ADS P450 User Manual

table of contents
introduction 1
about this manual 2
features of your PowerPlate™ 2
warning and tips 3
mounting locations 3
system planning 4
system configurations 4-10
installation 11
controls and connections 11-12
signal sources 13-14
internal signal routing 14-15
multi-cross™ crossover and configurations 16-17
AC502 operation 18
tuning 18-19
P450.2 block diagram 20
P650.2 block diagram 21
P850.2 block diagram 22
troubleshooting 23-24
specifications 25
warranty information 26
introduction
Although it may be hard to remember, back in the 1970’s, car audio as we now know it didn’t really exist.
Sure, music lovers could buy a cassette or 8-track tape deck and some 6" x 9" three-way speakers.
Advanced stereo buffs might even add a "power-booster" to increase output too as much as 12 watts
RMS! But none of this really delivered the power to cut through road noise with sound quality that
compared with the best home audio. Not until 1979 that is, when a/d/s/ introduced the revolutionary
PowerPlate™ P100 amplifier and 300i 2-way plate loudspeakers. Aesthetically, the P100 introduced the
low profile design which has been an a/d/s/ trademark to this day. Technologically, the P100 combined a
high efficiency switching power supply with a state-of-the-art, discrete high-current stereo power
amplifier. For the first time, a car audio system existed with the musical integrity and dynamic range that
made you want to take long drives to nowhere, just to listen to the music. High quality car audio was
born, and the original a/d/s/ PowerPlate™ P100 made it happen.
The latest improvements to the PowerPlate™ line-up include increased heatsink area to facilitate higher
power output, and fully balanced high-level inputs compatible with any source. The amplifier you have
purchased is an enhancement of the respected P-series multichannel amplifiers. In this version, we have
improved upon the already acclaimed sound quality by addressing internal details, and upgrading selected
components to incorporate the latest technology which was not available when the P-series was originally
designed. Selected low-noise, high-speed op amps are used in critical circuits. Class-A biasing is used
throughout the voltage-gain and active crossover stages. Numerous modifications and "tweaks" were
also performed which improve the power supply dynamics and reduce noise. These changes improve
transparency and dynamic linearity, resulting in a smoother and more detailed top-end, tighter bass, more
explosive dynamic contrasts, and virtually holographic imaging. Left intact are the P-series unequalled
flexibility, high efficiency and superb reliability. These, along with multichannel design, are fundamental in
the a/d/s/ approach to systems engineering, which makes achieving true high fidelity reproduction simple
and predictable in any installation.
1

ADS P450 Specifications

General

Channels	4
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms	50W x 4
RMS Power @ 2 Ohms	75W x 4
Bridged RMS Power @ 4 Ohms	150W x 2
Input Sensitivity	200mV - 4V
Crossover Frequency	50Hz - 250Hz
Fuse Rating	25A
THD at Rated Power	0.05%
Bass Boost	0dB / +6dB / +12dB

Summary

Introduction to PowerPlate™ Amplifiers

About This Manual

Guidance on using the manual and the importance of proper installation.

Features of Your PowerPlate™

Highlights key technological and design advantages of the PowerPlate™ series amplifiers.

Warnings and Tips

Essential safety precautions and advice for installation and operation.

Mounting Locations and Considerations

Details on optimal placement, including passenger, trunk, and engine compartments.

System Planning

Advice on planning your audio system for maximum performance and reliability.

System Configurations

Overview of popular system setups using PowerPlate™ amplifiers.

P450.2 System Diagrams

System 1: 4-Channel Mode

Wiring diagram for P450.2 in 4-channel mode with front and rear speakers.

System 2: 2-Channel Bridged Mode

Wiring diagram for P450.2 in 2-channel bridged mode with full range speakers.

System 3: Dual P450.2 Configuration

Wiring diagram for using two P450.2 units for tweeters, midrange, and subwoofers.

P650.2 System Diagrams

System 1: 6-Channel Mode (Front/Rear Speakers & Subwoofers)

Wiring diagram for P650.2 in 6-channel mode for front/rear speakers and subwoofers.

System 2: 6-Channel Mode (Tweeters/Midrange & Subwoofers)

Wiring diagram for P650.2 in 6-channel mode for tweeters, midrange, and subwoofers.

System 3: 3-Channel Mode

Wiring diagram for P650.2 in 3-channel mode for bridged front speakers and subwoofer.

P850.2 System Diagrams

System 1: 6-Channel Mode

Wiring diagram for P850.2 in 6-channel mode with front/rear speakers and bridged subwoofers.

System 2: 8-Channel Mode

Wiring diagram for P850.2 in 8-channel mode for tweeters, midrange, and subwoofers.

System 3: 8-Channel Active Mode

Wiring diagram for P850.2 in 8-channel active mode for tweeters, midrange, and subwoofers.

System 4: 4-Channel Bridged Mode

Wiring diagram for P850.2 in 4-channel bridged mode for speakers and subwoofers.

Installation

Power and Ground Connections

Instructions for correctly connecting the amplifier's power and ground wires.

Controls and Input/Output Terminals

Overview of amplifier controls, switches, and terminal blocks for input and output.

Speaker Connection Configurations

Diagrams and guidelines for connecting speakers in stereo and bridged modes.

Signal Sources

Connecting Input Signals

How to connect OEM radios or aftermarket sources to the amplifier inputs.

Internal Signal Routing

2-Channel/4-Channel Input Switch

Explains how the 2/4 channel switch routes RCA input signals.

Channels 5/6 Input Switch

Describes input selection for channels 5/6 on P650.2 and P850.2.

Level Controls and Output Configuration

Information on adjusting input sensitivity and selecting output modes.

Channels 7/8 Input Switch

Details input selection for channels 7/8 on the P850.2.

Multi-Cross™ Crossover Configuration

Xover Controls for Channels 1/2 and 3/4

Settings for crossover selection on channels 1/2 and 3/4, including bandpass options.

Xover Control 5/6 (P650.2)

Settings for the crossover selection on channels 5 & 6 of the P650.2.

Xover Control 5/6 (P850.2)

Settings for the crossover selection on channels 5 & 6 of the P850.2.

Xover Control 7/8

Settings for the crossover selection on channels 7 & 8.

Using the AC502 (Optional)

Tuning

Tuning the Crossover

Guidance on setting and fine-tuning crossover frequencies for optimal speaker performance.

Adjusting Input Sensitivity

Troubleshooting

No Output Issues

Diagnosing and resolving problems related to no audio output from the amplifier.

Audio Cycling or Distortion

Troubleshooting steps for intermittent audio or distorted sound.

Speaker and Connection Issues

Addressing problems caused by blown speakers, wiring, or improper connections.

Bass Response and Fuse Issues

Resolving poor bass, impedance, and fuse blowing problems.

Specifications

Amplifier Section Specifications

Technical details on power output, frequency response, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Crossover Section Specifications

Details on crossover adjustability and frequency ranges.

Dimensions

Physical dimensions for P850.2, P650.2, and P450.2 models.

Warranty Information