Contents Mission Statement 3 The Reference Digital Series 4 Sonic Purity 6 SymbiLink™ Balanced System 7 Specifications You Can Hear 8 Warnings 10 Wire Size 11 Installation Guidelines 12 In – Line SymbiLink™ Transmitters 13 Reference Digital Series Inputs 14 Wire Connections for the Digital Reference 15 Intelligent Rail Voltage Control 16 The ZAPCO Digital Programming Network 17 Ducted Flow Cooling 18 Reference DC200.2 19 Reference DC350.
Reference DC750.2 27 Reference DC500.1 31 Reference DC1100.1 35 Reference DC360.4 39 Reference DC1000.4 43 Reference DC650.
Mission Statement ZAPCO IS DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF AUDIO FIDELITY. Our passion, our “Driving Force” is to design and manufacture car audio products of unsurpassed quality, to provide unparalleled support and service for these products and to conduct business in a manner that will enhance the quality of life for all involved. There is absolutely no substitute for experience; that is a simple fact of life.
ZAPCO The Reference Digital Series The Reference series (originally called AG) marked ZAPCO’s first effort to bring the high quality that built the ZAPCO legend to an amplifier line that everyone could afford. The response has exceeded the company’s wildest expectations. Why has the line been received so well? We think the answer is simple. The Reference Series amplifiers sound as good as, or better than, other brand’s best amplifiers.
ZAPCO’s exclusive Digital Processing Network allows you to use a PC to do all amp programming or to use the optional DRC-SL In-Dash controller. All Amps in the network can be addressed individually and controlled from a single point (either the PC or the DRC-SL). In addition, the Digital Reference amps have ZAPCO’s advanced Ducted Flow Cooling systems to keep your amp running in the hottest of conditions without annoying fan noise.
Sonic Purity Our dedication to sonic purity requires that the highest quality internal components are used. • Resistors All resistors (other than power resistors) are 1% precision low noise metal film. This is a key reason why ZAPCO products have the industries’ best low noise specifications, and why you won’t see as much fluctuation in our test certificates as you will with other brands. Precision resistors also reduce distortion and improve channel matching.
• Power Supplies Regulated or Unregulated? For years amplifier designers have debated which type of power supply is best. What’s the truth about power supplies? They each have advantages and disadvantages and there is no, one, best type. Limiting yourself to one type of power supply limits your amplifier design flexibility. ZAPCO uses both types of power supplies depending on the intended use of each amplifier, as well as expected current demands and operating environment.
Specifications You Can Hear Our dedication to sonic purity, and to the concept of cumulative error demands that we design and build our amplifiers and processors to be the cleanest in the industry. ZAPCO amplifiers are the standard by which all other amplifiers are measured. However, it concerns us when one specification THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) that can’t be heard in most modern, high-end amplifiers becomes the only meaningful specification manufacturers seem to publish.
Stereo Separation: The ability of an amplifier to maintain the separation between the right and left channels is what allows an amplifier to reproduce an accurate sound stage. Music is recorded with each instrument in its own location on a sound stage. You should hear it the same way in your vehicle. Results: To assure that no ZAPCO product ever fails to meet our level of expectation, we must build all products to exceed our specifications by a comfortable margin.
Warnings ZAPCO highly recommends that a fuse or circuit breaker be placed within 18" of the battery. Although products have adequate internal protection, it is possible that a pinched power wire between the component and the battery may result in a fire. The protection device should be placed where it can be accessed easily and all wiring should be routed safely and correctly according to the following guidelines: Do not run wiring close to hot or spinning objects.
Wire Size Most people understand the importance of a clean signal source for good sound reproduction. But, what about your 12 volt power source? It’s often surprising how many people (even professional car audio people) will obsess about signal wire but routinely provide the amplifier only a fraction of the current it needs to do its job. The most common wire gauge used in car audio is 10-gauge. The most common location for amplifiers is in the trunk. Take a look at the chart below.
Installation Guidelines Mounting your Reference Digital Amplifier is easy. Keep in mind the following guidelines: • The amplifier may be mounted in any direction, on wood, metal or carpet. • The metal case of the amplifier may be grounded or left isolated. • The amplifier requires adequate ventilation. Position the amplifier with sufficient surrounding area for proper cooling. • Keep fan and vent endplates clear for proper internal cooling.
In – Line SymbiLink™ Transmitters ZAPCO was the first Car Audio manufacturer to embrace balanced line signal transmission. There is a good deal of information in this manual that explains the how and why of SymbiLink™ balanced line technology. While Pro-Audio and High-End Home Audio manufacturers have adopted balanced line technology, the car audio market is still supporting the outdated RCA cable system.
Reference Digital Series Inputs Just like the C2K Competition Series, ZAPCO’s Digital Reference Series amplifiers accept only SymbiLink™ Balanced Line inputs. This assures that the amplifier will receive the cleanest and strongest signal possible. Every Reference Digital amplifier is equipped with an SLDIN.T-F SymbiLink™ transmitter for each input pair. Pictured below is the input section of the DC650.6 6Ch amplifier. Note that Placed with the input section is an input clip indicator.
Wire Connections for the Digital Reference The Digital Reference amps use ZAPCO’s new flush set, insulated terminal blocks. The stripped wire is inserted in the lower portion of the block at an angle, then use a Hex driver (Allen key) in the upper portion to tighten the connection. Speaker Terminal Block Note that each speaker has its own block on the Digital Reference. The bridged connection is between the left positive on the left block and the right negative on the right block.
Intelligent Rail Voltage Control High current or low current? How can you have one amp do it all? With conventional designs you can’t. As impedance goes down, the amount of current needed goes up and the required voltage goes down. So, with most 4 Ohm amps, if you hook up too low a speaker load, the amp will pour so much current into it’s components that it will simply burn itself up or go into protection.
The ZAPCO Digital Programming Network All Digital Reference amplifiers, and the ZAPCO DSP6-SL, standalone Digital Signal Processor incorporate ZAPCO’s exclusive Digital Programming Network™ (DPN). This network allows the user to program all amp functions using a DRC-SL or a PC. The amps DSP can then be programmed to control Gain, Volume, Crossover, Q-Bass, Equalization, and even Time Delay.
Ducted Flow Cooling Here is an unfortunate fact: Generating power creates heat. As ZAPCO has learned to put more power into a smaller package, the management of thermal properties has become increasingly important. The Reference Digital chassis has our new Ducted Flow Cooling. Cool air is brought into the chassis from the forward vents. The air travels over the components and is then forced down a duct flowing over the heat sink. The heated air is then exhausted through vents at the end of the heat sink.
Reference DC200.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipola
Reference DC200.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 230 watts 205 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 2 @ 4Ω 100 watts x 2 @ 2Ω Bridged Mono 134 watts x 1 @ 8Ω 205 watts x 1 @ 4Ω T.H.D.+N < .025% < .14% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .12dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .01% Slew Rate > 23 V/µS Damping Factor > 166 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Separation > 64dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 22
Reference DC350.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipola
Reference DC350.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 380 watts 350 watts Rated Power / Channel 100 watts x 2 @ 4Ω 170 watts x 2 @ 2Ω Bridged Mono 210 watts x 1 @ 8Ω 330 watts x 1 @ 4Ω T.H.D.+N < .025% < .047% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .25dB S/N Ratio > 96dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .015% Slew Rate > 29 V/µS Damping Factor > 200 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Separation > 66dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 26
Reference DC750.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipola
Reference DC750.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Power Rated Power / Channel 175watts x 2 @ 4Ω 360 watts x 2 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .05% Bridged Mono 780watts x 1 @ 4 Ω Mono < .2% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate 40 V/µS Damping Factor > 1000 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 560mV – 10V Separation > 60dB Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 120 Amps @ 750 watts 1.56 Amps Dimensions 24.
Front Panel Layouts 30
Reference DC500.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • ZAPCO EHVC Output Circuitry • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipolar Outputs
Reference DC500.1 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) .2% T.H.D. 500 watts Rated Power 350 watts x 1 @ 4Ω 500 watts x 1@ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .20% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, +0/-.5dB S/N Ratio > 80dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 35W) < .013% Slew Rate > 25 V/µS Damping Factor > 250 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 40 Amps @ 500 watts .65 Amps Dimensions 14.01”L x 7.12”W x 2.
Front Panel Layout 34
Reference DC1100.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • ZAPCO EHVC Output Circuitry • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipolar Outputs
Reference DC1100.1 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 1450 Watts Rated Power 825 watts x 1@ 4Ω 1100watts x 1 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .03% < .05% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate 40 V/µS Damping Factor > 700 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 135 Amps @ 900 watts 1.5 Amps Dimensions 24.40”L x 7.12”W x 2.
Front Panel Layout 38
Reference DC360.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipola
Reference DC360.4 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 395 watts 365 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 4 @ 4Ω 90 watts x 4 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .046% < .13% Bridged Mono 110 watts x 2 @ 8Ω 180 watts x 2 @ 4Ω < .05% < .1% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .12dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .01% Slew Rate > 23 V/µS Damping Factor > 160 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Separation > 55Db Front, 58dB Rear Max.
Front Panel Layout 42
Reference DC1000.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • ZAPCO EHVC Output Circuitry • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost
Reference DC1000.4 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 1200 watts Rated Power / Channel 150 watts x 4 @ 4Ω 250 watts x 4 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .05% Bridged to Dual Mono 500 watts x 2 @ 4Ω < .04% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate > 36 V/µS Damping Factor > 300 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 560mV – 10V Separation > 60dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 46
Reference DC650.
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • On-Board, Full Function DSP • Intelligent Rail Voltage Control • Plays from ½ ohm to 4 ohm Stereo Loads • USB Input for PC Control • Optional DRC-SL In-Dash Remote Control • Optional Digital Programming Network • Ducted Flow Cooling • Heavy-Duty, High-Current, Insulated Terminal Blocks • Space Saving Flush Wiring Connections • Heavy-Duty Mini ANL Fuse • Bridgeable • Three-Channel Capable • Gate Drive Boost Circuit • High-Current Bipola
Reference DC650.6 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 540 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 4 + 100 watts x 2 @ 4Ω 90 watts x 4 + 180 watts x 2 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .05% .2% Max Power 110 watts x 4 @ 2Ω 500 watts x 1 @ 2Ω mono Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .02% Slew Rate > 23 V/µS Damping Factor > 160 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 500mV – 10V Separation > 60dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 50
System Diagrams 2-Channel Amp Systems Page 53 - 56 4-Channel Amp Systems Page 57 - 60 6-Channel Amp Systems Page 61 - 63 Multi-Amp Systems Page 64 - 67 52
Technical Assistance Should you experience a problem with your Reference Digital Series amplifier, please contact the dealer that sold you this product. If your dealer is unable to solve your problem, you may contact the factory service department directly. Phone: (209) 577-4268 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM Pacific Standard Time FAX: (209) 577-8548 Also, check our web page, www.zapco.com, for tips. You can also e-mail for technical help directly from our web page.
