wet sounds HTX-6 100W x 6 Marine Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 5, 2024
- wet sounds
Table of Contents
HTX-6 100W x 6 Marine Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for purchasing the Wet Sounds Hydro-Techm X (HTX) series amplifier.
Wet Sounds represents the ultimate in High-Performance Marine Audio. Wet
Sounds HTX Series Marine Amplifiers are designed to be a complete solution for
every type of extreme marine application. HTX amplifiers use superior
performance circuitry by utilizing Class D Power Supplies. These amplifiers
have extreme power output packed inside a small chassis, thermal overload
protection, flexible crossovers, and extended inputs. HTX amplifiers are a
well-balanced match for all of the Wet Sounds T44 products.
WARNING
We build all Wet Sounds products to play at high volumes for extended periods
of time. Your ears however are not designed for high-volume listening. This
product can easily generate high volumes that can permanently damage your
hearing. We urge you to limit your exposure to very high-volume sound. You may
also find your state has laws governing the volume of an audio system.
Please be aware of all local and state laws in your area. A properly tuned
and operated audio system will deliver years of enjoyment when used
properly.
WARNING
Please check the installation location before you begin. Do not cut any of the
structures of the boat. Pay close attention to what items are behind the
panels and carpet. Often the manufacturer will hide wires, mechanical, or
other electronic devices in the exact locations you wish to install in. 
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Wet Sounds Marine Amplifiers are designed for easy installation in your boat.
To ensure proper installation of your new purchase please follow all the
suggestions listed below. If you do not have experience with marine
electrical and mechanical systems contact a professional installer. Paying a
qualified installer is almost always cheaper than paying a dealership to
repair your boat.
LOCATING THE AMPLIFIER
The amplifier must be securely mounted to a solid surface. Please select a dry
location to mount your amplifier. All Wet Sounds products are designed to
operate in humid environments however direct contact with water can damage the
electronics. Do not mount the amplifier to any area that may have excessive
vibration (like a subwoofer enclosure). Position the amplifier in an area that
receives sufficient airflow for proper heat dissipation.
SUPPLYING ENOUGH POWER
Your amplifier does NOT make power; it converts power, or current, from your
boats electrical system and converts it into high power musical energy. If the
amp can’t get all the power it needs it will not produce its full output. Your
Wet Sounds amplifier will produce full output longer than other amplifies on
the market today. Should your voltage or current drop too low the amplifier
will drop below the rated output. Make sure your boats charging system is in
good working order. Any high performance audio amplifier will increase the
demand for your alternator and battery. If you are unsure have your charging
system checked for system testing by a professional technician.
RUNNING THE WIRING CABLES
Always keep the signal cable and the power cables separated to prevent the
possibility of inducing noise into the system
Carefully run the power and the signal cables through the boat. Always keep
all the wires tight and tied down to prevent the power wire from shorting and
reduce the risk of fire. A 4 AWG or larger wire should be used for power and
ground connections. We recommend a fuse to be installed on the power wire
within 18 inches of the battery for safety.
AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS
Make sure that the +12 volt cable is NOT connected to the battery while
making any of the connections until all the connections and the fuse are
installed Power Connections
The HTX series is designed for 4 AWG Power wire (+12 V) and Ground
wire (GND). You will need to prepare the wire by removing 5/8″ on the
protective shielding on the power and ground wire. Then take a Phillips head
screwdriver and back out the screws on the terminal block. Insert the +
12-volt wire into the + 12V side of the terminal block and then tighten the
screw back into the terminal block. You will do the same for the Ground wire.
See below
REMOTE CONNECTION
This amplifier is designed to accept a 12 AWG – 16 AWG wire input on the terminal block for speaker outputs 1 and 2. (Diagram A). The Remote Turn-on is how the amplifier knows when to turn on and off. This is typically connected to the remote output wire on an aftermarket radio. When connecting this amplifier to a factory radio, you will need to find a +12 volt accessory wire that switches on and off with the key.
AMPLIFIER SIGNAL INPUTS
Connect the RCA outputs from the source unit to the inputs of the amplifier.
The HTX Series has 1 pair of inputs for each pair of channels (6 channels are
shown below, other models will vary).
There are 2 different input selection switches. The first is to designate
2 or 4-channel input. You can select 2 channel inputs when only using 1 set of
RCA inputs to allow all 4 channels to have output (CH 1,2,3, & 4 ). The next
is to turn on or off the inputs for channels 5 & 6. (See below) Ch 5 & 6 can
be carried over from inputs 1 & 2 when in 2CH mode, or a separate set of RCA
cables can be used in 6CH mode.
note if you only use the amplifier in 2 channel input mode you will not have
fading capabilities between the front and rear outputs.
SPEAKER TERMINAL INPUTS
The HTX Series utilizes removable speaker terminal blocks for easier
installations and stronger power connections. The terminal blocks are designed
to accept 12 AWG- 16 AWG speaker wires. When preparing the wire you will need
to strip 5/8″ of the cable’s protective shielding. Then take a small Phillips
or flat head screwdriver and back out the screw on the terminal block. Insert
the speaker wire into the terminal block and then tighten the screw back into
the terminal block. (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN) (See below)
POWER INDICATOR
The amplifier is equipped with a dual illumination LED on the top of the
amplifier that the Wet Sounds logo badge is mounted on. This amplifier is
equipped with an advanced diagnostic system controlled by a microprocessor. In
the event that the unit goes into protection for any reason, it will flash a
diagnostic code. The different sequences indicate the “Code” for faster
troubleshooting. When the amplifier first turns on the LED will flash blue.
Once the amplifier is ready for use the LED light will change to solid blue.
If the amplifier is in protection mode (over voltage, under voltage, DC
offset, thermal heating, or speaker short) the LED light will flash a red
diagnostic sequence. See the troubleshooting section for further detail. 
AMP DIAGRAM WITH LEGEND
- Channel 3-4 Input Switch — Adjusting this switch to 2 channel input and connecting only the CH 1/2 inputs allows the amplifier to have 4 channel output.
- Channel 5-6 Input Switch — Adjusting this switch turns on/off the RCA inputs for channels 5 & 6.
- Gain Control 1-2 – This is the input sensitivity gain control for channels 1 & 2.
- Variable Crossover 1-2 — Built in 12db crossover with frequencies between 50Hz — 250Hz.
- Crossover Switch 1-2 – The HPF attenuates low frequencies and is used with mid-range speakers and tweeters. LPF attenuates high frequencies and is used for subwoofers. This controls channels 1 & 2
- Gain Control 3-4 — This is the input sensitivity gain control for channels 3 & 4.
- Variable Crossover 3-4 — Built in 12db crossover with frequencies between 50Hz — 250Hz.
- Crossover Switch 3-4 – The HPF attenuates low frequencies and is used with mid-range speakers and tweeters. LPF attenuates high frequencies and is used for subwoofers. This controls channels 3 & 4.
- Gain Control 5-6 — This is the input sensitivity gain control for channels 5 & 6.
- Variable Crossover 5-6 — Built in 12db crossover with frequencies between 50Hz — 250Hz.
- Crossover Switch 5-6 – The HPF attenuates low frequencies and is used with mid-range speakers and tweeters. LPF attenuates high frequencies and is used for subwoofers. This controls channels 5 & 6.
- Power LED Indicator and Logo
- Fuses – The fuses protect the amplifier against internal electrical damage and are meant to protect the amplifier only. All other power connections should be fused at the source
- (+) 12 Volt Power – Connect this terminal through a FUSE or CIRCUIT BREAKER to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery or the positive terminal of an isolated audio system battery.
- Remote Turn On – This terminal turns on the amplifier when (+) 12 volt is applied to it. Connect it to the Remote Turn on the lead of the head unit or signal source.
- Ground – Connect this terminal directly to the battery, using the shortest wire necessary to make this connection. Always use wire of the same gauge or larger than the (+) 12-volt power wire.
- RCA Inputs – RCA Input Jacks—Accepts line level outputs from source units or signal processors at voltages between 250mV and 6 volts.
- Speaker Terminal Output Block 1-2 – This is the speaker connecting block for channels 1 & 2.
- Speaker Terminal Output Block 3-4 – This is the speaker connecting block for channels 3 & 4.
- Speaker Terminal Output Block 5-6 – This is the speaker connecting block for channels 5 & 6.
SETTING UP THE AMPLIFIER
Input Selection
Because of the wide range of head unit/radio output configurations all Wet
Sounds amplifiers have an adjustable input sensitivity or “GAIN”. The gain is
NOT a volume or a power limiting control similar to a throttle. It makes the
amplifier more sensitive to input from the stereo. When the gain is turned up
the amplifier will reach full output at lower volume levels on the head
unit/radio. Also when the gain is set too high the amplifier becomes much more
sensitive to noise from your boat’s electrical system.
Adjusting the Gain
You will need a small flat head screwdriver and select the style/genre of
music you primarily enjoy listening to.
Here are 3 easy steps to follow.
- Tum the gain all the way counterclockwise to the “min” point on the amp.
- Increase the head unit/radio volume to % of the maximum volume output while paying for your favorite style/genre of music.
- Gently turn the gain clockwise to increase the output of the amplifier until the desired level of output is achieved.
**You will repeat these steps for both the front and rear channels
independently”
You should not hear any distortion in your speakers at this level, if you
do, slowly turn down the gain until the distortion is no longer present. If
you need further assistance please contact Wet Sounds Technical Services
Department.
Crossover Controls This amplifier is designed to play frequencies between 50
Hz and 250 Hz. The amplifier is equipped with 2 different optional settings.
High-Pass (HI) or Low-Pass (LO) (See below)
“High-Pass” is designed to play only the frequencies above where the
crossover is set at.
“Low Pass” is designed to play only the frequencies below where the
crossover is set at.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you are experiencing problems with your amplifier after installation follows these procedures to try and remedy the problem.
- Check your fuse and replace it if necessary.
- Confirm your Ground wire has a good connection.
- Make sure your remote wire and power wire has +12 Volts.
- Make sure your battery has 12 volts.
- Confirm that the amplifier LED color is blue. If the light flashing is red then the amplifier is in protection mode. if the light is red check the following items below:
A. See what sequence is flashing by referencing the chart below
B. Confirm that the speaker is not blown.
C. Confirm that there are no loose wires that could be grounding out the amplifier.
D. Check that the amplifier has sufficient air circulation where it is located. Insufficient air flow and overdriving the audio system could result in the amplifier going into protection to preserve the amplifier.
Wet Sounds HTX Fault Codes
For HTX 4, and 6 amplifiers, a short will only shut down the channels which
are at fault. The other channels will continue to play. After a fault
connection is cleared, the error code will continue to flash, while the logo
is still illuminated blue. Please contact Tech Support for additional
assistance, questions, etc.
For HTX 4, and 6 amplifiers, a short will only shut down the channels which
are at fault. The other channels will continue to play. After a fault
connection is cleared, the error code will continue to flash, while the logo
is still illuminated blue. Please contact Tech Support for additional
assistance, questions, etc.
BRIDGED AUDIO RCA CONFIGURATION
When connecting two speakers in bridged mode on channels 1-4 on the HTX-4 or
HTX-6, the left and right RCA’s must be split to retain stereo separation.
This means you will have left audio out of the left speaker and right audio
out of the right speaker. You must also switch to 4CH on the input mode
section of the control panel on top of the amplifier (See the switch image
below for an example). If you choose not to configure using this method and
just use 2CH mode, then both speakers will play in mono and not stereo.
Two dual male RCA Y-Splitters are required for this
configuration.
Please contact Wet Sounds Technical Support at 877.938.7757 if you need any
assistance or how to bridge your HTX Series Amplifier.
SAMPLE SYSTEM SETUPS
HTX-1 SPECS
Output Power (RMS) @ 1%
Mono @ 4 Ohms
Mono @ 2 Ohms| 100Hz 14.4V CEA 2006
330W X 1 @ <1.V/0 THD
650W X 1 @ <1.V/0 THD
---|---
Frequency Response -3dB
Crossover Range Low Pass
Crossover Range Subsonic Filter
Bass Boost
Remote Attenuation| 10 Hz – 150 Hz
50Hz – 150Hz 12dB/Octav
10Hz – 50Hz 12dB/Octave
0 – 12dB @ 45Hz +
0.7 – -29dB
S/N Ratio (Awtg)| 1Watt 4ohm 125 Watts 4ohm
59dB >92dB
Input Sensitivity| 0.2V-6.0V
HTX-2 SPECS
Output Power (RMS) @ 1%
STEREO @ 4 Ohms
STEREO @ 2 Ohms
MONO @4 Ohms| 100Hz 14.4V CEA 2006
150W X 2 @ <1.0% THD
300W X 2 @ <1.0% THD
600W X 1 @ <1.0% THD
---|---
Frequency Response
Crossover Range Low Pass
Crossover Range Subsonic Filter| 20Hz-20KHz
50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octav 50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octave
S/N Ratio (Awtg)| 1Watt 4ohm 150 Watts 4ohm
60dB > 90dB
Input Sensitivity| 0.2V-6.0V
HTX-4 SPECS
HTX-4 Full Range Class D Amplifier
Output Power (RMS) @ 1%
Stereo @ 40hms
Stereo @ 2 Ohms
Mono @ 4 Ohms| 1000Hz 14.4V CEA 2006
4×100 Watts
4×150 Watts
2×300 Watts
---|---
Frequency Response -3dB
Crossover Range Low Pass
Crossover Range High Pass| 7 Hz – 33 kHz
50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octave
50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octave
S/N Ratio (Awtg)| 1Watt 4ohm 75Watts 4ohm
62dB >85dB
Separation| >52dB
Input Sensitivity| 0.2V – 6.1V
HTX-6 SPECS
HTX-6 Full Range Class D Amplifier
Output Power (RMS) @ 1%
Stereo @ 4Ohms
Stereo @ 2 Ohms
Mono @ 4 Ohms| 1000Hz 14.4V CEA 2006
6×100 Watts
6×150 Watts
3×300 Watts
Frequency Response -3dB Crossover Range Low Pass Crossover Range High Pass| 7
Hz – 33 kHz
50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octave
50Hz-250Hz 12dB/Octave
S/N Ratio (Awtg)| 1Watt 4ohm 75Watts 4ohm
62dB >85dB
Separation
52d6|
Input Sensitivity| 0.2V – 6.1V
|
LIMITED WARRANTY
Length and limits of Warranty Wet Sounds warrant this product to be free of
defects in material or workmanship for (1) year from the date of purchase. Wet
Sounds warranty applies exclusively to the original purchaser, is not
transferable and the amplifier must be purchased from an Authorized Wet Sounds
Retailer within the United States. All products purchased outside of the
United States are covered by the Authorized Distributor or OEM supplier. Any
and all warranties not to exclude merchantability or fitness are limited in
duration to 1 year. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and those
rights may vary from state to state.
Items not covered
- Serial numbers that are defaced, altered, or removed.
- Any product purchased outside the United States.
- Any cost is related to the removal, installation, and shipping of the product.
- Damage caused by abuse or accident, theft, water, shipping, or neglect.
- Service performed by anyone other than Wet Sounds or an Authorized Wet Sounds Service Center.
- Subsequent damage to any other components.
- Misrepresentations by the seller.
- Failure to follow installation instructions.
- Cosmetic damage.
Obtaining Service
Should service be necessary Wet Sounds (at its discretion), replace or repair
the defective equipment with a new or refurbished product. To receive service
the original invoice of purchase with the customer name, product purchased,
retailer name and address with the date of purchase must be provided to obtain
warranty service. Contact Wet Sounds directly at
1-877-938-7757 contact customer service
to obtain RA # (Return Authorization). You are responsible for the shipping of
the product to Wet Sounds.
WET SOUNDS INC.
www.wetsounds.com
877-938-7757
10621 S Sam Houston PKWY W • Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77071
USA