Alpine S-A60M - User Manual

FOR CAR USE ONLY/POUR APPLICATION AUTOMOBILE/PARA USO EN AUTOM6VILES
S-A60M
MONO POWER AMPLIFIER
S-A32F
4 CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
5-ASSV
4 CHANNEL+ MONO POWER AMPLIFIER
• OWNER 'S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
• MODE D'EMPLOI
Veuillez lire avant d'utiliser cet appareil.
ALPINE ELECTRONICS MARKETING , INC.
1-7, Yukigaya- Otsukamac hi, Ota-ku,
Tokyo 145-0067, JAPAN
Phone: 03-5499-4531
ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AMERICA, INC.
19145 Gramercy Place, Torrance,
California 90501, U.S.A .
Phone 1-800-AL PINE-1 (1-800-257-4631)
ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
161-165 Princes Highway, Ha ll am
Victoria 3803, Australia
Phone 03 -8787-1200
ALPINE ELECTRONICS GmbH
Ohms t raf3e 4
85716 Unterschleif3heim, Germany
Phone: 089-32 42 640
JEil Moon Hwa Co .
18-6, 3Ga , Pil _dong, Jung_ gu , Seoul, Korea
• MANUAL DE OPERACION
Lealo antes de utilizar este equipo.
ALP I NE ELECTRONICS OF U.K ., LTD.
Alpine House
Fletchamstead Highway, Coventry CV4 9TW, U.K.
www.alpine . co . uk
ALPINE ELECTRONICS FRANCE S. A.R . L.
184 all ee des Erabl es
CS 52016 - Villepi nte
95 945 Roissy CDG cedex
FRANCE
Phone:+ 33(0)1 48 63 89 89
ALPINE ITALIA S.p.A.
Viale Cristoforo Colombo, 8
20090 Trezza no sul Navigl io Ml, Italy
Phone +39 02 484781
ALPINE ELECTRONICS DE ESPANA, S. A.
Portal de Gamarra 36, Pabell6n, 32
01013 Vitor ia (Alava)-APDO 133, Spain
Pho ne 945-283588
Designed by ALPINE Japan
Printed in Korea
68-35792259-A (Y-AS )
M3514659010
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Summary

WARNING

Safety Precautions for Operation and Installation

Key safety guidelines covering driving distraction, volume levels, electrical connections, and general product use.

SERVICE CARE

INSTALLATION

CONNECTIONS

Connection Terminals and Leads

Cautions on Wire Lead Connections

CONNECTION CHECK LIST

SWITCH SETTINGS

Input Level and Gain Adjustment

Configuring speaker input level and adjusting amplifier gain for optimal sound performance.

Crossover and Mode Settings

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

Connecting to the Speaker Input Level System

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier

Cautions on Power Supply Wires

Power Wire Sizing and Installation Guidelines

Guidance on selecting wire size based on fuse capacity and length for amplifier installation, including examples.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes the Alpine S-A60M Mono Power Amplifier, S-A32F 4-Channel Power Amplifier, and S-A55V 4-Channel + Mono Power Amplifier, designed for car use only. It provides essential information for safe usage, installation, connections, switch settings, system diagrams, and maintenance.

Function Description

The Alpine S-A60M is a mono power amplifier, while the S-A32F is a 4-channel power amplifier. The S-A55V combines both functionalities, offering a 4-channel plus mono power amplifier. These amplifiers are designed to enhance the audio experience in a vehicle by providing amplified sound output to speakers and subwoofers. They feature various controls for input gain adjustment, crossover frequency, and bass equalization, allowing users to fine-tune the audio output to their preferences and specific speaker configurations. The S-A60M and S-A55V include a Bass EQ Adjustment Knob to add a 50 Hz bass boost up to +12 dB for enhanced bass response. The S-A32F and S-A55V also support bridged connections, enabling higher power output for specific speaker setups. The S-A55V further offers selectable input signal configurations for 2-channel, 4-channel, or 5-channel input, providing flexibility for different head unit outputs.

Usage Features

Safe Usage: Before using the system components, it is crucial to read the manual carefully to understand safe and effective operation. Alpine emphasizes several safety warnings:

• Do not disassemble or alter the device, as this may lead to accidents, fire, or electric shock.
• The product is only for mobile 12V applications in cars with a 12-volt negative ground. Using it for other purposes may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Always use the correct ampere rating when replacing fuses to prevent fire or electric shock.
• Do not block vents or radiator panels to avoid heat buildup and potential fire.
• Make correct connections to prevent fire or product damage.
• Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal before wiring to avoid electric shock or injury from electrical shorts.
• Do not allow cables to become entangled in surrounding objects that could obstruct driving, such as the steering wheel, gear lever, or brake pedals.
• Do not splice into electrical cables to supply power to other equipment, as this can exceed current carrying capacity and cause fire or electric shock.
• Do not damage pipes or wiring when drilling holes for installation to prevent fire.
• Do not use bolts or nuts from brake or steering systems for ground connections, as this could disable vehicle control or cause fire.
• Keep small objects like batteries out of reach of children to prevent serious injury if swallowed.
• Halt use immediately if a problem appears and return the unit to an authorized Alpine dealer for repair.
• Have wiring and installation done by experts due to the special technical skill and experience required.
• Use specified accessory parts and install them securely to prevent damage or hazards.
• Arrange wiring to avoid crimping or pinching by sharp metal edges by routing cables away from moving parts and using rubber grommets when passing through metal holes.
• Avoid installing in locations with high moisture or dust to prevent product failure.
• Do not operate any function that takes attention away from safely driving. Perform such functions only after stopping the vehicle in a safe location.
• Keep the volume at a level where outside noises can still be heard to avoid dangerous situations and potential hearing damage.

Input and Output Controls: The amplifiers feature an Input Level Switch (LO/HI) to match the input signal from the head unit. "LO" is used for RCA extension cables, while "HI" is for Speaker-RCA Conversion cables. The Input Gain Adjustment Control allows users to set the optimum gain by adjusting it until the sound distorts, then slightly reducing it.

Crossover and Bass EQ: The S-A60M and S-A55V include a Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (LP FILTER) to adjust the crossover frequency between 50 Hz and 400 Hz. The S-A32F has a Crossover Mode Selector Switch (OFF/HP/LP) and a Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (50 Hz to 400 Hz). "OFF" is for full-range speakers or external crossovers, "HP" for tweeter/midrange systems (attenuating frequencies below the crossover point), and "LP" for subwoofers (attenuating frequencies above the crossover point). The S-A55V also has an HP FILTER knob for channels 1/2/3/4.

Input Channel Selection (S-A55V): The S-A55V features an Input Channel Selector Switch (CH-3/4) to choose between 2-channel or 4-channel input mode. In "1/2" mode, the signal from CH-1/2 is copied to CH-3/4, eliminating the need for Y-adapters. In "3/4" mode, CH-1/2 and CH-3/4 inputs are independent, requiring a 4-channel source. The Input Channel Selector Switch (SUB) allows signals to be mixed from all channels ("1+2+3+4") for the subwoofer or taken directly from the SUB inputs.

Remote Bass Control: An optional Remote Bass Control Unit (RUX-KNOB.2) can be connected to adjust the output level remotely, though it is not a replacement for proper gain level setting.

Power Indicator: The power indicator light provides status information:

• Blue: Amplifier circuit is normal.
• Red (blinking): Operating temperature is high. Solution: Turn down head unit volume, decrease vehicle interior temperature.
• Red: Amplifier circuit is abnormal (electrical short, high supply current, or high operating temperature) or power supply voltage is too high. Solution: Turn off power, eliminate cause, then restart. If red persists, consult dealer.

Maintenance Features

Warranty Information: Alpine provides a limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of first consumer purchase. The warranty applies to the original purchaser residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada. It does not cover damage from shipment, accident, abuse, negligence, misuse, improper operation, acts of God, unauthorized service, altered serial numbers, modifications without Alpine's consent, or products not purchased from an authorized dealer or distributed by Alpine outside specified regions.

Obtaining Warranty Service: To obtain service, the product must be delivered to an Authorized Alpine Service Center or Alpine, with initial shipping charges paid by the customer. Alpine will repair or replace the product at its option. If covered by warranty and shipped to an authorized center, Alpine will cover return shipping. A detailed problem description, proof of purchase, and secure packaging are required.

Implied Warranties and Damage Exclusions: Implied warranties are limited to the duration of the express warranty. Alpine disclaims liability for incidental and consequential damages, including transport expenses, loss of time, loss of use, and costs related to repairing other damaged property.

Canadian Customers: For Canadian customers, the warranty is valid only if the product is installed by an Authorized Installation Center and the warranty is stamped upon installation.

Customer Service: For service inquiries, customers can contact Alpine via the provided toll-free numbers or visit their website.

Power Supply Wires Connection:

• Always refer to the "Cautions on Power Supply Wires Connection" section in the manual and this document for detailed instructions on wire size and connection examples.
• Use specified wire sizes based on the total fuse capacity of the amplifier and wire length.
• For single amplifier installations, specific wire sizes are recommended based on the distance from the amplifier to the vehicle's battery (e.g., 4 AWG/21 mm² for S-A60M/S-A55V, 8 AWG/8 mm² for S-A32F, for a 5m length).
• External fuse capacity should be equal to or larger than the amplifier's fuse capacity (e.g., 60 A for S-A60M/S-A55V, 40 A for S-A32F).
• For multiple amplifier installations, a distribution block should be used if power and ground cables exceed 1m. Specific wire sizes are recommended for connections from the distribution block to each amplifier and from the distribution block to the vehicle's battery. The external fuse capacity should be equal to or larger than the sum of all amplifier fuse capacities.
• When connecting wire leads, remove 7-10 mm (9/32″ – 13/32") of insulation and twist the core line. Use the provided screws to tighten the leads securely. Insulated shrink tubing should be used to cover any exposed wire.
• For safety, connect battery leads last. Do not use cabling to carry the unit to prevent disconnection or dropping.

Noise Prevention: To prevent external noise in the audio system:

• Locate the unit and route leads at least 10 cm (4") away from the vehicle's harness.
• Keep battery power leads as far away from other leads as possible.
• Connect the ground lead securely to a bare metal spot on the vehicle's chassis (remove paint or grease).
• If using an optional noise suppressor, connect it as far away from the unit as possible. Consult an Alpine dealer for noise prevention measures.

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier: Low output will occur if only one channel input is used. A Y-adapter is not required if a stereo/mono pair line output is used to drive both inputs of the bridged amplifier. Ensure proper connections to avoid improper operation.

Alpine S-A60M Specifications