ETON PA 4 Amplifier

Introduction

ETON expressly thanks you for deciding to purchase this amplifier and congratulates you on the selection of this excellent product.

The ETON amplifiers are a guarantee for outstanding performance. The electrical, mechanical, and tonal characteristics will be maintained at the original high standard throughout the entire operational life of this product. We wish you many pleasant listening hours.

Operating Instructions

The current operational instructions are designed to ensure correct installation of the amplifier. They contain information and essential procedures for the correct operation of the product and its attached external devices. Please carefully study the operating instructions before beginning with the installation or the connection of the amplifier.

Safety Instructions

Attention! Please read all warnings found in this manual. This information is highlighted and included to inform you of the potential danger of personal injury or damage to property.

Hearing Damage

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 85dB may cause permanent hearing loss. High-powered auto-sound systems may produce sound pressure levels well over 130dB. This may cause damage to hearing. Use common sense and avoid such risks!

Volume and Driver Awareness

Use of sound components can impair your ability to hear necessary traffic sounds and may constitute a hazard while driving your automobile.

ETON accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage as a result of use or misuse of this product.

ATTENTION! If sheet metal must be cut or removed, contact your authorized car dealer for professional advice. Damage to supporting body structures may result in the safety certificate being withdrawn.

Packaging and Contents

The amplifier is packed into an especially constructed protecting carton. Do not damage the packing and store it for future use in the case of possible damage. Upon receipt of the amplifier, verify that:

• The packing is not damaged.
• The contents are according to specifications.
• The product shows no obvious damage.

In the case of missing or damaged parts, please contact your dealer immediately, providing the model name and serial number shown on the bottom of the amplifier.

Content:

• Power amplifier
• User manual
• Mounting accessories with mounting feet
• Allen key
• High-level adapter (2x)
• RCA adapter (2x)
• RCA bridged mode adapter (1x)

Tools

We recommend having the following tools ready for installation:

• Fuse-holder and fuse
• Battery post wrench
• Handheld drill with assorted bits
• Volt/Ohm meter
• Wire strippers
• Wire cutters
• Hex key
• Phillips screwdriver
• Additional tools required for removing panels in your car
• Power and remote wires in adequate lengths, widths, and colors

Note: We recommend using power cable at least 12 AWG for (B+) and (GND) battery wiring. Use an additional Mini ANL fuse holder with a 30 A fuse.

Precautions - Read First!

Caution! Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire, and/or possible injury. This is not possible in every modern vehicle. Please ask your carmaker or consult your owner's handbook regarding battery changes.

Note: The installation and adjustment of the amplifier should only be entrusted to qualified personnel. Please carefully read the operation instructions and follow the given directions regarding connection and adjustment of the amplifier.

Warning! Before connecting external devices not belonging to this amplifier, please refer to the corresponding directions contained in the operation instructions for this device.

Warning! Under no circumstances should you open the amplifier or attempt any repairs. If required, contact your dealer for technical assistance. Unauthorized changes will result in the cancellation of warranty.

General Precautions:

• The amplifiers are exclusively designed for the interior of vehicles with a +12 volt DC (Direct Current) power supply.
• Caution! Install the amplifier only in the interior of the vehicle or in the trunk. Never install the amplifier in the motor compartment, as doing so will void your warranty.
• The amplifier must not be subjected to pressure and must not be covered. Ensure no foreign objects or fluids can enter the amplifier. Ensure the amplifier is provided with sufficient air circulation for proper cooling of the heatsink.
• Mounting the amplifier vertically or horizontally in an area of the vehicle that allows good air circulation is optimal.
• Caution! The heatsink can reach temperatures over 80°C. Be careful to avoid contact with temperature-sensitive surfaces or materials.
• Caution! Ensure no components are close to the mounting position of the amplifier that could be damaged by screws or during the mounting procedure. Damage to the vehicle can severely endanger the automobile's safety and that of its passengers.
• Mount the amplifier using the four fastening points. Be careful to choose a strong, stable surface that can carry the device's weight. Avoid mounting on plastic parts or cardboard lining.

Before Installation

This section focuses on vehicle considerations for installing your new amplifier. Pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on the layout of your new system, ensure that each component will be easily accessible for adjustments.

Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:

1. Carefully read and understand the instructions before installing the amplifier.
2. For easier assembly, run all wires prior to mounting your amplifier in place.

Wiring Considerations:

• Caution! Avoid running power wires near low-level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equipment, or harnesses. Power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system.
• Route all RCA cables close together and away from any high-current wires.
• Use high-quality connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
• Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines, or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.
• Never run wires underneath the vehicle; running wires inside the vehicle provides the best protection.
• Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.
• ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install the appropriate fuse holder and fuse on the +12 V power wire within 18" (45.7 cm) of the battery terminal.
• When grounding to the chassis, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground connection. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and always connected to metal welded to the main body or chassis. Seatbelt bolts should never be used for connecting to ground.
• When connecting tweeters directly to the amplifier, pay attention to the correct crossover frequencies. Tweeters can be damaged without passive crossover components. Ensure all cables are connected correctly and safely before starting the amplifier. If necessary, use a suitable capacitor/crossover in front of the tweeter to protect it during initial setup.

Installation and Wiring

Recommendations for Class D Amplifiers

Class D amplifiers emit a certain amount of RF (Radio Frequency) radiation due to their design. While the design has been optimized to minimize this, steps can be taken to eliminate unwanted FM radio interference. The following tips apply to any Class D amplifier:

• Always try to install the amplifier as far away from the antenna as possible.
• Furthermore, try to mount the amplifier as far away from the radio or other RF-sensitive devices as possible.
• Keep the ground cable as short as possible, considering it the transmitting antenna. Shorter cables produce less interference radiation.
• Use twisted wires for loudspeaker lines and NF lines if possible. If you don't have twisted pair wire, you can twist two single cables yourself.
• If you encounter FM interference, try turning the amplifier 90 degrees or changing its location. RF radiation can be very directional.

Mounting Locations

• Trunk Mounting: Mounting the amplifier vertically or inverted provides adequate cooling. Mounting on the trunk floor offers the best cooling.
• Passenger Compartment Mounting: Mounting in the passenger compartment is acceptable if sufficient airflow is provided for cooling. If mounting under a seat, ensure at least 1" (2.54 cm) of air gap around the heatsink. Insufficient airflow will severely affect performance and may lead to shutdown. This is strongly not recommended.

Engine Compartment: Never mount this unit in the engine compartment. Doing so will void your warranty.

Battery and Charging

Amplifiers increase the load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. Check your alternator and battery condition to ensure the electrical system can handle the increased load. Standard electrical systems in good condition should handle the extra load, though battery and alternator life may be slightly reduced.

For maximum amplifier performance, use a heavy-duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.

Wiring the System

• Caution! If you are unsure about wiring, consult your local authorized ETON dealer.
• Caution! Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage, fire, or injury. Consult your car dealer if disconnecting the battery is problematic.

Wiring Plan:

Plan wire routing carefully. Keep RCA cables close together but isolated from power cables and other high-power accessories, especially electric motors, to prevent noise coupling. If routing cables through metal barriers, use plastic or rubber rings to avoid short circuits. Leave cables slightly longer initially and adjust later.

Note: We recommend cables with a cross-section of at least 12 AWG (approx. 4 mm²) for current (B+) and ground (GND) connections, and twisted 1.0 mm² copper cables for loudspeaker and high-level lines.

Prepare the RED power cable by stripping 0.75 cm of insulation from the end. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the set screw. The B+ cable must be protected with an appropriate fuse (e.g., 30 A MINI ANL blade fuse).

Prepare the BLACK ground cable by stripping 0.75 cm of insulation from the end. Insert the bare wire into the GROUND terminal and tighten the set screw. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping paint and cleaning the metal surface. Attach a ring connector to the other end of the wire and fasten it to the chassis using a non-anodized screw and a star washer.

Note: Keep the BLACK ground wire as short as possible (ideally less than 30" / 76.2 cm). Use the same wire gauge for power and ground cables.

Prepare the remote turn-on wire by stripping 0.5 cm of insulation. Insert the bare cable into the REM terminal and tighten the set screw. Connect the other end to a switched positive 12V source.

The switched voltage is typically taken from the remote turn-on terminal of the source unit (radio). If unavailable, install a mechanical switch. The PA 4 amplifier features automatic switch-on signal detection (SIG/DC) for high-level inputs, activating when a music signal or voltage is detected.

Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack, avoiding cardboard or plastic panels that could allow screws to loosen. Never mount directly to sheet metal; use an insulating mounting plate.

Input Signal Selection

The PA 4 amplifier can operate with two types of source signals: High-Level (via speaker cables) or Low-Level (via RCA cables).

• High-Level Input: Use the supplied High-Level Input Adapter cable. This set includes two cable whips that connect to AUDIO INPUT CH2/1 and CH4/3. Pay attention to channel distribution and polarity.
• 4-Channel High-Level/Hi-Level Input: Connect speaker wires from front and rear systems separately to utilize the fader function. Ensure correct channel assignment and polarity.
• 2-Channel High-Level, Bridged Mode: To apply a uniform input signal to all channels, connect the open high-level cable ends together, paying attention to channel assignment (Left: CH1+CH3 / Right: CH2+CH4) and polarity (+ - - +). Connect matching cable colors. Use press/crimp connectors or suitable solder connectors.
• Low-Level/Cinch Signal Tap: Use the supplied Low-Level Input Adapter cables (RCA/Cinch). These connect to INPUT CH2/1 and CH4/3. Pay attention to channel distribution and polarity. For bridging, use the cable marked "LOW-LEVEL INPUT BRIDGED MODE".
• Caution! Always ensure the ignition is switched off or the power cable is disconnected from the amplifier before connecting RCA cables to prevent damage.

Connecting the Speakers

Remove 0.5 cm of insulation from speaker cable ends, insert into connector plugs, and tighten screws. Do not ground speaker cables over the vehicle chassis, as this may cause unstable operation. Ensure correct polarity. Channels are marked on the amplifier front panel (1-4 from right to left). Plug the connectors into the amplifier.

Info: Channels 4/3 are equipped with 2 x 80 W RMS "High-Power Outputs" for high-performance loudspeakers. Bridged mode is ONLY for CH4/3.

Perform a final check of the completed system wiring for accurate connections. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires or loose connections. Install the inline fuse near the battery connection.

Adjustment

Remote Input (E)

This 3-way switch controls the turn-on detection mode:

• DC: Use with most source units. The amplifier detects DC voltage on the speaker output of the source unit (via high-level input adapter) and turns on.
• OFF: The amplifier turns on only via a +12 V remote wire. It will not detect high-level signals.
• SIG: The amplifier detects a signal on the speaker output of the source unit via high-level input. The amplifier may shut off during longer music pauses (after 68 seconds). Use this only if DC detection is not working and auto-sense is desired.

Gain / Level Setting (F)

The GAIN controls (CH1/2 & CH3/4) adjust the input sensitivity for the respective channel pairs. Pay attention to active filter settings and necessary crossover frequencies for speaker protection (especially tweeters in fully active mode). Overdriving the GAIN can damage speakers. The GAIN control is not a volume control; it adjusts the signal source's output voltage to the amplifier's input sensitivity.

Gain Adjustment Tip:

Set GAIN by listening: Set your audio source/headunit to 3/4 maximum volume. Play familiar music tracks. Set GAIN to minimum, then slowly increase GAIN until the music no longer gets louder or begins to distort. Note details in the music. Once this point is reached, slightly decrease the GAIN. Repeat with different music tracks.

Active Filters / X-Over Frequencies (G)

The PA 4 amplifier features Active Filters for channel pairs CH1/2 & CH3/4 under the protective cover. These filters allow setting either an HPF (High-Pass Filter) or an LPF (Low-Pass Filter) per channel pair, with a fixed slope of 12 dB. Use the "OFF/ON" pushbutton to activate/deactivate filters. Set frequencies between 50 Hz and 5 kHz using the "FREQ" adjustment with a Phillips screwdriver.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems after installation, follow these troubleshooting procedures:

Procedure 1: Amplifier Not Turning On / No Power

1. Check amplifier connections. Verify the POWER LED is on. If it is on, proceed to step 3; otherwise, continue.
2. Check the in-line fuse on the positive battery cable and replace if necessary.
3. Check fuses within the amplifier and replace if necessary.
4. Verify the ground connection is made to clean metal on the vehicle's chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.
5. Measure voltage at the positive battery cable (before and after the fuse) and at the amplifier. Check for 10V to 14.4V at the remote turn-on wire when the system/radio is on. Verify quality connections for all power and remote cables at the amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuse holder. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 2: Malfunction LED Lights Up (Red/Protect)

If the Protect LED (red/protect) is lit, it may indicate a short circuit in speaker terminals or lines. Check speaker connections. Test speaker cables for possible short circuits with a voltage/resistance meter after disconnecting them from the amplifier. Low speaker impedance can also cause the protective light to illuminate.

This LED may also indicate thermal problems. Check speaker impedance and rewire if necessary.

Ensure the alternator and battery can provide the required voltage. If the issue persists, the amplifier may be damaged. Contact an authorized ETON dealer.

Procedure 3: Amplifier Has No Audio Output

1. Verify good RCA input connections at the stereo and amplifier. Check cable length for kinks or splices. Test RCA inputs for AC voltage with the stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.
2. Disconnect RCA input from the amplifier. Connect a test stereo directly to the amplifier input.

Procedure 4: Amplifier Experiences Turn-On Pop

1. Disconnect the input signal to the amplifier and turn the amplifier on and off.
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the amplifier's REMOTE lead to the source unit with a delay turn-on module.
3. OR Use a different 12V source for the amplifier's REMOTE lead.
4. OR If noise persists, use a relay to isolate the amplifier from turn-on noise.

Procedure 5: Amplifier Experiences Excess Engine Noise

• Route all signal-carrying wires (RCA, speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
• OR Bypass all electrical components between the stereo and amplifier(s). Connect the stereo directly to the amplifier input. If the noise disappears, the bypassed unit is the cause.
• OR Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations, ensuring the grounding point is clean, shiny metal free of paint or rust.
• OR Add a secondary ground cable from the negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block.
• OR Have your mechanic test the alternator and battery charging system. Verify the vehicle's electrical system (distributor, spark plugs, wires, voltage regulator, etc.) is in good working order.

Cable Information

Minimum Cross-Sections for Power Cables: We recommend highly conductive, 100% oxygen-free, fine-stranded solid copper cables.

Use a MINI ANL or ATC fuse holder with a corresponding fuse.

Use at least 1.0 mm² twisted, solid copper cable for loudspeaker systems and 1.5 - 2.5 mm² for subwoofers. A twisted 0.5 mm² audio cable per channel is recommended for the high-level signal feed.

CE Conformity and Disposal

CE Conformity Certificate

The CE marking indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other household wastes within the EU. To prevent risks to the environment and human health, please recycle responsibly to encourage the reuse of material resources. Use available return and collection systems or contact the retailer where you purchased the product for recycling.

Technical Data

Notes

ETON reserves the right to make modifications or improvements to the products illustrated without notice. All rights belong to the respective owners. Total or partial reproduction of this User's Guide is prohibited.