DS18 EXL-P800X4 Competition 4 Channel Stereo Full-Range Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- DS18
Table of Contents
DS18 EXL-P800X4 Competition 4 Channel Stereo Full-Range Amplifier Owner's Manual
EXL-P
EXL-P800X4 / EXL-P1200X4 / EXL-P2000X4
FEATURES
- High power Analog (class A/B) Amplifier
- Protection Circuit: Thermal, Over-Load, DC, Short Circuit, Voltage and Clipping
- LED indicate working status: Power/Protection/Clipping
- Bass Boost with Selectable Frequency and Phase Output Adjustable
- Full Adjustable X-Over with 12dB/Oct Slope
- Remote Bass Knob with Power and Clip LED Indicator included
- Latest SMC and MOSFET Technology
- Reliable Heavy duty Korean Circuit Board design
- Professional Tiffany RCA connectors
SPECIFICATIONS
EXL-P AMPS
Thank you for choosing DS18 EXL-P amps!
To Take full advantage of the DS18 EXL-P amps you have just purchased, please
read and follow the instructions in this manual. As with all of our products,
professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is highly recommended!
INTRODUCTION
The DS18 EXL-P Car amplifiers offer high quality audio reproduction for the audiophile and the everyday listener alike. All models feature fully variable crossovers with 12dB per octave slopes, allowing you the ability to tailor the sound to best fit the speakers and your listening preferences.
Platinum Finish Connections Ensures solid electrical connections that resist corrosion.
Fully Variable Crossovers Fully variable crossovers promote installation ease and save the cost of outboard crossovers. Additionally, they may be used in conjunction with outboard passive or active crossovers, depending on the complexity required by the system. The 12 dB per octave slope offers steep roll-off above or below the selected frequency.
Protection Circuitry Against Overload, Short Circuit, Thermal, and Reverse Polarity. These protection features are designed to protect the amplifier from misuse, as well as from common causes of amplifier failure.
INPUT SECTION
Because of the wide range of head unit output configurations all DS18 EXL-P amps have an adjustable input sensitivity of “Gain”. The gain is not a volume or a power limiting control like a throttle. It makes the amp more sensitive to input from the stereo; with the gain up, the amp will reach full output at a lower volume setting on the deck. At higher gain settings the amp also becomes more and more sensitive to noise from the car’s electrical system. Try to run the gain at the lowest setting possible for your system.
There is no correct gain setting, because speakers require different power demands to reach the same output, the gains most often need to be used to compensate for these differences. If you tried to set all the gains at half way you would probably find the system didn’t sound very good. Using good judgment and listening carefully to each speaker is still the best way to tune a system.
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
A crossover is a device that removes unwanted frequencies from a speaker or amplifier. A tweeter can easily be destroyed by bass notes if they are not filtered out. Likewise a subwoofer will not sound natural if it is playing midrange notes. A crossover removes these sounds from the speaker. As you might guess, careful adjustment in need to ensure that all the speakers are playing the right sounds and that you are left with no “holes” or low spots in the frequency response.
BASS BOOST
DS18 EXL-P amplifiers have an adjustable bass boost. Begin your adjustments at
low volume. If you do not hear any improvement then woofer does not need any
bass boost.
Use Bass Boost carefully. The demands on power output are tremendous. Try to
minimize the use by changing woofer position or the enclosure size.
PHASE
The phase setting synchronizes the phase of your Subwoofer output to that of the other speakers in the car. Set your amp to 0 and listen to a track with some bass. Afterward, set the Phase setting to 180 degrees, and see if the bass output improves or becomes worse with the same track. Leave the switch set to whichever setting yields the best results.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
This amplifier is equipped with a large block style terminal for speaker connection. Make this connection carefully and neatly. Strip your wire back and twist the exposed leads and insert them into the block terminal while being careful that there is no loose or frayed strands of wire and tighten the Allen head screw down on the terminal till the wire is tightly secured in place. If the wires ever come in contact with each other the amplifier will go into protection.
INSTALLATION
Professional installation by an authorized DS18 EXL-P amps dealer is highly recommended! Otherwise, the performance of your new gear may not be satisfactory. In the event that you decide to do your own installation, please read and follow this manual very carefully. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of this product, your automobile, and possibly void the product warranty.
Amplifiers are generally mounted in the hatch/ trunk area of a car or SUV, and under or behind the seat of most pick-up trucks. Select a location that will provide adequate ventilation for the amplifier. Avoid mounting the amplifier with the fins down. The fins should be facing up either vertically or horizontally. Secure the amplifier with the screws provided.
Before securing the amplifier, inspect the mounting location carefully to ensure that you do not drill into or damage any electrical, hydraulic, fluid or fuel lines.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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Before you start, disconnect the negative cable from the car battery. Tape up the end so it is isolated from the battery.
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Run an appropriate gauge wire from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this part of the installation carefully. This cable will carry very high current, if it should short to the body and it is not properly fused it could catch fire.
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Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse capable of the total current load of all amplifiers connected. Don’t install the fuse yet. Wait until the end. Locate the fuse as close as possible to the battery. If the fuse is further than 18 inches (wire length) from the battery you should revaluate the wire and fuse placement.
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Find the closest clear metal area to the amp for a ground. Sand, grind or scrape all paint and undercoating from the body and screw the ground securely in place.
It is advisable to test the ground with an ohmmeter between the ground cable and the negative battery cable to ensure a good low resistance connection. Some panels used in modern cars do not offer the best ground. If you believe this is the case – first consult with the vehicle manufacturer. -
Run the speaker wire to the speakers. It is advised that you leave some extra wire at this point. You can fix it later.
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If you haven’t done so already, mount the amp now.
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Connect the power and ground to the amplifier.
ONLY AFTER THIS STEP – SHOULD YOU INSTALL THE FUSE AT THE BATTERY. -
Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Now is a good time to turn on the amp for the first time. Make sure it turns on properly and does not go into protection mode.
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Connect the speaker wires to the amp and speakers (make sure the amp is off first). Make sure the polarity (+) and (-) is correct.
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Connect the RCA’s to the amp.
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Double check the amplifier controls at this time. Make sure everything is set correctly for your system.
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Now you’re ready to play it for the first time. It is best to leave the gain all the way down at first. Start with the head unit volume low and work your way up.
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Now you can tune the amp. Take your time and make only one adjustment at a time. It may take some time to get the system fully adjusted. During this time the amp is drawing current from the battery. You should check the battery voltage from time to time and recharge it, if it gets low. That’s it. You’re done. Now have fun.
INSTALLATION
DIMENSIONS
WARRANTY
Should your amplifier require service: Please consult with the dealer from which it was purchased, or contact DS18 CAR AUDIO Local Dealer. Do not attempt to return your amplifier directly to us without first calling for a Return Authorization Number. Units received without any accompanying Return Authorization Number will be processed slower. Additionally, you must include a copy of your purchase receipt from an authorized dealer for consideration of in-warranty service (The warranty is not transferable and will not apply to products purchased from unauthorized dealers).
This warranty does not cover the cost for removal and reinstallation of any kind. Additionally, shipping to DS18 is covered by the purchaser. This warranty is void and inapplicable if DS18 deems that the product was abused or misused; including but not limited to products that have been improperly- powered, causing thermal coil failure and/or mechanical failure, damage caused by accident, mishandling, improper installation, negligence, normal wear and tear, excessive water or heat damage, and freight damage. (The warranty is not transferable and will not apply to products purchased from unauthorized dealers.) DS18 is not responsible for any damages to a consumer’s vehicle or person from a product failure. The warranty is void if DS18 deems the product was installed or used improperly. DS18 shall not be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages.
