HORIZON HXE100.4 4-Channel Class A-B Amplifier User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Horizon

HORIZON HXE100.4 4-Channel Class A-B Amplifier

HORIZON HXE100.4 4-Channel Class A-B Amplifier product

Please read the user‘s manual carefully before the installation and the first operation of the amplifier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Output Power RMS 4 x 60 W @ 4 Ohms 4 x 100 W @ 2 Ohms
Output Power Max. 4 x 120 W @ 4 Ohms 4 x 200 W @ 2 Ohms
Loudspeaker impedance (stereo) 2 – 8 Ohms
Frequency Response 5 – 40 000 Hz (-3 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion < 0,5 % (1 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 90 dB
Input Sensitivity 0,1 – 7 V
Input Impedance 10 k Ohm
High pass Filter (CH1/2) 10 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
High pass Filter / Bandpass Filter (CH3/4) 0 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Lowpass Filter / Bandpass Filter (CH3/4) 1 50 – 250 Hz @ 12 dB/Octave
Bass Boost (CH3/4) 0 – 12 dB
Operating Voltage +12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse Rating 2 x 20 A
Dimensions (B x H x L) 220 x 51 x 342 mm

IMPORTANT NOTES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

This device is only suited for a 12 volt system with negative ground.
The radiated heat while operation requires sufficient air circulation at the place of installation. It is very important that the heatsink fins do not have contact with any metal parts or any surfaces which could impair air circulation. The amplifier may not be installed in small closed location or spaces without air circulation (e.g. spare wheel recess or below the vehicle carpeting). We recommend the installation in the vehicle’s trunk. Ensure sufficient protection against vibrations, dust and dirt.
Ensure that the input and output cables are sufficiently separated from the power supply cables. Otherwise interferences may occur.
Ensure the accessibility of the fuse and the operating elements after installation.
The reliability and performance of the amplifier depends on the quality of installation. Preferably consult an expert to install the system, particularly if you want to install several loudspeakers.

INTERCONNECTION

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN-ON-CONNECTION

ATTENTION: Before you start with the installation, disconnect the ground connection from the vehicle’s battery in order to prevent short circuits.

The power wiring which is usually installed in on-board car networks is not sufficient for a power amplifier‘s demands. Make sure that the power wires to GND and to the +12 V terminal has been sufficiently specified. A cable cross section of at least 10 mm2 must be used to connect the battery to the amplifier‘s terminals.
First connect the GND terminal of the amplifier to an appropriate ground connection at the chassis. To ensure a good connection, residue dirt and dust from the connection point. A loose connection may cause malfunctions or interferences noise and distortion.
Then connect the +12 V terminal of the amplifier with the battery by using an appropriate cable including an in-line fuse. This fuse should be located very close to the battery; for safety reasons not more than 30 cm away. Only insert the fuse when the installation, including the connection of the loudspeakers, has been accomplished.
Then connect the remote turn-on-wire from the head unit with the amplifier‘s REM terminal. A cable with a cross-section of 0.5 mm2 is adequate.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS

In 4-channel operation (i.e. one loudspeaker on each amplifier channel), the impedance must not be lower than 2 ohms for each speaker
In bridging mode (two amplifier outputs combined) the impedance must not be lower than 4 ohms for the bridged output.
Never connect loudspeaker cables with the ground of the chassis or the +12 V supply voltage.

If the amplifier is operated with a too low impedance or incorrectly used, the entire sound system may be da-maged. This means a warranty void in such cases.

AUDIO SIGNAL CABLES

When installing the audio cables between the RCA outputs of the head unit and the RCA inputs of the amplifier, the audio and power supply cables should, if possible, not be routed along the same side of the vehicle. We recommend a separated installation, e.g. routing the power cable through the cable channel on the left side and the audio cables through the cable channel of the vehicle on the right side or vice versa. This prevents interferences due to crosstalk into the audio signal.

OPERATING ELEMENTS

INPUT SENSITIVITY CH1/2 & CH3/4

Turn the INPUT LEVEL (CH1/2 and CH3/4) controller of the amplifier to the MIN position.
Then turn the volume controller of the head unit to 80 – 90% of its full setting.
Now turn INPUT LEVEL clockwise until you hear some distortion.
Then turn back the INPUT LEVEL slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

VARIABLE HIGHPASS FILTER CH1/2 & CH3/4

If the amplifier is to be used for mid-range/tweeter loudspeakers, set the switches X-OVER ( CH1/2 and CH3/4) to HP.
Then set the desired cross-over frequency on the HIGH PASS controller ( CH1/2 or CH3/4). Thus to that only the frequencies above the chosen cross-over frequency will be amplified. This effectively minimizes distortions and overloads at lower frequencies. A good point to start is at 125 Hz.
If you use loudspeakers (>20 cm) set X-OVER (CH1/2 and CH3/4) to FULL. In this case, the HIGH PASS controllers (CH1/2 or CH3/4) are without function.

VARIABLE LOWPASS FILTER CH3/4

If the amplifier is used to drive a subwoofer on CH3/4, set the switch X-OVER ( CH3/4) to LP/BP. Set the desired cross-over frequency by using the controller LOW PASS (CH3/4). Thus to that only the frequencies below the chosen cross-over frequency will be amplified and the subwoofer plays more précised and efficient.

VARIABLE BASS BOOST CH3/4

By using the BASS BOOST controller (Fig.1,10) you are able to increase the bass enhancement from 0 to 12 db.
Attention: Use the BASS BOOST wisely!

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The POWER/PROTECTION LED lilts up green, if the amplifier is in operation.
The POWER/PROTECTION LED lilts up red, when the amplifier is overheated, or a short circuit occurs resp. a too low impedance load is connected to the speaker outputs.
If this events, the internal built-in protection circuit shuts down the amplifier automatically.
The amplifier should work again properly after you have solved the problems.

FIGURES

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLLERS

Power-/Protection-LED
HIGH PASS controller CH1/2
Selector HP (High pass) FULL CH1/2
INPUT LEVEL controller CH1/2
LINE INPUT CH1/2 & CH3/4
INPUT LEVEL controller CH3/4
HIGH PASS filter controller CH3/4
Selector HP (High pass/Bandpass) FULL LP/BP (Lowpass/Bandpass) CH3/4
LOW PASS / BAND PASS controller CH3/4
BASS BOOST controller CH3/4

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN ON CONNECTION

GND terminal for the ground
REM terminal for the turn on connection
+12 V terminal for the positive-connection of the battery
Vehicle’s battery
In-Line Fuse (not included in the scope of delivery)
Turn on wire from the head unit or the electrical antenna
Fuse(s)

4-CHANNEL OPERATION STEREO

If you want to run the amplifier with the 4 line output channels from the head unit to drive 4 loudspeakers, in stereo connect the following setup:

To the head unit, line output left FRONT CH1
To the head unit, line output right FRONT CH2
To the head unit, line output left REAR CH3
To the head unit, line output right REAR CH4
Loudspeaker left REAR CH3
Loudspeaker right REAR CH4
Loudspeaker left FRONT CH1
Loudspeaker right FRONT CH2

3-CHANNEL OPERATION STEREO & MONO

If you want to run the amplifier with the 4 line output channels the head unit to drive a pair of loudspeakers and a subwoofer, connect the following setup:

To the head unit, line output left FRONT CH1
To the head unit, line output right FRONT CH2
To the head unit, line output left REAR CH3 or subwoofer output
To the head unit, line output right REAR CH4 or subwoofer output
Loudspeaker left FRONT CH1
Loudspeaker right FRONT CH2
Subwoofer

If your head unit only has 2 output channels, use commercially available Y-adapters for splitting the signal. But then the FADER function of the head unit does not work anymore.

IMPORTANT!
Always observe the correct polarity of all connections!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.
Procedure 1:
Check Amplifier for proper connections.
Verify that POWER/PROTECTION LED lits up green. If If this is the case, skip to Step 3, if not continue.

Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.
Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.
Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle’s chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.
Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable. Verify quality connections for both cables at amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuse-holder. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 2:
POWER/PROTECTION LED lilts up red.

If the PROTECT lilts up red, this is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for proper speaker connections and use an ohm meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring. Too low speaker impedance may also cause PROTECTION to light. This can also be a sign of driving the amplifier at very high power GAINs without adequate airflow around the amplifier. Shut off the system and allow amplifier to cool. Check that the vehicle charging system is maintaining proper voltage. If the previous items do not solve the problem, a fault may be in the amplifier. In this case you should contact your dealer.

Procedure 3:
Check Amplifier for audio output.

Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks, splices, etc.
Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 4:
Check Amplifier for a popping noise while turning on.

Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
If the noise is eliminated, connect the remote lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on module.

Procedure 5:
Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.

Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
Bypass any and all electrical components between the head unit and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.
Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations. Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint,
rust etc.
Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of vehicle.
Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.

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