Soundstream Technologies PICASSO Stereo Amplifier User's Manual
Contents
1. 6 7 Selecting Input Mode sa ie EE catia seal ala ED Es 8 521 11 1016 2197 6881016 1 1000 1001171017665 177 5777517 EE 9 Mining viii Dia dra EE 10 Installati nand ei Le Le E 11 LEvelSellind se se 12 System Installation Diagrams EE 13 17 Protection GIN AA E Eege 18 Troubleshooting es RE I a Di da a eneee 18 SMEER EA OE EE aaa 19 else issie AR AE A E NG NE NENG NENG EN WENG EEN 19 ATTENTION Your new Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier is a purist high fidelity amplifier designed to maximize the performance of 4 or 2 ohm component loudspeakers Do not waste its musicality trying to drive subwoofers For high current low impedance DESIGN FEATURES e Audiophile Circuit Topology The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO is designed with the shortest signal path possible resulting in the most sonically transparent amplifier Soundstream has ever built e2 ohm Satellite Drive Ability The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier is designed to drive satellite speaker loads down to 2 ohm stereo 4 ohm mono e Esoteric Quality Components including polypropelene capacitors in the signal path and high performance monolithic dual ultra low noise precision operational amplifiers to ensure the fullest clearest musical reproduction possible e Pure Class Output Topology for the utmost in musicality and definitive power outp2. FULL RANGE SPEAKERS FULL RANGE SPEAKERS Head Unit CHANNELS 1 amp 2 CHANNELS 3 amp 4 CIT INTERNAL II EXTERNAL i FROM CH BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO 1 amp 2 INPUT GD 1 STEREO MIXED MONO BRIDGE BRIDGED MONO EXTERNAL INPUT FROM NG CH 4 OR INTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 2 re 13 SAMPLE SYSTEM 2 4 channels of high pass input to the PICASSO 4 channels of high pass output to satellite speakers External input to channels 3 amp 4 from an external crossover 2 channels of low pass input to the Class A 10 0 or other amplifier 1 Bridged Mono channel of low pass output to subwoofers PICASSO Handeraftedh the U S A 12v GND REMCTE LelNPUT R Ee av BALANCED geg SC ee FUSE S mm ih am DO 00 oe 8 OP 0999 de fd OE LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT gt Be d fe SATELLITE SPEAKERS SATELLITE SPEAKERS HIGH PASS OUTPUT i LOW PASS OUTPUT Head Unit CROSSOVER Class A 10 0 z OO 552 HOOP PICASSO BOTTOM PLATE SWI
3. in the system 5 If you can t get enough gain out of the amplifier set the input level switch to the 0 2 2 0 Volt position and Zen Eer res 0 2 2 0 5 5v BAL UNBAL BAL UNBAL INPUT INPUT LEVEL L INPUT SIGNAL R OVERLOAD If your preamplifier source unit has an extremely high output level be sure to pay attention to the clipping indicators located on the top of the amplifier These indicators will notify you if you are clipping the PREAMPLIFIER stage of the amplifier If the amplifier s output is distorted and the clipping lights are not blinking you are most likely clipping the OUTPUTS of the amplifier or driving the speaker to distortion NOTE Even though the S N ratio with low output sources is better with the PICASSO amplifier than others your best combination of output level and Signal to Noise ratio will be achieved when the input levels are set between 500 mV and 5 0 V SAMPLE SYSTEM 1 4 channels of input 4 channels of full range output External input to channels 3 4 Handcratted In the U S A LEVEL LeINPUT R LEVEL LeINPUT R 112 GND REMOTE rk kt Core E EE GC LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT
4. ED MONO 1 amp 2 INPUT 1 BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO BRIDGED MONO EXTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 4 OR INTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 2 17 0009600090 NN PROTECTION CIRCUITRY Your REFERENCE Class A PICASSO is protected against both overheating and short circuits by means of the following circuits e Main power supply fuses e Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback activating at 85 C e A fail safe thermal protection circuit activating at 95 C Your amplifier also incorporates an innovative Fault Diagnosis system that identifies a blown power supply fuse NOTE If you experience blown main power supply fuse DO NOT increase value beyond the 30 Amp fuse Doing so will void your warranty and may damage your amplifier TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE No sound and power LEDs e no power or ground at amp are not lit e no remote turn on signal e blown fuse near battery Fault LED is lit e amp power supply fuse is blown or missing Repeatedly blown amp fuse e speaker or leads may be shorted frequent activation of Smart 15 verify adequate amplifier ventilation No output from channels 3 amp e Select Internal from ch s 1 amp 2 on Ch 3 amp 4 input on the bottom of 4 with 1 pair of RCA inputs the amplifier see page 15 Not enough input sensitivity e Be sure both Left and Right Input Signal Switches are set to the while using Balanced input BAL position Left and Right Input Overload e Input signa
5. INSTALLATION STEP 3 WIRING POWER AND GROUND To ensure maximum output from your REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier use high quality low loss power and ground cables The PICASSO amplifier will accept up to 4 gauge power and ground cables Determine from the chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application up to 10 up to 20 PICASSO Soundstream Power40 or Power80 Soundstream Power40 4 or 8 ga 4 ga CIRCUIT BREAKERS FUSES INTERNAL The PICASSO amplifier is fused with a 30 Amp automotive type fuse Never replace the fuses with a higher value than what is supplied This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty In the event of blown power supply fuses the Fault indicator on the top panel will light The fuse is accessible on the front of the amplifier EXTERNAL Like all audio components the PICASSO amplifier must be fused near the battery A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18 of the battery This will prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable A 40 Amp fuse is recommended REMOTE TURN ON Connect the Remote 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 Soundstream s DL1 and SL1 are ideal SPEAKER CABLE The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier will accept up to 8 ga
6. ITCH SETTINGS SUBWOOFERS CHANNELS 1 amp 2 CHANNELS 3 amp 4 INTERNAL EXTERNAL am FROM CH CM BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO 1 amp 2 INPUT a BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO BRIDGED MONO EXTERNAL INPUT FROM SAMPLE SYSTEM 5 2 channels of high pass input to the PICASSO with 2 stereo channels driving tweeters 2 channels of band pass input to the PICASSO with 2 stereo channels driving mid range speakers External input to channels 3 amp 4 from an external crossover 2 channels of low pass input to the Class A 10 0 or other amplifier 1 Bridged Mono channel of low pass output to subwoofers PICASSO Handicratted Ih the U S A LEVEL LeINPUT R 11 END REMOTE ER 2v 02 BALANCED RE TTNG WAN BALANCED i 2009 do 89 DE 2000 55 KOS LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT EE Z MID RANGE SATELLITE SPEAKERS TWEETERS MID RANGE OUTPUT HIGH PASS TWEETER OUTPUT Head Unit 3 WAY LOW PASS OUTPUT Adens CROSSOVER Class A 10 0 E OOOG 2225 BOO PICASSO BOTTOM PLATE SWITCH SETTINGS SUBWOOFERS CHANNELS 1 42 CHANNELS 3 amp 4 INTERNAL EXTERNAL Go FROM CH BRIDGE STEREO MIX
7. REFERENCE Class A PICASSO 4 3 2 Channel Power Amplifier OWNERS MANUAL AND INSTALLATION GUIDE SOUNDS IAM T H N OL O G I E S amp S CONGRATULATIONS You now own the REFERENCE Class A PICASSO Amplifier the most musical amplifier ever created for the 12 volt environment Your Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO 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 capabilities and features Please retain this manual and your sales and installation receipts for future reference Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American craftsmanship and the highest quality control standards and when properly installed 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 Serial Dealer s Name Date of Purchase Installation Shop Installation Date CAUTION Prolonged listening at high levels may result in hearing loss Even though your new Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier sounds better than anything you ve ever heard exercise caution to TABLE OF CONTENTS Design Features vr ED 4 5 REFERENCE Class A PICASSO Diagram dd Dee We ie eek
8. TCH SETTINGS CHANNELS 1 8 2 CL BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO CHANNELS 3 amp 4 INTERNAL CM EXTERNAL FROM CH 1 amp 2 INPUT an 1 BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO BRIDGED MONO EXTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 4 OR INTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 2 14 F SUBWOOFERS SAMPLE SYSTEM 3 2 channels of high pass input to the PICASSO 4 channels of high pass output to satellite speakers Internal input to channels 3 amp 4 from an external crossover 2 channels of low pass input to the Class A 10 0 or other amplifier 1 Bridged Mono channel of low pass output to subwoofers CH 4 OR INTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 2 15 PICASSO Handcrafted h the U S A S 12v GND REMOTE ELE RR BALANCED 5 wan BALANCED ee FUSE za Es say DO oro oo OO 00099 W OE LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT 2 Ze SATELLITE SPEAKERS SA
9. TELLITE SPEAKERS HIGH PASS OUTPUT i LOW PASS OUTPUT Head Unit CROSSOVER Class A 10 0 00090 2222 HO PICASSO BOTTOM PLATE SWITCH SETTINGS F SUBWOOFERS CHANNELS 1 amp 2 CHANNELS 3 amp 4 INTERNAL EXTERNAL un FROM CH 003 BRIDGE STEREO MIXED MONO 1 amp 2 INPUT TM BRIDGE STEREO MIXEDMONO BRIDGED MONO EXTERNAL INPUT FROM SAMPLE SYSTEM 4 2 channels of high pass input to the PICASSO 2 channels of bridged high pass output to satellite speakers External input to channel 4 from an external crossover 2 channels of low pass input to the Class A 10 0 or other amplifier 1 Bridged Mono channel of low pass output to subwoofers CH 4 OR INTERNAL INPUT FROM CH 2 16 PICASSO Handcrafted h the U S A 12v GND REMOTE the o R LEVEL 1 Pit URE LEVEL LeINPUT R ares BALANCED ER BIZ wee OO 0o9 25 B OO 2009 oo OP LEFT RIGHT day LEFT RIGHT id 5 LEFT SATELLITE SPEAKER RIGHT SATELLITE SPEAKER HIGH PASS OUTPUT P LOW PASS OUTPUT Head Unit CROSSOVER Class A 10 0 Es OO 2222 RO PICASSO BOTTOM PLATE SW
10. WOR NANI TENOR ONO OOIE ONOW IN omas 19044 Lao ad A Indi 2 N HO WOH VT TD KE e STANNVHO ONOW AXIN Ous 3904 Lao SENNVHO LES N O O E HORI 1431 IHO 1331 09 99 5009 0696326909 COO ET a viva 1 1 sd De eg 1 1 ER ES CH x e 1 e A 8y ul geg SE 6 N So OO o LO CH q N N N Ko oT D Ft od rd SN Ea ke RE Gesie aN aN 1121 11 ay X X RAGE DE ES Er Wee Wl va PRE mee ae RN va REH e S Mod mu O O O o O BOTTOM VIEW PARTIAL FRONT VIEW TOP VIEW PARTIAL EE 00000 Key to Callouts Fault LED Indicates a blown fuse Power LED Indicates amplifier power on 3 Input Overload Indicators Indicates the signal input level or input gain level is too high channels 1 amp 2 4 Input Level Selector Switch Selectable input sensitivity range from 0 2 2 Volts RMS or from 0 5 5 Volts RMS channels 1 amp 2 5 Left Channel Balanced Unbalanced Input Selector Switch Select Balanced to use the 6 pin Balanced signal Input Select Unbalanced to use the RCA signal inputs channel 1 6 Right Channel Balanced Unbalanced Input Selector Switch Se
11. he amp turns on which is normal Once the amplifier power LED is on and the source unit is playing you should have sound coming from the speakers 11 INSTALLATION STEP 5 LEVEL SETTING The input levels are adjusted by means of the individual channel 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 Signal to Noise ratios 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 The reason is because an amplifier will only make what comes into it bigger So if you send it a distorted signal from the head unit the amplifier is going to amplify distorted information The same thing 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 REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier follow the steps below for the quickest easiest means of setting the Turn the amp s input levels to minimum position fully counter clockwise Begin with the input level switch in the 0 5 5 0 Volt position Set source unit volume to approximately 3 4 of full volume While playing dynamic source material slowly increase the amplifiers input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard
12. ide adequate ventilation mount the amplifier so that there are at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it 2 SWITCHES Set the Coherent Stereo Bridged Mono Mixed Mono switches to the appropriate positions see pages 14 17 3 MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER a Using the amplifier as a template mark the mounting surface b Remove the amplifier and drill the holes c Mount the amplifier to the surface using the provided hardware 4 WIRING a Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn on cables to the amplifier from the source unit b Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit breaker within 18 of the battery c Connect the fuse or circuit breaker 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 NOTE There may be a small spark when connecting the power and ground lead to the amplifier for the first time This is caused by current rushing into the amplifier to charge the power supply capacitors and is completely f Re connect the fuse or circuit breaker 5 POWER UP Power up the system and look at the red POWER LED There may be a 2 3 second delay from the time the the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on t
13. l level is too high readjust input gains or select the 0 5 indicators lighting 5V input signal level range Alternator whine while using e Make sure the channel 2 Input Signal Switch is in the UNBAL posi Unbalanced RCA inputs tion e Try the Input Signal Switches for channels 1 3 amp 4 in the BAL posi tion leave the switches in the quietest position This will not effect SERVICE The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO is protected by a limited warranty Please read the enclosed warranty card SPECIFICATIONS REFERENCE Class A PICASSO POWER 4 Q Stereo 2 Q Stereo 6 Q Bridged 4 Q Bridged THD lt 0 1 Signal to Noise gt 100 dB Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0 5 dB Stereo Separation gt 90 dB Damping gt 200 Input Sensitivity 200 mV 2 0 V or 500 mV 5 0 V Input Impedance 12 KQ Dimensions WxDxH 16 0 x 9 8 x 2 25 19 T E C H N O L O G E S SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES 120 Blue Ravine Road Folsom California 95630 USA
14. lect Balanced to use the 6 pin Balanced signal Input Select Unbalanced to use the RCA signal inputs channel 2 7 Input Overload Indicators Indicates the signal input level or input gain level is too high channels 3 amp 4 8 Input Level Selector Switch Selectable input sensitivity range from 0 2 2 Volts RMS or from 0 5 5 Volts RMS channels 3 amp 4 9 Left Channel Balanced Unbalanced Input Selector Switch Select Balanced to use the 6 pin Balanced signal Input Select Unbalanced to use the RCA signal inputs channel 3 10 Right Channel Balanced Unbalanced Input Selector Switch Select Balanced to use the 6 pin Balanced signal Input Select Unbalanced to use the RCA signal inputs channel 4 11 Main Fuse Main power supply fuse Replace only with the same value fuse 12 12V Connect to a fuse or circuit breaker then to the battery s positive post 13 GND Main ground connection Bolt to a clean chassis ground in the vehicle 14 REM Remote turn on input from the head unit Accepts 12V 15 Speaker Output Connections Channels 1 amp 2 16 Input Level Independent Left and Right channel input level controls ch s 1 amp 2 17 Balanced Signal Input Connector 6 pin Balanced signal input connector for use with the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter channels 1 amp 2 18 Inputs Channel 1 amp 2 RCA Unbalanced inputs 19 Speaker Output Connections Channels 3 amp 4 20 In
15. nput range switch position and level settings are dependent upon the preamplifier source unit output signal level For the best system Signal to Noise Ratio we recommend that the input level controls be set as far down as possible rotated counter clockwise while maintaining an acceptable level of output Using the Unbalanced RCA input When using the Unbalanced RCA input the RIGHT channel channel 2 input signal switch MUST be in the UNBAL position Also when first installing the amplifier using this input configuration we suggest that the remaining input signal switches be in the UNBAL position as well If you experience alternator whine or other installation noise with all switches in the UNBAL position try moving channels 1 3 amp 4 input signal switch to the BAL position This should remove any system noise due to installation Using the Balanced RCA input When using one or both Balanced 6 pin DIN inputs all input switches MUST be in the BAL position Also we recommend that when using this input configuration the INPUT LEVEL switches be in the 0 5 5V position and the gains on the amplifiers be set to minimum rotated counter clockwise The system gains should then be adjusted on the BLT NOTE The pin configuration mr EET RD shown in the diagram is the view i f looking into the Balanced input HER sn jack on the amplifier Left Signal Right Signal Shield
16. on the bottom of the amplifier Bridged Mono for dedicated single channel operation ideal for driving the PICASSO in 3 or 2 channel mode It is also used when larger amounts of power are necessary for single speakers In bridged mono only the right channel input is active 2 ei MIXED MONO COHERENT BRIDGED mone In bridged mono only the right channel input is active NOTE If you intend to drive the REFERENCE Class PICASSO amp in Mono but have stereo outputs from your crossover or source unit you can put the switch in Mixed INSTALLATION STEP 2 BALANCED UNBALANCED INPUT The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier has the ability to accept either standard Unbalanced RCA signal inputs or Balanced Pro Audio inputs with the use of the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other balanced line audio source Before installing your system you should decide upon which signal type you wish to run UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED INPUT ADVANTAGES 1 Most preamplifier 1 Improved Signal to Noise Ratio S N Ratio source units have 2 Excellent noise cancellation characteristics UNBAL RCA outputs 3 Immune to noise radiated in the car audio Industry standard environment 2 No Interface module is The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO s signal inputs accept two ranges of input signal levels 0 2 2 0 Vrms or 0 5 5 0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs The i
17. put Level Independent Left and Right channel input level controls ch s 3 amp 4 21 Balanced Signal Input Connector 6 pin Balanced signal input connector for use with the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter channels 3 amp 4 22 Inputs Channel 3 8 4 RCA Unbalanced inputs 23 Coherent Stereo Bridge Mixed Mono switch Channels 1 amp 2 Select Bridge for bridged mono operation use right channel input Select Stereo for coherent stereo operation Select Mixed Mono for simultaneous stereo bridged mono operation 24 Channels 3 amp 4 Input Select Selectable inputs from internal from channels 1 amp 2 or external from channels 3 amp 4 local balanced or unbalanced inputs 25 Coherent Stereo Bridge Mixed Mono switch Channels 3 amp 4 same as above N 7 INSTALLATION STEP 1 COHERENT STEREO MIXED MONO BRIDGED MONO The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier has the ability to operate in any one of the following modes Coherent Stereo with identical left and right stereo channels for maximum fidelity Best choice for satellite soeakers Use this mode unless Mixed Mono is necessary Mixed Mono in order to drive stereo and mono simultaneously works well for center channels It can be used anytime you need a summed mono channel However it somewhat sacrifices sonic accuracy as additional circuitry is introduced to one channel In Mixed Mono the left channel is inverted see diagram below or
18. rage power without affecting the dynamics Once the amplifier has cooled off it returns to full power output If overheating should continue a second thermal sensing protection circuit will shut off the amplifier if the heatsink reaches 95 e Unregulated Power Supply 4 ohm power ratings are measured at 12 volts meaning substantially greater output in the real world when the vehicle is running where voltages range from 13 2 to 14 4 volts e Fault Monitor LED on the top panel notifies you of blown power supply fuses e Dual Discrete Class Drive Stages Over six times the drive current of most amps which maintains performance into low impedance loads e Drive Delay Muted Turn on off Circuit A unique circuit which completely eliminates any amplifier related turn on off noises e Flexible Dual Input Level Sensitivity accepts 2 voltage ranges from 200 mV to 2 0 V and from 500 mV to 5 0 V permitting maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source unit e Differential Balanced Input Design for added immunity to noise caused by component and vehicle electrical system interaction e Discrete Matched Pair True Balanced Input for professional quality performance and noise cancellation The 6 pin din plug carries and Signal information for Left and Right channels audio ground and 15 Vdc to operate the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter PICASSO Z HO NOU INANI TANYSUNI YO b HO
19. uge speaker cable Use a high quality flexible Handcrafted h the U S A 12v GND REMOTE 1 Bar ET LAMUN Piles EE ENER FUSE 5 an E PARA AS GER 5v O5V OOD OQ A OE pop OO d LEFT RIGHT fi LEFT RIGHT To Remote A an ae q E Head Unit To Chassis Ground Fuse gt gt F L at the T E SU Be SATELLITE SPEAKERS SATELLITE SPEAKERS To 12V Battery Terminal INSTALLATION STEP 4 INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING 1 AMPLIFIER LOCATION The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier employs highly efficient circuitry and a unique Chassisink design to maintain lower operating temperatures Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a tightly confined 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 prov
20. ut Soundstream s unique design allows the REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier to deliver incomparable sonics e Uncompromising Design and Construction including mil spec glass epoxy circuit boards and high current custom gold plated solid brass connections that will accept up to 4 gauge power ground wire e Coherent Stereo Mixed Mono selection for either pure stereo operation or mixed mono for simultaneous stereo and mono e Chassisink Darlington Power Array Soundstream s overbuilding of the output section incorporates multiple output transistors instead of a few for faster stronger power delivery The transistors are sandwiched between the circuit board and the heatsink in a design called Chassisink to ensure cool efficient amplifier operation e PowerGrid Power Supply Design All power supply components are located near one another connected by thick wide PCB traces which ensures rapid high current delivery The entire power supply is isolated on one side of the circuit board while the audio stage is located opposite it guaranteeing minimal noise e Ultra Low ESR Capacitance Bank Multiple small input power capacitors are used to provide a lower ESR Equivalent Series Resistance which means more power in and out faster e Smart Thermal Rollback Most amplifiers shut off when they get too hot In the unlikely event the REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier reaches 85 C it will gradually roll back its ave
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