Alpine S2-A55V

Features

Overview: The Alpine S2-A55V 5-channel amplifier is effectively three amps built into one chassis, two (almost) full range 2-channel amps, and one mono subwoofer amp. Each of the 2-channel amps is bridgeable, so it can be wired as 5-channel, 4-channel, or 3-channel.

CTA-2006 Compliant: CTA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for measuring an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring amplifier power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers), with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4 ohms. CTA-2006 standards allow consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers under the same conditions (apples to apples).

CTA-2006 Specifications:

• Power Output: 40 watts RMS x 4 + 200 watts RMS x 1 into 4Ω
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 83 dBA (measured at 1 watt into 4Ω)

Other Specifications:

• Power Output:
  • 2Ω: 60 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1 (14.4 volts, =1.0% THD+N)
  • Bridged: 120 watts RMS x 2 (14.4 volts, into 4Ω)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 98 dB (at rated power output, into 4Ω)
• Frequency Response:
  • +0/-3 dB (1W into 4Ω): 50 Hz - 40 kHz (Channels 1/2/3/4) and 10 Hz - 400 Hz (Subwoofer)
  • +0/-1 dB (1W into 4Ω): 60 Hz - 20 kHz (Channels 1/2/3/4) and 20 Hz - 300 Hz (Subwoofer)

Controls

Gain Control: There are independent rotary gain controls for the three sections of the amplifier (Channel 1/2, Channel 3/4, and Sub). The amp will accept preamp level signals from 0.2 volts to 4.0 volts or speaker level signals from 0.5 volts to 10 volts.

Turn-On Type/Input Level: A 3-way switch lets you select both the amp activation method and the input signal type. Choices include:

• DC/HI: Used when running speaker-level inputs and using DC offset to trigger the amp.
• REM/HI: Used when running speaker-level inputs, but using a +12V trigger wire (REM) to activate the amp.
• REM/LO: Used when running RCA pre-amp signals into the amp and connecting a +12V trigger wire (REM) to activate the amp.

Input Channel: You can choose to send a 6-channel signal from the source unit to the amplifier, or feed all channels with a 2-channel or 4-channel signal. The Input Channel Selector switch for Channel-3/4 is set to 1/2 if you have a 2-channel input signal, or to 3/4 if you have a 4-channel source. The Input Channel switch for the subwoofer channel is set to 1+2+3+4 if you have a 2-channel or 4-channel source, or Sub if you have a dedicated subwoofer input source.

Crossovers: Each amplifier section has an independent crossover; high pass for channels 1/2 and 3/4, and low pass for the Sub channel. The crossovers are always engaged (they cannot be bypassed), and the crossover point for each is adjustable from 50 Hz to 400 Hz. The high pass slope is 12 dB/octave and the low pass slope is 24 dB/octave.

Optional Remote Control: The amplifier has an RJ-25 jack for adding the optional RUX-KNOB.2 wired remote bass level control to adjust the Sub channel output level. The remote has a 20dB adjustment range (-20 dB to 0 dB relative to the gain setting).

Connections

Power/Ground: Two set-screw terminals connect the power and ground cables. The terminals accept up to 4-gauge wire (a 4-gauge wiring kit is recommended). The set screws are tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.

Remote Turn-on: The remote turn-on set screw terminal will accept up to 8-gauge wire. The set screw is tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.

Speaker Outputs: The five pair of speaker outputs' set-screw terminals will accept up to 10-gauge wire. The set screws are tightened/loosened with the included 2mm Allen wrench.

Signal Input: Three pair of RCA jacks, labeled Channel 1/2, Channel 3/4 and Sub, connect to preamp level or speaker level input signals. If connecting the source unit's speaker wire to the input jacks, use a Speaker-to-RCA adapter or splice speaker wire to an RCA plug. When using a speaker level input signal, it may not be necessary to connect a remote turn-on lead because of the amplifier's remote sensing function.

Fuses: The two 30-amp ATO fuses protect the amplifier. Another fuse (60-amp minimum) should be placed on the +12V power wire within 18" of the battery.