How to install and operatethe

DLS CAD11&

DLS CAD15digital mono amplifiers

Welcome!This owners manual is written in easy english anduses a lot of drawings to simply the installation anduse of the above amplifier.

Your DLS amplifier must be installed correctly in or-der to work well. This manual will show you how toinstall the amplifier like a pro. Please read the entiremanual before beginning the installation.Install the amplifier yourself if you feel confident withour instructions and if you have the proper tools.However if you feel unsure, turn over the installa-tion job to someone better suited to it.

Warranty ServiceThis amplifier is covered by warranty, dependingon the conditions in the country where it is sold. Ifthe amplifier is returned for service, please includethe original dated receipt with the product.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance ask the shop where theproduct was sold or the distributor in your very coun-try.You can always phone the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden+ 46 31 84 00 60 or send an e-mail to info@dls.se.Information can also be found on our WEB-sitewww.dls.se

Contents

Specifications................................ 1Features…………………………….. 2Installation…………………….……. 2Tools and materials needed………. 3Amplifier installation kit………….... 3Routing Wires…………………….... 3WiringPower and Outputs……………..…. 4Inputs and controls………………... 5Input level control.......................... 5Crossovers…………...................... 5Phase control.....………………...… 5Bass boost control......................... 6Remote bass level control............. 6Speaker wiring:Single amplifier system………….…. 6Testing............................................. 6Bridging two CAD11......................... 7Bridging two CAD15........................ 8Subwoofer connections…………….. 9Professional tips............................... 10Technical data.................................. 11Trouble shooting.............................. 11

DLS Svenska ABP.O. Box 13029

S-40251 Göteborg, SwedenTel: +46 31 840060Fax: +46 31 844021E-mail: info@dls.se

www.dls.seDLS

Sve

nska

AB

- 2

007-

01-1

0

We follow a policy of continuous advancement indevelopment. For this reason all or part of specifications& designs may be changed without prior notice.

Approval of electromagnetic compatability accordingto the EEC Directive 95/54/EC

E 13 CAD15 approval No: 022944 CAD11 approval No: 022495

CAD11 &15 include

RCA input and outputHigh level input with auto startContinuous variable low pass crossoverContinuous variable subsonic crossoverBass boost featureRemote bass level control

Phase control cont. variable 0-180 degreesBridge mode master / slave selectorElectronic protection circuitry againstshort-circuit, DC offset and thermal overload.

InstallationBefore you begin the install

Before you begin you need to read the manual, to havesome tools, cables and other material available. Thereis one such list of material on the following page.

Amplifier location

Important Allow air circulation around the amplifier.

2

Disconnect Battery

Before starting the instal-lation, always disconnectthe negative terminal ofthe battery.

The DLS Peformance series of amplifiers have acompact design that allows great flexibility inmounting. You can mount it under a seat or in thetrunk.When you select a location, do remember that theamplifier generates a lot of heat.

Choose a location where air can circulate freelyaround the amplifier. Do not cover the amplifier withcarpets or hide behind trim panels.Do not mount the amplifier in an inverted or upsidedown position.

Check all locations and placements carefully beforemaking any cuts, drilling any holes or making anyconnections.This is the best direction tomount the amplifier to getthe best cooling.

CAD11, CAD15

DLS logo on amplifier cooling flange

The DLS logo on top of the amplifier is attachedwith two hex. screws. The logo can be removedand twisted 90 or 180 degrees, and then screwedback in wanted position. The logo can be mountedin four different ways to match your installation.

Removal of side flanges

In order to fasten the amplifier to the surface andconnect speaker and power cables, the flanges onthe sides must be removed. This is done byloosening the hex screws on top of the amplifier.Use a 3 mm hex key.

Remove thesescrews using a 3mm hex. key forremoval of sideflange. Remountafter fastening theamplifier andconnection of thespeaker and powercables.

Tools and material needed

Tools:Flat and Phillips screwdriversWire cutterWire stripperElectric drill with drillsCrimping toolDigital multimeter or test lampWire brush, scraper or a pieceof an abrasive sheet to removepaint for a good ground connectionGrease to protect the groundconnection from corrosion

Material:Speaker wire: minimum12 AWG = 4 mm2 for subwoofers

Sheet metal screws for mounting theamplifier to the amplifier board and theamplifier board to the car + some extrafor fuse holder, amplifier ground etc.

Electrical insulation tape

½ inch thick plywood or particle board forthe amplifier to be mounted upon.

Amplifier installation kit:If available,buy an amplifier installation kit. Itcontains normally all you need. This is what youhave to buy if you buy the items separately

20- 25 feet = 6- 7.5 meter power cable,preferably AWG 0 (50 mm2 ) for CAD15 &4AWG (21mm2) for CAD11

1 pc of ANL fuseholder to install close to thecar battery + fuse. CAD11= 150A, CAD15=200A

20 feet of AWG 15 = 1,5 mm2 wire forremote turn on / off cable from radio.

RCA-cable for input from radio.- 20 feet or 5 meter for trunk installations-12 feet or 2 – 3 meter for under seatinstallations

One ring crimp terminalfor the amplifier ground connection.

Wire ties

Insulating grommet or insulating tube

Routing wires

Stereohead unit

3

Professional Tip:

If amplifier installation kits are available with diffe-rent size of power cable, chose the most heavypower cable to improve sound quality and to allowmore amplifiers to be installed now or later.If possible buy AWG 0 = 50 mm2 (or heavier) cablefor best performance of CAD15, or AWG4 (21 mm2)for CAD11.

High current drawThe CAD11 / 15 are mono amplifiers with high poweroutput. The current draw is also high so you must makesure that your vehicles power system (battery andalternator) can provide all the power you need. If youhave a bad battery or alternator in can result in a poorsound or even worse, a broken battery or alternator.

CAD11, CAD15

WiringPower and OutputsPower terminal ( +12V)

+12V REM GND

Remote terminal ( REM )

For RCA cable signal input:Connect the radio power antenna lead = remoteturn on/off from the car stereo to the amplifier remoteconnection. This turns on the amplifier wheneverthe car stereo is turned on.You can either use the built in remote cable in theRCA cable itself or use a separate cable.Sometimes a small disturbance may enter theamplifier coming from the remote voltage , throughthe built in remote wire and into the RCA cable.Thus we recommend to use a separate remote wireand run the RCA lead separate from remote wire,power cables and speaker cables. If there is no remote voltage available from the ste-reo, you must connect to the ignition key throughthe radio or any accessories fuse.

4

DLS FH 2Bfuse holder

Connect to a good chassis ground. The groundconnection should be clean, unpainted metal to prov-ide a good electrical connection. Use a wire brush,a scraper or a piece of an abrasive sheet to cleanthe metal. Use a lock washer or two to securecontact. Protect with silicon grease or by paintapplied afterwards. Use the same cable area for theground cable as for the + cable.

+12V REM GND

+12V REM GND

Power Light / Protect lightThe power light (green ) comes on whenthe amplifier is turned on.

The protect light ( red ) comes onwhen the amplifier shuts down fromoverheating or short circuit.

Fuses

Use only ATC bladetype fuses. CAD11 usesfour 30 amp fuses.CAD15 use four 40 ampfuses

40A

For High Level input:We recommend you to connect the remote wireas described above. The amplifier will produce softon / soft off operation this way. You must set the Hilevel/Low level switch to Low level position in thiscase.In the case that there is no remote voltage availablefrom the car stereo or you want to simplify the in-stallation, the amplifier can be turned on/ turnedoff by the high level input voltage. This is donewhen the Hi level/Low level switch is set to Hi levelposition. There is a small disadvantage that thisfunction gives soft turn off operation but some plopsound when switching off.

Connect the battery cable to the +12 Volt on theamplifier. If you want to improve the power capacityyou can add a Power capacitor of 1 Farad in parallelwith the DC input. See the drawing on page 7.Be sure to use a rubber grommet or a plasticinsulating tube where the cable passes the firewallor other places when it can easily be jammed.Use wire ties to secure to existing cables in theengine room.

Protect(Red)

Power(Green)

Ground Terminal ( GND )

Connect the fuse holder as close to the vehiclebattery + as possible, using AWG 0 = 50 mm2.Use ring crimp terminal cable to connect tobattery +. Apply silicon grease to the fuse toprevent corrosion. Use a fuse holder for ANLfuses like the DLS FH2B.

REM +12V GND

DLS

REM +12V GND

REM +12V GND

CAD11, CAD15

+12V REM GND

CAD11 DC input CAD15DC input

CAD15DC input

+12V REM GND

+12V REM GND

CAD15DC input

CAD11 DC input

CAD11 DC input

ImportantUse either the low level or the high level input, donot use both at same time.Low level inputUse a pair of shielded stereo audio cables with RCAtype jack. Most trunk-mount amplifiers need a 20feet RCA cable ( appr 5 – 6 meters). Most underthe seat installations require12 feet ( 2 – 3 meters) RCAcables. Avoid placing the RCAcable close to speaker cables,power cables and remotecontrol cable. Connect to in-put socket A & B.

High Level InputConnect left and right speaker wires coming fromthe car stereo to the high level input as shown. Youmust connect both plus and minus as the inputsare balanced, connecting plus only gives lower leveland bad sound quality. By changing the polarity ofplus and minus, you can change the phase.

Hi level input plug on amp.

Automatic turn on when using high level input.With the Hi/Low input swich set to Hi, the amplifier turnson automatically on high input. You dont need to connecta separate remote wire from your head unit.When using High Level input:Set the switch to position ”Hi / Level”When using Low level input:Set the switch to position ”Low / Level”If the switch is set to wrongposition, the amplifier stillworks, but the risk fordisturbances or distortionincreases.

Input and controls

5

Input Level control

Subsonic filter

The Subsonic filter blocks the verydeepest frequencies from reaching thesubwoofers. It has a variablefrequency from 15 to 50 Hz. A typicalsetting is 25-30 Hz.

Low Pass Filter

The LPF ( low pass filter ) allow lowfrequencies only and blocks higherfrequencies. A typical setting is 60 – 80Hz. Choose the setting that sounds bestin your car.

Phase control

The phase control can be setcontinuously from 0 - 180 degrees. Thisis very useful when you want to adjustthe bass sound for best front stageimage.Start at 0 and turn the control slowlyclockwise until you experience the basssound coming from the front.You may have to change the polarity ofthe speaker connection to get the bestresult.

High Input White : Ach.+White/Black : A ch.-Grey/Black : B ch.-Grey : Bch.+

Input WiringInputs may be low level from the RCA output of the carstereo or high level from the car stereo speakeroutput.Low level = RCA is to prefer for the best soundquality.

Subsonic

15Hz 50Hz

LPF

15Hz 150Hz

The input level control, 5V – 0,15 V,matches the output of your radio to theinput of the amplifier. After installationis complete, make sure the input of theamplifier is turned down all the way (counter-clockwise at 5V ). Play a tapeor CD, make sure all bass or treblesettings or equalizer are flat, and turnthe volume of the radio up until youjust start to hear distortion. Turn thevolume control down just a bit. On theamplifier increase the input level control( clockwise or to the right ) until you juststart to hear distortion, then back thelevel control just a bit. Now your radioand amplifier levels are matched.

Level

5 V 0,15 V

Phase

0o 180o

Hi / Level

Low / Level

1212

121212

1212

1212

CAD 15

CAD11, CAD15

Bass boost control is used to setthe bass volume. You can select theamplification between 0 dB and +18dB at a 45 Hz center frequency.This function is used to compensatefor the bass box function and to adjustfor your own taste of bass. Set levelcontrol at 0 dB if you want it to beinoperative.

Bass boost control

RCA Output

Use RCA Outputs toconnect additionalamplifiers.

Ouput Input

A A

B B

Single amplifier system

You can fine tune your bass soundfrom the front of your car. Connectthe external bass level control box tothe remote socket on the rear panel.The remote control will replacethe bass boost function onthe amplifier while the levelcontrol is unaffected.

Remote Bass level (bass boost) control

Bass Level

Remote

TestingBefore you finish the installation, you should do thefollowing tests to make sure the wiring is correctand everything is operating properly.

Test power wiring 1. Turn on the head unit but do not turn up

the volume. The amplifier power lightshould come on. If not, check the remoteand +12 volt wires. Also check the groundconnection.

2. Turn up the head units volume slightly. Allspeakers should operate. if not, checkwiring connections at amplifier andspeakers.

The Subsonic filter at 25-30 Hz and the LPF filtersetting at 60-80 Hz.

Filter settings

121212

121212

1212

1212

From low leveloutput of head unit

To input ofadditional amps.

Reconnect BatteryWhen wiring is complete,reconnect the batterynegative terminal.

NOTE!Minimum speaker load is one (1) ohm. You canconnect four 4 ohm subwoofers or two 2 ohmsubwoofers to the amplifier. Loads or speakerimpedances less than 1 ohm could result in poorsound quality and/or damage to amplifier.

6

Master / Slave switchmust be set to Master

Connection of DC-input and Remote level control,see page 7 & 8.

Bass Boost

0 dB 18 dB

Subsonic

15Hz 50Hz

LPF

15Hz 150Hz

CAD 15

CAD11, CAD15

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

CAD11

Bridging two CAD11

Remote basslevel control.

123123123123

12121212

1212

To Remote onhead unit

GROUND

Battery

Fuse

Distributionblock

Power Cap

You can connect two CAD11 inbridge mode.One of the amplifiers is ”Master”that controls the signal to thesecond amplifier that should beused in ”Slave” position. The sig-nal is fed through the Data linkcable. Connect the amplifiers asin the drawing below.

Master slave selector & Data linkconnection

DataLink

1212

1212

121212

121212

1212

1212

12121212

Speakerimpedance:4 ohm/2 ohm

From low leveloutput of head unit

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridged switch:Slave position

Bridged switch:Master position

Connection of DC-input (to both amplifiers) and Remote sub levelcontrol (to Master amplifier).

7

Connecting two CAD11 in bridge mode willdouble the output power. Minimum speakerload is then 2 ohms. The RCA signal must beconnected only to the amplifer set to run as”Master”. The filters as well as the level controlis only working on the ”Master” amplifier.Bridging two amplifiers can be done onlybetween amplifiers of the same modelOutput power in bridge mode withtwo CAD11:4 ohm load: 1500 watts2 ohm load: 2000 Watts1 ohm load: Do not use!!! Modular 4-pole cable to connect

between Data Link sockets

Bridging two CAD15

Remote basslevel control.

To Remote onhead unit

You can connect two CAD15 inbridge mode.One of the amplifiers is ”Master”that controls the signal to thesecond amplifier that should beused in ”Slave” position. The sig-nal is fed through the Data linkcable. Connect the amplifiers asin the drawing below.

Master slave selector & Data linkconnection

DataLink

1212

121212

12121212

1212

1212

12121212

Speakerimpedance:4 ohm/2 ohm

From low leveloutput of head unit

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridgedmode

MasterSlave

Bridged switch:Slave position

Bridged switch:Master position

Connection of DC-input (to both amplifiers) and Remote sub levelcontrol (to Master amplifier).

8

Connecting two CAD15 in bridge mode willdouble the output power. Minimum speakerload is then 2 ohms. The RCA signal must beconnected only to the amplifer set to run as”Master”. The filters as well as the level controlis only working on the ”Master” amplifier.Bridging two amplifiers can be done onlybetween amplifiers of the same model

Output power in bridge mode withtwo CAD15:4 ohm load: 1800 watts2 ohm load: 3200 Watts1 ohm load: Do not use!!!

Modular 4-pole cable to connectbetween Data Link sockets

CAD 15

CAD 15

GROUNDBattery

Fuse

Distributionblock

Power Cap

11 123

123123123123123123

123123123123123123

CAD15

CONNECTION OF SUBWOOFERS TO DLS MONO AMPS

Connection of a subwooferwith 4 ohm single voice coilImpedance = 4 ohm

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

Connection of a subwooferwith 4 ohm dual voice coilsImpedance = 2 ohm

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

Connection of two subwooferswith 4 ohm single voice coilImpedance = 2 ohm

+

+

4Ω

4Ω-

-

Connection of four subwooferswith 4 ohm single voice coilImpedance = 1 ohm

+-

+

+

-

-4Ω

4Ω

+

+

-

-4Ω

4Ω

+

+

-

-4Ω

4Ω

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

Connection of two subwooferswith 4 ohm dual voice coilsImpedance = 1 ohm

+-4Ω

On DLS mono amplifiers, with dual speaker connectors,both the + and - terminals are internally connected inparallel.CAD11 and CAD15 has a speaker terminal differentfrom this illustration, but we hope you understand whatwe mean.

9

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

+

+

-

-4Ω

4Ω

+

+

-

-4Ω

4Ω

4Ω

+-

+-

+-

Amplifier speaker terminal - - + +

4Ω

4Ω

4Ω

Connection of two subwooferswith 4 ohm dual voice coils inparallel and then in series to theamplifier with a resultingimpedance of 4 ohms.

If you connect two subwoofers with2 ohm voice coils in this way theresulting impedance is 2 ohms.

NOISE PROBLEMS

WHINING NOISE VARYING WITH ENGINEREVOLUTIONS:

Do this:1. Rewire the power supply (12 V) to source

unit direct from battery.2. Rewire ground wire from source unit to

clean position on chassis.3. Check all power connections to ensure that

they are clean and tight.4. Check quality of system ground connection.5. Install a Power Cap capacitor. This can be

helpful against most noise problems.

CONSTANT WHINING NOISE:

Do this:1. Ensure that all equipment has a common

ground point.2. Check quality of earth strap connection from

battery negative terminal to chassis.3. Disconnect signal cables from amplifier to

see if noise disappears. If so the leads arepicking up noise. Test this by laying a newcable over the seats and reconnecting to theamplifier. If the noise does not return, re-route original cable away from source ofinterference.If noise remains regardless of cable position,try to use so called Quasi-balanced signalcables. DLS PRO or ULTIMATE cables arequasibalanced.

SPEAKER POLARITY CHECK.

All speakers in a car audio system should beconnected in phase (the same polarity). All spea-ker cones must move in the same direction. Out ofphase speakers will cause a lack of bass, and apoor stereo soundstage.

Checking polarity:Hold the - connection of the speaker wire to the -terminal of a 1,5 Volt flashlight battery. Tap the +wire on to the + terminal of the battery, and observethe movement of the cone. The cone should moveoutwards when the wire touches the battery, andinwards when the battery is removed. If it is the otherway around, the speaker has been connectedbackwards and it must be removed and connectedcorrectly.If your system also has a subwoofer connectedthrough a passive 6 or 12 dB crossover, try toconnect this with various polarity and judge whatsounds best. The phase shift in passive crossoverssometimes makes it necessary to change polarity.

+

-

+

-

Battery1,5 Volt

Professional Tip:Professional Tip:

Professional Tip: Professional Tip:

Installing in trunkWhen installing the amplifier in the trunk, run thepower wires along the same path as the othervehicle wiring. Many cars have insulated channelsfor wiring. you will have to remove the door sill trimand the carpet.

Securing wiresUse wire ties to bundle together when possible.(But never bundle speaker wires or signal cablestogether with power wires.

Professional Tip:

Professional Tip:

Speaker and power wiresDo not run speaker and power wires next to eachother. Power wires can generate a ”siren” sound inthe speakers. Runs speaker and power wires onopposite sides of the car.

Crimp connectionsPurchase crimp connectors and crimping tool.Connectors are color coded.

1. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from the wire.2. Insert into connector3. Crimp tightly

10

CAD15

DLS PERFORMANCE CAD11 CAD15

Number of channels 1 1Power output in 4 ohm (0,4% THD) 1 x 400 W 1 x 550 WPower output in 2 ohm (0,7% THD) 1 x 750 W 1 x 900 WPower output in 1 ohm (1% THD) 1 x 1050 W 1 x 1600 WAll above output power ratings at 13,8 VoltSignal to noise ratio, A-weighted >100 dB >100 dBDamping factor >100 >100Frequency response 15 Hz - 160 Hz 15 Hz - 160 HzInput impedance, low level 10 kohm 10 kohmInput impedance, high level 100 ohm 100 ohmInput sensitivity 0,15 - 5V 0,15-5 VPhase control 0-180 degrees variable yes yesRemote bass boost level control yes yesBass boost adjustable gain @45 Hz 0 - +18 dB 0 - +18 dBFilter subsonic, 24 dB slope 15 - 50 Hz 15 - 50 HzFilter lowpass 24 dB slope 15 - 150 Hz 15 - 150 HzBridge mode (master/slave selector) yes yesMax size for power cables 21 mm2 (4AWG) 50 mm2 (0AWG)Max size for speaker cables 10 mm2 (7AWG) 6 mm2 (10AWG)Power consumption, idle 1,5 A 2 AMaximum current draw 120 A 160 ABuilt-in fan cooling yes yesFuse 4 x 30A 4 x 40ADimensions (mm) 70x444x268 70x473x268Dimensions (inch) 2,92x17,48x10,55 2,92x18,62x10,55Weight 5,8 kg (12,79 lB) 6,4 kg ( 14,33 lb)

CAD11, CAD15

Specifications

If problems occur during the installation, or later,this guide might help you to find out whats´swrong.

The amplifier is dead:1. Check power lead, ground and connections at the amplifier using a multi meter.2. Check the battery terminal connections.3. Check the power lead fuse or circuit breaker. If fuse damage continues, inspect the power lead for short circuits.4. Check the amplifier protection fuses. Are these broken change to new ones with the same value. If short circuiting continues, contact your local DLS dealer. A fault may exist in the amplifier.5. To start the amplifier requires a remote voltage of 9-15 volt. Check the voltage with a multi meter.

Amplifier protection fuse blows at lowvolume:One or more speaker cables are shorted. Make aninsulation test with a multi meter. The cables mustnot have a connection to earth.

TroubleshootingThe amplifier turns off after 10-30 minu-tes:The amplifier is overheating due to inadequate ven-tilation. Check mounting position is free fromobstruction.

Do this:1. Move the amplifier to a place with better ventil- ation.2. Install one or two fans to cool down the heat- sink.3. Overheating can also be caused by an impedance load below the level permitted.

No output from the speakers:

Check the following:1. Speaker cable connections to both amplifier and subwoofers.2. Signal lead plugs and cables.

11

DLS Svenska ABP.O. Box 13029

SE-40251 Göteborg, SwedenTel: +46 31 840060Fax: +46 31 844021E-mail: info@dls.se

www.dls.se