Orion Car Audio Orion HCCA Competition manual Speaker Wiring, Tweeter contour, Bass contour

Bi-wire connections to the crossover network

When using a standard two channel amplifier, the HCCA components can be bi-wired. In this case there are two runs of wire from each of the positive and negative outputs of the amplifier for both the left and right channels. The left negative amplifier output is connected to the tweeter IN- and the woofer IN- of the left side of the crossover. The left positive amplifier output is connected to both the tweeter IN+ and the woofer IN- also on the left side of the crossover. This is repeated for the right side.

Important note: You must cut the red and black wire jumpers on each side of the crossover that connect the low and high frequency sections of the crossover. Failure to do so could cause damage to the amplifiers or the crossover.

Tweeter contour

The three position switch labeled “TWEETER CONTOUR” adjusts the lower end of the tweeter’s frequency response. One position may sound better than the other, depending on where the tweeter is positioned with respect to close by objects and with respect to the midrange . After installing the system, experiment with both positions and listen carefully to the system.

Bass contour

The three position switch labeled “BASS CONTOUR” adjusts the upper midrange frequency response. As with the tweeter contour, it is designed to compensate for off axis response and vehicle limitations. It can be adjusted based on your installation scenario and listening tastes. Your ears are the best tools for adjusting the HCCA crossover.

Connections to the amplifier

The HCCA crossover is supplied with two screw type connectors. Strip the wire from the amplifier about 1/4" from the end and insert into the connector input + and - positions and tighten the set screws. Strip the wire from the woofer and insert into the + and - positions for the crossover woofer output. Follow the same procedure for the connection to the tweeter. The HCCA passive crossover has two sets of input terminals, this allows the system to be bi-wired or bi-amplified.

To bi-amplify the system you will need two stereo amplifiers (or 4 amplifier channels) one for the tweeters and one for the woofers.

If you choose to bi-wire the system, connect the high-pass terminals to the amplifier and connect the low-pass terminals to the same amplifier with another set of speaker wires.

Be sure to connect the positive crossover terminals to the positive speaker terminals and positive amplifier terminals. Also ensure that the negative crossover terminals connect to the negative amplifier and speaker terminals.

Once all of the wires are attached to the connector and the crossover is mounted, the connector can be plugged into its mating receptacle on the crossover.

SPEAKER WIRING

Speaker wire selection

Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the HCCA crossover to the speakers and amplifier. The size of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance of the system. Standard 18 gauge “zip cord” will work, but can result in lower output or unpredictable frequency response. For wire runs of 50 feet or less, we recommend 16 gauge or larger wire. The crossover connector will accept up to 12 gauge wire.

Polarity and phasing

The polarity - the positive / negative orientation of the connections - for every speaker and amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will be in phase. When the polarity of one connection is reversed, bass output is reduced and stereo imaging is degraded. All wire is marked so you can identify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation of one conductor. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.

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