Hifonics Brutus BXi2006D - User Manual

This document describes the Brutus 25th Anniversary Edition High Performance Amplifiers from Hifonics, a brand known for producing high-end car audio products. The manual provides comprehensive information on the installation, features, setup, troubleshooting, and warranty of these amplifiers, designed to deliver a high level of performance with features often unavailable in other products.

Function Description

The Brutus BXi Series amplifiers are designed to enhance car audio systems by providing powerful and clean amplification to loudspeakers. These are high-performance amplifiers, with several models available, including BXi606 (Class A/B) and BXi1206D, BXi1606D, BXi2006D, and BXi2607D (Mono Amplifiers). The amplifiers are built to reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion, offering a significant headroom capability. They are particularly suited for subwoofer applications due to their specialized controls.

Usage Features

The Brutus amplifiers come with a range of features designed for optimal sound customization and system protection:

• Variable Crossovers: All amplifiers include built-in variable crossovers, allowing users to precisely control the frequency range sent to their speakers.
• Subsonic Filter: A variable subsonic filter (15Hz to 35Hz) is included, specifically beneficial for subwoofer applications to prevent the amplifier from trying to reproduce frequencies below the subwoofer's effective range, which can cause damage and reduce sound quality.
• Bass Equalization (Bass EQ): A variable bass boost (0 to 10dB at a fixed 45Hz) allows users to add impact to their bass. This feature should be used carefully to avoid overdriving subwoofers and amplifiers.
• Bass Remote Control Module (Optional): An optional remote control module (HFR-3) allows for convenient adjustment of the bass boost from the driver's seat.
• Low Pass Filter: A fully adjustable low pass crossover (35Hz to 250Hz) acts as a ceiling, preventing frequencies above the set point from being reproduced.
• Phase Shift: A variable phase adjustment (0 to 180 degrees) helps control the timing of subwoofers, especially useful when subwoofers are installed in different locations like front doors, to ensure the waveform meets the listener's ear at the correct time.
• Input Level Control (Gain): This control allows matching the amplifier's input sensitivity to the output level of the radio/CD player (0.2 Volts to 9 Volts for unbalanced RCA cables, and 0.04 Volts to 18 Volts for balanced inputs). Proper adjustment is crucial for optimal performance and to prevent distortion.
• Balanced Inputs: Some models feature balanced inputs (DIN connector) that accept line-level signals from 0.04V to 18V, offering improved noise rejection.
• Line Output: RCA line outputs provide a direct pass-through of the input signal, enabling daisy-chaining of multiple amplifiers from a single set of RCA cables from the source unit.
• Dual Speaker Terminals: The amplifiers are equipped with dual speaker terminals, simplifying the hookup of multiple speakers or subwoofers.
• Master/Slave Functionality (BXi2607D): For the BXi2607D, a Master/Slave switch allows linking two amplifiers. In a dual amp installation, the Master amp controls both the Master and Slave amps' crossover settings and bass remote functionality, bypassing the Slave amp's crossover switches. A 12-gauge jumper wire connects the speaker outputs of the Master and Slave amps for linked operation.
• Minimum Loudspeaker Impedance: The mono amplifiers (BXi1206D, BXi1606D, BXi2006D, BXi2607D) are stable down to 1 ohm, allowing for flexible speaker configurations. The BXi606 (Class A/B) is also stable to 1 ohm. When linking two BXi2607D amplifiers, they are stable to 2 ohms.

Maintenance Features

The Brutus amplifiers incorporate several diagnostic and protection features to ensure longevity and prevent damage:

• System Diagnostics: Built-in monitoring devices and protection circuits continuously monitor vital amplifier functions. The "PROTECT" LED illuminates when an improper operation is detected.
• Thermal Protection: An internal temperature sensor automatically shuts off the amplifier if it reaches dangerous temperature levels (80 degrees Celsius) to prevent overheating. The amplifier will turn back on once it has cooled down. Adequate cooling through proper mounting (fins running horizontally for convection cooling) is recommended.
• Overload Protection: The amplifier will shut down if it is run at an improper impedance or if the speakers/subwoofers are "clipping" (indicated by a blinking PROTECT light), preventing damage to the amplifier and speakers.
• DC Protect: In the unlikely event of an internal amplifier failure, the amp will shut down to prevent a DC voltage output to the speakers or subwoofers, which could cause severe damage.
• Short Circuit Protection: The diagnostic system detects short circuits on the loudspeaker leads and will shut down the amplifier.
• Slow Un-Mute Turn-On (Soft Start): This feature helps prevent turn-on thumps or pops, protecting speakers and other components.

Installation and Setup Recommendations:

• Mounting: Amplifiers should be mounted horizontally on a solid structure (like MDF) to optimize heat dissipation. Avoid mounting on metal surfaces to prevent noise issues. Ensure clearance from wires, gas tanks, and electrical devices.
• Wiring: RCA cables should be run at least 18 inches away from power and speaker cables to minimize electrical noise. Power and ground cables should be of sufficient gauge (at least 4 gauge for Brutus series, 0 gauge for BXi2607D) and crimped/soldered for reliability. Main power fuses should be installed within 12 inches of the vehicle's battery. Ground connections should be short and directly to the vehicle chassis, with paint scraped off for good electrical contact.
• Power-Up Sequence: After all cables are connected, ensure the head unit is off, and all level controls are at minimum. Insert the main fuse at the battery. If it doesn't blow, insert amplifier fuses one by one, powering up the system gradually to identify any issues.
• Level Control Setup: Before turning on the system, turn level controls to minimum. With the head unit volume at about 80% of its full setting, slowly increase the amplifier's level control until distortion is heard, then back off slightly. If the amplifier goes into protection, reduce the level further.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common issues such as low output power, fuses blowing, system not turning on, hiss, and electrical interference (ticking/whine with engine RPM, constant whine). The diagnostic system helps isolate problems by allowing users to test components (RCA cables, speakers) sequentially.