MTX Audio TA5601 User Manual

Page 3

Connections

1. Bi-Level Inputs (Low/High Level Input) with Smart Engage™ – Both a low and high level signal can be used.

Be sure to lay the signal wire away from all power cables and vehicle computers. Use high quality twisted pair

interconnect cables to decrease the possibility of radiated noise entering the system.

• Using RCA Connections: If the source unit has RCA outputs, simply attach a signal cable from the source

unit to the amp’s RCA input. This will provide signal to the amp.

• Using Speaker Level Connections: If the source unit does not have RCA outputs, a high level signal can be

used instead by taking the supplied high level RCA adaptor cables and connecting the bare wire ends to the

vehicle’s rear speaker wiring. Connect the left negative speaker wire to the green with black stripe wire on the

supplied high level RCA adaptor. Connect the left positive speaker wire to the solid green wire. Do the same

for the right speaker connection using the purple wire. Now plug the RCA connectors into the amp’s inputs.

2. Speaker Wire Connections –

When installing the speaker wires, please take proper measures to protect them. For example, when

connecting the door speakers, the speaker wire should run from the ampliﬁer’s output terminals, under the

carpet, and through the factory rubber boot (loom) that protects the wires in the inner door jam. If the factory

boot cannot be used, take other measures to protect these wires. Sometimes the door has to be completely

removed to use the factory boot. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a

professional to help you.

When connecting the speaker wires to the ampliﬁer please observe the printed polarity markings on the

ampliﬁer’s StreetWires connector. Failing to wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass

response or poor overall sound quality.

These amps will have two PARALLEL speaker terminals: a positive and negative for a single woofer and an

OPTIONAL second set of positive and negative terminals for a two woofer conﬁguration. These amps can

drive a minimum of a 2 ohm load.

Note: Please pay attention and make sure the speakers or woofers are the correct IMPEDANCE (OHMS) BEFORE

attaching to the ampliﬁer.

3. Power Terminals – Please take proper measures during installation to protect power wires as best you can.

For example, when running the power cable from the vehicle’s battery through the ﬁrewall, use a ﬁrewall

bushing for protection. Run the power wire through the interior of the vehicle, under the carpet, and to the

ampliﬁer. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a professional to help you. Be

sure to lay the power wire away from all signal cables.

When connecting the power wires to the ampliﬁer please observe the printed markings on the ampliﬁer’s

StreetWires power connector. Failing to wire the power cables properly could result in ampliﬁer damage.

• +12V: This is the main power input for the ampliﬁer and must be connected directly to the positive

terminal of the car battery for the ampliﬁer to operate properly. It is important that a main fuse is installed a

maximum of 18” from the battery.

• GND: This is the ground connection for the ampliﬁer and must be connected directly to the metal chassis

of the vehicle for the ampliﬁer to operate properly. A properly grounded ampliﬁer can be run harder and

longer than a poorly grounded ampliﬁer. The ground on the ampliﬁer should be as short as possible and

be connected directly to the vehicle’s metal chassis. Do not connect to factory bolts of ANY kind. When

attaching the ground to the chassis, sand all the paint away from the contact point. A grounding block like the

StreetWires GT4 should be used whenever possible as this piece of equipment has 5 times the surface area of

a normal screw.

The gauge of the power and ground wire is often an overlooked aspect of ampliﬁer installation. The more

power the ampliﬁer receives, the more power it will produce. Power cables have a natural resistance, and

will lose voltage by the time the power makes its way to the ampliﬁer. The larger gauge (diameter) wire will

hold more voltage over longer runs. Also, by having a larger diameter ground wire, the ampliﬁer can run

more efﬁciently. MTX recommends using a minimum of 4 gauge power and ground cables to get the best

performance.

• REM: This connection turns the ampliﬁer on and off and needs to be connected to a remote turn-on wire

from your source unit if you are using a low level input connection.