Precision Power Stereo Amplifier DCX 3002 User Manual

AMPLIFIER MODELS  
DCX 300.2  
DCX 500.2  
 
CONGRATULATIONS  
Thank you for choosing PrecisionPowerTM audio equipment.  
Designed and engineered in the USA, this product combines  
innovative technology with the finest materials to consistently deliver  
Absolutely State of the Artperformance, sound quality, reliability,  
and value. This PrecisionPowerTM product reflects our commitment  
to offer you unparalleled performance and quality for years of  
dependable service and listening enjoyment.  
SERVICE  
Do not attempt to service PrecisionPowerTM products yourself.  
Performing maintenance on your audio equipment will void the  
warranty. Many parts of the PrecisionPowerTM product are custom  
built to our specifications. Our factory parts are not made  
available to anyone else nor are they for sale. Our goal is to  
make sure that your PrecisionPowerTM product will always sound as  
good as the day it was purchased. Contact your Authorized  
PrecisionPowerTM Dealer about obtaining any warranty service  
through PrecisionPowerTM. (See the Warranty on the outside of the  
back cover).  
CAUTION  
Extended use of a high powered audio system may result in hearing  
loss or damage. While PrecisionPowerTM systems are capable of  
“Concert Level” volumes with incredible accuracy, they are also  
designed for you to enjoy at more reasonable levels all of the sonic  
subtleties created by musicians. Please observe all local sound  
ordinances.  
2
 
FEATURES  
New! Advanced Instrumentation Input Stage.  
New! 24dB/Octave; HP/LP/FULL; 30-4kHz Crossover.  
New! Independent Line Output Crossover 30-4kHz  
PWM Power Supply  
Triple Darlington Output Stage.  
AP-IV Protection Circuity  
QBASSTM Bass Boost  
High Voltage Input Capability with -12dB Attention Switch.  
Gold Plated RCA Input and Output Connectors.  
PowerLockTM Speaker and Power Wire Connectors.  
2 Yr Warranty; if installed by an Authorized PrecisionPower Dealer.  
QBASS PLUS SPECIFICATIONS  
QBASS PLUSTM  
Up to 18dB of boost with selectable center frequency at 30Hz, 36Hz,  
44Hz or 60Hz, with a Q-factor of 2.  
Optional QBASS REMOTETM  
This boost control can be mounted in the dash and will supersede  
the boost control on the amplifier endplate.  
3
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
Power Ratings  
MODEL  
DCX 300.2  
DCX 500.2  
4 ohm  
2 X 75  
2 X 125  
2 ohm  
2 X 150  
2 X 250  
4 ohm MONO  
1 X 300  
1 X 500  
All power ratings given above are tested at 12.5V; 4 ohms; 20Hz - 200Hz.  
General Specifications  
Load Impedance (Stereo)  
Load Impedance (Bridged)  
Input Topology  
Conversion Efficiency  
Frequency Response  
Linear Bandwidth  
S/N Ratio  
2–8 ohms  
4–8 ohms  
Balanced differential  
>50% @2 ohms max power  
20Hz–20kHz ±0.25dB  
10–50kHz ±3dB (300.2)  
>110dB  
Input Sensitivity  
150mv - 12 Volts RMS  
HP/LP/Full; 30Hz to 4kHz  
20,000 Ohms  
RCA Output Jacks  
Input Impedance  
Supply Voltage  
9–16 Volts  
Damping Factor  
Slew Rate  
>250 (300.2) 300 (500.2)  
>20V/µs  
Crossovers Type/Range  
HP—off/12dB switch 30Hz to 4kHz  
LP—off/12dB switch 30Hz to 4kHz  
12dB/octave  
Variable 0 to +12dB boost @ 40Hz  
Short and thermal  
Crossover Slope  
QBass  
Protection Functions  
4
 
Fuse Requirements  
You will need to install an in-line fuse or circuit breaker in the power  
wire within 18” of the battery.This fuse or circuit breaker is to protect  
your vehicle from fire in case the power wire shorts to the vehicle  
body. If you are only using one amplifier, use the fuse rating  
indicated in this chart. If you are using more than one amplifier, add  
up the fuse ratings for all the amplifiers. This sum is the rating for  
your fuse or circuit breaker. You may also want to add a power  
distribution block near your amplifiers to distribute large gauge  
power cable to multiple amplifiers.  
Amp  
Fuse  
35 A  
50 A  
DCX 300.2  
DCX 500.2  
Dimensions  
Length  
24-¾”  
Width  
10-½”  
Height  
2-¾”  
DCX 300.2  
DCX 500.2  
27-3/8”  
10-½”  
2-¾”  
5
 
AMPLIFIER STATUS LEDS  
3
4
SHORT PROTECT  
THERMAL PROTECT  
POWER  
CLIP OUT  
1
2
The LEDs provide the following indications:  
1. Power - This LED illuminates RED when the amplifier power is  
turned on with the remote input (output muted). After a short time  
delay this LED will turn GREEN (amplifier ready).  
2. Clip Output - This LED illuminates RED on the peaks of the  
output signal when the peaks are too high. This clipping causes  
audible distortion in the speakers.  
3. Short - This LED illuminates RED on a short condition. The  
amplifier will turn off and try to turn back on.  
4. Thermal - This LED illuminates RED on a thermal condition. The  
amplifier will turn off and turn back on in a minute or so.  
Note: Read the AP-IV Protection Circuit section for additional  
information regarding Short and Thermal protection.  
6
 
TOOLS/PARTS FOR INSTALLATION  
NOTE:TOOLS ARE NOT SUPPLIED.  
Small flat blade screwdriver  
Phillips screwdriver (#2 or medium sized)  
Wire cutters  
Wire strippers  
4 - #6 round head screws, and 1 - #8 sheet metal screw. (or nut, bolt,  
flat washer, star washer) (see details)  
2 - Ring connectors (large enough to accommodate your method of  
grounding)  
In-line fuse or circuit breaker  
Power and ground wire  
Speaker wire - 12-16 gauge  
Grommets (sized to work with the power wire you plan to use in your  
installation)  
Tube of silicone sealant  
WIRING  
Before beginning, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery  
prior to connecting the amplifier to the positive (+) 12V terminal to  
prevent a short to ground and potential damage to wiring and  
equipment. Some vehicle radios have an anti-theft feature where  
when the radio is removed from 12V the radio will no longer function  
and must be code reset.  
7
 
Note: The cables running from the battery to the rear of the car  
should be installed on the side of the car opposite to the antenna.  
When using 16 gauge wire or larger, run the speaker wires from the  
amplifier location through the vehicle to the speakers. Observe the  
same precautions for routing these wires that you followed for  
running the power and remote turn on wires. Cut off excess and,  
using wire strippers, strip 1/4-inch of insulation. Locate the  
speaker/remote turn-on PowerLockTM connector. Loosen the outer  
screws on the underside of the connector. Insert the speaker leads  
into the end. Check to be sure you've maintained proper polarity  
before securing each wire, and plug the PowerLockTM into the  
amplifier.  
8
 
Note: The power connector is inserted into the amplifier with  
the wire clamping screws in the up position as shown below.  
GROUND WIRING  
Locate an area near the amplifier(s) that is metal and clean an area  
about the size of a quarter down to bare metal. Inspect the area  
around and underneath to be sure you will not drill into wires, brake  
or fuel lines, etc. Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area.Terminate  
the ground wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal  
using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer or preferable, a bolt, nut  
and a star washer. (not supplied). We suggest crimping and  
soldering this connection. After the  
connection is complete, coat the area  
(on both sides) with silicone or some  
similar material to prevent rust from  
developing on the bare metal. If your total current draw is over 80  
amps (or total power is over 500 watts). Keep the ground and power  
wires as close together as possible, and use the same gauge wire  
for both.This will ensure that you have a good ground path, and may  
eliminate such potential problems as engine noise and overheated  
amplifiers.  
CHARGING SYSTEM  
If your total current draw is over 100 amps (or total output power is  
over 600 watts), you are probably exceeding the capability of your  
charging system. Dimming lights and fluctuating voltage are solid  
indicators that you need to upgrade your alternator, battery, or both.  
9
 
You should also check the condition and current capacity of the  
stock battery negative cable and connections, and replace or  
upgrade as necessary. Keep in mind that your amplifiers simply  
convert electrical energy to acoustical energy, and any electrical  
deficiency will compromise the performance of your sound system.  
For more information about charging system upgrades, see you  
local authorized PrecisionPowerTM Dealer or call PrecisionPowerTM  
Technical Support at 1-800-62POWER x2033.  
CURRENT DRAW  
The following is a basic formula to be used as a guide to determine  
current draw. Your new DCX amplifier is more efficient than most  
other amplifiers.This formula is to be used as a guideline. Using wire  
of a larger gauge can only improve the current transfer of your  
system. Do NOT use smaller wire gauge.  
Total RMS output X 1.5 = Total Input Wattage  
Total Input Wattage  
= Current Draw (in Amps)  
Supply Voltage  
Example: A DCX amplifier has two channels at 125 watts per  
channel RMS rating into 4 ohms (125X2 = 250 watts).  
You would use the formula in the following way:  
500 W X 1.5 = 750 watts  
750W  
12V  
= 62.5 Amps total current draw  
10  
 
If the same amplifier is driven into a 2 ohm stereo or 4 ohm mono  
load, double it’s 4 ohm RMS rating. All DCX amplifiers will effectively  
double their power at this load.  
500W X 1.5 X2 = 1500 watts  
1500W  
12V  
= 125 Amps total current draw  
If you are using more than one amplifier, add up the total current  
draw for all of them and choose the appropriate gauge based on the  
grand total.  
POWER WIRE SIZE  
A minimum of 8 gauge or a maximum of 4 gauge wire is  
recommended dependent on the application.  
The ground wire must be the same gauge as the power wire.  
11  
 
POWERLOCK CONNECTORS  
Once you have run both the power and ground wires, then connect  
the cables to the amplifier. Cut off excess wire, and using wire  
strippers, strip the ends of the power and ground cables  
approximately 1/4 inch. Locate the PowerLockTM power and ground  
connector (supplied). With a small flat blade screwdriver, loosen the  
screws before attempting to insert the cable wires. Insert the wires  
into the appropriate hole, and tighten the screws. Once the wires are  
secure, the PowerLockTM may be plugged into the amplifier. The  
Power/Ground PowerLockTM will accommodate 4 gauge wire for the  
DCX 300.2, and DCX 500.2.  
12  
 
DCX 300.2, DCX 500.2 FRONT PLATE DIAGRAM  
12  
11  
DCX300.2DCX500.2  
FrontPanel  
R
L
R
L
BRIDGE  
-
+
OUTPUTXOVER  
XOVER  
LP  
INTPUT FREQ FULL HP  
GAIN  
FREQ QBASS ATT  
LP  
30 40k  
30 40k  
MIN MAX  
2
1
-12dB  
R- R+ REM L+ L-  
OUTPUT FREQ FULL HP  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
1. Cooling Plenums: Maintain a minimum 2” clearance around  
cooling plenums for proper amplifier cooling.  
2. Speaker/Remote Connector: Plug in the PowerLockTM  
connector here.  
3. Output Xover Freq. Control: Use this control to adjust the sub  
bass output signal crossover frequency from 30Hz to 4kHz. (See the  
Crossover Frequency chart in this manual).  
4. Output Xover FULL/LP/HP Switch: Select the desired crossover  
setting HP/LP/FULL for the signal of the RCA outputs.  
5. QBASSTMFreq.: Use this adjustment to set the QBASSTM  
frequency.  
6.-12dB Input Attenuation: Push this switch ‘IN’ for high voltage  
(4V-12V) capability. This button pushed ‘IN’ must be used for  
speaker level input on common ground head-units or for high  
voltage line drivers.  
7. Gain: Use this control to match the output level of the source unit  
to the amplifier.  
8. Input: Plug in the RCA leads from your source here.  
9. Xover Adjustment: Adjusts the crossover between 30Hz and 4kHz.  
10. Xover FULL/LP/HP Switch: Select the desired crossover  
setting FULL/LP/HP.  
11. QBass: Adjusts the amount of boost provided by the QBASSTM  
circuit.  
12. RCA Outputs: RCA outputs provide HP/LP/FULL 30-4kHz  
signal to another amplifier.  
13  
 
DCX 300.2, DCX 500.2 END PLATE DIAGRAM  
DCX300.2DCX500.2  
End Panel  
QBASS  
QBASS  
REMOTE  
+16  
0
1
2
3
4
1. Cooling Plenums: Maintain a minimum 2” clearance around  
cooling plenums for proper amplifier cooling.  
2. Power/Ground PowerLockTM: After you have securely  
connected your power and ground wires, plug in the Power/Ground  
PowerLockTM connector here.  
3. QBASS REMOTETM: Plug in the data cable from the optional  
QBASS REMOTETM dash mounted level control here. (The remote  
level control will bypass the amplifier’s on board QBASSTM control.  
4. QBASSTM Level Control: Controls bass boost, centered at 40Hz  
with up to 18dB of boost.  
14  
 
INPUTS  
There are two sets of RCA jacks on the front end of your amplifier.  
The RCA cables from your source unit go in the set labeled  
INPUTS. If your source unit doesn’t have RCA outputs, then add a  
set of RCA plugs (available at your dealer) to your front or rear set  
of speaker leads (see drawing below). Plug them into the input  
jacks, and push in the -12dB input attenuation switch.  
SOURCE Headunit  
eject  
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
Trk 1  
BASS  
TREBLE  
PPI MAR KET ING DPT  
BALANCE  
TRACK  
VOLUME  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
FOWARD  
REVERSE  
(+) Positive  
LEFT input  
(-) Negative  
(+) Positive  
RIGHT input  
(-) Negative  
ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION INPUT  
The Advanced Instrumentation Input has been incorporated from  
the legendary PrecisionPowerTM 2500F1. This circuit completely  
isolates the chassis ground from the audio circuit of the amplifier  
and reduces noise radiated into your signal cables by up to 40dB.  
This is equivalent to a noise reduction of approximately one hundred  
times what the noise level would be without this circuitry. It provides  
all the benefits of a true balanced line without the need of any  
special cables (see diagram below). This type of input works with  
any conventional RCA cables.  
15  
 
QBASS PLUS/QBASS REMOTE  
On DCX 300.2, and DCX 500.2 amplifiers, we’ve taken bass control  
to a higher level with QBASS PLUSTM. The two QBASSTM switches  
(labeled 1 and 2) on the front end of the amplifier allow you to select  
one of four frequency centers 30Hz, 36Hz, 44Hz and 60Hz. On the  
rear end plate you will find the QBASSTM level control and plug-in for  
an optional QBASS REMOTETM dash mounted level control. Adjust  
the level control clockwise for up to +18dB of boost at your selected  
frequency.  
QBASSTM Settings  
1
2
Freq.  
30Hz  
36Hz  
44Hz  
60Hz  
IN  
IN  
IN  
OUT  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
OUT  
CAUTION: QBASS PLUSTM should only be used in systems with a  
strong subwoofer section. +18dB is a tremendous amount of bass  
boost and may damage your speakers or create excessive distortion  
if abused.  
The optional QBASS REMOTETM: This boost control can be  
mounted in the dash and will supersede the boost control on the  
endplate.  
The PrecisionPower DCXTM amplifiers no longer need an optional  
QPORTTM to connect multiple QBASS PLUSTM equipped amplifiers  
while using one QBASS REMOTETM. The new QBASS PLUSTM  
circuitry in the DCX amplifiers is now positioned before the  
crossover circuit. In doing this, PrecisionPowerTM engineers have  
allowed you to daisy chain your RCA output to the next amplifier  
input, causing the first amplifier’s QBASS REMOTETM to become the  
master control amplifier. See your authorized PrecisionPowerTM  
dealer for more information!  
16  
 
TC-X CROSSOVER  
Your new DCX amplifier has a TC-X Crossover (Total Control X-  
over®) 30Hz-4kHz (see this guide for Crossover Chart).12dB per  
octave phase correlated crossover built-in to provide superior  
system flexibility without the added expense and installation of an  
outboard crossover. The speaker outputs of your amplifier are high  
pass, low pass, or all-pass according to the HP/LP/FULL switch on  
the front endplate. You would choose low pass (middle position of  
switch) to use this amplifier for subwoofers, choose high pass (left  
position of switch), or full (right position of switch) to use this  
amplifier for full range speakers.  
The RCA outputs are controlled by a separate HP/LP/FULL switch,  
and are always independent of the speaker output crossover. As  
well as being able to independently select HP/LP/FULL, your new  
DCX amplifier allows independent selection of frequencies from  
30Hz-4kHz (see Crossover Detent Chart in this guide).  
DCX 300.2/500.2  
Speaker Output - 12dB/Octave, Detented HP/LP 30Hz-4kHz  
Low Level Output - 12dB/Octave, Detented; HP/LP  
QBASS PLUSTM - up to 18dB @ 30, 36, 44, 60Hz  
17  
 
CROSSOVER DETENT CHART  
Low Pass  
Frequency (Hz)  
@ -3dB  
28  
High Pass  
Frequency (Hz)  
@ -3dB  
52  
Detent #  
1
2
28  
52  
3
30  
52  
4
30  
56  
5
30  
56  
6
32  
60  
7
34  
64  
8
36  
72  
9
38  
76  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
46  
50  
52  
54  
60  
66  
76  
80  
88  
92  
100  
116  
132  
148  
168  
192  
216  
244  
284  
348  
404  
468  
512  
88  
100  
116  
136  
144  
168  
198  
240  
286  
310  
340  
380  
424  
484  
576  
632  
748  
932  
1076  
1428  
1700  
2436  
2830  
2980  
564  
624  
700  
800  
932  
1036  
1144  
1300  
1504  
1812  
2196  
2840  
4116  
4540  
4728  
4728  
18  
 
ADJUSTING INPUT GAIN  
1. Adjust all amplifier input gain controls to just above minimum  
sensitivity (fully counterclockwise).  
2. Using the cleanest music source (CD) playing, turn up the head  
unit source volume until you can hear distortion. Now turn it down a  
bit until you cannot hear the distortion (usually just below full  
volume).  
3. Increase the amplifier gain (clockwise) until the onset of audible  
distortion. Then decrease the gain to the point just before the  
distortion starts. This setting minimizes background noise and  
prevents overload.  
4. Repeat step 3 for any remaining independently controlled  
amplifiers (rear and subwoofer gain controls) in the system.  
HIGH MASS INTERNAL HEATSINK  
The unique heatsink on your DCX amplifier has been designed with  
fins on the inside of the aluminum extrusion. This allows for the  
transfer of heat from the circuitry to the heatsink fins and out through  
the vents in the endplates. Be sure you provide ample space around  
the amplifier for cooling: at least 2” on all sides.  
AP-IV PROTECTION CIRCUIT  
Short Circuit Protection engaged: The DCX amplifiers will turn off  
and try to come back on immediately.The amplifier will cycle like this  
indefinitely with “blips” of sound each time. If this is the case, check  
your speakers and wiring for low impedance and short circuits.  
Thermal Protection engaged. The DCX amplifiers will turn off and  
after a minute or so will come back on. In this case, ensure that there  
is nothing blocking the normal convection airflow of the amplifier. No  
obstruction should be within 2” of the amplifier on all sides.  
Note: Low battery voltage will cause the amplifier to run  
warmer and possibly damage the amplifier.  
19  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING  
NO SOUND Is the LED illuminated?  
YES  
NO  
Check Power and Remote  
turn-on wire for voltage.  
Make sure the ground wire  
is secure.  
STILL NO SOUND  
See your Authorized PrecisionPowerTM Dealer or call 1-800-62POWER.  
SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL ONLY  
Reverse the left and right speakers by unplugging the speaker connector,  
turning it over and plugging it back in.  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Reverse RCA inputs.  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the speaker or  
speaker wire of the silent  
channel.  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Reverse RCA inputs  
at head unit.  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the amplifier.  
See your local Authorized  
PrecisionPower Dealer or  
call 1-800-62POWER.  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Problem is in the head  
unit or before the amplifier.  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the RCA  
cables.  
20  
 
LIMITED TWO YEAR CONSUMER WARRANTY:  
Directed Electronics, Inc. promises to the original purchaser, to replace this  
product should it prove to be defective in workmanship or material under normal  
use, for a period of two years from the date of purchase by the dealer as indicated  
by the date code marking of the product PROVIDED the product was installed by  
an authorized Directed dealer. During this two-year period, there will be no charge  
for this replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned to Directed, shipping pre-  
paid. If the unit is installed by anyone other than an authorized Directed dealer,  
the warranty period will be 1 year from the date of purchase by the dealer as  
indicated by the date code marking of the product. During this 1-year period there  
will be no charge for this replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned to Directed,  
shipping pre-paid.This warranty is non-transferable and does not apply to any unit  
that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose, and  
does not cover damage to the unit caused by installation or removal of the unit.  
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident or  
unreasonable use, neglect, improper service or other causes not arising out of  
defects in materials or construction. ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT  
LIMITED TO EXPRESS WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTY, WARRANTY OF  
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND  
WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ARE  
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW,  
AND DIRECTED NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON TO  
ASSUME FOR IT ANY LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THE  
PRODUCT. DIRECTED HAS ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL  
ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR  
INSTALLERS. Unit must be returned to Directed, postage pre-paid, with:  
consumer’s name, telephone number, and address, authorized dealer’s name and  
address, and product description. IN ORDER FOR THIS WARRANTY TO BE  
VALID, YOUR UNIT MUST BE SHIPPED WITH PROOF OF INSTALLATION BY  
AN AUTHORIZED DIRECTED DEALER. ALL UNITS RECEIVED BY DIRECTED  
FOR WARRANTY REPAIR WITHOUT PROOF OF DIRECTED DEALER  
INSTALLATION WILL BE COVERED BY THE LIMITED 1-YEAR PARTS AND  
LABOR WARRANTY. Note: This warranty does not cover labor costs for the  
removal and reinstallation of the unit. BY PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, THE  
CONSUMER AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE  
CONSUMER AND Directed SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH  
CALIFORNIA LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. G48220/25 01-04  
 

Philips Cell Phone CTX500GRY User Manual
Philips Stereo Receiver VCS431NE User Manual
Pioneer Car Amplifier VSA E03 User Manual
Pioneer Speaker CP 7EX User Manual
Pitco Frialator Pasta Maker and RSE14 User Manual
Polaroid Digital Camera 252BV User Manual
Polaroid Portable Generator BLL Generator User Manual
Powermatic Planer 201HH User Manual
ProForm Treadmill 831296052 User Manual
PYLE Audio CD Player PLCD69MP User Manual