8
INSTALLATION STEP 1
SETTING THE
HIGH POWER / HIGH CURRENT SWITCH
The High Power/High Current switch allows the subwoofer channel of the
REFERENCE405s amplifier to be one of two types of amps: either producing
maximum power at higher impedances (one subwoofer) or at lower
impedances (usually with multiple subwoofers).
The circuit operates by selecting a set of power supply voltage rails best suited
to your particular application. One is a higher voltage “tap” optimized for
high impedance applications while the other is lower voltage designed to
provide more current. Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s
REFERENCE405s amplifier can be configured to drive virtually any
impedance and make maximum power!
OTHER COMMENTS:
If you blow fuses with the REFERENCE405s amplifier, switch to the High
Current mode. If the problem persists, it is likely that the amplifier is seeing a
dead short, either in the speaker wire or in the speaker itself. Rectify the
problem before blowing multiple fuses!
POWER
4 Ω 2 Ω 1 Ω 1/2 Ω
High Power
Watts
100 Watts 200 Watts 240 Watts n/a
High Current
Watts
50 Watts 100 Watts 200 Watts 240 Watts
REFERENCE405s Subwoofer Channel
13
LEVEL SETTING
The input levels are adjusted by means of the input level controls located on
the front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both
level and gain. This topology maintains better Signal to Noise ratios even
when using sources with minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. The reason is because an amplifier will
only make what comes into it bigger. So, if you send it a distorted signal from
the head unit, the amplifier is going to amplify distorted information. The
same thing holds true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort
before you have maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all
components to reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output
of your system. For the REFERENCE405s amplifier, follow the below
procedure for the quickest, easiest means of setting the levels.
1. Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-
clockwise).
2. Set source unit volume to approximately 3/4 of full volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the
system.
INSTALLATION STEP 5
NOTE: Even though the S/N ratio with low output sources is better with the
REFERENCE405s amplifier than others, your best combination of output level
and Signal to Noise ratio will be achieved when the input levels are set