U S E R ’ S M A N U A L
page
CONTENTS
Introduction
CLASS D MonoBlock
Car Audio Amplifiers
CX3500D
CX2500D
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
Features
Congratulations on your
purchase of a
CHAOS EXXTREME Class D
Amplifier.
What is included?
General precautions
Installation precautions
Mounting the amplifier
Connecting the amplifier
Important system considerations
Tips for a safe system
Low level input wiring
Speaker wiring
It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to bring you
the highest level of performance
and quality, and will afford you
years of listening pleasure.
Thank you for making
your choice for car audio
entertainment!
Power connections
Normal and with Stiffening Capacitor
8
Bridging two CHAOS EXXTREME
CLASS D Amplifiers
10 Troubleshooting
11 Specifications
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 1
• If there is smoke or any peculiar odor
present during use or if there is damage
to any of the component enclosures,
immediately unplug the power cord
and send the amplifier to your local
dealer or service center as soon as
possible .
What is included?
When first unpacking your new
amplifier, please check first that the
package contains all of the items
below. If something is missing, contact
the store where you purchased the
amplifier.
• Class D amplifier
Installation precautions
Before you drill or cut any holes,
investigate your car's layout very
carefully. Take special care when you
work near the gas tank, fuel lines,
hydraulic lines and electrical wiring.
• Remote subwoofer level control
• Remote subwoofer control cable
• DataLink cable (for strapping two
identical CHAOS EXXTREME
Class D amps together)
Never operate the amplifier when it is
unmounted. Attach all audio system
components securely to prevent
damage, especially in an accident.
• Four (4) mounting screws
Before making or breaking power
connections in your system, disconnect
the vehicle battery. Confirm that your
head unit or other equipment is turned
off while connecting the input jacks and
speaker terminals.
General precautions
Before installing and using your new
amplifier, please become fa-
miliar with all the information con-
tained in this manual.
If you need to replace the power fuse,
replace it only with a fuse identical to
that supplied with the amplifier. Using
a fuse of a different type or rating may
result in damage to your audio system
or your amplifier which is not covered
by the manufacturer's warranty.
Please keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference.
• Do not open or attempt to repair this
unit yourself. Dangerous high voltages
are present which may result in electric
shock. Refer any repairs to a qualified
service technician.
• To avoid risk of electronic shock or
damage to the amplifier, do not permit
any of this equipment to become damp
or wet from water or drinks. If this does
occur, immediately unplug the power
wires and send the amplifier to your
local dealer or service center as soon
as possible.
Mounting the amplifier
1. Find a suitable location in the vehicle
in which to mount the amplifier.
2. Make sure there is sufficient air
circulation around the intended
mounting location.
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 3
3. Mark the location for the mounting
hole screws by positioning the amplifier
where you wish to install it. Use a scribe
or mounting screw, inserted through
each of the amp's mounting holes, to
mark the mounting surface. If the
mounting surface is carpeted, measure
the hole centers and mark with a felt
tip pen.
4. Check that the fuse holder is empty.
Then connect the fuse holder to the
"BATT+" connection on the amplifier.
5. If multiple amplifiers are being used
in your system, either:
• Run a separate pair of cables from
the battery and a chassis ground point
to each amplifier. Each (+) cable must
have its own inline fuse.
4. Drill pilot holes in the mounting
surface for the mounting screws. Place
the amplifier in position, and attach
the amplifier to the mounting surface
securely using screws.
-or-
• Run a #0 cable from the fuse holder
at the battery to a distribution block
at or near the amplifier's location. Then
run separate cables from the amplifier
to this distribution block and to
independent chassis ground points.
Connecting the amplifier
Before doing any wiring, look through
this manual and identify the diagrams
to follow for power, input and speaker
connections for your particular
installation. Be sure you understand
all the connections before you proceed.
6. Connect all line inputs and outputs
(if used) using high-quality cables.
Connect all speakers, following the
diagrams in this manual. Be sure to
observe proper polarity to avoid audio
phase problems.
1. Connect the amplifier’s power
ground terminal to the closest point
on the chassis of the car. Keep this
ground wire to less than 39" (100 cm)
in length. Use 4 gauge (or heavier)
wire.
7. Insert fuse(s) into the battery fuse
holder(s).
8. Recheck all connections before
powering up the amplifier.
9. Set all level controls to minimum
position, and set all crossover
controls/switches to the desired
frequency points.
2. Connect the remote terminal to the
remote output of the head unit using
16 gauge (or heavier) wire.
3. Connect an empty fuse holder within
18" (45 cm) of the car battery, and run
4 gauge (or heavier) cable from this
fuse to the amplifier location.
10. Power up the head unit and the
amplifier. Then set the volume control
on the head unit to about 3/4 volume,
and adjust the amplifier’s input level
control(s) to just below the level of
distortion.
The purpose of placing a fuse in this
location is to protect your vehicle’s
battery in the event that this wire
accidentally touches the chassis
ground on its run to the amplifier.
11. Further fine tuning of the various
controls may be necessary to obtain
best results.
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 4
Important installation
considerations for using
this amplifier.
Tips for making your system
as safe as possible
When making electrical connections
to the amplifier, please observe the
following:
Your CHAOS EXXTREME Class
D amplifier is designed to run
with a minimum load of 1 Ohm.
• Always use 4GA or heavier wire for
power and ground connections.
Operating the CX2500D or
CX3500D with a speaker im-
pedance load below 1 Ohm
may result in poor sound qual-
ity and damage to the amplifier
circuitry. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty
for this product.
• Wire the amplifier directly to the car
battery. Make sure there is circuit
protection (such as a fuse) on the
positive power lead within 18” of the
battery.
• When making a ground connection,
always use the shortest possible wire
to a good chassis ground point.
The fuse ratings for these amps is
40A (using two 20A fuses) for the
CX2500D and 90A (using three 30A
fuses) for the CX3500D. Although
sufficient for normal working
conditions, overloading the amp may
result in blown fuses. Please try to
avoid overloading the amp in this
manner.
• Wire the remote turn-on connection
to the remote turn-on lead of your EQ
or head unit. In some cases, this may
be the power antenna lead of the head
unit.
• Fuses protect BOTH the amplifier
and the electrical system of your
vehicle from faulty conditions. If you
must replace a fuse on the amplifier,
you must use a fuse of exactly the
same type and rating. A different type
of fuse or rating may result in damage
or cause a fire.
Don't misuse the
level control!
Do not mistake the input level control
for a volume control! It is designed
ONLY to match the output level of
your audio source to the input level
of your amplifier.
SHOCK HAZARD! Do not open the case
of this product. There are dangerous
voltages present within the unit. There are
no user-serviceable parts within the unit.
Do not adjust this input level to
maximum unless your input level
requires it.
Ignoring these instructions will result
in an input overload to the amplifier,
and excessive audio distortion. It
can also cause the protection circuit
to engage.
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 5
Low Level Input Wiring
Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use
a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.
Remote
Subwoofer Level Control
SUBSONIC
FILTER
LOW PASS
FILTER
RIGHT
BASS
PHASE
SENSITIVITY
LEVEL
BOOST SELECTOR
POWER
PROTECTION
100mV-2V 2-8V
MIN
MAX
14Hz
40Hz
50Hz
150Hz
0
+18dB
180º 0º
INPUT CONTROLS
REMOTE
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
LO
INP
S
CONTROL
C L A S S D M O N O B L O C K
P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
LEFT
To Audio Outputs of head
unit or Subwoofer outputs
of a signal processor
To Audio Inputs of
satellite amplifier
(if present)
SUBSONIC
FILTER
RIGH
T
L
OW PASS
BASS
PHASE
SENSITIVITY
LEVEL
FILTER
BOOST SELECTOR
POWER
PROTECTIO
N
100mV-2V 2-8V
MIN
MAX
14Hz
40Hz
50Hz
150Hz
0
+18dB
1
8
0
º
0
º
INPUT CONTROLS
REMOT
E
LOW LEVE
L
LINE
OUTS
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
INPUTS
CONTROL
C
P
L
A
SS
D
MO
MP
N
O
F
B
L
O
C
K
LEFT
O
W
ER
A
L
I
I
E
R
Speaker Connections
SPEAKER
DATA•LINK CONNECTION
POWER CONNECTIONS
BATT+
REMOTE GROUND
BRIDGED
MODE
FUSES
SLAVE MASTER
SUBWOOFER
Speaker
–
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
1-8 OHMS
+
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 6
Power Connections
Without Stiffening Capacitor
SPEAKER
DATA•LINK CONNECTION
POWER CONNECTIONS
BATT+
REMOTE GROUND
BRIDGED
MODE
FUSES
SLAVE MASTER
Chassis ground point
to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit
FUSE
Battery
With Stiffening
Capacitor
SPEAKER
DATA•LINK CONNECTION
POWER CONNECTIONS
BATT+
REMOTE GROUND
BRIDGED
MODE
FUSES
SLAVE MASTER
Distribution
Block
Chassis
ground
point
Battery
FUSE
to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit
Stiffening
Capacitor
Chassis
ground
point
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 7
Bridging Two CX2500D or Two CX3500D Amplifiers
INPUT CONNECTIONS
(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR POWER, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS)
MASTER
AMPLIFIER
Front panel
SUBSONIC
FILTER
LOW PASS
FILTER
BASS
PHASE
RIGHT
SENSITIVITY
LEVEL
BOOST SELECTOR
POWER
PROTECTION
100mV-2V 2-8V
MIN
MAX
14Hz
40Hz
50Hz
LINE
150Hz
0
+18dB
180º 0º
INPUT CONTROLS
REMOTE
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
LOW LEVEL
IN
OUTS
CONTROL
C L A S S D M O N O B L O C K
P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
LEFT
Remote Subwoofer
Level Control
To Audio Outputs of
head unit or
Subwoofer outputs
of a signal processor
SLAVE
AMPLIFIER
Front Panel
SUBSONIC
LOW PASS
FILTER
BASS
PHASE
RIGHT
SENSITIVITY
LEVEL
FILTER
BOOST SELECTOR
POWER
PROTECTION
100mV-2V 2-8V
MIN
MAX
14Hz
40Hz
50Hz
LINE
150Hz
0
+18dB
180º 0º
INPUT CONTROLS
REMOTE
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
LOW LEVEL
INPUTS
OUTS
CONTROL
C L A S S D M O N O B L O C K
P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
LEFT
PLEASE NOTE:
PLEASE NOTE:
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP
configuration, the Slave amp
receives its audio signal from the
Master Amp. Therefore, DO NOT
USE THE INPUTS ON THE SLAVE
AMP!
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP
configuration, the Slave amp
receives its audio signal from the
Master Amp. Therefore, DO NOT
USE THE SUBWOOFER LEVEL
CONTROL ON THE SLAVE AMP!
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 8
Bridging Two CX2500D or Two CX3500D Amplifiers
POWER AND SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
(SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR INPUT CONNECTIONS)
BRIDGED
MODE
BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN MASTER
POSITION
MASTER
AMPLIFIER
Rear panel
SLAVE MASTER
SPEAKER
DATA•LINK CONNECTION
POWER CONNECTIONS
BATT+
REMOTE GROUND
BRIDGED
MODE
FUSES
SLAVE MASTER
SUBWOOFER
Speaker
Chassis
ground
point
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
2-8 OHMS
SPEAKER
DATA•LINK CONNETION
POWER CONNECTIONS
BATT+
REMOTE GROUND
BRIDGED
MODE
FUSES
SLAVE MASTER
SLAVE
AMPLIFIER
Rear Panel
Distribution
Block
Chassis
ground
point
BRIDGED
MODE
Battery
FUSE
SLAVE MASTER
Stiffening
Capacitor
BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN SLAVE
POSITION
Chassis
ground
point
to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 9
Troubleshooting
If you experience operation or performance problems with this product, compare your
installation with the electrical wiring diagram on the previous pages. If problems persist,
read the following troubleshooting tips which may help eliminate the problems.
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE REMEDY
Check to make sure you have a good ground connection.
Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 3VDC.
Check that there is battery power on the (+) terminal.
Check that there is at least 12v.
Amplifier will not
power up.
Check all fuses, replace if necessary.
Make sure that the Protection LED is not illuminated. If it is lit, shut off
the amplifier briefly, and then repower it.
Check for short circuits on speaker leads.
Protection LED
comes on when
amplifier is
Turn down the volume control on the head unit to prevent overdriving.
Remove speaker leads, and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED still
comes on, then the amplifier is faulty and needs servicing.
powered up.
Check that all fuses are OK.
No output.
Check that amplifier is properly grounded.
Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 3VDC.
Check that the RCA audio cables are plugged into the proper inputs.
Check all speaker wiring.
Reset the Level Control.
Low output.
Check the Crossover Control settings.
Check the RCA interconnect cables.
Check all speaker wiring.
Audio present in
only one channel.
Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifiers. If the hiss disappears, then
plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs. If the
hiss disappears at this point, go on until the faulty/noisy component is
found.
High hiss in the
speakers.
It is best to set the amplifier's input level control as low as possible. The
best subjective signal-to-noise ratio is achieved in this manner. Try to set
the head unit as high as possible (without distortion) and the amp input
level as low as possible.
Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.
Squealing noise
from speakers.
Check that the Input Level Control is set to match the signal level of the
head unit. Always try to set the Input Level as low as possible.
Distorted sound.
Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set.
Check for short circuits on the speaker leads.
Check that the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct.
Amplifier gets
very hot.
Check that there is good air circulation around the amp. In some
applications, it may be necessary to add and external cooling fan.
This is usually caused by poor quality RCA cables,which can pick up
radiated noise. Use only the best quality cables, and route them away
from power cables.
Engine noise
(static type)
Check that speaker leads are not shorted to the vehicle chassis.
Check that the RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis.
Check that the head unit is properly grounded.
Engine noise
(alternator
whine)
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 10
Specifications
CLASS D
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
CLASS D
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
MODEL
CX2500D
CX3500D
RMS POWER
into 4 Ohms
750W x 1
1200W x 1
RMS POWER
into 2 Ohms
1200W x 1
1800W x 1
2500W x 1
1 Ohm Mono
10k Ohm
1700W x 1
2200W x 1
3500W x 1
1 Ohm Mono
10k Ohm
MAX POWER
into 2 Ohms
MAX POWER
into 1 Ohm
Min. speaker
impedance
Input
impedance
Input
sensitivity
Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V
Frequency response
Signal-to-noise ratio
Hz-150Hz
Hz-150Hz
15
15
100dB
100dB
Crossover/filter range
low pass
50Hz-150Hz
15Hz-40Hz
50Hz-150Hz
15Hz-40Hz
subsonic
Variable 0 -+18dB
Selectable 0/180º
35A x 2
Variable 0 -+18dB
Selectable 0/180º
35A x 3
Bass Boost
Phase Shift
Fuse rating
12-3/4"
14-7/8"
Dimensions:
(11-7/8" x 2-5/8" x ...)
All specifications subject to
change without notice.
CX2500D • CX3500D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 11
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