This document is the owner's manual for the SFB Series Amplifiers by Sundown Audio, covering both monoblock and multi-channel models. It provides detailed specifications, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting information to guide users through installation and operation.
Function Description
The SFB Series Amplifiers are designed to power car audio systems, offering high-efficiency digital amplification for both monoblock (single channel, typically for subwoofers) and multi-channel (for full-range speakers) applications. The amplifiers feature various controls for sound customization, including crossover filters and bass boost, and incorporate protection circuits to ensure reliable operation.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual details specifications for several monoblock and multi-channel amplifier models.
Digital Monoblock Features:
- Amplifier Type: Digital Class-D Mono Block Amplifier.
- Power Supply: Dual MOS-FET PWM Power Supply.
- Load Stability: 1 Ohm Stable Load.
- Crossover: 12 dB/Octave - Variable Low Pass Filter.
- Bass Boost: 0 to 12dB - Variable Bass Boost.
- Protection: 4 Way Protection Circuit (Thermal, Voltage Speaker short, and DC Offset).
- Control: Wired Remote Control with Clipping Indicator.
Digital Monoblock Specifications (Tested @14.4Volts):
| Model |
1Ω Mono RMS |
2Ω Mono RMS |
4Ω Mono RMS |
Recommended Fuse Rating |
Low Pass Filter (Variable) |
High Pass Filter (Variable) |
LEVEL (Bass Boost) |
Input Sensitivity |
Signal Noise Ratio |
Working Voltage |
Width (mm) |
Length (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Width (inches) |
Length (inches) |
Height (inches) |
| SFB 600D |
600W |
350W |
250W |
60A |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
86dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
185 |
127 |
64 |
7.25 |
5.00 |
2.50 |
| SFB 1000D |
1000W |
850W |
500W |
100A |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
185 |
147 |
64 |
7.25 |
5.75 |
2.50 |
| SFB 1500D |
1500W |
1200W |
650W |
140A |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
185 |
172 |
64 |
7.25 |
6.75 |
2.50 |
| SFB 2000D |
2000W |
1500W |
950W |
180A |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
185 |
191 |
64 |
7.25 |
7.50 |
2.50 |
| SFB 3000D |
3000W |
2000W |
1100W |
250A |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
86dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
210 |
64 |
9.00 |
8.25 |
2.50 |
| SFB 5000D |
5000W |
3200W |
2200W |
220A x2 |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
293 |
70 |
9.00 |
11.50 |
2.75 |
| SFB 8000D |
8000W |
5000W |
3250W |
350A x2 |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
420 |
70 |
9.00 |
16.50 |
2.75 |
| SFB 13500D |
13500W |
8100W |
5500W |
400A x3 |
80Hz - 20kHz |
15Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
521 |
70 |
9.00 |
20.50 |
2.75 |
| SIA 3500D |
3500W |
3000W |
1750W |
300A |
40Hz - 20kHz |
10Hz - 1kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
108dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
229 |
70 |
9.00 |
9.00 |
2.75 |
Full Range Digital Features:
- Amplifier Type: High Efficiency Digital Multi-Channel Design.
- Crossover: 12dB/Octave-Variable High Pass Filter, 12dB/Octave-Variable Low Pass Filter.
- Protection: 4 Way Protection Circuit (Thermal, Voltage Speaker short, and DC Offset).
- Control: Clipping Indicator, Optional Wired Remote Control with Clipping Indicator.
Full Range Digital Specifications (Tested @14.4Volts):
| Model |
1Ω RMS |
2Ω RMS |
4Ω RMS |
Recommended Fuse Rating |
Low Pass Filter (Variable) |
High Pass Filter (Variable) |
LEVEL (Bass Boost) |
Input Sensitivity |
Signal Noise Ratio |
Working Voltage |
Width (mm) |
Length (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Width (inches) |
Length (inches) |
Height (inches) |
| SFB-200.4D |
200W / CH |
125W / CH |
75W / CH |
80A |
50Hz - 6kHz |
15Hz - 6kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
185 |
216 |
64 |
7.25 |
8.50 |
2.50 |
| SFB-500.4D |
500W / CH |
300W / CH |
200W / CH |
180A |
50Hz - 6kHz |
15Hz - 6kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
210 |
248 |
70 |
8.25 |
9.75 |
2.75 |
| SFB-1000.4D |
1000W / CH |
550W / CH |
325W / CH |
350A |
50Hz - 6kHz |
15Hz - 6kHz |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
293 |
70 |
9.00 |
11.50 |
2.75 |
| SFB-1800.5D |
1Ω NOT SUPPORTED (CH1-4), 1000W (CH5) |
300W (CH1-4), 500W (CH5) |
200W (CH1-4), 250W (CH5) |
150A |
50Hz - 6kHz, 50Hz - 20kHz (CH5) |
15Hz - 6kHz, 15Hz - 1kHz (CH5) |
0 - 12dB (50Hz) |
5V Max |
100dB |
10.5V - 15.5V DC |
229 |
318 |
70 |
9.00 |
12.50 |
2.75 |
Usage Features
The manual provides comprehensive guidance on using the amplifier's features:
- RCA Inputs (CH1-CH5 RCA's): Used for connecting the RCA signal from the source unit.
- Speaker Outputs (CH1-CH5 SPEAKER OUTPUTS): Where speakers are connected, with specific diagrams for assistance.
- GAIN Control: This is not a volume knob but is used to set the input signal levels. Users are advised to start from Min and slowly turn clockwise until desired sound quality is achieved, with a QR code provided for a video guide on setting gains.
- CROSSOVER Settings:
- HP (High Pass): Sets the crossover to only use the High Pass Filter.
- FLAT: Turns off crossover filters. Warning: only use with external passive or active filters to prevent speaker damage.
- LP/BP (Low Pass/Bandpass): Sets the crossover for the Low Pass Filter, also usable for Bandpass.
- HIGH: High Pass Filter, used to set the maximum high-level frequency.
- LOW: Low Pass Filter, used to set the minimum low-level frequency.
- BOOST (LEVEL): Often called BASS BOOST, increases the 50Hz signal.
- Indicator Lights:
- PWR (Power LED): Indicates the amplifier is on. If off, troubleshooting is required.
- CLIP (Clipping LED): Flashing or solid indicates clipping, which can damage speakers. Gain should be reduced.
- PRT (Protect LED): Indicates the amplifier is in protect mode, requiring troubleshooting.
- Note: PWR, CLIP, and PRT LEDs flash as a test when the amp is first powered on.
- REMOTE: Plugin for an external bass knob, used to attenuate the bass from the lowest point to the highest set on the amplifier.
- Power Connections: Detailed instructions for connecting the +12V battery, ground, and remote turn-on wires. Emphasizes the importance of appropriate in-line fusing for safety, as SFB Line amplifiers do not come with external fusing.
- Speaker Wiring: Diagrams for monoblock input and speaker connections, including options for series/parallel wiring of subwoofers. For multi-channel amplifiers, diagrams for 4-channel full-range input and speaker connections are provided, along with bridge mode examples for series and parallel wiring, and dual voice coil subwoofer wiring. The SFB-1800.5D model includes specific wiring for its 5th channel.
- Subwoofer Planning: A chart is provided to help users determine the total impedance when using multiple dual coil subwoofers, ensuring it does not fall below the amplifier's minimum level.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides troubleshooting steps to address common issues:
- Amplifier Doesn't Turn On or No Output:
- Check fuses (visually and with a continuity meter), +12V, remote, and ground connections, ensuring 13+ volts.
- Verify input signal from the source unit using an AC voltmeter (0.2 to 6.0 volts from RCA cables).
- Test for output at the amplifier's speaker outputs.
- Ensure good speaker wire connections to the amplifier and subwoofers.
- Amplifier Goes Into Protection:
- Check for shorts on speaker wires or open coils.
- Verify input voltage from RCA; if DC signal exceeds 4 volts, the amplifier will protect. Remove and reset power.
- Check impedance to ensure it's above the minimum load specified in the manual.
- Confirm input voltage is within the working range of 10.5 to 15.5 volts.
- Check chassis ground and remote using the same ground point.
- Distorted / Attenuated / Noise Sound:
- Check chassis ground connections for all audio equipment.
- Review amplifier controls for errors in input level or crossover settings.
- Inspect speaker wires for possible shorts (between positive/negative leads or a lead and chassis ground).
- Verify nominal load impedance is equal to or greater than specified minimums.
- Ensure input signal and cables are present and not pinched or loose; try different cables or signal sources if needed.
- Check speaker wiring for reverse polarity.
- If a pulsing sound is heard, it indicates overdriving, possibly due to high gain or low speaker impedance. Adjust gain or check impedance against manual specifications.
Warranty Information:
- Standard Warranty: 2-Year limited warranty for amplifiers purchased from an authorized Sundown Audio dealer, covering defects in materials and/or workmanship. It does not cover improper installation, accidental damage, misuse, abuse, improper wiring, operation outside specifications, or modifications by unauthorized parties. Requires original sales invoice/receipt and an RMA number. Shipping costs for warranty repairs are covered both ways.
- Discounted Replacement Policy: A 5-Year policy offering a new unit at a reduced cost for damage, even if user-caused. This applies to the original purchaser and requires a copy of the original invoice/receipt and an RMA number.
- Liability: Sundown Audio is not liable for incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from product use, including hearing damage, property damage, or personal injury. The warranty applies only to products sold and used in the United States of America; international customers should contact their local distributor.