The Diamond Audio DASTX12 is a powered active shallow spare tire subwoofer designed to enhance the car audio system by providing deep bass. It is engineered to fit inside the spare tire well, offering a discreet and space-saving solution for adding a subwoofer to a vehicle.
Technical Specifications:
- Power: 150W RMS / 600W MAX
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): <0.5%
- Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 150Hz
- Low Pass Filter: 50Hz - 150Hz
- Bass Boost: 0 - +12dB
- Subsonic Filter: 20Hz (Fixed)
- Impedance: 2 ohms
- Dimensions: 14.2" (360mm) x 4.92" (125mm)
Usage Features:
The subwoofer features a control panel with various inputs and adjustments to optimize its performance.
- Input Gain: Allows adjustment of the input sensitivity to match the output level of the head unit, ranging from MIN to MAX.
- Bass Boost: Provides an adjustable bass boost from 0dB to +12dB at 50Hz, allowing users to tailor the bass intensity to their preference.
- Low Pass Filter: A variable low pass filter (LPF) from 50Hz to 150Hz allows only frequencies below the set point to pass through to the subwoofer, preventing higher frequencies from being reproduced.
- Phase Switch: A phase switch (0°/180°) helps to align the subwoofer's output with the main speakers, ensuring cohesive sound reproduction.
- Power Status LED: A green LED indicates when the unit is powered on and operating normally.
- Protection LED: A red LED illuminates if the protection circuit is activated, indicating a potential issue such as overheating or a short circuit.
- Remote Level Control Port: This port is for connecting the supplied remote level control, which allows convenient adjustment of the subwoofer's output level from the driver's seat.
- High Level (Speaker Level) Inputs: If the head unit lacks RCA outputs, the speaker outputs can be used as the audio source. A supplied cable and wire harness are used for this connection. It's crucial not to connect both RCA and speaker inputs simultaneously.
- Low Level RCA Inputs: These are the recommended inputs for optimal audio performance, typically used when the head unit or other signal sources (like a sound processor) have RCA outputs.
- FUSE: The unit includes a fuse for protection. It's important to use a fuse with the correct value and never replace it with a wire or coin, as this protects the vehicle, not just the amplifier/subwoofer.
- Auto Power On Circuit: For high-level (speaker-level) connections, the subwoofer can automatically power on when an audio signal is detected and power off when no signal is present. This feature is active when the remote turn-on wire is not used.
Installation Features:
The DASTX12 is designed for a simple installation within the spare tire well of most vehicles manufactured in the last 10 years, without requiring the removal of the spare tire.
- Trunk Liner Removal: The installation begins by removing the trunk liner, which typically pulls out without screws or bolts.
- Spare Tire Orientation Check: Users need to determine if their spare tire is "Deep Side UP" or "Deep Side DOWN."
- Deep Side UP: If the spare tire is deep side up, it needs to be unbolted and flipped over so the DASTX12 can sit inside it.
- Deep Side DOWN: If the spare tire is deep side down, it simply needs to be unbolted, and the DASTX12 can be dropped directly into it.
- Mounting Bolt Compatibility: The DASTX12 comes with both 8mm and 10mm mounting bolts to accommodate 90% of vehicles. Users should check their vehicle's mounting bolt size.
- ABS Nut (Audi/VW Typically): For vehicles with a large "NUT" and a bolt coming through the center of the spare tire (common in Audi/VW), the original ABS fixing nut should be replaced with the supplied CERWIN VEGA replacement ABS nut.
- Wiring Harness Connection: The power/input plug should be inserted into the socket in the handle area until it "clicks." Wires should be neatly wrapped to facilitate easy unplugging and removal if needed. The DASTX12 can then be mounted into the spare tire, ensuring no wires are pinched.
- Power and Input Signal Wiring:
- Power Wire: An 8-gauge power wire (not supplied) should be connected directly to the battery B+ terminal with a high-quality ring terminal. A fuse holder (approx. 18 inches from the battery) with a fuse no larger than 20 amperes is required. The power wire must be run through a grommet in the firewall to prevent shorts.
- Remote Control Cable: The remote control cable (phone wire) should be routed to the spare tire area.
- Remote Turn-On Wire: A 16-gauge blue wire (not included) connects the head unit's remote output to the subwoofer's remote terminal.
- Automatic Turn-On: The DASTX12 features an automatic turn-on circuit if a switched 12-volt source is unavailable for turn-on.
- Low-Level Input Wiring: For best audio performance, low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred. A high-quality 15-20 foot RCA cable is typically needed for trunk or hatchback installations.
- Important Wiring Note: Never connect both high-level and low-level inputs from the receiver to the amplifier simultaneously. Always route power and signal wires separately to minimize interference.
Maintenance Features:
Troubleshooting Guide:
The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common operational and performance issues.
- Amplifier Not Powering Up: Check ground connection, 12V at battery terminal, 10VDC at Remote Input, green power LED status, and fuse. If the protection LED is lit, power cycle the amplifier.
- Protection LED On When Powered Up: Reduce head unit volume to prevent input speaker lead overdriving. Power cycle the amplifier. If the issue persists, the amplifier may be faulty.
- No Output: Verify all fuses, power light status, proper grounding, 10VDC at Remote Input, and correct input signal connections.
- Low Output: Readjust Input Gain Control and check Crossover Control settings, possibly trying a higher frequency.
- High Hiss in Sound: Disconnect RCA inputs to the control panel. If hiss disappears, reconnect components one by one to identify the faulty source. Reset Input Gain, aiming for the lowest possible subwoofer input level with the head unit set as high as possible without distortion.
- Squealing Noise: Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects or a "blown" signal ground from the head unit.
- Distorted Sound: Ensure Input Gain control matches the head unit's signal level, keeping subwoofer input gain as low as possible. Verify all crossover frequencies are properly set.
- Amplifier Gets Very Hot: Readjust Input Gain Control. Avoid using CCA power wire, as it can cause heat and frequency issues.
- Engine Noise (Static Type): This is often caused by poor-quality RCA cables picking up radiated noise. Use high-quality cables and route them away from power cables.
- Engine Noise (Alternator Whine): Check that RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis and that the head unit is properly grounded.
Diamond Audio Technologies (DAT) offers a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship from the original purchase date, provided it's bought from an authorized DAT retailer in the US. This warranty can be extended to two years if the product is registered online and installed by an authorized DAT dealer within 30 days of purchase. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser residing in the US, who must provide proof of purchase and installation. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, with DAT replacing or repairing defective products at its discretion. It does not cover damage from negligence, improper use, abuse, modification, unauthorized repairs, accidents, acts of God, or inadequate packaging during return shipping. The warranty is void if serial numbers are removed, altered, or defaced.
Obtaining Warranty Service:
For service, visit the authorized DAT retailer where the product was purchased. All claims must adhere to the guidelines and be accompanied by the original sales and installation receipt. Products returned for service must be freight-prepaid, properly packaged, and clearly marked with a Return Authorization (RA) number issued by DAT. Improperly packaged returns or those without an RA number may be refused. DAT is not responsible for lost or misdirected products. The warranty provides the exclusive remedy of repair or replacement. DAT is not liable for incidental or consequential damages.
Need help?
General
To Next Page