SPECIFICATIONS

Channels I &

2; 3 & 4

4 a Stereo

(8 i2

Bridged)

(12.5 Vdc)

2 Q

Stereo

(4 Q

Bridged)

(14.4 Vdc)

225Wx4

1 255 1 (4kW x2)

1 $“,“x:, j

355

25Wx4

(5OW x 2)

I

555

I

4owx4

(80W x 2)

5ow x4

(IOOW x 2)

80W x4

(160W x 2)

Subwoofer Channel

I I

4Q

(12.5 Vdc)

2t2

(14.4 Vdc)

I

255

I

5OWxl

I

100wx1

I

I

355

I

75Wxl

I

15OWxl

I

I

555

I

15OWxl

I

250W x

1

I

THD

Signal to Noise

Frequency Response

Stereo Separation

Damping

Input Sensitivity

Input Impedance co.1 %

>I00 dB

20

Hz to

20 kHz sf 0.5 dB

>90 dB

900

200 mV to 5.0 Volts

1 Ok Ohms

Crossover Specifications

Low Pass:

55 Hz - 220 Hz at 24 dB/Octave (12dB on 255)

High Pass:

50 Hz - 500 Hz at 12 dB/Octave

(Removable SIP @ 150 Hz on 255)

Band Pass (555): 50 Hz - 500 Hz at 12 dB/Octave (Mid-Bass)

50 Hz - 4 kHz at 12 dB/Octave (Mid)

Hawkins Bass Control

0 to +9 dB Boost(555), +6 dB (255,355); Boost Frequency = 45 Hz

(Hawkins Bass Control “IN”) Sub Sonic filter frequency = 13 Hz

Dimensions

(W x D x H)

RUBICON555: 15.0” X 9.8” X 2.25” (381 mm X 250mm X 57mm)

RUBICON355: 13.0” X 9.8” X 2.25” (330mm X 250mm X 57mm)

RUBICON255: 11 .O” X 9.8” X 2.25” (280mm X 250mm

X

57mm)

WWW.SOUNDSTREAM.COM

Folsom

-

California 95630

U S A

ph 916.351.1288

.

fax

916.351.0414

rev A - 12/29/98

SWNDSTREAI’V

T

E C H N 0 L

0 G I

E S

RUBICON

5/3 Channel

Power Amplifiers

Owner’s Manual and

Installation Guide

Congratulations!

You now own a Soundstream

RUBICON amplifier,

the

product of an

uncompromising design and engineering philosophy. Your Soundstream

RUBICON amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.

To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you thoroughly acquaint yourself with its capabilites and features. Please retain this manual and your sales receipt for future reference.

Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American innovation and craftmanship with the highest quality control standards. When properly installed, they will provide you with many years of listening pleasure.

Should your amplifier ever need service or replacement due to theft, please record the following information which will help protect your investment.

Model and Serial #

Dealer’s Name

Date of Purchase

Installation Shop

Installation Date f

CAUTION!

Prolonged listening at high levels may result in hearing loss.

Even though your new Soundstream Rubiwn amplifier sounds

better than anything you’ve ever heard, exercise caution to prevenf hearing damage.

Table of Contents

Design Features .......................................................

p4-5

Rubicon Amplifier Diagram .................................

~6-7

Rubicon Amplifier Diagram .................................

p8-9

Rubicon Amplifier Diagram .................................

plO-11

Crossover Adjustments ............................................

p 12-13

Hawkins Bass ControlTM Theory and Use ................ p 14

Installation: Speaker Output Modes ........................ P 15

Installation: Wiring ...................................................

P 16 lnstal lation: Mounting ..............................................

P 17 lnstal lation: Level Setting and Front Spoiler.. .......... p 18

Sample System Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p

1 9 - 2 6

Protection Circuitry, Service and Troubleshooting . . . p

27

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 28

3

jmpulse) This new

proprietary power supply topology eliminates “power sags” during low frequency reproduction by rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the power supply and allowing it to deliver the power required when reproducing low frequencies. Also, greater reserve gate power is stored for low voltage situations that occur during extreme conditions.

STACTTM (STabilized Apex Qrrent _Topology) Reduces power supply stress by 50%. Typical designs degrade the stereo image due to phase reversal of even-order harmonic distortion that occurs between the inverted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is done at the power amplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical power amplifier produces no even-harmonic distortion itself and all preamplifier circuitry is run completely in-phase, no even harmonic distortion phase reversal occurs.

TridentTM Protection

Topology

provides three types of protection:

1. Output protection against short circuits or improper loads.

2. Ground fault detection: Shuts down the amplifier when a significant voltage (~5 Volts) fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on lead) and battery ground.

3. Thermal Protection: Puts the amplifier into thermal rollback or shuts the amplifier down in extreme thermal conditions.

Hawkins Bass Control provides a focused subwoofer boost (O-9 dB at 45 Hz) and routes otherwise wasted amplifier power back to the audible bandwidth.

Harmonic Bass AlignmentTM The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic peaks are critically aligned to fundamental peaks at low frequencies. This produces tighter, more accurate bass reproduction.

Drive Delay llTM Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after the power supply eliminating turn-on pops. Turn off process is reversed:

Amplifier section turns off first, followed by the power supply.

Dynamically Optimized

Power Grid TM Power grid is evenly distributed between primary and secondary power supplies, providing

greater

dynamics and improved RF filtering.

4

ChassisinkTM All transistors are ideally located and sandwiched between the circuit board and the heatsink to provide cool efficient amplifier operation.

Differentially Balance RCA Input eliminates ground loop related noise in the audio path.

Continuously Variable Crossover Networks (355 & 555):

12 dB/

Octave 2-way highpass crossover, variable from 65 to 220 Hz and 24 dB/Octave lowpass crossovers variable from 30 to 120 Hz. 555 on/y

- 12 dB/Octave 3-way crossover which can be selected for mid-bass

(65 to 500 Hz) or midrange (65 to 4,000 Hz) operation.

Built-in Staggered S.I.P. Crossover Network (255) Built-in two-way electronic crossover is designed to send high pass information to channels 1-4 of the amplifier and send low pass to channel 5 of the amplifier. 12dB/oct Highpass and Lowpass crossovers.

Flexible Stereo1 Input Level Control allows 200 mV to 5 V input sensitivity.

Symmetrical Discrete Balanced Class A Drive Boards Auto-adjust for linear performance while driving low impedance loads.

Removable Front Spoiler allows for stealth installation of RCA,

Speaker and Power wiring.

‘.‘.

1 6

KEY TO CALLOUTS

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Power

LED

-

Indicates amplifier power.

Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch -

Select “SUB SONIC” to engage the Sub Sonic filter at

13 Hz.

Select “HAWKINS BASS CONTROL” to engage the subwoofer channel’s high pass filter @I 45 Hz with +6 dB boost for optimum bass.

Subwoofer Channel Input Select -

Selectable inputs; “CH l-4” for nonfading bass control,

“CH

3&4” for front to rear fading bass control.

Channels 3&4 Input Select -

Selectable inputs from internal (CH l&2) or external (CH

38~4 local RCA inputs).

Amp Mode Switch (Channels 1-4) -

Select “3CH” for bridged mono output in 3 channel operation (use input channels

1 &

2). Select “5CH” for stereo output in 5 channel operation.

Inputs -

Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.

Input Level -

Channels 3&4 input level control.

ltiputs -

Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels l&2.

Input Level -

Channels l&2 input level control.

Sub Input Level -

Subwoofer channel input level control.

Low Pass Filter Control Adjustment -

(Subwoofer Channel) crossover frequency control for the internal low pass filter.

Speaker Connection Terminal -

Speaker connections for CH l-4 &

Subwoofer Channel.

GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.

REMOTE -

Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.

+12V -

Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive terminal.

Main Fuse -

Main power supply fuse.

8

9

10

,-l 1

16

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

KEY TO CALLOUTS

Power LED - Indicates amplifier power.

Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch - Select “SUB SONIC” to engage the Sub Sonic filter at 13 Hz. Select “HAWKINS BASS CONTROL” to engage the subwoofer channel’s high pass filter @ 45 Hz with +6 dB boost for optimum bass.

High Pass XOVER Switch - (Channels l&Z) Select “IN” for use with the internal crossover or “OUT” for use with external crossover.

High Pass XOVER Switch - (Channels 3&4) Select “IN” for use with the internal crossover or “OUT” for use with external crossover.

Subwoofer Channel Input Select - Selectable inputs; “CH 1-4” for nonfading bass control, “CH 3&4” for rear fading bass control.

Channels 3814 Input Select - Selectable inputs from internal (CH l&2) or external (CH 3&4 local RCA inputs).

Amp Mode Switch - (Channels 1-4) Select “3CH” for bridged mono output in 3 channel operation (use channels 1 & 2). Select “5CH” for stereo output in 5 channel operation.

Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.

Input Level - Channels 3&4 input level control.

High Pass Filter Control Adjustment - (Channels 3&4) crossover frequency control for the internal high pass filter.

tnputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels l&2.

Input Level

- Channels l&2 input level control.

High Pass Filter Control Adjustment - (Channels l&2) crossover frequency control for the internal high pass filter.

Low Pass Filter Control Adjustment - (Subwoofer Channel) crossover frequency control for the internal low pass filter.

Sub Input Level - Subwoofer channel input level control.

Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Subwoofer

Channel.

Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s 3&4.

Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s l&2.

REMOTE - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.

GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.

+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive terminal.

Main Fuse - Main power supply fuses.

The RUBICON amplifiers incorporate an on-board staggered electronic crossover, with RCA outputs (RUBICON only) to drive an

external

amplifier. No external electronic crossover is necessary. However, if you do desire to use an external crossover you still have that option. The high and low pass portions of the crossover can be set independently of one another.

In many car audio installations, there is a tendency for a “midbass boom.” Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will resonate or ring at these midbass frequencies. If we design the system so there is reduced output in this region, the final response is very smooth and natural sounding. The high pass crossover is independently variable from 50 to 500 Hz at 12 dB/Octave (Removable SIP @

150Hz on RUBICON255. See next

page

for different frequencies)! and the low pass crossover is independently variable from 55 to 220 Hz at 24 dB/Octave.

For initial crossover setup, try setting the low pass filter to approximately 60 Hz, and the high pass filter to approximately 150 Hz. Change the crossover points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, power handling, and personal preference.

29WAY

12 dB/Octave High Pass

-xx

31WAY (555 ONLY)

MIDBASS/MIDRANGE BAND PASS

The RUBICON can be operated in midrange or midbass “band pass” configuration. In the three way mode, you can tri-amplify with “active” midbass or midrange to maximize control over individual drivers. The bandpass includes a low pass and high pass filter, which work independent of one another, to drive the midrange or midbass speakers.

12 dB!Octave

39WAY

,

24 dB/Octave

SIP CROSSOVER (255 ONLY)

The RUBICON comes with a 150Hz High Pass S.I.P.

.

(Series In-line Package resistor network) I If you want to use a frequency other than the factory pre-set frequencies follow the chart to the left or the formula below to select your own

12

Hawkins Bass Control - Theorv and Use

Hawkins Bass Control (variable) is a unique subwoofer control circuit included with the Soundstream RUBICON amplifier. It is capable of removing subsonic energy in program material below 45 Hz at 12 dB/Octave, while boosting subwoofer frequencies. The circuit consists of two controls. One engages a subsonic High Pass filter at 45 Hz, and the other adjusts the

amount

of boost (0 to +9 dB) (fixed at +6dB for the RUBCON & 355).

The Boost control adjusts the amount of level applied at the set frequency, and is adjustable from 0 to +9 dB (see figure 2). When the boost is set to 0, Hawkins Bass Control acts as a sub sonic filter only. The simple act of removing potentially harmful low frequencies can improve system output by as much as 3 dB.

HAWKINS

BOCST

Q

.

FIG,

1

Application

Subwoofer drivers in general have excello lent power handling characteristics over

5 their operational bandwidth. This bandwidth .t

is determined by many factors, including

dB-l~

driver design and enclosure type. It is pos15 sible to overdrive any subwoofer driver by -*Or sending powerful signals outside of its op-*’ erational bandwidth. These potentially dam-3010 aging signals can be removed by adding a

:recuency (HZI

I

!

!

f

50

I

. 1

100

FIG. 2 VARIABLE BOOST

260

subsonic filter. Figure 3 shows the effectiveness of the Hawkins Bass Control on woofer excursion in a vented enclosure. The woofer travels 7.5 mm at 10 Hz. With

Hawkins Bass Control properly adjusted, this excursion can be reduced to less than 1 mm. This is of great benefit to lowering woofer distortion and increasing output.

t

Adjustment (555

on/y)

An easy method of optimizing your existing subwoofer enclosure with Hawkins

Bass Control is as follows:

1 0 c

1.

Adjust the boost control to full counter clock-wise (0) position.

-5 dB

-10

2. Set the bass control switch to ,5

0

“HAWKINS BASS CONTROL”.

20.

3.

Play moderate to loud bass material.

4.

Adjust the boost (Q) control until you reach the desired level.

-301 0 Frequancy (Hz) 50 100

FIG. 3 Limited Excursion

230

With Soundstream’s Hawkins Bass Control, the boost and frequency control can provide the “tailoring” needed for any type of “assisted” design and any woofer in any type of installation.

14

INSTALLATION STEP 1

SELECTING THE SPEAKER OUTPUT MODE

Channels 1 through 4 of the RUBICON255, 355 & 555 amplifiers have the ability to operate in any one of the following modes:

5CH (Stereo /Mixed

Mono): Use this mode for 5 channel stereo operation (all channels) or for Mixed Mono operation_

3CH (Bridged

Mono): Use this mode to bridge channels l&2

and 3&4 outputs for

3 channel operation.

Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation:

/’

,

hi

.

-

BRlDGi5-MoNO

- R +

\

,;

1

.__

- -rTl \.

5CH

1

‘\

/’

..__

__,’

STEREO

-R+

‘~

15

f INSTALLATION STEP

2 ]

POWER AND GROUND

To ensure maximum output from your RUBICON amplifier, use high quality, lowloss power and ground cables and connections. The RUBICON amplifiers will accept up to 4 or 8 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart below the minimum and maximum gauge power and ground wire for your application_ up to

10’

up to

20’

(RUBICON 1 8 or IO gauge

1

8 gauge only

1 RUBICO/v355

1

8 or 10 gauge

8 gauge only mi[ 4 or8 gauge

1

4 gauge only

/

CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES

EXTERNAL

Like all audio components, the RUBICON amplifier must be fused near the battery.

A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the batterv. This will prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below to determine the correct fuse value.

INTERNAL

The RUBICON255, 355 81 555 amplifier are fused with automotive-type fuses. In the event of blown power supply fuses, replace with the correct value fuse found in the chart below. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is sup-

plied.

This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty!

RUBICON255,355 & 555 Amplifier Fuse Values

Amplifier Fuse

Battery Fuse / Circuit Breaker

IRuaconr255

1

30 amp automotive

1

RUB/CO/V355

(2) 20 amp automotive

40 amp

50 amp

RUBICON555

(2) 30 amp automotive

80 amp

REMOTE TURN-ON

Connect the “Remote” line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When +12

Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.

SIGNAL CABLE

Use a high quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal loss to guarantee optimum performance.

SPEAKER CABLE

The RUBICON amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a high quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.

16

( INSTALLATION STEP 3

INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING

AMPLIFIER LOCA T/ON

The RUBICON amplifier employs highly efficient circuitry, a custom-engineered heat sink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain lower operating temperatures. Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly confied area or when driving especially low impedance loads at extremely high levels.

When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel in the vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk of the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and major electrical components. To provide adequate ventilation, mount the amplifier so that there are at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it.

MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

a.

Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface.

b.

Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.

C.

Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.

WIRING

a.

Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the amplifier b.

from the source unit.

Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit breaker

C.

within 18” of the battery.

Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuit breaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.

d.

Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.

e.

Double check each and every connection!

f.

Reconnect the fuse or circuit breaker.

POWER UP

Power up the system and look at the Power LED; there may be a 2-3 second delay from the time the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on the amp turns on, which is normal. Once the amplifer LED is on and the source unit is playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.

17

( INSTALLATION STEP 4)

LEVEL

SEmlNG

The input levels are adjusted by means of the input level controls located on the front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both level and gain. This topology maintains better S/N Ratio even when using

sources

with minimal output.

In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum undistorted output at the same time. If you send a distorted signal to an amplifier, it is simply going to amplify distorted information. The same holds true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort before you have maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all components to reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output of your system. For the RUBICON amplifier, follow these steps for setting the input levels:

1.

Turn the amplifier’s input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)

2.

Set the source unit volume to approximately 3/4 of full volume.

3.

While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’ input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.

FRONT SPOILER

Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set, place the front spoi I er in position, and secure it using the suppl ied hardware.

,

, \ \

I

I,

+12VWDREM - L +

4 channels of input

2-way front/rear fade with constant level bass

4 channels of 2-way high pass,

(rear

de-emphasis engaged on 555) subwoofer channel in low pass

_

RUBiCGfu255 0 cm r-a cnse4*cx14

SLN-

0 c.

cH2~4.atI~2 cnAnmu2*4

-.

m ] !

CC

FUSE

tl2V REMOTE GND

CHANNELS394

L* -R+ -

SAMPLE SY$TEllU #2 -All

Mode/s

2

channels of input

4 channels of 2-way high pass, (rear de-emphasis engaged on 555)

subwoofer channel in low pass

SAMPLE SYSTEM #3 - /2ss

ag55..

4 channels of input

3 channel operation with satellite to subwoofer fading

2 channels of bridged 2-way high pass, subwooferchannel in low pass

t

SOUNDI- G?Yh”

TOP VIEW

CC

FUSE

+12V REMOTE GND

‘I

FRONT VIEW

LML

IwU7

VOLT lm RiGHI

1.0

1 I

RADIO

+yANNE(b 3

l

4 J

-

TOP V EW t12V REMOTE GND

OUTPUTS

12 3 4SU8

X*OVER BUD lcmms LEVEL

Hz

FRONT VIEW

, RADIO i

CHANNELS 1 l

2

: /

+12V GND REM - L + - R +

CHANNELS 3=4

-L* -R+

/

TOP VIEW

X-OVER

LEVEL

I ___ __.~~.

: BOTTOM VIEW

- -

CHANNELS S-4

- L +

SUB

-R+ -+

e F-------Y

0 X*WER S U B

KJOST

LP

IWWHS Hi

I.0

MOWlNPUlS X*OVER LEVEL

LML I

2

I N P U T X*OVER L E V E L WWr~ OUl

H.P KnI LEFr P!wr

M

I d

HJ votl LEFT IK;HI

H

1 0 1:

RUBICON

/

TOP VIEW

cHANNHs1*2

+12VWDREM - 1 +

- R +

CC

-7

-L___________

CHANNEW 3.4

- L +

sm

-R+ -+

y/F

00y9@@@

)(ooo$@$

I-.

----------- ---___ ~~~~~----~-.------

111 __----

!Al+

3lJB

XaWER LEVEL Epvl

LEVEL

LI!

H.R VMT LEFf RIGHT

X*OVERl.ML BdPUl

H.R wll LEFI Rlwr

I

21

SAMPLE SYSTEM #8

(555 ONLY!)

5

6

channels of input

channel operation

with

frunt rear satellite fading & subwoofer control

4 channels high pass 2-way, rear de-emphasis engaged

subwoofer channel in low

/’

CHANNELS l-2

- 14

-R*

CHANNELS 3*4

-

L.

4 -R4 ee

SUB Q XGVER SUI w

1.0

INPUT

LEFT RSM

M L WUl,~IF(EOUl

LEFT R&Ml

26

TRIDENT PROTECTION CIRCUITRY

Your RUBICON255, 355 & 555 amplifiers are protected against both overheating and short circuits by means of main

power fuses and the following circuits:

+

Speaker Protection

* Ground fault Protection

+ A fail-safe thermal protection circuit

F NOTE: If you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is like/’ that the amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or

in the

speaker itself. Redi& the problem before bowing multiple fuses! DO NOT increase values beyond the original fuse value!

Doing so ~171 void your warranty and may damage your amplifer.

\

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

.

No Sound and power LED is not

Ilt

No sound, power LED is lit

Amplifier output cuts off and on repeatedly

Repeatedly blow amp fuse; frequent activation of Trident protection circuit

Fuse LED is lit

CAUSE

1. No power or ground at the amp

2. No

remote turn-on signal

3.

Blown fuse near the battery

1.

No signal input

2. The

Remote Bass accessory

switch is in the “IN” position.

Move it to the “OUT” position.

1. Speaker output may be shorted to ground. Check for resistivity with an volt meter.

2. Speaker leads may be shorted to each other. Check for continuity with an volt meter.

1. Speaker or leads may be shorted

2. Verify adequate amp ventilation

The power supply fuses on the bottom of the amplifier are blown

SERVICE

Your

Soundstream RUBICON amplifier

is

protected by a limited warranty.

Please read and send in the

enclosed warranty card.

27