COLOSSUS
AMPLIFIER
GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
System Design
The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please
remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.
Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom capability, to
reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when
overdriven, due to the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.
Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality RCA cables you can
afford, for reliability and less engine noise interference in the audio system.
Installation
WOOD
It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid
structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the
amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting
the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for
optimal heat dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as
this can cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a location for
mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical
devices and brake lines etc.
General:
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause
electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.
Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 6 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Colossus amplifiers require at least 2 gauge
power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some applications may
require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and
run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplifier
to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within
12” of the vehicles battery.
Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the amplifiers’
power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis as short
as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical
contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than
the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten
the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time.
TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to
the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure
that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
AMPERAGE
7-10 ft.
10-13 ft.
13-16 ft.
16-19 ft.
19-22 ft.
22-28 ft.
NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule
of thumb. Please refer to the
manufacturers specific
requirements. Colossus
specifications can be found on
page 6.
35-50
8
6
4
4
4
2
6
4
4
2
2
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
0
50-65
68-85
85-105
105-125
125-150
Safe connection sequence:
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on
leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the main
fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.
Your Electrical System:
The Hifonics Colossus is a 3200wrms amplifier. Your stock electrical system is not capable of providing the required Voltage and
Amperage to this amplifier. You should contact a reputable battery and alternator store or manufacturer for the proper upgrades to
successfully power this model amplifier. Ignoring this warning and attempting to run the Colossus on your stock electrical system
without the necessary upgrades can cause damage to your amplifier and may void your Warranty. For more information on upgrading
your electrical system, please review the Car Audio 101 Tutorials located on our YouTube page at
1
AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
The Hifonics Colossus is capable of 4, 2 & 1 Ohms stereo per channel, or
4 & 2 Ohms mono bridged operation.
APOWER LED indicates the powered up and turned on condition.
All HiFonics amplifiers feature a comprehensive diagnostic system, with
speaker lead short circuit, thermal over load and amplifier DC faults
indicated by the PROTECT LED’s. The Colossus features a new clipping
led indicator that changes colors as the severity of the clipped signal
increases.
The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2 volt to
9 volts.
All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges.
Crossover filter slopes are 24 dB/octave for mono filters.
CONTROL FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
SUBSONIC: The variable Subsonic filter is fully adjustable from 15Hz to 35Hz.
LOW PASS FILTER: The low pass filter is fully adjustable from 35Hz to 250Hz.
PARAMETRIC BASS EQ:
BOOST: The bass boost is fully adjustable from 0dB to 10db.
BANDWIDTH: The bandwidth is fully adjustable from narrow to wide.
FREQUENCY: The frequency is fully adjustable from 30Hz to 100Hz.
BALANCED INPUT: Accepts balanced line inputs from 0.2 volts to 18 volts for an optional balanced line driver.
LINE INPUT: Accepts unbalanced RCA inputs from 0.2 volts to 9 volts.
LINE OUTPUT: The unbalanced RCA outputs are identical to the signal supplied to the amplifier.
LEVEL: The input level control allows you to match the amplifier input sensitivity to the output level of the RADIO/CD source from 0.2 Volts to 9
volts when using unbalanced (RCA) and 0.2 volts to 18 volts with the balanced input.
PHASE SHIFT: The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS: The amplifier has built-in monitoring devices and protection circuits that monitor all vital functions of the amplifier.
The diagnostics light do not come on to indicate there is a failure, they come on when they detect an improper operation.
THERMAL: The amp has an internal temperature sensor that will automatically shut off the amp if it reaches dangerous temperature levels and
the LED will be Amber in color.
DC PROTECT (Short Circuit): In the unlikely event the amp should internally fail, the amp will shut down to prevent a DC voltage output to the
speakers or sub and the LED will be Red in color.
Clipping: While adjusting the amplifier the LED may light up Green indicating Pre-Clip, Amber indicating Soft-Clip or Red indicating Clip. These
indicators give the user a chance to identify incorrect settings or high distortion before it is damaging to the equipment allowing them to correct the
volume or settings.
REMOTE: The Colossus has a DIN cable remote level jacks labeled INPUT. The Remote Module plugs
into the INPUT jack and allows you to adjust the Level Control.
HFR-G1
REMOTE
BALANCED
INPUT
SUB
SONIC
FREQ
DIAGNOSTICS
RED - SHORT CIRCUIT
AMBER - THERMAL
INPUT OUTPUT
LEVEL
PHASE
BOOST
BANDWIDTH
LPF
L
L
RED - CLIP
AMBER - NEAR CLIP
GREEN - PRE-CLIP
9V 0.2V
0
180
0
10dB
30 100Hz
15 35Hz
35 250Hz
PARAMETRIC EQ
R
R
POWER
-
-
+12V
GND
+
+
REM
L-CH
R-CH
BRIDGED
2
COLOSSUS DUAL MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS
BASIC APPLICATION
This will allow you to operate separate subs independently (on each channel L
or R) at 4, 2 or 1 Ohm at up to 1600 watts or bridged across L & R to operate a
single sub up to 3200 watts at 4 or 2 Ohms.
Note: The amp is not capable of 1 Ohm when bridged across L & R.
The crossovers and HFR-G1 Remote Module will operate both L & R
channels simultaneously.
The Colossus Dual Mono Block amplifiers are capable of
4, 2 & 1 Ohm stereo and 4 & 2 bridged loads.
SINGLEAMPINSTALLATION PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the amp LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD player full range or mono line out puts
with good quality RCAinterconnect cables.
2. Plug in the HFR-G1 bass remote module into the amp REMOTE INPUTjack.
3. Route a 0 gauge power cable directly to the vehicle battery with an in-line 300 amp fuse.
4. Connect a 0 gauge ground cable directly to chassis ground with in 36” of the amp.
- Be sure to remove any paint or primer from the ground point.
- Use a nut, bolt and lock washer to secure the ground cable to the chassis ground.
5. Connect the subwoofer(s) in accordance to the diagrams below.
USING CHANNELS L & R INDEPENDENTLY
FULL RANGE
STEREO LINE INPUT
Y-ADAPTOR
Note: You can use the Radio/CD designated mono
line output or a full range stereo line output.
For full range stereo line output, you will need an
optional “Y-Adaptor” as shown
NOT USED
Note: The amplifier is capable of
4, 2 & 1 Ohms per channel in this
configuration
DESIGNATED MONO
LINE INPUT
REMOTE TURN-ON
CHASSIS GROUND
-6dB
HFR-G1
DIAGNOSTICS
CLIP
GREEN: PRE-CLIP
GREEN: POWER
AMBER: THERMAL AMBER: SOFT CLIP
0dB
RED: SHORT RED: HARD CLIP
-20dB
REMOTE LEVEL
TO BATTERY +12v VIA
300 AMP FUSE
USING CHANNELS L & R BRIDGED
FULL RANGE
STEREO LINE INPUT
Y-ADAPTOR
Note: You can use the Radio/CD designated mono
line output or a full range stereo line output.
For full range stereo line output, you will need an
optional “Y-Adaptor” as shown
Note: The amplifier is capable of
4 & 2 Ohms in this configuration.
It is not capable of 1 Ohm.
NOT USED
BRIDGED MONO
SUBWOOFER
2 OHM MINIMUM
DESIGNATED MONO
LINE INPUT
REMOTE TURN-ON
CHASSIS GROUND
-6dB
HFR-G1
DIAGNOSTICS
CLIP
GREEN: PRE-CLIP
GREEN: POWER
AMBER: THERMAL AMBER: SOFT CLIP
0dB
RED: SHORT RED: HARD CLIP
-20dB
REMOTE LEVEL
TO BATTERY +12v VIA
300 AMP FUSE
3
SETTING UP SYSTEMS AFTER INSTALLATION FOR BEST PERFORMANCE
General:
At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier. Please follow the settings in the order they are presented to reduce
the risk of damage to your audio equipment.
Phase:
The variable Phase adjustment allows you to change the relative time that the waveform meets your ear. With standard subwoofer installations
where the subwoofer is behind you, the Phase should generally be at 0. When subwoofers or woofers are in the kick panels or door panels, the
Phase adjustment is useful in delaying the timing of the wave meeting your ear by adjusting the potentiometer to 180 degrees.
Subsonic:
This setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system bass reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies from reproduction
beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Subsonic to 25Hz, the amplifier will not play
frequencies below 25Hz but will play frequencies from 25Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.
Low Pass:
The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of the desired setting to be reproduced. The 12 o’clock position is a
great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Low Pass to 80Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies above 80Hz but will play frequencies from
80Hz to the chosen Subsonic frequency.
Parametric Bass EQ:
This feature allows for selection of frequency enhancement, width of enhancement and value of enhancement. This feature provides impact to your
bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can be over used and cause damage to your subwoofers and amplifiers.
FREQ: The Frequency adjustment for centralized enhancement is selectable from 30Hz to 100Hz.
BANDWIDTH: Setting this adjustment all the way to the left will limit the focus of your enhancement to only the closest frequencies to your
FREQ setting. As you turn further clockwise you will begin to enhance more frequencies above and below your centralized
FREQ setting.
BOOST: This setting adjusts the amount of enhancement for the desired FREQ setting and BANDWIDTH and is variable from 0dB to
10dB. In most cases an enhancement from 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock is ideal paying close attention not to enhance past the
12 o’clock position at high volume. WARNING: This is the most dangerous setting and can increase the risk of clipping and
distortion which can damage your amplifier and subwoofer(s) if set too high. Monitor the clipping indicators on the amplifier and/or
HFR-G1 Remote Module.
Level (GAIN) Control Setup:
Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with
to use as a reference, and turn the head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting. The system sound level will of course be very low, and
the following procedures will help you to match the amplifier input sensitivities properly to the head unit output signal level. Turn the level control up
slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection, you will need to turn the
Level to the left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the output does not increase, stop turning the Level control to the right as the
amplifier/subwoofer combo has reached its maxx output in this application. Your Clipping Indicators on the end panel of the amp and on the HFR-G1
Remote Module should be monitored closely during this process as they will indicate clipping and distortion that your ear may not hear. It is common
to see the LED light up GREEN for pre-clip and is not a concern. But, when the LED color changes to AMBER you will want to reduce the LEVEL or
BOOST a bit until this condition is no longer experienced.
Sit back and enjoy the music!
4
TROUBLESHOOTING A SYSTEM
The key to finding the problem in a misbehaving sound system is to isolate parts of that system in a logical fashion to track down the fault.
Description of the Diagnostic system built into all HIFONICS amplifiers
The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel
PROTECT LED lighting up under the following conditions:
1 - A sort circuit on the loudspeaker leads.
2 - An internal amplifier fault that causes a DC offset on the loudspeaker output.
Should the amplifier go into diagnostic mode, simply disconnect all RCA and speaker leads, while keeping +12 volt, power ground and remote leads connected.
1. Now turn the amplifier back on, and if the diagnostic LED lights, the amplifier has an internal fault.
2. If not, plug the RCA cables back, and reset the amplifier. If it goes into diagnostic now, the fault lies in the input, either with bad cables or source unit.
3. If the amplifier seems ok with RCA cables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at a time, and if one of speaker or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the diagnostic
system.
4. If the amplifier is still in Protection mode after the above steps, remove all RCA’s and wires from the amplifier. Take a 12” length of speaker wire, trim the plastic
off of each end exposing the wire. Now connect one end of the wire to the12V+ on the amplifier and connect the other to the Ground on the amplifier. You will have
a brief spark indicating that the Capacitors have been discharged and the drivercard has been reset. Remove the jumper wire and reconnect your Power, Ground
and Remote wires. Attempt to power the amplifier up like normal. In some cases this can Reset the amplifier if permanent damage has not previously been done.
Amplifier heatsink overheating
The amplifiers will shut down when the heatsink temperature reaches 80 degrees centigrade, and turn back on once the unit has cooled down below that point.
Causes of overheating:
1 - Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the fins.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the
recommended loudspeaker impedance.
3 - Excessive voltage drop can also cause overheating.
Low output power
1 - Check that level controls have been set up properly.
2 - Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier’s +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.
3 - Check all +12 volt and ground connections.
Fuses blowing
1 - The use of loudspeaker impedances below the recommended minimums will draw more current - check.
2 - A short on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle chassis will cause the main fuse to blow.
3 - If an amplifier fuse blows continually, with only +12 volt, ground and remote leads connected, the amplifier may be faulty.
System does not turn on
1 - Check all fuses.
2 - Check all connections.
3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders,
distribution blocks, the head unit’s +12 volt and remote leads to localize the problem.
4 - If the HIFONICS lettering is illuminated but you do not have Power or Protection illuminated, simply remove your remote wire and use a jumper wire from 12V+
on the amplifier to the Remote connection on the amplifier. If the amplifier powers on like normal then you do not have adequate voltage/amperage from your Remote
source to turn your amplifier on. You will need to seek out a certified installer to install a relay for your amplifier. If the jumper does not power your amplifier on, you
may have internal damage and should contact Hifonics Customer Service to locate an Authorized Repair Center.
Noise problems
System noise can be divided into two categories, hiss, and electrical interference.
Hiss, or white noise:
1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section ”Setting up systems after
installation for best performance”
2 -Another major problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug the amplifier input RCAcables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault.
Electricalinterference:
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners,
to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug amplifier input RCA
cables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving the amplifier, one component at a time.
Aticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:
1 -This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCAcables too near to a fuel pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
2 - Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3 -Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox.
Aconstant whine:
This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the system.
1 - Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2 - Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
3 -RCAcables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.
5
HIFONICS COLOSSUS DUAL-MONO AMPLIFIER FEATURES
6
COLOSSUS
Maxxsonics Limited Warranty
As the manufacturer of Maxxsonics, MB Quart, Autotek, Crunch and Hifonics car audio
products, Maxxsonics USA Inc. Warrants to the original consumer purchaser the
amplifier to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) Year from date
of purchase.
All other parts and accessories of the system are warrantied to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase. Maxxsonics will repair
or replace at it’s option and free of charge during the warranty period, any system
component that proves defective in materials and workmanship under normal installation,
use and service provided that the product is returned to the authorized Maxxsonics dealer
from where it was purchased. A photo copy of the original receipt must accompany the
product being returned.
Valid purchase receipts will contain the name and address of the authorized reseller.
Any damage to the product as a result of misuse, abuse, accident, incorrect wiring,
improper installation, alteration of date code or bar code labels, revolution, natural
disaster, or any sneaky stuff because someone messed up, repair or alteration out side
of our factory or authorized service centers and any thing else you have done that you
should not have done is not covered.
This warranty is limited to defective parts and specifically excludes any incidental or
consequential damages connected therewith. This warranty is not to be construed as an
insurance policy.
Warranty on installation labor, removal, re-installation and freight charges are not the
responsibility of Maxxsonics USA Inc.
Warranty products damaged as a result of insufficient or improper packing materials are
not covered by this limited warranty and such damaged product will be returned “as is”
at the expense of the owner.
7
OEM Integration
Accessories
MX-1 Premium High To Low Level Converter
MX-3 Bass Controller
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA
Low Level Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-1. As
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* Parametric Bass EQ: Features Bass Boost, adjustable Band
Width (wide & narrow), Low Pass and Subsonic Filter.
* Clipping Indicators: Visually indicates audio signals Pre-Clip,
Soft Clip and Hard Clip
* Balanced Line Output: Ultra clean DIN variable high voltage
output for driving mono amps.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when
module activates.
* Parametric Bass EQ: Provides a wide array of subwoofer output signal
shaping controls to enhance bass response and sound quality including
Bass Boost, adjustable Bandwidth (wide and narrow), Low Pass and
Subsonic Filter.
* Accepts a wide range of incoming music signal levels while
accommodating all types of head units and signal processors and
controlling the output level to the amp to maximize a signal strength up to
9 volts.
* Clipping Indicators: Visual clipping indicators provide indication of
damaging clipped signals to help protect the subwoofer(s) and amplifier.
Includes pre-clip, soft-clip and full-clip indications.
* Music Shaping: Shapes the music signal to achieve deep bass notes as
low as 15Hz.
* Bass Remote: Features for subwoofer Level control with built-
in clipping indicators.
* Input & Output Level Control: Allows for gain matching both
radio and amplifier audio signals.
* Bass Remote: Included bas Remote features built-in clipping indicators
allows direct bass control from in-dask or under-dash.
MX-2 Deluxe High To Low Level Converter
MX-4 Add A Sub High To Low Level Converter
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA
Low Level Outputs
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA Low Level
Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-2. As
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs including
floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects music
signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-4. As an option, the
module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module * Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module activates.
activates.
8
Accessories
5V
ON
SLAVE
3V
7V
OFF
MASTER
35Hz
250Hz
1V
9V
15Hz
35Hz
TEST TONE
65Hz
RED - CLIP
GREEN - 9V
MODE
LOW PASS
FILTER
OUTPUT
LEVEL
SUBSONIC
FILTER
24 dB/OCT
24 dB/OCT MAXX-LINK
MLX-100
9V
0.2V
0
180
0dB
+10 dB
30Hz
100Hz
INPUT
LEVEL
PHASE
BOOST
BANDWIDTH
FREQUENCY
PARAMETRIC BASS EQ
-6dB
BYPASS
NORMAL
RED - CLIP
GREEN - 9V
-20dB
0dB
LEVEL
9
|