How to Install and Operate DLS Amplifier Models

Welcome

This owners manual is written in easy English and uses a lot of drawings to simplify the installation and use of the above amplifiers. Your DLS amplifiers must be installed correctly in order to work well. This manual will show you how to install the amplifier like a pro. Please read the entire manual before beginning the installation. Install the amplifier yourself if you feel confident with our instructions and if you have the proper tools. However if you feel unsure, turn over the installation job to someone better suited to it.

Warranty Service

This amplifier is covered by warranty, depending on the conditions in the country where it is sold. If the amplifier is returned for service, please include the original dated receipt with the product.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance ask the shop where the product was sold or the distributor in your country. Information can also be found on our WEBsite www.dls.se. We follow a policy of continuous advancement in development. For this reason all or part of specifications & designs may be changed without prior notice.

Declaration of Conformity

DLS amplifiers for vehicles are manufactured in accordance with the EU directive EEC 95/54 (72/245/ EEC) and are marked with the approval number. They are also marked in accordance with the WEEE-directive 2002/96/EC. The products are also produced in accordance with the EU RoHS directive 2002/95/EC.

Contents

• Features............................................... 2
• Installation............................................ 2
• Routing Wires........................................ 2
• Tools and materials needed...................... 3
• Wiring & crossovers: Power and remote wiring............................. 3-4
• Low & High level input wiring ...................... 4
• Input level control, BASS EQ, etc ............... 5
• Features on each model ............................. 5
• CCi500 / CCI500-40 speaker wiring: One or more subwoofers............................... 6
• CCi2 speaker wiring: Front speakers........................................ 7
• Subwoofer............................................. 7
• CCi4 / CCi44 / CCI44-40 speaker wiring: Four speakers........................................ 8
• Two speakers and bridged subwoofer........ 8
• Two subwoofers or a stereo speaker pair connected in bridge mode ......................... 9
• Testing................................................ 10
• Troubleshooting.................................... 10
• Professional tips................................... 11
• Specifications....................................... 12

This product must be returned to the separate collection system for electronic products. Do not dispose this product together with general household waste.

DLS amplifiers are engineered by DLS Sweden, a part of: Winn Scandinavia AB Elementvägen 15 - SE-702 27 Örebro - Sweden Tel: +46 19 20 67 65 - E-mail: info@dls.se www.dls.se

Sound tuned in England.

Features

• Analogue class AB or D technique
• High efficiency
• Low profile design
• RCA line inputs
• High level input with auto start
• Powerful DC cable terminals
• Built-in active crossovers
• Remote sub level control on CCi500 / CCi500-40

Installation

Before you begin installation

Before you begin, you need to read the manual and gather the necessary tools, cables, and materials. A list of materials is provided on the following page.

Amplifier location

Important: Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

The DLS series amplifiers have a compact design offering mounting flexibility, such as under a seat or in the trunk. Remember that the amplifier generates heat. Choose a location with free air circulation, avoiding covering the amplifier with carpets or trim panels. Do not mount the amplifier upside down. Check all locations and placements carefully before cutting or drilling.

IMPORTANT! Use the metal screws provided with the amplifier for installation. Do not use oversized screws.

Disconnect Battery

Before starting the installation, always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a car battery with the negative terminal disconnected.

Professional Tip: If amplifier installation kits are available with different power cable sizes, choose the heaviest gauge for better sound quality and future expansion. The amplifier power terminals on CCi2, CCi4 & CCi44 / CCi44-40 accept AWG 5 (16 mm²) cables for best performance. CCi500 / CCi500-40 accepts AWG 2 (33 mm²) power cable. Ensure both positive and ground wires are the same size. NOTE! To prevent cable fires, do not use a main fuse value larger than recommended for the power wires.

THE DC-FEED Maximum main fuse values for different cable sizes:

Tools and Material Needed

Tools:

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• Wire cutter
• Wire stripper
• Electric drill with drills
• Crimping tool
• Digital multimeter or test lamp
• Wire brush, scraper, or abrasive sheet for ground connection
• Grease to protect the ground connection from oxidation

Material:

• Speaker wire: minimum 12 AWG = 4 mm² for subwoofers connected to CCi500 / CCi500-40; 13-16 AWG = 1.5 - 2.5 mm² for other speakers
• Sheet metal screws for mounting the amplifier and related components
• Electrical insulation tape
• 1/2 inch thick plywood or particle board for mounting the amplifier

Amplifier installation kit:

If available, purchase an amplifier installation kit, as it typically contains all necessary items. If buying separately, you will need:

• 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) of power cable, minimum AWG 8 (10 mm²) or heavier
• 1 fuse holder for installation near the car battery, plus a fuse
• 20 feet of AWG 15 (1.5 mm²) wire for the remote turn-on/off cable from the radio
• RCA-cable for input from the radio (20 feet or 5 meters for trunk installations, 12 feet or 2-3 meters for under-seat installations)
• Two ring crimp terminals (one for battery positive, one for amplifier ground)
• Four to eight splicers for connecting speaker cables to high-level input cables
• Wire ties
• Insulating grommet or insulating tube

Fuses

The amplifiers do not have internal fuses; an external fuse holder is recommended. Fuse values are:

• CCi2 and CCi4: 40 A
• CCi44 / CCi44-40: 60 A
• CCi500 / CCi500-40: 60 A

Power Wiring

Power terminal (+12V)

Connect the fuse holder as close as possible to the vehicle battery's positive terminal using AWG 4/5 (21/16 mm²) power cable. Use a ring crimp terminal for battery connection. The AWG 4 cable can use an 80 Amp fuse; if the cable is smaller, use a lower fuse value as per the table on the previous page. This fuse is crucial for protecting against cable fire.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the battery positive terminal connected via a fuse holder to the amplifier's B+ terminal. It also illustrates using a rubber grommet or plastic insulating tube where the cable passes through the firewall and securing wires with ties.

Ground Terminal (GND)

Connect to a good chassis ground. Ensure the connection point is clean, unpainted metal for optimal electrical contact. Use a wire brush, scraper, or abrasive sheet to clean the metal. Secure the connection with a lock washer and protect it with silicon grease or paint.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the amplifier's GND terminal connected to a chassis ground point using a sheet metal screw and a ring connector.

Power Light / Protect light

The power indicator (green) illuminates when the amplifier is turned on. The protect indicator (red) lights up when the amplifier shuts down due to overheating or a short circuit (e.g., speaker failure). Turn off your audio system to reset the amplifier if the red protect light is on. If the red lamp does not turn off, contact your local dealer for assistance.

Remote Terminal (REM)

For RCA cable signal input:

Connect the radio's power antenna lead (remote turn-on/off) to the amplifier's remote connection. This ensures the amplifier turns on whenever the car stereo is turned on. You can use the built-in remote cable within the RCA cable or a separate cable. A separate remote wire is recommended to prevent potential interference from the remote voltage entering the RCA cable. If the stereo lacks a remote voltage output, connect to the ignition key via an accessory fuse.

When using high-level input, the amplifier starts automatically when the car stereo is switched on.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the connection from the head unit's Power Antenna lead or remote output to the amplifier's REM terminal. It notes that a cable up to AWG 14 (2.5 sq mm) fits the REM terminal.

Low Level Input Wiring

Inputs can be low-level (from the car stereo's RCA output) or high-level (from the car stereo's speaker output). Low-level input via RCA is preferred for the best sound quality. Do not use both input types simultaneously.

Low level input: Use a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with RCA jacks. Most trunk-mount amplifiers require a 20-foot (approx. 5-6 meters) RCA cable. Connect to input sockets CH1 / CH2 on the CCi2, or R/L on the CCi500 / CCi500-40.

Diagram Description: Shows RCA cable connections for CCi2 (CH1/CH2) and CCi500/CCi500-40 (R/L). It also illustrates the pinout for high-level input plugs with wire color coding (White, Green, Brown, Grey) for CH1/CH2.

High Level Input Wiring

For head units without RCA outputs, you can use the speaker output signal. Use either a separate remote cable or allow the high-level signal to automatically start the amplifier. Connect the left and right speaker wires from the car stereo to the high-level input as shown. Ensure correct polarity (plus and minus) as the inputs are balanced; connecting only plus will result in lower level and poorer sound quality. Changing the polarity of plus and minus can adjust the phase.

CCi500 / CCi500-40 / CCi2: On these models, connect as shown in the example. CCi500 / CCi1000 are marked R and L instead of CH1/CH2.

Diagram Description: Shows high-level input connections for CCi500/CCi500-40/CCi2, indicating wire colors (White, Green, Brown, Grey) for CH1/CH2.

CCi4 / CCi44 / CCi44-40: These four-channel amplifiers are connected similarly, but with four channels. You can use two channels via RCA and two via high-level input from rear speaker cables, or all channels from high-level input.

Diagram Description: Shows high-level input connections for CCi4/CCi44/CCi44-40, indicating wire colors for CH1/CH2 (White, Green, Brown, Grey) and CH3/CH4 (Orange, Pink, Blue, Yellow).

CCi4 / CCi44 / CCi44-40 have dual inputs CH1 / CH2 / CH3 / CH4. Depending on your configuration, you can use either two separate RCA cables or a single RCA cable with a Y-split to connect both inputs.

Input Level Control - GAIN

The GAIN control (MIN to MAX) matches your radio's output to the amplifier's input. After installation, ensure the amplifier's input is turned down to MIN. After turning the head unit ON, adjust the GAIN level. A normal setting is typically from 12 to 14 o'clock.

Filters

High Pass Filter (HPF) - CCi2 / CCi4 / CCi44

The high pass filter blocks very low frequencies from reaching the speakers, primarily used to protect small speakers from deep bass. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to HPF (button OUT) to activate the filter. Set to OFF to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the HPF/LPF crossover control with positions for HPF, LPF, and OFF, and frequency adjustments (e.g., 50Hz-500Hz).

Low Pass Filter (LPF) - CCi2 / CCi4 / CCi44

The low pass filter is mostly used for subwoofers, allowing only low frequencies and blocking higher ones. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to LPF (button IN) to activate the filter. Set to OFF for full range mode. The CCi4 / CCi44 models have the same filter setup for channels 1 & 2 and 3 & 4.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the HPF/LPF crossover control with positions for HPF, LPF, and OFF, and frequency adjustments (e.g., 50Hz-500Hz).

Low Pass Filter (LPF) / Phase shift - CCi500 / CCi500-40

The low pass filter is primarily for subwoofers, allowing low frequencies and blocking higher ones. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. The LPF filter offers two selectable slopes: 12 dB or 24 dB. Choose the slope that provides the best sound in your installation.

Phase switch - CCi500 / CCi500-40: To achieve the best possible front stage from your subwoofer installation, select the phase switch between 0° (button OUT) or 180° (button IN). Listen to the bass and choose the position that yields the best front stage sound in your vehicle.

Diagram Description: Shows LPF settings (frequency, slope) and phase switch (0°/180°) for CCi500/CCi500-40.

Bass EQ CCi2 / CCi500 / CCi500-40

Bass EQ or Bass boost increases bass volume at a specific frequency (60 Hz) from 0 dB to +6 dB. This function compensates for bass box characteristics or personal taste. Set the level control at 0 dB to make it inoperative.

Diagram Description: Shows a Bass EQ control with a range from 0 dB to +6 dB.

Subsonic filter on CCi500 / CCi500-40

The subsonic filter reduces the lowest frequencies below 30 Hz. In the ON position, the bass sound becomes tighter. Choose the position that best suits your ears and the installation.

Diagram Description: Shows a Subsonic filter control with ON/OFF positions.

Features on each model

CCi500 / CCi500-40 (1-channel mono amplifiers)

• Lowpass filter adjustable from 35 to 250 Hz
• Remote level control
• Phase switch 0 - 180 degrees
• Subsonic filter
• Selectable LPF slopes 12 / 24 dB
• Bass EQ 0 - + 6 dB adjustable

CCi2 (2-channel amplifier)

• Lowpass filter adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz (can be switched off)
• Highpass filter adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz (can be switched off)
• Bass EQ 0 - + 6 dB adjustable

CCi4 / CCi44 / CCi44-40 (4-channel amplifiers)

• Lowpass filter adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz (can be switched off)
• Highpass filter adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz (can be switched off)

Speaker Wiring CCi500 / CCi500-40

Two 4 ohm subwoofers

Diagram Description: Shows two 4-ohm subwoofers connected to the amplifier's speaker terminals. This configuration results in a 2-ohm load. The minimum amplifier load is 1 ohm; lower impedances may damage the amplifier.

One 4 ohm or 2 ohm subwoofer

Diagram Description: Shows a single 4-ohm or 2-ohm subwoofer connected to the amplifier's speaker terminals. The minimum amplifier load is 1 ohm.

Note: Subwoofer impedance can be 4 ohm or 2 ohm. Minimum amplifier load is 1 ohm; lower impedances may damage the amplifier. Subwoofers with dual voice coils, or any subwoofer, can be connected in series or in parallel for various impedances, but the resulting impedance must never be lower than 1 ohm.

Filter settings Low Pass filter

The low pass filter is mostly used for subwoofers. It allows low frequencies only and blocks higher frequencies. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. The LPF filter has two selectable slopes: 12 or 24 dB. Choose the slope that sounds best in your installation.

Diagram Description: Shows LPF and Phase controls for CCi500/CCi500-40.

Phase switch - CCi500 / CCi500-40

To achieve the best possible front stage from your subwoofer installation, you can choose the phase switch between 0° (button OUT) or 180° (button IN). Listen to the bass and choose the position that gives the best front stage in your vehicle.

Remote sub level control

You can adjust the bass sound level from the front seat of your car by connecting the external sub level control box. The external remote works together with the internal gain control; the setting of the internal gain determines the maximum level for the external control. Connect to the REMOTE socket on CCi500 / CCi500-40.

Diagram Description: Shows the REMOTE socket on the amplifier, with MIN/MAX indicators for the control.

Speaker Wiring CCi2

Two fullrange speakers to channel 1 / 2

Diagram Description: Shows two full-range speakers connected to channels CH1 and CH2. The minimum amplifier load is 2 ohm in stereo mode; lower impedances may damage the amplifier. The speakers can be coaxial speakers or 2/3-way kits.

One 4 ohm subwoofer bridged

Diagram Description: Shows a 4-ohm subwoofer connected in bridged mode to channels CH1 and CH2. The minimum speaker impedance in bridged connection is 4 ohm. This connection gives a 2 ohm load with a 4 ohm subwoofer (the load is halved when connected in bridge mode). Do NOT use subwoofers with lower impedance than 4 ohm. Connect speaker + to CH1+ and speaker - to CH2 -.

Filter settings CH 1/2 for 2-channel stereo use

The high pass filter blocks very low frequencies from reaching the speakers, mostly used to protect small speakers from deep bass. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to HPF (button OUT) to activate the filter, or OFF if you want to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range. Adjust with the HPF control to your taste; a normal setting is 50 - 70 Hz.

Diagram Description: Shows HPF/LPF crossover controls for CCi2, with frequency settings.

Filter settings CH 1/2 for subwoofer use

The low pass filter is mostly used for subwoofers. It allows low frequencies only and blocks higher frequencies. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to LPF (button IN) to activate the filter, or OFF if you want to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range.

Diagram Description: Shows HPF/LPF crossover controls for CCi2, with frequency settings.

Speaker Wiring CCi4 / CCi44 / CCi44-40

1. Four fullrange speakers. One pair in front and one pair in rear.

Diagram Description: Shows front speakers connected to CH1/CH2 and rear speakers connected to CH3/CH4.

Filter settings front channels CH 1 / 2

The high pass filter blocks very low frequencies from reaching the speakers, mostly used to protect small speakers from deep bass. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to HPF (button OUT) to activate the filter, or OFF if you want to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range. Adjust with the HPF control to your taste; a normal setting is 50-70 Hz.

Filter settings rear channels CH 3 / 4

For the rear channels 3/4, the filter should be adjusted in the same way as for channels 1/2.

2. Two fullrange speakers and one subwoofer bridged to CCi4 / CCi44 (3-channel mode).

Diagram Description: Shows front speakers connected to CH1/CH2 and a 4-ohm subwoofer bridged to CH3/CH4.

Filter settings front channels CH 1 / 2

The high pass filter blocks very low frequencies from reaching the speakers, mostly used to protect small speakers from deep bass. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to HPF (button OUT) to activate the filter, or OFF if you want to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range. Adjust with the HPF control to your taste; a normal setting is 50-70 Hz.

Filter settings rear channels CH 3 / 4

The low pass filter is used for subwoofers. It allows low frequencies only and blocks higher frequencies. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to LPF (button IN) to activate the filter.

Speaker Wiring CCi4 / CCi44 / CCi44-40 (Continued)

3. Two subwoofers or stereo speakers bridged to CCi4 / CCi44.

Diagram Description: Shows one 4-ohm subwoofer or speaker connected to channels 1/2 and another 4-ohm subwoofer or speaker connected to channels 3/4.

Filter settings front channels CH 1 / 2

The low pass filter is mostly used for subwoofers. It allows low frequencies only and blocks higher frequencies. A typical setting is 60-70 Hz. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to LPF (button IN) to activate the filter.

Filter settings rear channels CH 3 / 4

When the CC-4 is used for bridging a stereo speaker pair, set use only the HPF filter. Set the push button to ON and the HPF / LPF button to HPF (button OUT) to activate the filter, or OFF if you want to run the amplifier in full range mode without limiting the frequency range. Adjust with the HPF control to your taste; a normal setting is 50-70 Hz.

Troubleshooting Testing

If problems occur during installation or later, this guide may help you find the cause.

THE AMPLIFIER IS DEAD:

1. Check power lead, ground, and remote connections at the amplifier using a multimeter.
2. Check the battery terminal connections.
3. Check the power lead fuse or circuit breaker. If fuse damage continues, inspect the power lead for short circuits.
4. Check the amplifier protection fuses. Replace blown fuses with ones of the same value. If short-circuiting continues, contact your local DLS dealer, as a fault may exist within the amplifier.
5. To start the amplifier, a remote voltage of 9-15 volts is required. Check the voltage with a multimeter.

AMPLIFIER PROTECTION FUSE BLOWS AT LOW VOLUME:

1. One or more speaker cables may be shorted. Perform an insulation test with a multimeter. The cables must not have a connection to earth.

THE AMPLIFIER TURNS OFF AFTER 10 - 30 MINUTES:

The amplifier is overheating due to inadequate ventilation. Check that the mounting position is free from obstruction. To resolve this:

• Move the amplifier to a location with better ventilation.
• Install one or two fans to cool the heatsink.
• Overheating can also be caused by an impedance load below the permitted level.

NO OUTPUT FROM ONE OR MORE SPEAKERS:

Check the following:

• Balance control position.
• Fader control position.
• Speaker cable connections to both the amplifier and the drivers.
• Signal lead plugs and cables.
• Swap the left and right signal lead plugs in the amplifier to see if the problem moves to a different speaker; this indicates a fault in the lead. If the problem remains, the speaker or amplifier is at fault.

Reconnect Battery

When wiring is complete, reconnect the battery negative terminal.

Test power wiring

1. Turn on the head unit but do not turn up the volume. The amplifier power light should come on. If not, check the remote and +12 volt wires, and the ground connection.
2. Turn up the head unit's volume slightly. All speakers should operate. If not, check wiring connections at the amplifier and speakers.

Test speaker connections

Ensure the speakers are connected correctly. Use the balance control on the head unit to confirm that the right channel is connected to the right speaker, etc. If speakers do not play at all, one or both speaker wires may be disconnected.

Professional Tips

NOISE PROBLEMS

WHINING NOISE VARYING WITH ENGINE REVOLUTIONS:

Solutions:

• Rewire the power supply (12 V) to the source unit directly from the battery.
• Rewire the ground wire from the source unit to a clean chassis position.
• Check all power connections to ensure they are clean and tight.
• Check the quality of the system ground connection.
• Install a Power Cap capacitor; this can be helpful against most noise problems.

CONSTANT WHINING NOISE:

Solutions:

• Ensure that all equipment has a common ground point.
• Check the quality of the earth strap connection from the battery negative terminal to the chassis.
• Disconnect signal cables from the amplifier to see if the noise disappears. If it does, the leads are picking up noise. Test this by laying a new cable over the seats and reconnecting to the amplifier. If the noise does not return, reroute the original cable away from the source of interference.
• If noise remains regardless of cable position, try using so-called Quasi-balanced signal cables. DLS PRO-cables are Quasi-balanced.

SPEAKER POLARITY CHECK.

All speakers in a car audio system should be connected in phase (the same polarity). All speaker cones must move in the same direction. Out-of-phase speakers will cause a lack of bass and a poor stereo soundstage.

Checking polarity: Hold the - connection of the speaker wire to the terminal of a 1.5 Volt flashlight battery. Tap the + wire onto the + terminal of the battery and observe the movement of the cone. The cone should move outwards when the wire touches the battery and inwards when the battery is removed. If it is the other way around, the speaker has been connected backwards and must be removed and connected correctly.

If your system also has a subwoofer connected through a passive 6 or 12 dB crossover, try connecting this with various polarity settings and judge what sounds best. The phase shift in passive crossovers sometimes makes it necessary to change polarity.

Diagram Description: A simple diagram shows a 1.5V battery connected to speaker terminals with '+' and '-' markings, illustrating the polarity test.

Note: Tweeters cannot be tested this way; double-check the connections instead.

Installing in trunk

When installing the amplifier in the trunk, run the power wires along the same path as other vehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated channels for wiring. You will have to remove the door sill trim and the carpet.

Securing wires

Use wire ties to bundle wires together when possible. Never bundle speaker wires or signal cables together with power wires.

Crimp connections

Purchase crimp connectors and a crimping tool. Connectors are color-coded. 1. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from the wire. 2. Insert into connector. 3. Crimp tightly.

Speaker and power wires

Do not run speaker and power wires next to each other. Power wires can generate a "siren" sound in the speakers. Run speaker and power wires on opposite sides of the car.

Specifications

CCi500 / CCi500-40

All output power ratings are RMS Watts @ 14,4 VDC, CEA standard.

CCi2, CCi4, CCi44 / CCi44-40

We follow a policy of continuous advancement in development. For this reason all or part of specifications & designs may be changed without prior notice.