General Installation Procedure, System Design

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.

POWERONE

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 8 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. Power One series amplifiers require at least 4 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	7-10 ft.	10-13 ft.		13-16 ft.	16-19 ft.	19-22 ft.	22-28 ft.
AMPERAGE	7-10 ft.	10-13 ft.		13-16 ft.	16-19 ft.	19-22 ft.	22-28 ft.
AMPERAGE
35-50	8	6		4	4	4	4	WIRE
50-65	6	4		4	4	4	2	WIRE
								GAUGE
85-105	4	2		2	2	2	0	GAUGE
68-85	4	4		2	2	2	0

105-125	4	2		0	0	0	0

125-150	2	0		0	0	0	0

NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule of thumb. Please refer to the manufacturers specific requirements. P1 specifications can be found on page 8.

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.

Power up the system:

The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly immediately.

First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.

P1-5050.5, P1-1650.4, P1-650.2, P1-2050.1, P1-1650.2 specifications

The Crunch P1 series, comprising the P1-3050.1, P1-1050.1, P1-650.4, P1-1050.4, and P1-1050.2, represents a line of advanced power amplifiers designed for delivering exceptional audio performance in various settings. Each model caters to a range of audio amplification needs, making the series versatile and suitable for both professional and personal use.

Starting with the P1-3050.1, this powerhouse amplifier is designed to handle high demands with ease. Its high-efficiency class D topology ensures minimal heat generation while maximizing output power. The P1-3050.1 can deliver up to 3,050 watts at peak performance, making it an ideal choice for large venues and outdoor events. This model features built-in protection circuits to prevent clipping and overheating, ensuring longevity and stability during extended use.

The P1-1050.1, a slightly smaller yet impressive model, offers robust performance with a peak output of 1,050 watts. This amplifier is designed for smaller professional setups, delivering clear and powerful sound without distortion. It boasts advanced thermal management systems, allowing it to perform optimally even during long sessions. The P1-1050.1 also includes a user-friendly interface, facilitating easy adjustments and settings.

For those who need a more compact solution without sacrificing performance, the P1-650.4 stands out. Rated for 650 watts peak power, this model is particularly popular among DJs and mobile sound engineers who require lightweight yet efficient amplification. The P1-650.4 is equipped with a multi-channel design, allowing users to power multiple speakers or zones simultaneously, all while maintaining audio clarity and consistency.

Meanwhile, the P1-1050.4 offers a balance between power and flexibility. With a peak output of 1,050 watts split across four channels, it is perfect for multi-speaker setups. Designed with advanced signal processing features and multiple input options, the P1-1050.4 guarantees compatibility with a wide range of audio sources.

Lastly, the P1-1050.2 serves as an excellent choice for users needing dual-channel amplification. With its ability to deliver 1,050 watts in stereo mode, this amplifier is perfect for home theater systems, small concerts, or studio monitoring. Like its counterparts, it emphasizes energy efficiency and runtime durability, making it a reliable choice for any audio application.

In summary, the Crunch P1 series amplifiers combine high power output with innovative technologies and practical designs, making them suitable for a wide range of audio requirements. Whether it's for professional gigs or personal enjoyment, the robust features of these amplifiers ensure exceptional sound performance across the board.