SUMMATION:

During the design stage of your vehicles, try to avoid using extra batteries and high output alternators. Extra batteries are nothing but loads as soon as the engine is started and high output alternators usually make more noise than stock alternators. Also, extra batteries installed in the trunk of a car will ALWAYS force extra ripple current to flow over the car.

Install Transient Storage as close to the power supply input of your amplifier as possible. The big caps will feed the switching power supplies of your amps and minimize the inductive losses in your power wiring. Plus, they will help your peak system response.

In problem cases, we highly recommend the use of twisted pair cable rather than coaxial cable for RCA leads. This practice will greatly minimize cable induced noise - especially in four channel amps!

Don’t forget that your system is only as good as its worst component. Do NOT-use components with inadequate power supply isolation or you will be asking for problems.

The best electrical ground on a car is the CHASSIS of the car. Do NOT-run ground leads up to the case of the alternator or the negative battery post. Keep ALL-ground leads as short as possible.

With properly isolated components, it does NOT matter where the component is grounded. With inadequately isolated components, it matters! With poorly isolated components, different grounds can cause different noises.

The deck is the signal reference ground for the entire sound system. The deck usually has THREE connections to the car’s chassis: The black ground lead, the base of the antenna, and the metal-to-metal bond between the case of the deck and the chassis of the car. With three grounds, there is usually NO cause to worry about the ground of a deck.

Amplifiers are usually designed with adequate power supply isolation. This means that it should not matter where a deck is grounded. (Decks are grounded three times and amps float. This is car audio!)

The more components installed on a signal path, the more chances for noise to enter a system. The more electrical accessories on a car, the more noise will be produced by the alternator.

This information was compiled from more than 20 years of working in car audio. If you would like more information on this topic, or any other technical aspect of car audio, please call 209-465-3450 and ask for a subscription to Autosound 2000 Tech Briefs - the monthly magazine for the technically inclined.

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Orion Car Audio XTREME 400, XTREME 800, XTREME 1200, XTREME 300 owner manual Summation

XTREME 300, XTREME 400, XTREME 800, XTREME 1200 specifications

Orion Car Audio has consistently pushed the envelope in automotive audio technology, and its XTREME series exemplifies this commitment. With models like the XTREME 1200, XTREME 800, XTREME 400, and XTREME 300, these amplifiers offer a blend of power, efficiency, and advanced features tailored for car audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

The XTREME 1200 stands at the forefront of the series, delivering a robust 1200 watts of peak power. Its Class D design ensures high efficiency, minimizing energy loss and heat generation. This amplifier is equipped with a variable low-pass filter, allowing users to tailor the audio output to their specific subwoofers and preferences. Additionally, its “Smart Protection” circuitry provides an added layer of reliability, safeguarding the unit against overheating and overloading, making it a reliable choice for both daily commutes and high-energy road trips.

Moving down the line, the XTREME 800 brings impressive performance with its 800 watts of peak power. This model retains many core features of its larger counterpart, including adjustable bass boost and low-pass filter settings. Its compact design allows for versatile installation options, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles. With an aesthetic that blends seamlessly into any car interior, the XTREME 800 also boasts an efficient heat dissipation system, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

The XTREME 400 is tailored for those who seek a powerful yet compact amplifier. With 400 watts of peak power, it excels in delivering crisp and clear sound without compromising on size. This model features an easy-to-use control interface, allowing for quick adjustments to sound settings. The inclusion of RCA inputs also offers flexibility in integration, supporting various audio sources from smartphones to traditional head units.

Finally, the XTREME 300 is the most compact option in the series, making it perfect for installation in smaller vehicles or tight spaces. Despite its smaller size, the XTREME 300 outputs 300 watts of peak power, providing ample sound enhancement for any audio setup. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install, and it offers a straightforward connection process designed for convenience.

Overall, the Orion Car Audio XTREME series amplifiers cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from casual users seeking improved sound quality to dedicated audiophiles desiring maximum power and customization. Each model in the XTREME lineup underscores Orion's dedication to quality, performance, and user satisfaction. Whether you choose the powerhouse XTREME 1200 or the compact XTREME 300, you can expect exceptional audio performance that transforms your driving experience.