Sound Storm sta120 User Guide
Troubleshooting
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 10
Specifications
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 11
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 6
CONTENTS
U S E R ’ S M A N U A L
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 4
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 3
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 8
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 5
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 7
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 9
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 2
Introduction
Important installation
considerations for using
this amplifier.
considerations for using
this amplifier.
Notes
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.
installation with the electrical wiring diagram on the previous pages. If problems persist,
read the following troubleshooting tips which may help eliminate the problems.
Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use
a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.
a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.
Protection LED
comes on when
amplifier is
powered up.
comes on when
amplifier is
powered up.
Check for short circuits on speaker leads.
Turn down the volume control on the head unit to prevent overdriving.
Remote speaker leads, and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED still
comes on, then the amplifier is faulty and needs servicing.
comes on, then the amplifier is faulty and needs servicing.
High hiss in the
speakers.
speakers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Squealing noise
from speakers.
from speakers.
Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.
Distorted sound.
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.
head unit. Always try to set the Input Level as low as possible.
Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set.
Check for short circuits on the speaker leads.
Amplifier gets
very hot.
very hot.
Check that the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct.
Check that there is good air circulation around the amp. In some
applications, it may be necessary to add and external cooling fan.
applications, it may be necessary to add and external cooling fan.
Engine noise
(static type)
(static type)
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.
radiated noise. Use only the best quality cables, and route them away
from power cables.
Engine noise
(alternator
whine)
(alternator
whine)
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.
The fuse rating for the amp is 60A
(using two 30A fuses) for the STA120
and 90A (using three 30A fuses) for
the STA135. Although sufficient for
normal working conditions,
overloading the amp may result in
blown fuses. Please try to avoid
overloading the amp in this manner.
(using two 30A fuses) for the STA120
and 90A (using three 30A fuses) for
the STA135. Although sufficient for
normal working conditions,
overloading the amp may result in
blown fuses. Please try to avoid
overloading the amp in this manner.
Your Stealth Class D amplifier
is designed to run with a min-
imum load of 1 Ohm.
is designed to run with a min-
imum load of 1 Ohm.
Operating the STA120 or
STA135 with a speaker imped-
ance load below 1 Ohm may
result in poor sound quality
and damage to the amplifier
circuitry. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty
for this product.
STA135 with a speaker imped-
ance load below 1 Ohm may
result in poor sound quality
and damage to the amplifier
circuitry. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty
for this product.
Bridging Two STA120 or Two STA135 Amplifiers
MASTER
AMPLIFIER
SLAVE
AMPLIFIER
AMPLIFIER
Power Connections
Without Stiffening Capacitor
With Stiffening
Capacitor
Capacitor
Bridging Two STA120 or Two STA135 Amplifiers
SLAVE
AMPLIFIER
INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS
(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR POWER CONNECTIONS)
POWER CONNECTIONS
(SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS)
• 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 .
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 .
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.
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. 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.
surface for the mounting screws. Place
the amplifier in position, and attach
the amplifier to the mounting surface
securely using screws.
4. Check that the fuse holder is empty.
Then connect the fuse holder to the
"BATT+" connection on the amplifier.
Then connect the fuse holder to the
"BATT+" connection on the amplifier.
5. If multiple amplifiers are being used
in your system, either:
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.
the battery and a chassis ground point
to each amplifier. Each (+) cable must
have its own inline fuse.
-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.
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.
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.
(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.
7. Insert fuse(s) into the battery fuse
holder(s).
holder(s).
8. Recheck all connections before
powering up the amplifier.
powering up the amplifier.
9. Set all level controls to minimum
position, and set all crossover
controls/switches to the desired
frequency points.
position, and set all crossover
controls/switches to the desired
frequency points.
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.
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.
11. Further fine tuning of the various
controls may be necessary to obtain
best results.
controls may be necessary to obtain
best results.
Speaker Connections
MASTER
AMPLIFIER
2
Introduction
2
Features
3
What is included?
3
General precautions
3
Installation precautions
3
Mounting the amplifier
4
Connecting the amplifier
5
Important system considerations
5
Tips for a safe system
6
Low level input wiring
6
Speaker wiring
7
Power connections
Normal and with Stiffening Capacitor
8
Bridging two Stealth
CLASS D Amplifiers
10 Troubleshooting
11 Specifications
Congratulations on your
purchase of a Sound Storm
Laboratories STEALTH
Class D Amplifier.
purchase of a Sound Storm
Laboratories STEALTH
Class D Amplifier.
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.
and manufactured to bring you
the highest level of performance
and quality, and will afford you
years of listening pleasure.
Thank you for making Sound
Storm Laboratories your choice
for car audio entertainment!
Storm Laboratories your choice
for car audio entertainment!
All specifications subject to
change without notice.
RMS POWER
into 4 Ohms
RMS POWER
into 2 Ohms
MAX POWER
into 2 Ohms
MAX POWER
into 1 Ohm
Min. speaker
impedance
impedance
Input
impedance
impedance
Input
sensitivity
sensitivity
Frequency response
Signal-to-noise ratio
Crossover/filter range
low pass
subsonic
Bass Boost
Phase Shift
Fuse rating
Dimensions:
(11
(11
-3/4
" x 3" x ...)
1000W x 1
1200W x 1
1500W x 1
2000W x 1
1 Ohm Mono
10k Ohm
Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V
50Hz-150Hz
100dB
50Hz-150Hz
15Hz-40Hz
Variable 0 -+18dB
Selectable 0/180º
30A x 2
11-3/8"
MODEL
page
STA120
STA135
STA135
CLASS D MonoBlock
Car Audio Amplifiers
Car Audio Amplifiers
CLASS D
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
1400W x 1
2000W x 1
2600W x 1
3500W x 1
1 Ohm Mono
10k Ohm
Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V
50Hz-150Hz
100dB
50Hz-150Hz
15Hz-40Hz
Variable 0 -+18dB
Selectable 0/180º
30A x 3
12-1/2"
CLASS D
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
MonoBlock Car Audio
Amplifier
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE REMEDY
STA120 • STA135 Amplifier User’s Manual - page 1
BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN MASTER
POSITION
SWITCH IN MASTER
POSITION
BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN SLAVE
POSITION
To Audio Outputs of head
unit or Subwoofer outputs
of a signal processor
To Audio Inputs of
satellite amplifier
(if present)
satellite amplifier
(if present)
To Audio Outputs of head unit
or Subwoofer outputs of a
signal processor
or Subwoofer outputs of a
signal processor
Chassis
ground
point