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5 channel
Active
Subwoofer
Sony Corporation
© 1999 Printed in U.S.A
Operating Instructions
XS-AW850
3-866-441-11 (1)
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the unit.
Record the serial number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. XS-AW850 Serial No.
* Pulse power supply
This unit has a built-in power regulator which converts
the power supplied by the DC 12 V car battery into high
speed pulses using a semiconductor switch. These pulses
are stepped up by the built-in pulse transformer and
separated into both positive and negative power supplies
before being converted into direct current again. This is to
regulate fluctuating voltage from the car battery. This
light weight power supply system provides a highly
efficient power supply with a low impedance output.
Features
·Maximum power output of 50 watts
× 4 (at 4
ohms) + 120 watts (at 6 ohms, subwoofer).
·Direct connections can be made with the
speaker outputs of your car audio if it is not
equipped with the line output (High level
input connection).
·High-pass filter circuit built-in.
·Protection circuit provided.
·Pulse power supply* for stable, regulated
output power.
Connections
Caution
·Before making any connections, disconnect the
ground terminal of the car battery to avoid short
circuits.
·Be sure to use speakers with an adequate power
rating. If you use small capacity speakers, they
may be damaged.
·Do not connect the
' terminal of the speaker
system to the car chassis, and do not connect the
' terminal of the right speaker with that of the
left speaker.
·Install the input and output cords away from the
power supply lead as running them close
together can generate some interference noise.
·This unit is a high-power amplifier. Therefore, it
may not perform to its full potential if used with
the speaker cords supplied with the car.
·If your car is equipped with a computer system
for navigation or some other purpose, do not
remove the ground wire from the car battery. If
you disconnect the wire, the computer memory
may be erased. To avoid short circuits when
making connections, disconnect the +12 V power
supply lead until all the other leads have been
connected.
Make the terminal connections as illustrated below.
REMOT
E +12V
GND
REMOTE
+12V
GND
µ
Note
Tighten the screws firmly, but be
careful not to apply too much force* as
doing so may damage the screws.
*
The torque value should be less than
1 N·m.
Pass the leads
through the cap,
connect the
leads, then
cover the
terminals with
the cap.
Power Connection Leads
Car audio
Fuse (25 A)
+12 V car battery
to a metal point of
the car
*
When using a car audio without a remote output on the amplifier and when making a high level input connection, connect the
accessory power supply of the car to the ACC. When the unit receives a signal, the power of the unit turns on automatically. If
the unit does not receive a continuous signal for approximately 10 seconds, the power of the unit turns off automatically.
Notes on the power supply
· Connect the +12 V power supply lead only after all the other
leads have been connected.
· Be sure to connect the ground lead of the unit
securely to a metal surface of the car. A loose
connection may cause the amplifier to malfunction.
· Be sure to connect the remote control lead of the car audio to
the remote terminal.
· Use the power supply lead with a fuse attached (25 A).
Remote output*
(REM OUT)
· Place the fuse in the power supply lead as close as possible to
the car battery.
· Make sure that the leads to be connected to the +12 V and
GND terminals of this unit are larger than 10-Gauge (AWG-
10) or have a sectional area of more than 5 mm2.
· When using the optional RC-46 power amplifier connecting
cord, consult that manual for proper use.
Direct speaker cord connection
Cord diameter 0.3 ­ 1.25 mm (AWG 22 ­ 16)
Flat-head screwdriver
11 mm (7/16 in.)
Input Connections
High Level Input Connection
Line Input Connection
Car audio
LINE OUT
Front
Rear
Speaker Connections
4-Speaker System
Front speakers
(min. 4
)
Right
Right
Left
Rear speakers
(min. 4
)
For details on the settings of switches and
controls, refer to "Location and Function
of Controls."
Left
Car audio
not supplied
Left speaker
Right speaker
Left speaker
Right speaker
Front
Rear
Location and Function of Controls
1 Cut-off frequency adjustment control
Sets the cut-off frequency (50­150 Hz) for the high-pass filters.
2 MODE select switch
The switch can be used to change the subwoofer output as follows.
FRONT : Outputs the input signal to the FRONT input jack.
F+R
: Outputs the input signal to the FRONT and REAR input
jacks.
3 PHASE select switch (Subwoofer only)
Use this switch to change the phase of the reproduced sound to
match your audio system.
4 LEVEL control
Turn this control to adjust the subwoofer output level.
5 POWER/PROTECTOR indicator
Lights up in green while the unit is in operation. The color will change
from green to amber and the unit will shut down when the protection
circuit is activated if a DC current is generated.
HI-PASS FILTER
FRONT
50Hz
150Hz
REAR
MODE
SUB WOOFER
50Hz
150Hz
F + R
F
LEVEL
MIN
MAX
PHASE
+
­
FREQUENCY
Cut-off frequency
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
10
100
1k
HIGH PASS
50Hz
80Hz
150Hz
Hz
`
White
`
Gray
''
`
Green
`
Blue
''
White
Gray
Green
Blue
When using a car audio without a remote output on the amplifier,
connect the accessory power supply of the car to the ACC (When
connecting to high level input connecting).
not supplied
Black
Black
*
The unit turns the power on or off
automatically depending whether the
power of the car audio is turned on or off
when an ACC power supply cord of the car
audio is connected to the unit.
*
The unit does not turn on or off together with the
car audio when an ACC power supply cord of the
car audio is connected to the unit.
Be sure to connect the remote control lead of the car
audio to the remote terminal.


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Installation
Parts list
23
ø5
× 20
× 4
1
ø5
× 25
× 4
Before installation
·Choose the installation location carefully so that
the unit does not interfere with driving and/or
visibility.
·Avoid installing the unit where it would be
subject to high temperatures, such as from direct
sunlight or heater exhaust, or where it would be
subject to dust, dirt, or excessive vibration.
·This unit may cause interference in the car audio
or other A/V devices. If this occurs, relocate the
unit at least 50 cm from the affected device.
·Use only the supplied mounting hardware for a
safe and secure installation.
·Consult your nearest Sony dealer for the location
of an authorized installer if you require
assistance.
Note on mounting board (not supplied)
It is recommended that a mounting board be used for safe
installation. The board should be thicker than 18 mm (3/4 in.) to
accept the supplied mounting screws.
1
Fasten the fittings 1 securely to the unit with the screws
2.
2
Fasten the unit securely to the mounting board with the
screws 3.
Precautions
·This unit is designed for negative ground 12 V
DC operation only.
·Use speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms.
·Do not connect any active speakers (with built-in
amplifiers) to the speaker terminals of the unit.
Doing so may damage the active speakers.
·Avoid installing the unit in areas subject to:
-- high temperatures such as from direct
sunlight or hot air from the heater
-- rain or moisture
-- dust or dirt.
·If your car is parked in direct sunlight and there
is a considerable rise in temperature inside the
car, allow the unit to cool down before use.
·Be sure to install the unit horizontally so that the
air duct of the cooling fan or its fin will not be
covered with carpet etc.
·If this unit is placed too close to the car radio or
antenna, interference may occur. In this case,
relocate the amplifier away from the car radio or
antenna.
·If no power is being supplied to the master unit,
check the connections.
·This power amplifier employs a protection
circuit* to protect the transistors and speakers if
the amplifier malfunctions. Do not attempt to test
the protection circuit by covering the heat sink or
overloading the circuit.
·Do not use the unit on a weak battery as its
optimum performance depends on a good power
supply.
·For safety reasons, keep your car audio volume
moderate so that you can still hear sounds
outside your car.
Fuse Replacement
If the fuse blows, check the power connection and
replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again after
replacement, there may be an internal malfunction.
In such a case, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Warning
When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one
matching the amperage stated above the fuse
holder. Never use a fuse with an amperage rating
exceeding the one supplied with the unit as this
could damage the unit.
* Protection circuit
This amplifier is provided with a protection circuit that
activates when a DC current is generated.
The color of the POWER/PROTECTOR indicator will change
from green to amber, and the unit will shut down.
If this happens, turn off the connected equipment, take out the
cassette tape or disc, and determine the cause of the
malfunction. If the amplifier has overheated, wait until the
unit cools down before use.
If you have any questions or problems concerning
your unit that are not covered in this manual,
please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Troubleshooting Guide
The following checklist will assist in the correction of most problems which you may encounter with your unit.
Before going through the checklist below, refer to the connection and operating procedures.
Specifications
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
22 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 ohms,
both channels driven from 100 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 1% total
harmonic distortion.
Other Specifications
Speaker section
Woofer
20 cm, cone type
Impedance
6 ohm
Power amplifier section
Circuit system
OTL (output transformerless)
circuit
Pulse power supply
Inputs
RCA pin jacks
High level input connector
Outputs
Speaker connector
Speaker impedance 4
(stereo)
Maximum outputs Front/Rear outputs:
50 watts
× 4 (at 4 ohms)
Subwoofer output:
120 watts
× 1 (at 6 ohms)
Rated outputs (supply voltage at 14.4 V)
Front/Rear outputs:
22 watts
× 4 (100 Hz ­ 20 kHz,
1 % THD, at 4 ohms)
Subwoofer output:
60 watts (100 Hz, 1 % THD, at
6 ohms)
Frequency response Front/Rear outputs:
50 Hz ­ 50 kHz ( dB)
Harmonic distortion
Front/Rear 0.1 % or less (at
1 kHz)
Subwoofer 0.05 % or less (at
100 Hz)
Input sensitivity
0.7 V (RCA pin jacks)
8.0 V (High level input)
High-pass filter
50 ­ 150 Hz, ­12 dB/oct
System Section
Power requirements
12 V DC car battery
(negative ground)
Power supply voltage
10.5 ­ 16 V
Current drain
at rated output: 19 A
Remote input: 1.5 mA
Dimensions
Approx. 380
× 226 × 190 mm
(w/h/d) (15
× 9 × 7 1/2 in.) not
incl. projecting parts and
controls
Mass
Approx. 6.4 kg (14 lb.) not incl.
accessories
Supplied accessories
Mounting screws (ø5
× 20: 4,
ø5
× 25: 4), Fittings (4),
Terminal Cap
Optional accessories
Connecting cord for power
amplifier RC-46
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
HI-PASS FILTER
FRONT
50Hz
100Hz
REAR
MODE
SUB WOOFER
INPUT
HIGH LEVEL
INPUT
SPEAKER
OUT
ACC
REMOTE
30A
POWER/
PROTECTOR
+12V
GND
50Hz
100Hz
F + R
F
LEVEL
MIN
MAX
PHASE
+
­
Dimensions
Unit: mm (in.)
× 4
1
2
3
380 (15)
335 (13 1/4)
226
(9)
190
(7
1 /
2
)
180
(7
1 /
8
)
Problem
The POWER/PROTECTOR
indicator does not light up.
· The POWER/PROTECTOR indicator
flashes.
· The unit heats up abnormally.
Alternator noise is heard.
The subwoofer sound is too low.
Cause/Solution
The fuse is blown. n Replace the fuse with a new one.
The ground lead is not securely connected. n Fasten the ground lead securely
to a metal point of the car.
The voltage going into the remote terminal is too low.
· The connected master unit is not turned on. n Turn on the master unit.
· The system employs too many amplifiers. n Use a relay.
Check the battery voltage (10.5 ­ 16 V).
The remote control lead of the car audio is not connected to the remote terminal
when making a line input connection. n Be sure to connect the remote control
lead of the car audio to the remote terminal.
Use speakers with suitable impedance (4
).
The speaker outputs are short-circuited. n Rectify the cause of the shortcircuit.
The power connecting leads are installed too close to the RCA pin cords. n
Keep the leads away from the cords.
The ground lead is not securely connected. n Fasten the ground lead securely
to a metal point of the car.
Negative speaker leads are touching the car chassis. n Keep the leads away
from the car chassis.
The level adjustment control is set to the "MIN" position.