input Connectors
• PPI's Exclusive Wire Connection System
• Liquid Cooling (Optional)
• Amplifier Control Module Compatible (Optional ACM-420)
• Three Year Limited Warranty
• Designed and Handcrafted in the USA

Technical Specifications

Art Series Models

4-Channel Models

Common Specifications:

About Your New Art Series Amplifier

As a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance mobile amplifiers, PrecisionPower, Inc.'s commitment to being: "Absolutely Start of the Art" demands that we create products that offer high reliability and superior sound quality. To do this, we must recognize and find solutions to the unique problems, which affect the performance of electronics in the mobile environment.

At PPI, we build upon experience. We currently design and manufacture over 20 different amplifiers. Each is designed to be application specific, either in rated power, number of channels, or with integrated accessories. This large reservoir of knowledge has provided us with the innovative design solutions incorporated in the Art Series Amplifiers.

As you review this section, keep in mind that the new features found in the Art Series amplifiers directly influence their performance and, therefore, must be understood before operation and / or installation. Please take a few minutes to review the following information. The user benefit and operational parameters of the 'key' design features are detailed below.

Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) Switching Power Supply

The voltage supplied by an automobile's electrical system will vary depending upon the number of accessories you are using. As you turn on / off various accessories (headlights, air conditioner, rear window defroster, power windows, etc) the voltage that your car's electrical system is providing will change according to the demand. The Art Series fully regulated power supply guarantees rated spec over a wide range of voltages (11 VDC to 15 VDC).

Our PWM supply offers high-efficiency. This efficiency translates into cooler operation. The hostile environment of mobile audio presents a real problem for an amplifier to operate properly. When an amplifier is running, it develops heat. It is the job of the heatsink to pull this heat away from the internal components. If the heatsink gets too hot, the amplifier will modify its operation to protect itself from damage. The amplifier's ability to maintain a proper operating temperature is oftentimes aggravated by the conditions (ambient air temperature, mounting location, playing level, duration of operation, as well as the load impedance) presented by the auto-sound environment. The Art Series PWM power supply's high-efficiency means lower operating temperatures and a higher tolerance for thermal control. The temperature protection circuit will engage at 75 degrees Celsius.

Heatsink Design

To understand why PPI created this unique heatsink design, it's important to understand what purpose a heatsink serves and how it works.

When an amplifier operates, the internal components develop heat. This heat must be transferred away from the components for them to operate properly. By securing the components to the underside of the heatsink, the process of conduction transfers the heat from the components to the heatsink. The heatsink, in turn, must dissipate this heat or become too hot for the internal components to operate properly. The heat can be transferred from the heatsink by three different processes: Conduction, Radiation, or Convection.

Conduction: Defined as the process by which heat is transferred through matter, without transfer of the matter itself. A practical example is a car's cooling system circulating liquid to transfer heat away from the engine.

In the mobile environment, conduction is not the primary process of transferring heat from the heatsink. The use of a circulating liquid or gas is impractical. Air is the only practical conductive (heat transfer) medium. Heat radiated by the heatsink is conducted out into the environment, triggering convection.

Radiation: Defined as the process of giving out light, heat, or other radiant energy. An example is the sun. Radiation is the primary process of heat transfer for a heatsink. As conducted heat builds, it radiates from the surface into the surrounding environment. The amount of heat radiated is determined by the heatsink's surface area. Traditional methods use fins to expand radiating surface.

So why doesn't the Art Series heatsink employ the traditional use of fins? We must discuss convection before the answer becomes clear.

Convection: Defined as the transfer of heat from one place to another by the movement of heated particles of a gas or liquid. An example is warming your hand in hot air rising from an oven.

When an amplifier's heatsink becomes warm, it conducts heat out into the surrounding environment, warming the air. The warm air rises, creating air currents that draw heat away. With traditional finned heatsinks, this is most effective when the amplifier is mounted vertically, allowing air to circulate upward over the fins.

Your ability to take advantage of convection is limited by installation constraints in the mobile environment. Mounting an amplifier vertically is not always possible or preferred. The amplifier's heatsink is left with only one primary process for heat transfer: radiation.

Engineers have recognized the importance of radiant surface area, but automotive environment constraints have forced heatsink designs to remain compact. Designers have added more fins to improve radiating efficiency. With limited space, fins get closer together. PPI's engineers observed that fins in close proximity radiate heat from fin to fin rather than into the environment. If convection is not available to draw heat out from between the fins, heat becomes trapped, reducing radiant heat transfer efficiency.

The Art Series heatsink addresses this problem and improves radiant heat transfer efficiency by providing more effective radiating surface area. Combined with our highly efficient PWM power supply, the result is an amplifier with improved thermal capabilities.

As with any amplifier, care must be taken when selecting a mounting location. There must be two inches of air space around the heatsink for proper heat dissipation. If mounting in an enclosed area, a fan may be added to improve heat transfer. Refer to the Installation Section for more information.

Central Muting and the ACM-420

One of the accessories offered is the amplifier control module (ACM), commonly known as a "noise gate". The ACM eliminates annoying and possibly damaging start-up noise (such as "clicks" and "pops") by sensing signal voltage changes and blocking the signal when there is no music present, such as between CD tracks. We highly recommend the addition of an ACM-420 to any high performance audio system.

The addition of central muting to the ArtSeries amplifiers allows muting to be controlled throughout the system by the ACM. Upon system start, the muting feature is activated. After a set time interval, the muting is turned off.

The power L.E.D. at the front of the amplifier shows whether or not the system is muted. When the amplifier is activated, the power lamp will be red to indicate muting. After the muting is turned off, the lamp will turn green to indicate normal operation.

If an external ACM is added, the ACM remote output signal can be connected to the amplifier remote to mute the system during periods of low or no signal to inhibit background noise. The ACM-420 may be installed to control up to ten PPI amplifiers, offering the additional benefit of synchronized system restart.

AM III Protection Circuitry

All ArtSeries amplifiers utilize a highly-efficient, Pulse-Width Modulated power supply. This means the amplifier will continue to operate within regulation until the battery voltage drops below 11 volts or the heatsink temperature reaches 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). This new power supply also incorporates the second generation of PPI's Adaptive MOSFET protection circuitry.

Protection Circuitry and Inputs

AM II Protection Circuitry

The advanced protection circuit was developed to prevent shut-off due to the fluctuating impedance loads presented by today's complex speaker systems. The adaptive circuit optimizes output power to maintain uninterrupted operation whenever the amplifier senses an impedance load of less than 2 Ohms. A low impedance indicator (Diagnostic L.E.D.) is provided to let you know when the amplifier is operating in this mode. It is important to note that there is no increase in output power below the 2 Ohm threshold. Maximum power is achieved at 2 Ohms. AM III provides you the satisfaction of knowing that your ArtSeries amplifier will continue to play when momentary impedance dips occur. (Refer to Figure A)

Diagram: Figure A: AM II Protection Circuitry Output Power vs. Impedance. This diagram illustrates how output power is maintained even with low impedance loads.

In the case of a short circuit, AM III will engage to protect the shorted channel but will continue to play the unaffected channel. When this occurs, audible distortion will be heard. Turn off the system and repair this short. Once the problem has been repaired, the amplifier will return to normal operation.

Differential Inputs

One of the obstacles when designing a mobile audio system is external interference caused by alternators, generators, and other electrical subsystems. In other amplifiers, all input grounds are wired directly into the speaker ground, as shown in Figure B. The ArtSeries amplifiers have isolation resistors between the input grounds and the speaker ground. This helps to prevent alternator noise from interfering with the signal between this unit and any prior "upstream" units.

Diagram: Figure B. Conventional vs Differential Inputs. This diagram shows the difference between conventional input grounding and differential input grounding with isolation resistors.

Discrete Power Amp Circuitry

Exclusive use of discrete output transistors results in increased sonic transparency, outstanding dynamic range, and high instantaneous current capability. The power bandwidth is designed to be from 10Hz to 50,000Hz +/- 1dB. This ability to produce full power with linear frequency response well beyond the threshold of human hearing ensures that the amplifier's performance over the musical spectrum will be flawless.

PPI's Exclusive Wire Connection System

Over the years, advances in mobile audio electronics have changed the demands placed on the type and size of wire needed to create a high-performance mobile audio system. To meet this need, PPI has created an exclusive wire connection system. This unique, removable connection system offers the versatility of terminal strips, the convenience of quick connect / disconnect style connectors, and the reliability afforded by direct connection to the circuit board. The power and ground connector will accept cable up to 6 gauge in size. The speaker/ remote turn-on connector will accept cables up to 10 gauge in size. Refer to the Installation Section for more information.

Fusing

The Art Series amplifier is protected from current over-load situations by a blade fuse (Maxi - Fuse). This type of fuse has several advantages: it's available in higher values, its single element design is more effective than using two fuses of lower value, it can be board mounted (eliminating "jumperwires"), which improves reliability, and they are readily available from any auto-supply store and are easy to service. The A100 & A200 use a 20 Amp fuse, the A300 - a 30 Amp fuse, the A600 - a 50 Amp fuse and the A1200 - 2 - 60 Amp fuses.

For safety reasons, PPI recommends that the power cable be fused at the positive terminal of the battery. If this fuse (not-supplied) is not installed, and the power wire shorts to ground (between the battery and the amplifier), a fire can result. The fuse at the battery should be of the same value as the fuse supplied with the amplifier. Consult your Authorized PPI dealer for an appropriate in-line fuse that meets the needs of your installation.

Installation

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION of your new ArtSeries Amplifier it is important to consider the following: Professional car audio installers are experts in their field. PPI invests heavily in hands-on training of professional installers through comprehensive system design and installation seminars. This ensures that our authorized dealers are equipped with the latest techniques to deal with the complexities of car audio. There is more than meets the eye to ensure that a car stereo reaches its fullest potential. A trained professional can approach, recognize, and address all the needs of the mobile audio environment. PPI highly recommends that this amplifier and/or any other mobile audio equipment be installed by a trained professional.

Tools / Parts Needed for Installation (not supplied):

• Small flat blade screwdriver
• Wire cutters
• Soldering iron
• Flux cleaner
• 2 - ring connectors
• Speaker wire - 16 gauge or larger
• Heatshrink
• Silicone or similar material
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Solder
• 5 washers, 4 #6 and 1 #8 sheet metal screws
• In-line fuse holder and fuse
• Power and Ground wire - 12 gauge or larger
• Grommets

Mounting

To prevent damage to the amplifier while driving, mount it in a secure place. Choosing the appropriate location will depend upon your vehicle and the complexity of your system design. It may be mounted in any compatible space that is convenient to your needs and provides sufficient airflow. Adequate ventilation allows the amplifier to dissipate the heat that develops during operation. Inadequate ventilation may result in overheating. The thermal protection circuit will engage when the heatsink temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius. The amplifier will automatically return to normal operation once the heatsink cools.

Typical mounting locations include: trunk and passenger compartment (floor or under seat). Never mount the amplifier in a location, which would subject it to immersion or exposure to water.

The Art Series' uniquely shaped heatsink is designed for high-efficiency cooling but improper mounting may compromise its ability to cool. When mounting the amplifier in a confined space (i.e. under), care must be taken to ensure that at least two inches of clearance is provided around the amplifier. If the amplifier is located in an area which has restricted air-flow or is totally enclosed, a fan may be used to improve air circulation.

Power and Ground

Before beginning, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery before working on the positive terminal to prevent a short to ground. Reconnect the negative terminal only after all connections have been made.

The Art Series amplifiers are designed to operate from a car's (+) positive 12 volt, negative ground electrical system. PPI recommends that the power and ground cables be a minimum of 6 gauge for the A1200, 10 gauge for the A300 & A600 and 12 gauge for the A100 & A200. Depending upon the complexity of your system, larger gauge wire may be needed. PPI's Exclusive Wire Connection System will accept up to 6 gauge cable.

The main power cable should run from the amplifier location, through the vehicle to the battery, avoiding sharp corners, creases, and sharp body parts. When passing through any metal wall (i.e. firewall, etc), a grommet must be used to prevent the wire from chaffing and shorting to ground.

For safety reasons, PPI recommends that the power cable be fused at the positive terminal of the battery. If this fuse is not installed, and the power wire shorts to ground (between the battery and the amplifier), a fire can result. The fuse at the battery should be of the same value as the chassis fuse located on the right-hand end panel of the amplifier. Consult your Authorized PPI dealer for an appropriate in-line fuse holder that meets the needs of your installation. We suggest crimping and soldering all wire connections. Insulate the connection with heat shrink to prevent a short to ground.

The ground wire should be of the same gauge as the power wire. In systems with over 800 watts of total output power, the ground and power cables should run parallel to each other to avoid unwanted system noise. As a "rule of thumb", use as short a length of wire as possible. Locate an area near the amplifier that is metal (the floor is ideal) and clean an area about the size of a quarter to bare metal. Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area. Be Careful!! Inspect the area underneath to be sure you aren't drilling into wires, brake or fuel lines, etc. Terminate the wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer (not supplied). We suggest crimping and soldering this connection. Insulate the connection with heat shrink. It is important that this connection be solid. After the connection is complete, coat the area with silicone or some similar material to prevent rust from developing.

Once you have run both the power and ground wires, it's time to connect the cable to the amplifier. Be sure that you have not reconnected the ground cable to the negative post of the battery. Cut off excess wire and, using wire strippers, strip the power and ground cables 1/4 inch. Locate the power and ground connector (supplied). On the underside of the connector are two slotted screws. With a small flat bladed screwdriver, loosen these screws before attempting to insert the cables. After you have inserted the bared end of each cable into the connector, secure it by tightening the associated screw. If inserting larger gauge wire presents a problem, tinning the wire with solder may help. Be sure each connection is tight. Once the wires are secure, the connector may be plugged into the amplifier. Please Note: the power / ground connector is keyed to a slot in the end panel and can only be inserted one way - with the head of the fastening screws pointing down. (Refer to Figure C.)

Diagram: Figure C: Power / Ground Connector. This diagram shows the power and ground connector and how to attach the wires.

Remote Turn-On

In order for the amplifier to turn on, a remote turn-on wire must be connected to a switched 12 volt source. Typically, the source unit provides a power antenna (remote) turn on lead which will turn on the amplifier when the source unit is activated. If this is unavailable, or if voltage drops below 7 volts, a switched 12 volt source must be used (Refer to page 9, Central Muting and the ACM-420).

Run a wire from the amplifier location through the vehicle to the switched 12 volt source. Observe the same precautions for routing this cable that you followed for running the power cable. Cut off excess wire and, using wire strippers, strip the wire 1/4 inch.

Four channel ArtSeries amplifiers are shipped with two speaker connectors. One will accommodate five wires, and one will accommodate four wires. Locate the five wire connector which we will refer to as the speaker / remote turn-on connector. On the underside of the connector are five slotted screws. Loosen the middle screw before attempting to insert the remote turn-on lead into the end of the connector. After the wire is inserted, secure it by tightening the associated screw. If inserting larger gauge wire presents a problem, tinning the wire with solder may help. Be sure the connection is tight. You are now ready to connect the speakers (Refer to Figure D).

Speaker Connection

Run the speaker wires from the amplifier locations, through the vehicle to the speakers. Observe the same precautions for routing these wires that you followed for running the power and remote turn-on cables. It is important to use 16 gauge or larger wire, for proper signal transfer. Cut off excess and, using wire strippers, strip 1/4 inch. Once again, locate the speaker / remote turn-on connector. Loosen the four remaining screws on the underside of the connector. Insert the speaker leads, one at a time, into the end of the connector. Check to make sure you've maintained proper polarity before securing each wire. If inserting larger gauge wire presents a problem, tinning the wire with solder may help. Be sure the connection is tight. Repeat this process for the remaining four wire connector on four channel amps. The connectors may now be plugged into the amplifier (Refer to Figure D).

Diagram: Figure D. Speaker / Remote Turn-On Connector. This diagram illustrates the speaker and remote turn-on connector and how to connect wires.

Bridging

All ArtSeries amplifiers are capable of being bridged into a mono output due to the internal design of the amplifier. This feature permits the creation of a mono channel for a subwoofer or center channel. Also bridging adds flexibility of operation. Any of the ArtSeries two-channel amplifiers may be used in a one channel (mono), two channels stereo, or 3 channels - 2 channels stereo and one channel derived mono configuration. ArtSeries four-channel amplifiers may be used as 2 mono channels, 3 channels - 2 channels stereo and one bridged mono channel, 4 channels - 2 channel (stereo) front and rear, 5 channels - 4 channels stereo and one derived mono channel, or 6 channels - 4 channels stereo and 2 derived mono channels.

Deriving the mono channel is accomplished by using the left channel positive wire as the positive speaker wire and the right channel negative wire as the negative speaker wire. It is important that a minimum of 4 Ohm impedance is observed. If the impedance drops below 4 ohms while the amplifier is wired in the mono configuration, the AM II protection circuit will engage and the output power will be reduced.

The ability to run stereo satellites while simultaneously running a mono output from the same output stage is accomplished simply by running the stereo speakers normally and tapping into the appropriate wires for the "Mixed Mono" channel (left channel positive wire as the positive speaker wire and the right channel negative wire as the negative speaker wire). Again, for optimum performance, speaker impedance should be 2 Ohms on the stereo channels and 4 Ohms on the mono channel.

Inputs

On the left side panel of two-channel ArtSeries amplifiers are one pair of RCA left and right inputs. Four-channel models feature two pair of RCA inputs and a "2/4 way" switch. If both "Input 1" and "Input 2" are to receive the same input signal, place the "2/4 way" switch in the on (in) position. This will parallel the inputs together internally in the amp. In this mode, either set of inputs may be used.

Gain Control

On the left end panel, next to the inputs, is the gain control. This control adjusts the level of the input signal of your source unit. This control requires a small flat-bladed screwdriver for adjustment. Upon installation of the amplifier, the gain control must be adjusted. This can be done by first turning the gain all the way down (counter-clockwise). Turn the volume on the source unit up to two-thirds. Then adjust the gain control until the desired volume is obtained without audible distortion.

System Tuning

In order to achieve maximum signal-to-noise performance from a high quality mobile sound system, it is desirable to use high signal levels wherever possible in the interconnection cables. High signal levels will reduce the effect of induced noise. The peak level of an audio signal is usually determined by the clipping level of electronic components. The following procedure should be used as a guide when the system installation is complete.

Adjusting Equalizer Input Gains:

1. Turn the equalizer's volume control to minimum.
2. Turn the source unit volume 1/2 to 3/4 of maximum. If available on your unit, set the output level to maximum. Some units may have a switch.
3. If available, set selector switch to either input 1 or input 2.
4. Adjust all equalizer input gains to minimum.
5. For the chosen input play the respective music source. A loud music passage is desired.
6. For the chosen input, increase the left input gain control until the onset of audible distortion. Then decrease the gain prior to the immediate point of audible distortion. This setting will minimize system background noise and prevents overloading of the equalizer. Adjust, for the same input, the right input gain control for proper left / right balance.
7. Set selector switch to the alternative source unit, if used, and repeat steps 5 and 6.
8. Adjust crossover next.

Adjusting Crossover Input Gains:

1. Adjust all crossover gain controls to 0 dB, 1/2 of maximum sensitivity.
2. Adjust all amplifier gains to 1/2 of maximum sensitivity.
3. Turn the volume knob on the equalizer to a maximum of 3 o'clock.
4. Increase the gain of the crossover until the onset of audible distortion. Then decrease the gain prior to the immediate point of audible distortion. This setting will minimize system background noise and prevents overloading of the crossover.
5. Repeat step 4 for any remaining crossovers in the system.
6. Adjust the input gains next.

NOTE: In many multi-crossover / accessory systems, the gain of some crossover and accessories may need to be further decreased to achieve proper balance.

Adjusting the Amplifier's Input Gain:

1. Adjust the amplifier's input gain to 1/2 maximum sensitivity.
2. Turn the volume knob on the equalizer to a maximum of 3 o'clock.
3. Increase the gain (clockwise) until the onset of audible distortion. Then decrease the gain counterclockwise prior to the immediate point of audible distortion. This setting will minimize system background noise and prevents overloading of the amplifier.
4. Repeat step 3 for any remaining amplifiers in the system.

NOTE: Depending on the sensitivity of the system's preamp(s), the gain of the amplifier(s) may not need adjustments. Also, in many multi-amplifier systems, the gain of some amplifiers may need to be further decreased to achieve proper balance.

Troubleshooting

If for some reason your system fails to operate properly, please refer to this guide. If you are unable to resolve the problem, consult your Authorized PPI Dealer or call 1-800-62-POWER.

NO SOUND

• Is the power LED illuminated?
• Check fuses in power wire.
• Be sure turn-on lead is connected.

NO SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL

• Check speaker leads and inspect for a short to ground or an open connection.
• Check pre-amp leads. Reverse left and right leads to see if the problem is before the amplifier.
• Check Mono Bridge and Bi-Amp crossover switches on other units prior to the amp.
• If the problem is in the amp, have your Dealer inspect the unit.

AMP TURNING OFF

• Is the amp able to cool properly?
• Check speakers for shorts or damage.
• Make sure power and ground are secure.
• Have PPI Dealer inspect amp.

System Design

Two Channel Stereo

Diagram: A source unit connected to a passive crossover, which then connects to a 2-Channel ArtSeries amplifier. The amplifier outputs are connected to two speakers, one for the left channel and one for the right channel.

Mixed Mono System utilizing passive crossovers: Two Channels Stereo with derived Mono Channel

Diagram: A source unit connected to passive crossovers for front and rear speakers. The 2-Channel ArtSeries amplifier is configured for stereo operation with the front speakers. A mono channel is derived from the left channel positive and right channel negative speaker outputs, connected to a third speaker (e.g., subwoofer).

Bi-amp System utilizing EPX-223 crossover

Diagram: A source unit connected to an EPX-223 crossover. The EPX-223 provides a High-Pass Output to a 4-Channel ArtSeries amplifier, which drives front and rear speakers. The EPX-223 also provides a Low-Pass Output to a 2-Channel ArtSeries amplifier, which drives a subwoofer.

Bi-amp System utilizing EPX-223 crossover band-pass output for front mid-bass drivers

Diagram: A source unit connected to an EPX-223 crossover. The EPX-223 provides a High-Pass Output to a 4-Channel ArtSeries amplifier for front tweeters and a Band-Pass Output to another 4-Channel ArtSeries amplifier for front mid-bass drivers. The EPX-223 also provides a Low-Pass Output to a 4-Channel ArtSeries amplifier for rear speakers.

Bi-amp System utilizing FRX-456 crossover with front/rear fade capability

Diagram: A source unit connected to an FRX-456 crossover. The FRX-456 provides a Dual High-Pass Output to a 4-Channel ArtSeries amplifier for front speakers and a Low-Pass Output to a 2-Channel ArtSeries amplifier for a subwoofer. The system includes an optional PAR-245 for rear fade control.

Active System utilizing FRX-456 crossover with individual outputs for all drivers

Diagram: A source unit connected to an FRX-456 crossover. The FRX-456 provides High-Pass, Low-Pass, and Band-Pass Outputs to multiple ArtSeries amplifiers (two 4-Channel and one 2-Channel) to drive front tweeters, mid-bass drivers, rear speakers, and a subwoofer individually.