DS18 CANDY-X5B - User Manual

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Summary

Functions and Controls Overview

HPF Control

High pass frequency adjusting knob, ranges from 40Hz to 250Hz.

X-OVER Switch

Optional switches for high pass filter (HPF) / full pass filter (FULL) / low pass filter (LPF).

Troubleshooting Guide

Amplifier Not Powering Up

Check ground, remote DC, battery power, fuses, and protection LED.

Speaker Noise Issues

Addresses high hiss, engine noise, or squeal from speakers.

Protection LED Activation

Check for speaker shorts, low head unit volume, or faulty amplifier.

Overheating Amplifier

Verify speaker impedance, check for shorts, and ensure adequate airflow.

Distorted Sound

Check level control, crossover frequencies, and speaker lead shorts.

Summary

Functions and Controls Overview

HPF Control

High pass frequency adjusting knob, ranges from 40Hz to 250Hz.

X-OVER Switch

Optional switches for high pass filter (HPF) / full pass filter (FULL) / low pass filter (LPF).

Troubleshooting Guide

Amplifier Not Powering Up

Check ground, remote DC, battery power, fuses, and protection LED.

Speaker Noise Issues

Addresses high hiss, engine noise, or squeal from speakers.

Protection LED Activation

Check for speaker shorts, low head unit volume, or faulty amplifier.

Overheating Amplifier

Verify speaker impedance, check for shorts, and ensure adequate airflow.

Distorted Sound

Check level control, crossover frequencies, and speaker lead shorts.

The DS18 CANDY-X5B is a digital full-range 5-channel amplifier designed to deliver up to 2000 watts max. This amplifier is engineered in the USA and is part of the DS18 CANDY series, known for its robust performance and versatile features in car audio systems.

Function Description:

The CANDY-X5B amplifier serves as a central component in a car audio setup, boosting audio signals from a source unit (like a head unit, CD player, or DAT) to drive multiple speakers. It features a 5-channel configuration, allowing for flexible speaker arrangements, including stereo channels and a dedicated subwoofer channel. The amplifier incorporates various controls for fine-tuning audio output, ensuring optimal sound quality and system integration.

Important Technical Specifications:

RMS Power@14.4V DC:
- Power @ 4 Ohms: 80W x4 + 200W x1
- Power @ 2 Ohms: 120W x4 + 320W x1
- Bridged Power @ 4 Ohms: 240W x2 + 200W x1
Min. Speaker Impedance: 2 Ohm
THD Distortion: 0.01%
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
Input Sensitivity: 0.2V~+6V
Input Impedance: 10K
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB
Channel Separation: 50dB
Remote Sub Gain Control: 0.2V~+6V
Crossover Network:
- High Pass Filter (HPF): 40Hz~250Hz
- Low Pass Filter (LPF): 50Hz~150Hz
Bass Boost: 0dB~+12dB
Fuse Rating: 40A x2
Size (L x W x H): 280 x 127 x 47.5mm

Usage Features:

The CANDY-X5B offers a comprehensive set of controls and connections for tailored audio performance:

HPF (High Pass Frequency Adjusting Knob): This knob allows adjustment of the high pass filter frequency, ranging from 40Hz to 250Hz. This is crucial for directing high-frequency signals to appropriate speakers, preventing distortion and improving sound clarity.
X-OVER (Crossover Switches): These optional switches enable selection between High Pass Filter (HPF), Full Pass Filter (FULL), or Low Pass Filter (LPF) modes. This flexibility allows users to configure the amplifier for different speaker types and system requirements.
GAIN (Volume Adjustment Knob): The gain knob controls the overall volume level of the amplifier, allowing users to match the output of the source unit.
LOW INPUT (RCA Inputs): The amplifier features RCA inputs for CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5A, and CH5B. These inputs connect to the preamplifier outputs of a source unit (head unit, CD player, DAT, etc.) or an external electronic crossover.
SUB GAIN (Subwoofer Volume Adjustment Knob): A dedicated knob for adjusting the volume of the subwoofer channel, providing independent control over bass output.
LPF (Low Pass Frequency Adjusting Knob): This knob controls the low pass filter frequency for the subwoofer channel, with a range from 50Hz to 150Hz. This ensures that only low-frequency signals are sent to the subwoofer.
BASS BOOST: This feature allows users to boost bass frequencies from 0dB to 12dB, enhancing the impact of low-end audio.
PHASE (Phase Adjustment Knob): The phase knob allows adjustment from 0° to 180°, which helps in aligning the phase of the subwoofer with other speakers in the system, preventing cancellation and improving bass response.
SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER OUTLET: This outlet connects to an optional remote controller, which provides convenient external control over the subwoofer gain. It's recommended to set the amplifier's internal SUB GAIN knob to maximum before using the remote.
SUB REMOTE CONTROLLER BOX: This box, connected via the outlet, typically houses the bass boost knob, allowing remote adjustment of bass levels from 0.2V to +6V.
INDICATOR LIGHTS: The amplifier includes LED indicators for power and protection. A blue light signifies normal operation, while a red light indicates that the amplifier's self-protection mechanism has been activated.
GND (Ground Terminal): This terminal connects to the car chassis. Keeping the ground cable length to a minimum is crucial for optimal performance and to prevent noise.
REM (Remote Terminal): This terminal connects to the remote turn-on lead from the source unit, controlling the amplifier's power switching. The applied voltage must be between 10V and 15V DC.
+12V (Anode of Power Connection Terminal): This terminal connects to the anode of the car battery, providing the main power supply to the amplifier.
FUSE: The amplifier uses standard automatic fuses. It is essential to replace them with fuses of the same type and rating if they blow.
SPEAKER (Speaker Connecting Terminal): These terminals are used to connect the various speakers in the audio system.

Maintenance Features and Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to address common issues:

Amplifier Will Not Power Up:
- Check for a good ground connection.
- Verify that the remote DC terminal has at least 10V DC.
- Ensure there is battery power on the +12V terminal.
- Check all fuses.
- If the Protection LED is lit, briefly shut off and then re-power the amplifier.
High Hiss or Engine Noise (Alternator Whine) in Speakers:
- Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifier. If the noise disappears, reconnect components one by one to identify the faulty/noisy component.
- Set the amplifier input level as insensitive as possible to achieve the best subjective S/N ratio. Drive as high a signal level as possible from the head unit.
Protection LED Comes On When the Amplifier Is Powered Up:
- Check for shorts on speaker leads.
- Ensure the volume control on the head unit is turned down low.
- Remove speaker leads and reset the amplifier. If the LED remains on, the amplifier may be faulty.
- The amplifier will automatically shut down if its temperature reaches 85°C to prevent damage.
Amplifier Gets Very Hot:
- Verify that the minimum speaker impedance for the model is correct.
- Check for speaker shorts.
- Ensure good airflow around the amplifier. An external cooling fan may be required in some applications.
Distorted Sound:
- Check that the Level control is set to match the signal level of the head unit.
- Ensure all crossover frequencies are properly set.
- Check for shorts on the speaker leads.
High Squeal Noise from Speakers:
- This is typically caused by a poorly grounded RCA patch cord.

Warnings:

Operating at excessively high volumes can damage speakers.
Exercise caution when installing the amplifier near the gasoline tank and electric wires.
Protect connecting wires and parts to prevent damage or short circuits.
The power supply must be connected from the anode of the battery via a fuse.
The sound system must be turned off when checking the amplifier.
Always use the same type of fuse when replacement is needed.

DS18 reserves the right to make necessary changes or improvements to the product without prior notice to the customer. The CANDY-X5B is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate powerful and clear audio, embodying the brand's slogan: "#WELIKEITLOUD".