LIMITED WARRANTY
DB DRIVE warrants any products purchased in the U.S.A. from
an authorized DB DRIVE dealer. All products are warranted to be free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service for a period of (1) year when the unit is installed by an autho-
rized DB DRIVE dealer. Non-authorized dealer installed products carry
a one (1) year parts and labor limited warranty. This warranty applies to
the original purchase only.
DB DRIVE will either repair or replace (as its option) any unit
that has been found to be defective and under warranty provided the
defect occurs within:
One (1) year if purchased through an authorized DB DRIVE dealer.
SPA90.2 SPA90.4 SPA150.4
SPA1000D SPA1300D
This limited warranty does not extend to units that have been
subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, or accident. Products that in DB
DRIVE’s judgment shows evidence of having been altered, modified, or
serviced without DB DRIVE’s authorization, will be ineligible under this
warranty.
SPA1600D SPA1900D
AMPLIFIERS
To obtain warranty service please contact your retailer or see
our web site at wwwdbdrive.net for more details.
DB Research L.L.P.
Instruction Manual
• Instalation Instructions / Owners Manual •
302 Hanmore Industrial Parkway // Harlingen, TX 78550
®
Due to continuous improvement of the product the Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Line out
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Full range line outputs have been provided for convenient connection to additional amplifi-
ers in the system. The outputs are buffered to reduce signal loss. Please note that the
amplifier’s input level adjusts these level outputs.
DC Offset Protection
This circuit protects the output of the amplifier against DC voltage. If for some reason DC
voltage is detected at the output stage, the amplifier will shut down protecting the speakers
from direct current.
Power Fusing
This protects the amplifier against short circuits and excessive current.
Short Circuit Protection
The circuit protects the amplifier from damage due to a short found in the speakers or
wiring. If one of the speakers or its wiring comes in contact with ground, the amplifier will
shut down. To resume normal operation, correct the problem and turn the head unit off, then
back on. The amplifier will reset and play again.
Remote Turn-on
Automatically turns amplifier on when connected to the head unit’s remote output. The
amplifier will turn on and off with the head unit to save current consumption. This control
also operates the reset circuit for the amplifier’s protection. It must be connected with the
head unit in order to reset protection circuits.
Thermal Protection
To protect the amplifier circuitry against damage caused by prolonged exposure to high
temperatures, a thermal protection circuit is activated if the amplifier reaches excessively
high operating temperature. Once the thermal circuit is activated, the amplifier will shut
down to cool off. The amplifier will automatically turn back on once it cools down to a safe
operating temperature.
Adjustable Input Sensitivity
Allows you to fine-tune the level matching between your source and the power amplifier.
Low Impedance Stability
Power Indicator
The diagnostic L.E.D. illuminates when the amplifier is on and receiving power.
SPA1000D -1 Ohm Mono
SPA1300D -1 Ohm Mono
SPA1600D -1 Ohm Mono
SPA1900D -1 Ohm Mono
Built-in Crossover
SPA90.2 -2 Ohm Stereo, 4 Ohm Bridged
SPA90.4 -2 Ohm Stereo, 4 Ohm Bridged
SPA150.4 -2 Ohm Stereo, 4 Ohm Bridged
The “Speed Series” amplifiers include a built-in variable crossovers. The crossover features
a variable frequency selection for precise low pass filtering for the SPA1000D, SPA1300D ,
SPA1600D and SPA1900D. The SPA90.2 , SPA90.4 and SPA150.4 also offer the same
frequency selection with the option of low or high pass filtering.
Power and Speaker Distribution Blocks
Heavy gauge bare wire distribution blocks are provided for maximum power and signal
transfer with minimal resistance.
Bass Boost (SPA1000D SPA1300D SPA1600D SPA1900D)
For added low frequency performance the amplifiers are equipped with a variable *0~18 dB
bass boost @ 45Hz.
3
4
MOUNTING LOCATION
POWER CONNECTIONS
(SPA90.2 , SPA90.4 , SPA150.4 , SPA1000D ,
SPA1300D , SPA1600D , SPA1900D )
Before you start the installation, it will be necessary to find a mounting location for the ampli-
fier. Find a location in which the amplifier will receive adequate ventilation in order to
dissipate the heat it develops during operation. Two popular mounting locations are in the
trunk or under the seat.
power
R (-) R (+) L (-) L (+)
fuses
+12v rem gnd
Select the location in which you wish to mount the amplifier. Use caution when mounting
amplifier, there are many wires, gas lines, vacuum lines, brake lines as well as a gas tank
in the automobile. Make sure you know where they are when mounting the amplifier to
avoid puncturing lines, shorting wires or drilling holes in the gas tank. Once you are ready,
use a pencil to mark the mounting holes in the bottom panel. After you have marked the
locations of the holes move amplifier out of the way and drill small starter holes to make the
tapping screws easier to install. Use provided screws to tighten down the amplifier.
protect
speaker
output
(-) ------ bridged ------ (+)
Turn on Remote
In-Line Power fuse
Mounted Within 12”
From Battery
-
+
Recommended.
94.7
Battery
+12V
IMPORTANT! Before making any connections, disconnect the car’s battery until the instal-
lation is completed to avoid possible damage to the electrical system.
Connect the amplifier to the car’s battery
At times, the amplifier will need to draw large levels of current that cannot be provided by
any circuit in the car’s fuse box. We recommended using a 4 to 8 gauge power wire for your
connections depending on the amplifier and length of the wire. Strip one end of the wire to
connect to the terminal on the amplifier marked “batt+”. Loosen screw terminal and connect
bare wire and tighten. Use caution to make sure no stray wire strands come in contact with
surrounding terminals causing short circuits. Run the wire directly to the positive terminal of
the car’s battery. Make sure to use an in-line fuse within 12” of the car’s battery to protect
the electrical system and amplifier against short circuits and/or power surges.
Connect the ground terminal of the amplifier to the car’s chassis
spa90.2
classAB 2 channel amplifier
350 watts
For the ground connection, use a 4 to 8 gauge wire (black) to connect to the terminal
marked “ground” and then connect it to the car’s chassis. Try to keep the length of the cable
as short as possible, preferably less than 6”. Also make sure that the point on the car where
the connection is to be made is free of paint and dirt.
Connect the remote terminal of the amplifier to a switchable +12V source
This connection allows the amplifier to be turned on and off with the power control of the
radio. If the radio has a REMOTE output terminal, connect it to the amplifier’s terminal
marked “remote” (using a 16 gauge wire or heavier). Now when the radio is turned on, the
amplifier will automatically turn on. This connection can also be made to the radio’s Power
Antenna wire.
5
6
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
IMPORTANT! The following speaker connection are for the amplifier in normal mono
configuration.
Connect the RCA output of the head unit (AM/FM cassette player, CD, or DAT) to the RCA
input terminals of the amplifier.
Make the speaker connections using speaker wire that is at least 16 gauge or heavier.
To make these connections, we recommend high quality RCA cables, which are available
at your local car audio retailer. Run signal wires away from electrical wires to avoid possibil-
ity of induced noise from the car’s electrical system (i.e. popping noises or engine noise).
As with any audio component, proper phasing of the amplifier and speakers is essential for
strong bass response. When connecting, make sure that positive (+) from the amplifier is
connected to the positive (+) of the speaker, and the same for negative (-).
Please note that although the SPA1000D, SPA1300D , SPA1600D and SPA1900D are
mono amplifiers, we have provided two sets of speaker terminals on the amplifier. These
terminals are connected in paralleled internally (connected together). The second set of
speaker terminals are intended for ease of connection when running multiple woofers.
in
out
bass
boost
L
level subsonic
lpf
remote
min max
20Hz 50Hz
40Hz 130Hz 0dB 18dB
R
spa1300D
classD monoblock amplifier
L
R
Optional full range line out connection
to addition addition in the system.
MONO SIGNAL
CONNECTION
94.7
power
R (-) R (+) L (-) L (+)
fuses
+12v rem gnd
protect
speaker output
(-) ------ bridged ------ (+)
in
out
x-over
L
level
min max
freq
bass boost
low full high
+
-
60Hz 400Hz
0dB 18dB
R
4 Ohm Speaker
(1Ohm minimum)
spa90.2
classAB 2 channel amplifier
L
R
Optional full range line out connection
to addition addition in the system.
SIGNAL CONNECTION:
94.7
2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS
power
R (-) R (+) L (-) L (+)
fuses
+12v rem gnd
protect
input
remote
ch 1
ch 3
speaker output
(-) ------ bridged ------ (+)
x-over
x-over
low full high
low full high
0dB 18dB 60Hz 400Hz
min max
min max
60Hz 400Hz 0dB 18dB
+
-
bass freq
boost
input
level
input
level
freq bass
boost
ch 2
ch 4
spa150.4
classAB 4 channel amplifier
4 Ohm Speaker
R
L
R
L
2 Ohm Speaker (1 Ohm minimum)
SIGNAL CONNECTION:
4 Channel Amplifier using
2 pair of RCA inputs.
94.7
+
-
4 Ohm Speaker
7
8
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
(SPA90.2 , SPA90.4 , SPA150.4)
power
ch4- ch4+ ch3- ch3+ ch2- ch2+ ch1- ch1+
fuses
+12v rem gnd
Make the speaker connections using speaker wire that is at least 16
gauge or heavier.
speaker
output
(-) ---- bridged ---- (+) (-) ---- bridged ---- (+)
protect
As with any audio component, proper phasing of the amplifier and speakers is essential
for strong bass response. When connecting, make sure that positive (+) from the amplifier
is connected to the positive (+) of the speaker, and the same for negative (-).
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
***CAUTION! In the bridged mode, the amplifier must see a 4 Ohm load or higher. Any
lower than 4 ohms will cause the amplifier to overheat and possible cause permanent
damage to the amplifier!
4 Ohm Speaker
4 Ohm Speaker
4 Ohm Speaker
4 Ohm Speaker
REMOTE BASS CONTROL MODULE
(SPA1000D, SPA1300D, SPA1600D, SPA1900D Included)
power
R (-) R (+) L (-) L (+)
fuses
+12v rem gnd
protect
Before connecting the remote, it will be necessary to find a mounting location that will be
easy to access for adjustment. Once you select your mounting location, you will need to run
the control wire from the remote to the amplifier. To avoid possibility of induced noise from
the car’s electrical system (i.e. popping noises or engine noise), run the cable from the
remote to the amplifier away from the car’s electrical wiring.
speaker output
(-) ------ bridged ------ (+)
+
-
4 Ohm Speaker
power
R (-) R (+) L (-) L (+)
fuses
+12v rem gnd
input
ch 3
protect
ch 1
x-over
x-over
low full high
low full high
speaker
output
(-) ------ bridged ------ (+)
18dB remote
0dB 18dB 60Hz 400Hz min max
min max 60Hz 400Hz 0dB
bass
boost
freq input
level
input freq
level
bass
boost
ch 2
ch 4
spa90.4
+
-
+
-
classAB 4 annel amplifier
4 Ohm Speaker
4 Ohm Speaker
power
ch4- ch4+ ch3- ch3+ ch2- ch2+ ch1- ch1+
fuses
+12v rem gnd
speaker
(-) ---- bridged ---- (+) (-) ---- bridged ---- (+)
output
protect
+
-
+
-
4 Ohm Speaker
4 Ohm Speaker
9
10
FINE TUNE THE SYSTEM
ADJUSTMENTS AND SETTINGS
The “Speed Series” amplifiers are equipped with built-in variable crossover networks allow-
ing you to select the crossover mode (i.e. Low-Pass/Full/High-Pass or On/Off) and the
desired crossover point. For example if you wish to drive a pair of subwoofers, you can
select the “Low Pass” setting on the amplifier to filter out high frequencies. This will send
only low frequencies to your subwoofers (see example settings below). The crossover point
should be determined by the speakers operating range. Please refer to speaker manufac-
tures recommended crossover point.
Fine tune the amplifier’s input sensitivity
The gain sensitivity control for the “Speed Series” amplifier is located on the side panel.
This gain control has been included to allow adjustment to properly match the output of the
radio. This is one of the most misunderstood adjustments. By rotating the control in the
clockwise direction, the amplifier’s input will become more sensitive and the music will play
louder. This is not a volume control and you will not get more power out of the amplifier in
the maximum position! It may seem to deliver more output, but actually the system is only
playing louder faster as you turn the volume control on the radio. Ideally, to properly level
match the system the goal is to achieve maximum output from the amplifier without distor-
tion at about ¾ of the volume control.
Filter selection for channel 3 & 4
Adjust the frequency to the
Filter selection for channel 1 & 2
Adjust the frequency to the
desired point for speakers 1 & 2.
desired point for speakers 3 & 4.
To determine if the amplifier’s gain is set properly, turn the system on and slowly increase
the volume control. You should be able to use about ¾ volume before the system gets loud
but not distorting. It is very important when making these adjustments that you do not over
drive the speakers (at point of distortion) this will cause permanent damage to the speakers.
If you are unable to achieve ¾ volume before distortion you will need to adjust gain control
(in this case you would reduce the gain). The gain controls should be adjusted very slowly.
It may help to have another person to assist you by adjusting the gain controls while you
listen for distortion.
Bass Boost @ 45Hz
*0~18dB Channels 3 & 4
Only in Lowpass
Bass Boost @ 45Hz
*0~18dB Channels 1 & 2
Only in Lowpass
input
remote
ch 1
ch 3
x-over
x-over
low full high
low full high
0dB 18dB 60Hz 400Hz
min max
min max
60Hz 400Hz 0dB 18dB
bass freq
boost
input
level
input
level
freq bass
boost
ch 2
ch 4
spa150.4
classAB 4 channel amplifier
Input Level
Min
Max
11
12
SPECIFICATIONS
TROUBLE SHOOTING THE SYSTEM
We have put together this trouble-shooting guide if you experience problems after
installing the amplifier. Please keep in mind that the majority of problems incurred are
caused by improper installation and not the equipment itself. In addition, there are many
components in the system that could cause various signal problems such as inducted
electrical noise and engine noise.
SPA90.4
4 x 90W
2 x 350W
SPA90.2
2 x 90W
Input Voltage @ 11 - 14.4 VDC:
@ 4 ohm
1 x 350W
2 x 175W
@ 4 ohms Bridged
@ 2 ohm
4 x 175W
10Hz-20Khz
>90dB
10Hz-20Khz
>90dB
Frequency Resp.
S/N Ratio (A-weight)
Low Input Level
Crossover Type
Crossover Freq. (Lowpass)
Crossover Slope
Bass EQ.
Before you can properly address the problem, you must first find the component that is
causing the problem. This will take patience and a process of elimination.
200mV. - 5.8 V
Hi/Low Pass
55Hz - 400Hz
12db per oct
18dB @ 45Hz
2 x 25 amp
optional
200mV. - 5.8 V
Hi/Low Pass
55Hz - 400Hz
12db per oct
18dB @ 45Hz
2 x 20 amp
no
LOOK FOR…..
No Output
SOLUTION
Blown fuse
Replace
Bad RCA Cable(s)
+12V at power terminal
Replace
Check connection
Fuse Rating
Remote Bass
+12V at remote terminal
Check connection
Grounding point clean and tight
Head Unit’s fader not in center position
Master & Slave settings
Check for ground w/meter
Set to center position
Confirm correct setting
Input Voltage @ 11 - 14.4 VDC:
@ 4 ohm
SPA1000D
1 x 250W
1 x 500W
SPA1300D
1 x 325W
1 x 650W
@ 2 ohm
@ 1 ohm
1 x 1000W
20Hz - 250Hz
>90dB
246mV - 5.9V
Low Pass
40Hz - 150Hz
18dB/oct
18dB @ 45Hz
20Hz - 50Hz
Yes
2 x 20 amp
included
1 x 1300W
20Hz - 250Hz
>90dB
246mV - 5.9V
Low Pass
40Hz - 150Hz
18dB/oct
18dB @ 45Hz
20Hz - 50Hz
Yes
2 x 25 amp
included
Low Output
Check level adjustments
Re-adjust
Frequency Resp.
S/N Ratio (A-weight)
Low Input Level
Crossover Type
Crossover Freq. (Lowpass)
Crossover Slope
Bass EQ.
Subsonic Filter
Remote Control Included
Fuse Rating
Bad RCA cable(s)
Improper level matching
Master & Slave settings
Replace
Re-adjust
Confirm correct setting
Engine Noise
Grounding points are clean and tight
Ground all components at same point
Try different grounding point
Check for ground w/meter
Ground at same point
Change for better ground
Replace
Remote Bass
Bad RCA cable(s)
Use High Quality shielded RCA cables
Rejects inducted noise
SPA1600D
1 x 400W
1 x 800W
1 1600W
20Hz - 250Hz
>90dB
246mV - 5.9V
Low Pass
40Hz - 150Hz
18db/oct
18dB @ 45Hz
20Hz - 50Hz
Yes
SPA1900D
1 x 475W
1 x 950W
1 x 1900W
20Hz - 250Hz
>90dB
246mV - 5.9V
Low Pass
40Hz - 150Hz
18dB/oct
18dB @ 45Hz
20Hz - 50Hz
Yes
3 x 30 amp
included
Input Voltage @ 11 - 14.4 VDC:
@ 4 ohm
Low Vehicle charging system and/or battery Fix and/or replace
Red Protection L.E.D. illuminated
@ 2 ohm
@ 1 ohm
Frequency Resp.
S/N Ratio (A-weight)
Low Input Level
Crossover Type
Crossover Freq. (Lowpass)
Crossover Slope
Bass EQ.
Subsonic Filter
Remote Control Included
Fuse Rating
Speaker short
Check speakers connection
for short circuit
Speaker grounding out
Make sure speaker wires
Do not touch chassis ground
Check speaker impedance
Check mounting location
for Adequate air circulation
speaker impedance too low
Impedance too low
Overheating
2 x 30 amp
included
Remote Bass
Due to continuous improvement of the product the Specifications are subject to change without notice.
13
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