Amplifier Requirements

A note on power handling

The HCCA component system requires a minimum of 20 Watts per channel to achieve reasonable listening volumes in a moving automobile without clipping the amplifier. Orion recommends 150 Watts per channel as a maximum so as not to exceed the thermal or mechanical limitations of the speaker system. Any amplifier between 20 watts and 100 watts per channel may be used. If you choose to use an amplifier with more power than 100 Watts be very careful, you can damage the speaker system if played too loud.The HCCA components produce reasonable volume levels in the automotive environment using moderate amplifier power. However, the use of a low powered amplifier to try and attain very high volume levels can lead to overdriving the amplifier. This will generate high distortion levels which can easily damage loudspeakers, even when the amplifier’s rated power is far below the maximum rated power of the loudspeaker. Underpowering a driver is every bit as damaging as overpowering it.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom	Probable cause	Remedy
No output	Source or amplifier not turned on	Check source or amplifier and fix as
		needed
	Audio input not connected or no	Check RCA connections and signal
	output from source	integrity, fix or replace as needed
	Protection circuit activated	turn down volume. Protection will self
		reset
	Speaker wires not connected	Check speaker wires and fix or replace as
		needed
Audio cycles on and off	Speaker damaged	Check system with known working
		speaker and fix or replace as needed
	Thermal protection engaged	check that amplifier has adequate
		ventilation check speaker impedance
		load

As a rule, do not turn the volume up above the point where you hear distortion on musical peaks from either an overdriven amplifier or mechanical noise from an overstressed speaker. For the best performance and reliability, select an amplifier with slightly more than the maximum power you are likely to need to generate the desired volume levels. This margin of reserve power will ensure that the amplifier will not attempt to deliver more than its design allows.

Warning: Practice safe sound! Excessive sound pressure level can permanently damage your hearing. The maximum volume levels attainable with high performance Orion speakers, combined with high-power amplification, may exceed safe levels for extended listening. When listening at high volume levels always use hearing protection or turn it down!

	Loose or poor audio input
Distorted output	Preamp volume set too high.
	exceeding maximum capability
	of amplifier.
	Impedance load to amplifier too low

Check RCA, power and speaker connections and repair or replace as needed

Check volume of preamp and adjust appropriately

Check speaker impedance load, if below 1 ohm rewire the speakers to achieve a higher impedance

MOUNTING LOCATIONS

There are many possible choices of mounting locations. The automobile factory locations will usually dictate the woofer mounting position. Because of its small size and multiple mounting options, the tweeter can go virtually anywhere. Orion uses an unusually low crossover frequency

Shorted speaker wires	Check speaker wire connections and
	repair or replace as needed
Speaker not connected properly	Check speaker wiring and repair or
	replace as needed. refer to the speaker
	wiring section of this manual for detailed
	instructions

for the tweeter which means you are not restricted to mounting the tweeter close to the midrange. The tweeter can be mounted as far as 24" from the midrange without causing adverse effects on the sound quality.

Orion cannot recommend specific locations for the tweeter for each car, but we can give some general tips. Try to keep the tweeters as far to the sides of the car as practical, avoid placing them above ear level unless the woofers are also above ear level. Place the tweeters in similar locations on both sides. Try a few locations by just placing the tweeter or taping it in a location and listening to ensure the desired stereo image and high frequency dispersion are achieved before committing to a location by drilling holes in the automobile.

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

Tweeter level control

The three position switch in the crossover box labeled “TWEETER LEVEL” adjusts the relative volume of the tweeter with respect to the midrange. The 0dB position is referenced as equal output from the midrange and tweeter. The -3dB and -6dB positions offer -3dB and -6dB less output from the tweeter respectively. Tweeter level can be adjusted independently for right and left channels to compensate for different listening tastes and mounting locations.

	Speaker damaged
Poor bass response	Speakers wired with wrong polarity
	causing cancellation at low frequencies
Lack of stereo separation	Speakers wired with wrong polarity.
	stereo / bridge switch set to bridge
	position
	Speaker connected across wrong
	output terminals
	Source set to mono

If you want to consult the factory, write or call our customer service department:

Orion Industries

9235 S. McKemy Street

Tempe. AZ 85284

Phone: (480)705-5600

Fax: (480)705-7339

Check system with known working speaker and fix or replace as needed

Check speaker polarity and fix as needed

Check speaker polarity and fix as needed set switch to stereo position

Check that the speaker wires are not connected to the bridged terminals and fix as needed

Check source and adjust controls as needed