DA604D
DA954D
DA501D
DA801D
COMPACT SERIES
INSTALLATION / OWNER'S MANUAL
Mobile Power Amplifiers
INSTALLATION
Connection Descriptions
NOTE:
Be sure to follow specific instructions included with your amplifier installation kit
(not included with this amplifier). The information below should be used as a general
guideline only.
Power Wire (+12V)
• Disconnect negative battery terminal before proceeding. Consult a qualified
technician for instructions if you are unsure.
• Plan wire routing before cutting any wires to length. Begin by routing the power
+12V wire from the battery to the amplifier location. Use a grommet when running
wires through the firewall or metal openings. Avoid running the power wire near
existing vehicle wiring to prevent induced noise from entering the audio system.
• Use extreme caution when drilling holes to avoid damaging fuel lines or existing
vehicle wiring.
• The +12V wire MUST be fused within 18" of the battery for protection of the vehicle’s
electrical system.
Ground Wire (GND)
• The amplifier ground wire should be as short as possible (no more than 36" or
1 meter). Choose a clean unpainted section of metal or the vehicle chassis when
attaching the ground connection. Be sure to clean the area of any dirt or grease.
Remote Turn-on Wire (REM)
• The remote turn-on wire connects to the head unit's amplifier turn-on lead or
power antenna output.
Speaker Wires
• Choose adequate gauge speaker wire depending on your exact amplifier/speaker
combination. Be sure to observe polarity when connecting.
• Do not ground any speaker wires or connect any speaker wires together.
Input Signal
• The amplifier's input signal connects to the head unit's low level (RCA) or high level
(speaker wire) outputs.
• Low level input signals deliver the best performance. If unavailable, use the high
level inputs - when interfacing with factory head unit for instance.
CAUTION
• Do not use both low and high level inputs at the same time. Connect only one or the
other.
• Keep low level inputs away from any power wires to avoid engine noise.
• Never run any wires underneath or outside the vehicle.
3
INSTALLATION
Audio Inputs and Controls
DA604D
DA954D
2
3
4
5
1
4
3
2
1
DA501D
DA801D
5
1
6
7
8
9
3
Gain
Subsonic Filter
Bass Boost
6
1
2
3
4
5
Crossover Mode
Hi-Level Input
7
8
9
Low Pass Filter
Remote Turn On
Crossover Frequency Control
RCA Input
4
INSTALLATION
Power and Speaker Connections
DA604D
DA954D
1
4
6
3
5
2
DA501D
DA801D
1
2
3
4
5
Remote Turn On
Ground Connection
Remote Output
Speaker Connections
Fuse(s)
1
2
3
4
5
6
+12VDC Battery Connection
5
INSTALLATION
Typical Wire Routing
MAXIMUM
GROUND
FUSE
No more than 36"
(1 meter)
12V BATTERY
12V DC
(Power)
RCA CABLES
SPEAKERS
2-8 ohms
REM (Remote Turn On)
Main Power Connections
Connect +12V, GND and REM wires accordingly. A suitable fuse MUST be installed
on the +12V lead within 18" of the battery for protection of the vehicle’s electrical
system.
Power/Ground Wire Size
Fuse Rating
For optimum performance, use only the wire
size listed below or larger. Make sure to use
the same size power and ground wire.
When replacing fuses, make sure new fuse
is the correct type and amperage. Using an
incorrect fuse could damage the amplifier.
DA604D 4 Ga.
DA954D 4 Ga.
DA501D 4 Ga.
DA801D 4 Ga.
DA604D 40A x 1
DA954D 40A x 1
DA501D 25A x 2
DA801D 30A x 2
6
INSTALLATION
Amplifier Connections
2 Speakers (stereo)
Subwoofer (mono)
Speaker Connections
Connect speaker wires
observing polarity.The
minimum impedance load
for the DA604D and DA954D
is 2 ohms stereo and 2
ohms bridged. Use of loads
lower than these is not
recommended and may
cause amplifier damage.The
DA604D and DA954D can be
wired for stereo,bridged or
stereo/bridged simultaneous
operation.
Typical Stereo Wiring
Typical Bridged Wiring
(2 ohms minimum)
(2 ohms minimum)
Typical speaker connections shown
Input Signal Connections
Low Level Input (RCA)
Low level (RCA) input signal is preferred for best performance.Typical trunk-
mount amplifier installations require a 17-20 foot RCA cable. Most trucks
and under-seat applications require a 6-9foot RCA cable. Using twisted pair
construction RCA cables will minimize noise.
High Level Input
(Speaker Wire)
High level inputs should only
be used when RCA outputs are
not available from the head unit.
Connect the head unit speaker
outputs to the high level input
High-Level Input
(speaker cables)
connector as shown below. The
black wire (signal reference
ground) may or may not require a
connection to chassis ground
-depending on your particular
installation.
Low-Level Input
(RCA)
Note: Do not use both low and high level inputs
at the same time connect only one or the other.
7
INSTALLATION
Configuration/Setup
Input level Control
The input level control (gain) is used to obtain the
best possible match between the head unit audio
output and the amplifier input. Begin by turning
the input level control fully counterclockwise. Next,
turn up the head unit volume control around 3/4 of
the way up. Adjust the input level control clockwise
until audible distortion is heard, then slightly
counterclockwise to provide the best match.
Repeat for all input level controls.
Crossover Mode
The crossover is used to filter out frequencies
above or below a certain point. Choose LPF when
using the amplifier with subwoofers, HPF when
using with midrange/tweeter combinations and
FLAT when using with coaxial-type speakers.
Note: Choose FLAT when using the amplifier in
stereo/bridged simultaneous mode. In this mode,
passive crossovers are required. Failure to use
the correct passive components may damage the
amplifier and/or speakers. Consult a qualified
professional for recommendations.
Crossover Frequency
Control
This control allows precise adjustment of the
crossover frequency.
Bass Boost
This control provides additional boost @ 45Hz
when used with subwoofers. Adjust this control
with caution - as improper use can damage
speakers!
Subsonic Filter
(DA501D and
DA801D)
Setting this control to the desired frequency will
limit harmful frequencies below the setting from
going to the subwoofer(s), preventing possible
damage from frequencies that subwoofers are not
designed to handle.
LED Indicators
The green LED indicator illuminates during normal
operation (POWER) and the red LED indicator
is visible when the amplifier detects a fault
(PROTECT).
8
INSTALLATION
Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause
Action
+12V wire not connected or incorrect
voltage. REM wire not connected or
incorrect voltage
Check connections for proper voltage
(11~16VDC)
Unit will not turn on
(no power LED
indicator)
GND wire not connected
Fuse(s) blown
Check connection to ground
Replace fuse(s)
Speaker wires not connected
Volume turned all the way down
Check connections at speakers
Increase volume level at head unit
One or more speaker wires touching
each other or touching chassis
ground
Insulate all bare speaker wires from
each other and chassis ground
Unit has power -
LED is green (but
no sound)
Speaker(s) defective or damaged
Input signal not connected
Incorrect fuse rating
Check/replace speaker(s)
Check high or low level inputs for
proper connection
Use fuse(s) with correct rating
Check for pinched wire
Unit blows fuse(s) +12V wire touching chassis ground
Speaker(s) defective or damaged
Check/replace speaker(s)
Make sure amplifier is grounded to
clean bare metal
Bad ground connection
Engine noise
Signal ground loop or RFI (radio
frequency interference)
Re-route RCA cables from existing
high current wiring
One or more speaker wires touching
each other or touching chassis
ground
Insulate all bare speaker wires from
each other and chassis ground
LED illuminates red Speaker(s) defective or
(protect mode) damaged internally (shorted)
Check/replace speaker(s)
Speaker load less than 2 ohms
(stereo). Speaker load less than 4
ohms (bridged)
Adjust speaker load - amplifier will
not operate at less than 4 ohms
when bridged
Distorted audio Incorrect input signal type or
Check connections and reduce/
adjust input level
output
input level too high
Incorrect input signal type or
input level too low
Check connections and increase/
adjust input level
Low audio output
Check (+) and (-) speaker
connections
Weak bass
Speaker(s) are wired out of phase
(Observe correct polarity)
9
INSTALLATION
Specifications
DA604D
Power Output (14.4VDC, 20Hz ~ 20kHz):
•60 Watts RMS x 4 channels @ 4 Ohms
•85 Watts RMS x 4 channels @ 2 Ohms
•200 Watts RMS x 2 channels @ 4 Ohms (bridged)
Peak Music Power Output: 400 Watts
Signal to noise ratio: > 90dB (THD < 0.05% @ 4Ω, 14.4V)
Frequency response: 10Hz -35kHz (-3dB)
Amplifier dimensions: 1.6” x 4.7” x 7.9” (41 x 119 x 201 mm)
DA954D
Power Output (14.4VDC, 20Hz ~ 20kHz):
•100 Watts RMS x 4 channels @ 4 Ohms
•150 Watts RMS x 4 channels @ 2 Ohms
•300 Watts RMS x 2 channels @ 4 Ohms (bridged)
Peak Music Power Output: 600 Watts
Signal to noise ratio: > 90dB (THD < 0.05% @ 4Ω, 14.4V)
Frequency response: 10Hz– 35kHz (-3dB)
Amplifier dimensions: 1.6” x 4.7” x 9” (41 x 119 x 229 mm)
DA501D
Power Output (14.4VDC, 20Hz ~ 250Hz):
•300 Watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 Ohms
•500 Watts RMS x 1 channel @ 1 Ohm
Peak Music Power Output: 1200 Watts
Signal to noise ratio: >80dB (THD < 0.5% @ 4Ω, 14.4V)
Frequency response: 20Hz -250Hz (0, -3dB/octave)
Amplifier dimensions: 1.6” x 4.7” x 7.9” (41 x 119 x 201 mm)
DA801D
Power Output (14.4VDC, 20Hz ~ 250Hz):
•400 Watts RMS x 1 channel @ 2 Ohms
•800 Watts RMS x 1 channel @ 1 Ohm
Peak Music Power Output: 1750 Watts
Signal to noise ratio: >80dB (THD < 0.5% @ 4Ω, 14.4V)
Frequency response: 20Hz -250Hz (0, -3dB)
Amplifier dimensions: 1.6” x 4.7” x 9” (41 x 119 x 229 mm)
INSTALLATION
One-Year Limited Warranty
This warranty gives you specific legal rights.
What to do?
You may also have other rights which vary
1. Before you call for service, check the
troubleshooting guide in your owner’s
manual. A slight adjustment of any
custom controls may save you a service
call.
from state to state.
Dual Electronics Corp. warrants this product
to the original purchaser to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for
a period of one year from the date of the
original purchase.
2. If you require service during the
warranty period, you must carefully
pack the product (preferably in the
original package) and ship it by prepaid
transportation with a copy of the original
receipt from the retailer to an
Dual Electronics Corp. agrees, at our
option, during the warranty period, to repair
any defect in material or workmanship
or to furnish an equal new, renewed
or comparable product (whichever is
deemed necessary) in exchange without
charges, subject to verification of the defect
or malfunction and proof of the date of
purchase. Subsequent replacement products
are warranted for the balance of the original
warranty period.
authorized service center.
3. Please describe your problem in writing
and include your name, a return
UPS shipping address (P.O. Box not
acceptable), and a daytime phone number
with your shipment.
4. For more information and for the location
of the nearest authorized service center
please contact us by one of the following
methods:
Who is covered? This warranty is extended
to the original retail purchaser for products
purchased from an authorized Dual dealer
and used in the U.S.A.
• Call us toll-free at 1-866-382-5476
• E-mail us at [email protected]
What is covered? This warranty covers all
defects in material and workmanship in
this product. The following are not covered:
software, installation/removal costs,
damage resulting from accident, misuse,
abuse, neglect, product modification,
improper installation, incorrect line voltage,
unauthorized repair or failure to follow
instructions supplied with the product, or
damage occurring during return shipment
of the product. Specific license conditions
and copyright notices for the software can be
Exclusion of Certain Damages: This warranty
is exclusive and in lieu of any and all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including
without limitation the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose and any obligation, liability,
right, claim or remedy in contract or tort,
whether or not arising from the company’s
negligence, actual or imputed. No person or
representative is authorized to assume for
the company any other liability in connection
with the sale of this product. In no event
shall the company be liable for indirect,
incidental or consequential damages.
Dual Electronics Corp.
Toll Free: 1-866-382-5476
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM, EST
©2014 Dual Electronics Corp.
NSA1113-V01
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