Owner???s manual

APX2120

APX4240

APX1300

APX AMPLIFIERS

WARNING

Exposure to continuous sound levels of 85dB or higher may result in hearing loss. Although Clarion products are capable of producing high sound pressure levels, please use your product at reasonable levels.

While operating your vehicle, please observe all local sound ordinances for your safety.

Installation

Installation of mobile audio and video components requires experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical procedures. Although this manual provides general installa- tion and operation instructions, it does not show the exact installation methods for your particular vehicle.

If you do not have the required knowledge and experience to successfully complete the installation, consult an authorized Clarion dealer about professional installation options.

3. CONTROLS

APX1300 controls and input connections

APX2120 controls and input connections

WARNING!

To prevent short circuits during installation, disconnect the vehicle???s negative (-) battery lead before making any power connections.

???Extra cable can cause signal loss and act as an antenna for noise. Use only high- quality RCA cables that are no longer than necessary to make a direct connection with the source unit and amplifiers.

???Make sure each connection is clean and secure. Insulate final connections with electrical tape or shrink tubing.

CAUTION

Improper connections may damage the equipment.

???When routing RCA cables, keep the cables away from the power cables and output speaker wires.

???A good chassis ground connection is critical to minimize resistance and avoid noise problems. Use the shortest wire possible. Clean off any paint prior to making connections. Securely connect the ground wire to the car chassis and the source unit ground.

???Add an external fuse to the amp???s positive (+) power lead and connect it as close as possible to the vehicle???s plus (+) battery terminal. Use a fuse rated to the total current consumption of the amplifier. Adding an external fuse protects the electrical system from short circuits that can result in a fire.

???Do not open the case. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If you require assistance, consult your Clarion dealer or an authorized Clarion service center.

APX1300 power and speaker connections

APX2120 power and speaker connections

Setting the crossover

Clarion amplifiers feature fully-adjustable crossovers.

1.Using the X-Over mode switch, select either LP (low pass) or HP (high pass) or OFF for full range.

2.Using the Freq (Hz) control, select the frequency.

Setting the bass boost

1.Initially set the bass boost control to off.

2.Listen to a variety of music styles (for example, rock, rap, etc.) and switch the bass boost control on until you notice an increase in low bass response.

CAUTION

If you hear a pop caused by speaker overexertion, lower the bass boost to prevent damage to the speaker.

Final system checks

1.Start the engine and turn on the source unit.

2.After a two-second delay, slowly increase the volume control and listen to the audio.

If you hear any noise, static, distortion or no sound at all, check the connections and refer to Troubleshooting. Depending on your system, the volume may become quite loud even at low level settings. Until you get an ???audio feel??? for the system???s power, use care when adjusting the controls.

3.Turn the balance controls to their extreme positions and listen to the results. Audio output should match control settings (audio from the left speaker when balance is left).

4.Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces the audio at full frequencies without distortion.

If you hear distortion check the connections and verify that the gain control is set correctly. Another cause of distortion could be underpowered or damaged speakers. Refer to Troubleshooting.

6. Troubleshooting

No Audio

???Low or no remote turn-on voltage: check remote connections at the amplifier and source unit.

???Blown amplifier fuse: replace with a new fast-blow fuse (same rating).

???Power wires not connected: check battery and ground wiring at the amplifier and check the battery connections.

???Speaker leads shorted: check speaker continuity to ground; it should not show a common ground.

???Speakers not connected or are blown: check speaker connections at the amplifier; measure coil impedance.

Audio cycles on and off

???Thermal protection circuits are shutting the amplifier off.

???Check the location for adequate ventilation. Consult an authorized Clarion audio dealer.

Distorted audio

???Gain is not properly set or the speaker cones are damaged.

???Review the instructions for setting the gain. Inspect each speaker cone for signs of damage, such as a frozen cone, burning smell, etc.

Amplifier fuse keeps blowing

???The wiring is connected incorrectly or there is a short circuit.

???Review the installation precautions and diagram in this manual and check all wiring connections.

Whining or ticking noise when engine on

???The amplifier is picking up alternator or radiated noise.

???Turn down input gain.

???Move the audio cables away from the power wires.

???Check the power and ground connections on the amplifier and install an in-line noise filter on the source unit???s power wire.

???Check the alternator and/or voltage regulator. Test for a weak battery or add water to the battery.

7. Glossary

Crossover: A device that limits the range of frequencies sent to a speaker or amplifier.

dB: decibel, a measurement of the relative difference in power or intensity between two acoustic signals.

Equalizer: Component that boosts or cuts sound signal frequencies to improve the quality of the sound.

Gain control: gain is the amount of amplification (voltage, current or power) of an audio signal expressed in dB.

Hz: Abbreviation for Hertz, a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second.

Octave: the musical principle of dividing sound frequencies into the eight notes of the musical scale.

Ohm: unit of electric resistance

RCA input/output: port through which sound travels in and out of the system; ???RCA??? refers to the type of connector, which was first manufactured by the Radio Corporation of America.

Slope: how fast the sound gets quieter rated in dBs. The higher the dB number, the faster the frequency drops off.

8. Specifications

Note:

The technical data and the design of the equipment may change without prior notice for the sake of technical improvements.

1THD ??? 0.1%, 10Hz-20kHz, into 4-Ohms, @ 14.4V, all channels driven

2THD ??? 0.1%, 10Hz-20kHz, @ 14.4V, all channels driven

9. LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION

For USA and Canada only

Except as noted, Clarion products purchased from an authorized Clarion dealer are warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of original purchase.

The following Clarion products noted below ** are warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for a two (2) year period from the date of original purchase when purchased from AND installed by an authorized Clarion dealer.

** DRZ9255 DXZ865MP DXZ765MP DXZ665MP DXZ465MP DFZ675MC DPX11500 DPX1800 DPX2250 All Clarion cables, wires and other accessories if purchased from an authorized Clarion dealer are warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase.

ALL PURCHASES OF CLARION PRODUCTS FROM NON-AUTHORIZED CLARION DEALERS ARE

SUBJECT TO FURTHER WARRANTY RESTRICTIONS AS DESCRIBED BELOW.

The conditions of this Limited Warranty and the extent of responsibility of Clarion Corporation of America (???Clarion???) under the Limited Warranty are as follows:

1.PROOF OF DATE OF PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED CLARION DEALER WILL BE REQUIRED

FOR WARRANTY SERVICE OF THIS PRODUCT. IN THE CASE OF THE TWO (2) YEAR LIMITED

WARRANTY FOR THE CLARION PRODUCTS NOTED ABOVE, PROOF OF DATE OF PURCHASE AND

PROOF OF INSTALLATION BY AN AUTHORIZED CLARION DEALER IS REQUIRED. INFORMATION

ABOUT CLARION AUTHORIZED WARRANTY SERVICE CENTERS MAY BE OBTAINED BY

CONTACTING CLARION AT THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW.

2.This Limited Warranty will become void if service performed by anyone other than an approved Clarion Warranty Service Center results in damage to the products.

3.This Limited Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subject to misuse, neglect or accident, or which has had the serial number altered, defaced or removed, or which has been connected, installed, adjusted or repaired, other than in accordance with the instructions furnished by Clarion.

4.This Limited Warranty does not cover car static or other electrical interferences, tape head or laser pick-up cleaning or adjustments, or labor costs for the removal or reinstallation of the unit for repair.

5.The sole responsibility of Clarion under this Limited Warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product or replacement of the product, at the sole discretion of Clarion.

6.Product must be shipped in its original carton or equivalent carton, fully insured, with shipping charges prepaid. Clarion will not assume any responsibility for any loss or damage incurred in shipping.

7.CLARION PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM A SOURCE OTHER THAN AN AUTHORIZED CLARION

DEALER, INCLUDING ANY AND ALL PURCHASES VIA THE INTERNET FROM A NON INTERNET

AUTHORIZED CLARION DEALER, SHALL NOT BE COVERED BY ANY CLARION LIMITED WARRANTY

TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW. IN THE EVENT AND TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE

LAW PROHIBITS ELIMINATION OF WARRANTIES UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE

APPLICABLE LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM

THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE.

8.ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW SHALL

HAVE NO GREATER DURATION THAN THE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE. UNDER NO

CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL CLARION BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT OR

CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT. BECAUSE

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR

EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE

LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

9.THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE

OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

10.The laws of the state of California shall govern and control this Limited Warranty, its interpretation and enforcement.

11.Should you have any difficulties with the performance of this product during the warranty period, please call Clarion or visit our web site for a listing of Authorized Warranty Service Centers in your area. You may also contact Clarion Customer Service at the address listed below for any service you may need with Clarion products.

Clarion Corporation of America

All Rights Reserved. Copyright ?? 2006: Clarion Corp. of America