OWNER’S MANUAL A502 models A404
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations for choosing a Directed Audio power amplifier from Directed Electronics, the industry leader in high quality automotive security and audio equipment since 1990. Directed Audio power amplifiers continue to set new standards of performance, reliability, and affordability in the mobile electronics industry.
LIMITED TWO-YEAR CONSUMER WARRANTY Directed Electronics, Inc. promises to the original purchaser, to replace this product should it prove to be defective in workmanship or material under normal use, for a period of two years from the date of purchase by the dealer as indicated by the date code marking of the product PROVIDED the product was installed by an authorized Directed dealer.
FEATURES High-speed MOSFET switching power supply and complimentary bipolar outputs. Stereo, mono, or simultaneous stereo/mono operation. Variable input sensitivity optimizes match with different signal sources. Chrome-plated wire terminals and RCA connectors ensure maximum signal transfer. Thermal, DC offset, reverse polarity. Selectable 12dB/octave two-way crossover. Rugged two-piece extruded heat sink and cover. Unity gain pass-through RCA jacks.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 1. Please read this owner’s manual carefully before installing this amplifier. 2. Disconnect the battery ground terminal prior to making any electrical connections. 3. Check for any hazards or obstructions such as gas tanks, fuel or brake lines, and wiring harnesses before mounting the amplifier. 4. Pick a mounting location that will provide adequate access and ventilation and protect the amplifier from heat, moisture, and dirt. 5.
speaker load, the more heat is generated. For low impedance speaker applications or restricted ventilation installations, an external cooling fan may be advisable. 9. Battery and ground connections to the vehicle should be made with crimped ring terminals of the appropriate size (surface area is what counts); soldering the terminals after crimping is also recommended. 6 10.
FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS A502-A404 1. RCA Input Jacks - Accepts line level outputs from head units or signal processors at voltages between 150mV and 7.5 volts. 2. RCA Output Jacks - These pass through RCA jacks can be used to send the input signal to a second amplifier. 3. Gain Control - Controls amplifier sensitivity and is used to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of the signal source. 4.
FIGURE 2—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS A404 FRONT 1 2 8 3 4 5 6 7 FIGURE 5—LED/FAN HARNESS BLACK BLUE BLACK RED + + TO LEDs TO FAN REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 1. Power Fuse - This fuse protects the amplifier against internal electrical damage and is meant to protect the amplifier only. All other power connections should be fused at the source. The A502 uses 1-30A fuse, and the A404 uses 1-30A fuse. 2.
5. Speaker Terminals - Connect the speakers to these terminals. (Refer to the Wiring Diagram section of this guide.) wire. DO NOT connect this terminal directly to the vehicle battery ground terminal or any other factory ground points.
SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS A502 Stereo operation (top view) L CH R CH Mono operation (top view) L CH R CH B R I D G E D Simultaneous stereo/mono operation (top view) INDUCTOR CAP L CH SUB CAP R CH 10 B R I D G E D © 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc
SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS A404 Stereo Operation - 2 Channel (top view) L CH FRONT (RIGHT) R CH L CH REAR (LEFT) R CH NOTE: B R I D G E D B R I D G E D For bridged two channel operation as shown in this diagram, connect right channel RCA cables to the front inputs of the amplifier, and left channel RCA cables to the rear inputs of the amplifier. For summed subwoofer applications, connect RCA cables per the input jack marking.
Stereo Operation - 4 Channel (top view) FRONT (LEFT) L CH FRONT (RIGHT) R CH REAR (LEFT) L CH REAR (RIGHT) R CH B R I D G E D B R I D G E D Simultaneous Stereo (top view) INDUCTOR CAP L CH SUB FRONT CAP R CH B R I D G E D INDUCTOR CAP L CH SUB REAR CAP R CH 12 B R I D G E D © 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc
2 Channel Stereo with Mono Sub (top view) SUB L CH R CH REAR (LEFT) L CH REAR (RIGHT) R CH © 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc B R I D G E D B R I D G E D 13
CROSSOVER SETTINGS AND GAIN ADJUSTMENT Your Directed Audio power amplifier needs to be adjusted carefully to achieve maximum performance. These are some guidelines to follow when fine-tuning the amplifier. 14 For full-range and simultaneous stereo/mono bass applications, the crossover selection switch should be set to FLAT. If the amplifier is driving your subwoofers, set the switch to LPF, and for mid-bass/midrange output, set to HPF.
LED TUBE INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL) This Directed Audio amplifier has been designed with a custom heat sink that can accommodate two (optional—not supplied) VARAD LED tubes. 1. Before installing the LED tubes, remove and discard the mounting feet from the VARAD LED tubes. 2. Slide each LED tube assembly into your Directed Audio amplifier heat sink. Ensure that the LEDs are facing out for optimal visibility. The wires from the LED tube assembly should be on the signal input end of the amplifier.
CEA SPECIFICATIONS A502 Power Output: 90 Watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms and < 1% THD+N Signal to Noise Ratio: -70 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 ohms) Additional Power: 125 Watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohm and < 1% THD+N A404 Power Output: 45 Watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms and < 1% THD+N Signal to Noise Ratio: -80 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 ohms) Additional Power: 50 Watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohm and < 1% THD+N 16 © 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc
SPECIFICATIONS RMS continuous Power 4 Ohm 1 RMS continuous Power 2 Ohm 2 RMS continuous Power Bridged 4 Ohm 3 Dynamic Power Rating (IHF-202 Standard) 4 Ohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio Frequency Response Damping Factor Crossover Bass Equalization Input Impedance Input Sensitivity Output Impedance Supply Voltage Fusing and Power Minimum Cable Requirements (AWG) (Per amp, trunk mounted) A502 A404 75W x 2 35W x 4 125W x 2 50W x 4 250W x 1 100W x 2 200W 300W Greater than 90 dB 20-20,000 Hz ± 0.
Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, California 92081 www.directed.com The company behind this system is Directed Electronics, Inc. Since its inception, Directed has had one purpose, to provide customers with the finest vehicle security, car stereo products, rear seat entertainment, and accessories available. The recipient of more than 20 patents in the field of advanced electronic technology, Directed is ISO 9001 registered.