Specifications

ManualsBrandsDLS ManualsAutomotiveReference series

How to install and

operate the DLS

Reference series

car audio amplifiers

RA20 & RA40.

Welcome!

This owners manual is written in easy english and

uses a lot of drawings to simply the installation and

use of the above amplifiers.

Your DLS amplifiers must be installed correctly in

order to work well. This manual will show you how

to install the amplifier like a pro. Please read the

entire manual before beginning the installation.

Install the amplifier yourself if you feel confident with

our instructions and if you have the proper tools.

However if you feel unsure, turn over the installa-

tion job to someone better suited to it.

Warranty Service

This amplifier is covered by warranty, depending

on the conditions in the country where it is sold. If

the amplifier is returned for service, please include

the original dated receipt with the product.

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Technical Assistance

For technical assistance ask the shop where the

product was sold or the distributor in your very coun-

try.

You can always phone the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden

+ 46 31 84 00 60 or send an e-mail to info@dls.se.

Information can also be found on our WEB-site

www.dls.se

Contents

Features…………………………….. 2

Installation…………………….……. 2

Tools and materials needed………. 3

Amplifier installation kit………….... 3

Routing Wires…………………….... 3

Wiring:

Power and Outputs……………..…. 4

Input and controls………………..... 5

Input wiring..................................... 5

Input level control.......................... 6

Grand Bass..................………….... 6

Phase control................................. 6

Crossovers..................................... 6

RA20 speaker wiring:

Front speakers…...……………….... 7

Subwoofer…………………………... 7

RA40 speaker wiring:

Four speakers…………………….... 8

Two speakers + bridged subwoofer. 8

Two speakers in bridge mode......... 9

Testing……………………………….. 9

Troubleshooting……………………... 9

Professional tips…………………….. 10

Specifications………………………... 11

RA20

RA40

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
Contents How to install and operate the DLS Reference series car audio amplifiers RA20 & RA40. Features…………………………….. Installation…………………….……. Tools and materials needed………. Amplifier installation kit………….... Routing Wires…………………….... Wiring: Power and Outputs……………..…. Input and controls………………..... Input wiring..................................... Input level control.......................... Grand Bass..................………….... Phase control................................. Crossovers.....................
PAGE 2
RA20 & RA40 All models include RCA inputs High Level input Continuos variable low pass and/or highpass crossovers Grand bass feature 0 - +18 dB Phase shift continously variabel 0-180 degr. Remote turn on / off Automatic remote turn on/ off on high level input without connecting any remote wire Electronic protection circuitry against short-circuit, DC offset and thermal overload. Bridgeable design to direct full power to one or two speakers.
PAGE 3
RA20 & RA40 Tools and material needed Tools: Flat and Phillips screwdrivers Wire cutter Wire stripper Electric drill with drills Crimping tool Digital multimeter or test lamp Wire brush, scraper or a piece of an abrasive sheet to remove paint for a good ground connection Grease to protect the ground connection from oxidation Routing wires Stereo head unit Material: Speaker wire: minimum 12 AWG = 4 mm2 for subwoofers 13 – 16 AWG = 1,5-2,5 mm2 for other speakers Sheet metal screws for mounting the amplifi
PAGE 4
RA20 & RA40 Wiring Power and Outputs Power terminal ( +12V) Connect the fuse holder as close to the vehicle battery + as possible, using AWG 5 = 16 mm2 or heavier cable. Use ring crimp terminal cable to connect to battery +. Apply silicon grease to the fuse to prevent corrosion. Use a 50 Amp fuse. DLS Connect with ring terminal to battery + terminal DLS FH1 fuse holder Remote terminal ( REM ) For RCA cable signal input: Set the input selector switch to position ”Low level”.
PAGE 5
Input and controls Input Wiring Inputs may be low level from the RCA output of the car stereo or high level from the car stereo speaker output. Low level = RCA is to prefer for the best sound quality. Low level input Use a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with RCA type jack. Most trunk-mount amplifiers need a 20 feet RCA cable ( appr 5 – 6 meters). Most under the seat installations require 12 feet ( 2 – 3 meters) RCA cables.
PAGE 6
RA20 & RA40 Crossovers Input Level control The input level control, 7V – 0,2 V, matches the output of your radio to the input of the amplifier. After installation is complete, make sure the input of the amplifier is turned down all the way ( counter-clockwise at 7V ). GAIN 7V 0,2V Play a tape or CD, make sure all bass or treble settings or equalizer are flat, and turn the volume of the radio up until you just start to hear distortion. Turn the volume control down just a bit.
PAGE 7
RA20 Speaker wiring RA20 One subwoofer connected in mono bridge mode RA20 is a 2-channel stereo amplifier. It can be connected either as a stereo amplifier for fullrange speakers, or as a mono amplifier for subwoofers connected in bridge mode. Two fullrange speakersconnected in stereo mode + + - - + Filter settings With the HP-filter in OUT position the amplifier allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for some reason want to limit the low bass reproduction switch IN the HP-filter.
PAGE 8
RA40 Speaker wiring RA40 RA40 is a 4-channel stereo amplifier. It can be connected either as a stereo amplifier for two pairs of fullrange speakers, or as a 3 channel amplifier with one pair of fullrange speakers in stereo, and one subwoofer connected in mono bridge mode. Two fullrange speakers and one subwoofer to RA40 Four fullrange speakers to RA40. One pair in front and one pair in rear.
PAGE 9
RA20 & RA40 Two fullrange speakers connected in bridge mode to RA40 Troubleshooting If problems occour during the installation, or later, this guide might help you to find out whats´s wrong. + - Left speaker + - Right speaker Filter settings channel 1, 2, 3 & 4 With the HP-filter in OUT position the amplifier allows the speakers to play fullrange. If you for some reason want to limit the low bass reproduction switch on the HPfilter. The typical setting is then around 60 – 80 Hz.
PAGE 10
RA20 & RA40 Professional Tip: Professional Tip: NOISE PROBLEMS SPEAKER POLARITY CHECK. WHINING NOISE VARYING WITH ENGINE REVOLUTIONS: All speakers in a car audio system should be connected in phase (the same polarity). All speaker cones must move in the same direction. Out of phase speakers will cause a lack of bass, and a poor stereo soundstage. Do this: 1. Rewire the power supply (12 V) to source unit direct from battery. 2. Rewire ground wire from source unit to clean position on chassis. 3.
PAGE 11
RA20 & RA40 Specifications DLS CLASSIC RA20 RA40 Number of channels 2 Working mode AB Power output at 13,8 Volt, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, max 0,1 % THD 4 AB Power output, 4 ohm Power output, 2 ohm Power output, 4 ohm bridged THD @1 W Signal to noise ratio, A-weighted Damping factor Frequency response +/- 0,5 dB Input impedance, low level Input impedance, high level High level input with auto start Input sensitivity Pre amp configuration on Front channel: Filter high pass Filter low pass Phase shift 0- 180 degr
PAGE 12
DLS Svenska AB P.O. Box 13029 SE-40251 Göteborg, Sweden Tel: +46 31 840060 Fax: +46 31 844021 E-mail: info@dls.se www.dls.