Orion 7005 - User Manual

The Orion 7005 amplifier is a high-performance car audio component designed to deliver powerful and clear sound. This 5-channel amplifier provides 50 Watts per four channels and 150 Watts for the subwoofer channel, with a maximum power capability of 700 Watts. It is engineered for ease of use and advanced features, making it a leading choice in its class for affordable high-end car audio.

The amplifier features dual built-in fully variable high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass 12dB/octave crossovers for the front and rear channels. The subwoofer channel also includes dual built-in fully variable high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass 12 or 24dB/octave crossovers with INTELLI Q. This flexibility allows for precise sound tuning and optimization for various speaker configurations and enclosure types. The 7005 can operate in five, four, or three-channel modes, offering versatility for different audio system setups.

For signal input and output, the Orion 7005 amplifier provides separate front, rear, and subwoofer level gain adjustments, with input sensitivity ranging from 200mV to 5V. This wide range ensures easy integration with any source unit. The 4CH / 2CH switch allows the amplifier to utilize a single set of RCA inputs for both front and rear channels (2CH position) or to operate with independent front and rear inputs for source units with internal faders (4CH position). The IN / EXT switch configures the subwoofer channel to use external RCA inputs or an internal summed input from the front and rear channels, providing flexibility for subwoofer control.

The internal crossover configuration is continuously variable and highly flexible, with independent control for the front, rear, and subwoofer channels. This allows for high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass configurations to optimize the performance of all components in a high-quality system. The low-pass crossover is continuously variable from 20Hz to 3kHz, with options for 2nd or 4th order slopes. The high-pass crossover is a 2nd order (12dB per Octave) filter, continuously variable from 10Hz to 3kHz, optimized for use as a subsonic filter.

A key feature is the INTELLI Q control, which provides up to 10dB of boost at the selected high-pass crossover frequency for the subwoofer channel. This feature maximizes subwoofer performance by removing unwanted low-frequency signals, increasing output, and protecting the woofer from excessive excursion. The manual provides guidance on recommended boost levels for different enclosure types, such as infinite baffle, sealed, and vented, to ensure optimal performance and prevent woofer damage.

For power connections, the amplifier requires a 70 AMP MAXI fuse and recommends a minimum of eight-gauge power and ground cables for acceptable performance. It is crucial to fuse the power wire close to the battery and ground the amplifier to a good chassis ground. An extra ground wire from the battery to the chassis is recommended, especially for newer vehicles, to improve the battery's ability to supply power.

Speaker connections accommodate up to 12-gauge speaker wire. The amplifier supports a five-channel stereo configuration with a lowest recommended impedance of 2Ω stereo for front, rear, and subwoofer channels. Crossover mode, output, and gain configurations are independently adjustable. For bridged stereo operation, the front and rear channels are configured for two-channel operation with a lowest recommended impedance of 4Ω, while the subwoofer channel maintains a 2Ω impedance.

Installation of the Orion 7005 amplifier requires careful consideration of mounting locations to ensure adequate ventilation and protection from elements. The amplifier should be mounted on a stable, flat surface, avoiding upside-down mounting to prevent premature thermal shutdown. For under-seat mounting, a minimum of 1" clearance is needed for cooling. In the trunk, maximum clearance around the heatsink is recommended for optimal convection cooling.

Safety precautions during installation include disconnecting the vehicle's ground wire from the battery, avoiding cutting or drilling into critical vehicle lines (gas tanks, fuel lines, brake lines, etc.), and securely mounting the amplifier to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile in case of an accident. Wires should be routed to prevent scraping, pinching, or damage. The +12V power supply wire must be fused within 18" of the battery terminal.

Maintenance involves replacing the fuse with the same size ATC/MAXI type fuse as supplied with the amplifier. Using a higher current fuse can damage the amplifier and void the warranty. Before making or breaking connections, all equipment in the system should be turned off.

The setup and troubleshooting section guides users through testing the system and adjusting the sound. This includes checking all wiring connections, setting tone controls to flat, turning amplifier level controls to minimum, and slowly increasing volume to identify any distortion. The process involves fine-tuning output levels for midrange, tweeters, and woofers, and setting crossovers correctly based on speaker specifications. Troubleshooting tips address common issues such as no output, audio cycling on and off, and distorted output, providing probable causes and actions to take, including checking connections, fuses, ventilation, gain settings, impedance loads, and speaker polarity. The remote gain port allows for easy remote control of the subwoofer channel's gain level, functioning as a bass level control.