DS18 GFX Series Monoblock Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 4, 2024
- DS18
Table of Contents
OWNER’S MANUAL
GFX-1.4k1 – GFX-2.2k1 – GFX-3k1 – GFX-3k2 GFX-5k.5 – GFX-5k1 – GFX-5k2- GFX- 8k.5 – GFX-8k1 – GFX-8k2
GFX
DS18 GFX AMPS
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING DS18!
To Take full advantage of the DS18 GFX amps you have just purchased, please read and follow the instructions in this manual. As with all of our products, professional installation by any of our authorized DS18 GFX amps dealer is highly recommended!
INTRODUCTION
The DS18 GFX 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.
FEATURES
– Digital Full Range Monoblock Amplifier.
– Specially designed for Mid-bass, Midrange or Driver speakers.
– Extremely high output with a small footprint.
– 0.5 / 1 / 2 ohm Minimum Impedance Available models.
– Power / Protection / Clip LED indicator.
– Full Adjustable HP/LP @ 12dB/oct Crossover.
– Bass boost with adjustable frequency.
– Level Knob Remote Control for dashboard included.
– Forced cooling available in some models.
– Multiple ways of electronic protection (thermal, Over-Load, Short Circuit,
impedance, Voltage, Clipping)
WARNING
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.
INPUT SECTION
Because of the wide range of head unit output configurations all DS18 GFX 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 GFX amps 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.
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 INSTRUCTIONS
1.Before you start, disconnect the negative cable from the car battery. Tape up the end so it is isolated from the battery.
2.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.
3.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 theend. 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 reevaluate the wire and fuse placement.
4.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.
Professional installation by an authorized DS18 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 eithe 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.
5. Run the speaker wire to the speakers. It is advised that you leave some
extra wire at this point. You can fix it later.
6. If you haven’t done so already, mount the amp now.
7. Connect the power and ground to the amplifier.
ONLY AFTER THIS STEP – SHOULD YOU INSTALL THE FUSE AT THE BATTERY.
8.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.
9.Connect the speaker wires to the amp and speakers (make sure the amp is off
first). Make sure the polarity (+) and (-) is correct.
10. Connect the RCA’s to the amp.
11. Double check the amplifier controls at this time. Make sure everything is
set correctly for your system.
12.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.
13. 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!
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL| GFX-1.4k1| GFX-2.2k1| GFX-3k1| GFX-3k2|
GFX-5k.5
---|---|---|---|---|---
Power @ 8 ohms (14.4V)| N/A| N/A| N/A| 1000W| N/A
Power @ 4 ohms (14.4V)| 550W| 800W| 1000W| 2000W| N/A
Power @ 2 ohms (14.4V)| 950W| 1500W| 2000W| 3000W| 2000W
Power @ 1 ohms (14.4V)| 1400W| 2200W| 3000W| N/A| 3500W
Power @ 0.5 ohms (14.4V)| N/A| N/A| N/A| N/A| 5000W
Frequency Response| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ|
15Hz-20KHZ
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %
Low level Input Range| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V
Hi Pass X-Over Filter Range| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz
– 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ
Low Pass X-Over Filter Range| 50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ|
50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ
Bass Boost Range| 0 ~ 12dB| 0 ~ 12dB| 2 ~ 12dB| 3 ~ 12dB| 4 ~ 12dB
Bass Boost Frequency| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz –
70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ
Recommended Fuse| 140A| 220A| 300A| 300A| 500A
Minimum Impedance| 1 OHM| 1 OHM| 1 OHM| 2 OHM| 0.5 OHM
Power Input Terminal Size| 2 AWG| 2 AWG| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG
MODEL| GFX-5k1| GFX-5k2| GFX-8k.5| GFX-8k1| GFX-
8k2
---|---|---|---|---|---
Power @ 8 ohms (14.4V)| N/A| 2000W| N/A| N/A| 3500W
Power @ 4 ohms (14.4V)| 2000W| 3500W| N/A| 3500W| 5000W
Power @ 2 ohms (14.4V)| 3500W| 3500W| 3500W| 5000W| 8000W
Power @ 1 ohms (14.4V)| 5000W| N/A| 5000W| 8000W| N/A
Power @ 0.5 ohms (14.4V)| N/A| N/A| 8000W| N/A| N/A
Frequency Response| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ| 15Hz-20KHZ|
15Hz-20KHZ
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %| 1 %
Low level Input Range| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V| 0.5 ~ 8V
Hi Pass X-Over Filter Range| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ| 15Hz
– 2KHZ| 15Hz – 2KHZ
Low Pass X-Over Filter Range| 50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ|
50Hz – 20KHZ| 50Hz – 20KHZ
Bass Boost Range| 5 ~ 12dB| 6 ~ 12dB| 7 ~ 12dB| 8 ~ 12dB| 9 ~ 12dB
Bass Boost Frequency| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ| 35Hz –
70HZ| 35Hz – 70HZ
Recommended Fuse| 500A| 500A| 800A| 800A| 800A
Minimum Impedance| 1 OHM| 2 OHM| 0.5 OHM| 1 HM| 2 OHM
Power Input Terminal Size| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG| 1/0 AWG
INSTALLATION
GFX-5k.5 GFX-8k.5
GFX-1.4k1•GFX-2.2k1•GFX-3k1•GFX-5k1•GFX-8k1
GFX-3k2 • GFX-5k2 • GFX-8k2
WIRING CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES
DIMENSIONS
GFX: 236mm
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 more slowly. Additionally, you must include a copy of your purchase receipt from an authorized dealer for consideration of in-warranty service; otherwise repair charges will apply. Units received without a receipt will be held for 30 days, allowing us time to contact you and obtain a copy of the receipt. After 30 days, all units will be returned.
HIGH POWER AMPLIFIER
|
! DANGER
---|---
SPEAKER CONNECTOR WITH LIVE DC OUTPUT.
TOUCH THE SPEAKER OUTPUT WITH THE AMPLIFIER ON IT MUST BE INSTALDED BY
PROFESSIONALS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE VISIT
DS18.COM
Documents / Resources
| DS18
GFX Series Monoblock
Amplifier
[pdf] Owner's Manual
GFX-1.4k1, GFX-2.2k1, GFX-3k1, GFX-3k2, GFX-5k.5, GFX-5k1, GFX-5k2, GFX Series
Monoblock Amplifier, GFX Series, Monoblock Amplifier, Amplifier, GFX-8k.5,
GFX-8k1, GFX-8k2
---|---