Polk Audio PA400.1 - Manual (Page 4)

W W W . P O L K A U D I O . C O M / A M P S 7 6 P A 1 2 V A M P L I F I E R S
ENGLISH
Tools You May Need
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Solderless, crimp-on connectors and a crimping tool
• Safety glasses
• Wire strippers and cutters
• Electrical tape
• Grommets for passing wires through metal car walls
• Amplifier Power Wire Kit (available at your authorized
Polk Audio Dealer)
SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION
Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range
for each of its passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typi-
cally that specification will be expressed as a range of
power such as 20-200 Watts (per channel). It is important
to understand what those numbers mean when choosing a
receiver or amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower
number indicates the lowest continuous rated power that
will yield acceptable performance in a typical listening
environment. The higher number indicates the highest
per channel power that should be used with your Polk
speakers. That number should not be confused with a
“Power Handling” specification and it does not imply that
the speaker will safely handle that full amount of power
on a long-term basis. We specify a wide range of power
ratings because not all electronics manufacturers use the
same method for rating power. In fact, high quality lower-
rated amplifiers sound better and play louder than low
quality units with higher power rating.
Automobile horsepower is good analogy. Your car probably
has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily com-
mute and is likely capable of going well over 120 MPH
(190KM/hr). Having that extra power is good for on-ramp
acceleration and danger avoidance (like getting away from
brain-eating zombies) but that doesn’t mean that it is advis-
able to operate your car on North American highways at
full power and maximum speed for an extended period of
time. Just ask your local state trooper if you are in doubt.
Similarly, we recommend using amplifiers and receivers
with rated power above the Power Handling limits of our
speakers because having extra power available for short
terms peaks is conducive to better sound quality, maximum
dynamic range and effortless high volume output. But we
strongly urge you not to use the full power of your amp or
receiver for daily listening.
Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regard-
less of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels
than its power can clearly produce. Operation at this level
can result in very high levels of audible distortion originating
in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your
listening material. If you hear distortion—turn the vol-
ume down or risk damaging your speakers. You can
damage just about any speaker, regardless of power rating,
if you drive an amplifier to or beyond the point of distortion.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
1. Please read this owner’s manual carefully before
installing this amplifier.
2. Disconnect the battery ground terminal prior
to making any electrical connections.
3. Check for any hazards or obstructions such as gas
tanks, fuel or brake lines, and wiring harnesses
before mounting the amplifier.
4. Pick a mounting location that will provide adequate
access and ventilation and protect the amplifier from
heat, moisture, and dirt.
5. To securely mount your amplifier you must first remove
the top cover assembly. Unscrew the four (4) top cover
assembly retaining screws.
6. Avoid sharp metal areas when routing cables to the
amplifier, and run RCA cables away from the power
cables and other potentially noisy car harnesses.
7. The amplifier should be grounded with a short, heavy
gauge wire connected directly to the car at a bare metal
surface, preferably scraped body sheet metal. Do not
use factory ground locations, seat bolts, or brackets
that are spot welded.
8. Always fuse your power connection within 8 to 10 inches
of the battery terminal. Use a fuse or circuit breaker rated
slightly more than the on-board fuse(s) of the amplifier(s).
The gauge of power wire used should take into account
the total current draw of the system, and the length of
wire used. IASCA and other auto sound competition
organizations have charts available for this; you can
also find a chart in the MECP study guide. Minimum
wire gauge recommendations for the individual ampli-
fiers are listed on the specification page. Always use
the same gauge wire for the amplifier ground that you
use for the power wire. Be sure to examine the battery
ground cable of the vehicle, and if necessary, upgrade
it by adding an additional ground wire that is the same
gauge as the amplifier’s power wire. Remember, the
amplifier can only deliver its rated output when it is not
current limited by the power and ground supply wires.
9. This amplifier is designed to drive a speaker load that
measures from 1 to 4 Ohms. Keep in mind that heat is
the long-term enemy of automotive electronics and the
lower your speaker load, the more heat is generated.
For low-impedance speaker applications or restricted
ventilation installations, an external cooling fan may
be advisable.
WARNING
High-powered car audio systems may produce sound
pressure levels that exceed the threshold at which
hearing loss may result.
They may also impair a driver’s ability to hear traffic
sounds or emergency vehicles. Use common sense
and practice safe listening habits when listening to
or adjusting your audio system.
FEATURES
• Super-efficient Class D PWM design runs
much cooler than conventional amps.
• High-speed MOSFET switching power supply.
• High-current complementary Class D MOSFET
outputs stable into one ohm loads.
• Thermal, DC offset, reverse polarity and short
circuit protection with status LED.
• Master/slave function supports two amps
bridged to one load. (PA600.1/PA1200.1)
• Continuously variable 12dB/octave
low-pass crossover.
• Switchable subsonic filter 24dB/octave.
• Switchable 8 dB bass EQ function.
• Switchable 180° phase inversion.
• Remote subwoofer level control function.
• Variable input sensitivity optimizes match
with different signal sources.
• Chrome-plated wire terminals and RCA connectors
ensure maximum signal transfer.
• Rugged heat sink and cover.
• Unity gain pass-through RCA jacks.
GETTING STARTED
Take Inventory
Check to ensure you have everything in your
Polk Audio amplifier carton to start enjoying
your system. Inside, you should find:
1. Polk Audio Amplifier
(either PA400.1, PA600.1 or PA1200.1)
2. Phillips Screws (4)
3. Mounting Washers (4)
4. Locking Washers (4)
5. Rubber Washers (4)
6. Fuse Replacements
7. Wire Harness
8. Owner’s Manual
9. Online Registration Card
10. Remote Volume Module
11. Phone Line Cord
Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if
your Polk Audio amplifier fails to operate, notify your dealer
immediately. We recommend keeping your original carton
and packing materials in case you need to ship the unit in
the future.
In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever
stolen, you will need to have a record of the product’s
serial number. Please take the time to enter that number
in the space provided below. The serial number can be
found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the
amplifier packaging.
Serial Number:____________________________
Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655
(M-F, 9-6 EST, US & Canada only) or via email
[email protected]. Outside the US &
Canada, call 410-358-3600. To learn more about
Polk Audio 12V amplifiers go to www.polkaudio.com
Polk Audio, Inc. 5601 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215
READ THIS FIRST
Installing a car audio system is a serious project. If you have
any doubts about your ability to execute any of the installa-
tion steps found in this manual, save yourself a lot of grief
and contact a professional installer. Your Polk Audio dealer
is a good place to find one. If you intend to do the installa-
tion yourself we assume you possess some skill in the proper
use of hand and power tools. No matter how much installa-
tion experience you have, we recommend that you…
• Read this manual thoroughly before you begin.
• Plan your installation carefully.
• Allow enough time to complete the installation
without rushing.
• Take steps to protect your car and upholstery
from unwanted scratches and punctures.
• Wear proper protective safety gear.
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