Soundstream Technologies 404s - Manual (Page 8)

8
OTHER COMMENTS:
If you blow fuses with the REFERENCE404s amplifier, 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!
AUTO HIGH CURRENT™ POWER SUPPLY
The REFERENCE404s amplifier employs an extremely efficient Auto High
Current™ power supply (patent pending). This new power supply circuitry
automatically customizes your amplifier for optimum efficiency and power
output into virtually any impedance load. When other brand amplifiers are
driven at low impedances (i.e., 1 ohm or less), they shut down, squash
dynamics and power output (called current limiting), or waste huge amounts of
power (i.e., low efficiency). All of which reduce the "realworld" power the
amplifier can produce in the car. Soundstream's Auto High Current™ power
supply allows the REFERENCE404s amplifier to be one of two types of amps:
either producing maximum power at higher impedances (perfect for satellites)
or at lower impedances (usually with multiple subwoofers). This is done by
letting the amplifier's power supply continuously monitor the impedance of the
load the amplifier is driving. If the impedance drops too low, the power supply
will automatically switch into High Current mode. It will stay in this mode until
the amplifier is turned off. The next time it is powered up, it will be in the High
Power mode.
Unlike other amplifiers, Soundstream’s REFERENCE amplifiers can be
configured to drive virtually any impedance and make maximum power! The
major advantages of this power supply are:
•
awesome dynamic power capabilities
•
added continuous power with higher voltages
•
increased amplifier efficiency and reliability
Because of the dynamic properties of most music, all audio components
should be able to react accordingly. Thanks to their unique power supplies,
the REFERENCE404s amplifier can comfortably exceed its rated power for
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 REFERENCE404s 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 4
NOTE: Even though the S/N ratio with low output sources is better with the
REFERENCE404s amplifier than others, your best combination of output level
and Signal to Noise ratio will be achieved when the input levels are set