54a 4-Ch Power Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
Installation Guide
APPLICATIONS
For your convenience, we’ve included several application
diagrams to help you plan your own system installation.
Figures 1 through 3 show how to configure the Kappa 54a
for stereo, bridged-mono, and tri-mode operation.
For system expansion ideas, see the next page.
NOTE: For simplicity, Figures 1 through 3 do not show power,
remote, and input connections.
Figure 1. This wiring
diagram shows a
Kappa 54a amplifier
driving front and rear
pairs of full-range
speakers.
Set Front Mode
To STEREO
(on top panel)
Set Rear Mode
To STEREO
(on top panel)
REM
–
R +
–
L
+
–
R +
–
L
+
RF Speaker
LR Speaker
Set Front Filters Set Rear Filter
KAPPA 54a
(rear panel)
To FLAT & F+R (on AUX)
To FLAT
(on top panel)
+
+
(on top panel)
-
-
LF Speaker
RR Speaker
+
+
-
-
Figure 2. This wiring
diagram shows a
Kappa 54a amplifier
driving a front pair of
tweeter/ midrange
Set Front Mode
To STEREO
(on top panel)
Set Rear Mode
To STEREO
(on top panel)
REM
–
R +
–
L
+
–
R +
–
L
+
systems and a rear pair
of full-range speakers.
LR Speaker
RF
System
Set Front Filters Set Rear Filter
KAPPA 54a
(rear panel)
To HP & F+R (on AUX)
To FLAT
(on top panel)
+
(on top panel)
-
-
+
LF
System
RR Speaker
+
-
-
+
Figure 3. This wiring
diagram shows a
Kappa 54a amplifier set
for tri-mode operation
to drive a front pair of
tweeter/ midrange
Set Front Mode
To STEREO
(on top panel)
Set Rear Mode
To BRIDGE
(on top panel)
REM
–
R +
–
L
+
–
R +
–
L
+
systems and a single
rear subwoofer.
Rear
Subwoofer
RF
System
Set Front Filters Set Rear Filter
KAPPA 54a
(rear panel)
To HP & F+R (on AUX)
To LP
(on top panel)
(on top panel)
-
+
+
LF
System
-
-
+
Owner ’s Manual/ Installation Guide – 3
SYSTEM EXPANSION
5 1⁄4" Speakers
(Hi-Pass, F& R)
KAPPA 54a
-
-
+
+
L/R Inputs
Figure 4. In this
example system, a
Kappa 54a drives
front and rear pairs of
5 1⁄4" speakers. The
54a’s stereo front and
rear outputs are
L/R Outputs
(F+R Sum)
Front
-
-
+
+
summed to feed a
Rear
KAPPA 202a
bridged-mono Kappa
202a that drives a
single 12" subwoofer.
12" Subwoofer
L/R Inputs
-
+
Front (Hi-Pass)
1" Twt.
5 1⁄4" Speakers
Rear (Hi-Pass)
4" Mid.
Systems
KAPPA 54a
KAPPA 102a
KAPPA 202a
-
-
+
+
L/R Inputs
Figure 5. In this
L/R Outputs
(Low-Pass)
expanded system, a
Kappa 54a drives a
front pair of
-
-
Front
component systems
and a rear pair of
5 1⁄4" speakers. The
54a’s front low-pass
outputs feed a Kappa
102a to drive a stereo
pair of 6" mid/ bass
speakers. The 102a’s
low-pass outputs feed
a bridged-mono
+
-
+
+
Rear
6" Mid/Bass Speakers
-
L/R Inputs
+
Kappa 202a to drive a
single 12" subwoofer.
L/R Outputs
(Low-Pass)
NOTE: Many different
systems are possible
using the crossover
settings on Kappa
-
+
amplifiers, including
ones with 24 dB per
octave slopes achieved
through cascaded
12" Subwoofer
configurations. For
more information,
consult your Infinity
Car Audio dealer.
L/R Inputs
-
+
4 – Infinity Kappa 54a Power Amplifier
PRECAUTIONS AND NOTES
• The Kappa 54a has five levels of circuit protection that
monitor the amplifier and will shut it down if the
electrical system voltage drops below 10 Vdc or exceeds
15.5 Vdc, temperatures are above 194° F (90° C), short
circuits occur, or current draw exceeds product
specifications. For best performance, check the intended
mounting site to make sure the operating environment
does not create conditions that will trigger circuit
protection.
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• The Kappa 54a uses gold-plated, industrial-grade Weco®
plug-in connectors for power and speaker wiring. Because
of precision tolerances, do not insert the connectors into
the amplifier without pre-wiring them first. Once the
wires are fastened in each shell, they provide additional
gripping area for easy connector removal.
• When routing cables, keep input signal cables away from
power cables and output speaker wires, as shown in
Figure 6 (below).
• Prior to installation, turn off all audio systems and other
electrical devices. Also disconnect the (–) negative lead
from the vehicle’s battery.
• When making connections, make sure that each
connection is clean and properly secured. Observe the
polarity markings on the rear panel. Refer to the
application drawings (Figures 1 through 3 on page 3) to
set up the amplifier for operation in stereo, bridged-
mono, bi-amp, or tri-mode configurations.
• At the installation site, locate and make a note of all fuel
lines, hydraulic brake lines, and electrical wiring. Use
extreme caution when cutting or drilling in and around
these areas.
• Use the amplifier as a mounting template to mark
locations for the mounting holes.
• If the amplifier ’s fuse needs replacement, use only
the same rating and type as a replacement. Do not
substitute another kind.
• Check clearances on both sides of a planned mounting
surface before drilling any holes or installing any screws.
Remember that mounting screws can extend up to an
inch behind the surface.
SPEAKER Cables
RF
RR
AUDIO Cables
Source
Unit
Chassis
Ground
Ignition
Kappa 54a
Amplifier
Battery
LF
LR
Fuses
–
+
Chassis
Ground
Chassis
Ground
POWER and
REMOTE Cables
Figure 6. To minimize possible noise pickup, use this suggested cable
routing scheme to plan your amplifier installation.
Owner ’s Manual/ Installation Guide – 5
INSTALLATION
The Kappa 54a is easy to install. For optimum
performance, we recommend using high-quality, twisted-
pair shielded RCA audio cables and 14-gauge or larger
speaker wire. Also, you’ll need a minimum of 12-gauge
stranded copper wire (e.g., red and black jackets) for the
power connections. Use 18-gauge (e.g., blue jacket) wire for
remote turn-on.
M OUNTING THE AMPLIFIER...
The Kappa 54a can be mounted in virtually any location
in sid e the vehicle. However, make sure to keep the
amplifier away from heater vents or ducts.
1. At the chosen site, use the amplifier as a mounting
template and mark locations of the four mounting holes.
Depending on your total system plan, allow for adequate
time and the possibility of overnight storage of your vehicle,
since it may take more than one day to complete the
installation.
2. Drill a small pilot hole at each marked location.
3. Mount the amplifier and securely tighten the mounting
screws.
W IRING THE AMPLIFIER...
P ARTS LIST...
Refer to Figure 7 (below) for details of the Kappa 54a’s front
and rear panel connections.
Examine and verify that the package includes the following
items:
1
1. For power, remote, and speaker wires, strip ⁄4" off one
end of each jacket to reveal bare wire for insertion into
the Weco connectors.
• (1) Kappa 54a Power Amplifier
• (1) Spare ATC fast-blow fuse (40 A)
• (1) Control cover with (2) machine screws
• (1) Weco 5-pin audio connector
• (1) Weco 2-pin power connector
• (4) #8 mounting screws
2. Using the Weco 2-pin power connector, connect a black
wire from the nearest bare-metal chassis component to
the (–) terminal. Then, connect a red wire from the
vehicle’s +12-volt battery terminal to the (+) terminal.
KAPPA 54a WIRING CONNECTIONS
(front panel)
KAPPA 54a WIRING CONNECTIONS
(rear panel)
Figure 7. Wiring connections for the Kappa 54a amplifier.
6 – Infinity Kappa 54a Power Amplifier
INSTALLATION (continued)
3. Make sure the wires are firmly seated in the Weco 2-pin
connector and that each screw is completely tightened.
Insert the wired connector into the POWER socket on the
amplifier. Press it in until it stops.
S ETTING INPUT SENSITIVITY...
Initially, turn the front and rear input sensitivity GAIN
controls to their minimum (counter-clockwise) positions
(refer to Figure 8).
4. Using the Weco 5-pin connector, connect a blue wire from
the source unit’s remote connection to the REM terminal.
Depending on polarity requirements (e.g., bridged-mono
or tri-mode configurations – see Figures 1 through 3 on
page 3), connect speaker wires from the speakers to the L
and R (+ and –) terminals, as required by your system
plan.
1. Reconnect the (–) negative lead to your vehicle’s battery.
Apply power to the audio system and play a favorite
music track from CD or tape.
NOTE: After the source unit is on, green LEDs (on the top
panel) will illuminate, indicating the amplifier is on. If not,
check the wiring, especially the remote connection from the
source unit. Also refer to “Troubleshooting” on the next page.
5. Make sure the wires are firmly seated in the Weco 5-pin
connector and that each screw is completely tightened.
Insert the wired Weco 5-pin connector into the 5-pin
socket on the amplifier. Press it in until it stops.
2. On the source unit, increase the volume control to
maximum position. Slowly increase the Front and Rear
GAIN controls (clockwise) towards three o’ clock and, at
the same time, listen to the quality of the reproduced
sound. At some point, you’ll hear distortion on the music
peaks. Stop the adjustment and turn it back slightly.
6. Connect RCA cables from a source unit to the L and R
INPUT jacks.
S ETTING THE CROSSOVER...
I NSTALLING THE CONTROL COVER...
IMP ORTANT: If you pla n to u se th e Ka ppa 54a to d r ive
fu ll-r a n ge spea ker s, set both AMP a n d AUX filter s to FLAT
(r efer to Figu r e 1 on pa ge 3 a n d Figu r e 8 below) a n d skip
to th e n ext section , “Settin g In pu t Sen sitivity”.
After wiring and testing the Kappa 54a amplifier, install
the control cover using the enclosed machine screws to
deter tampering and help seal out dust.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the machine screws. Doing so may
crack the cover.
1. Set the front and rear CROSSOVER controls to the
frequency recommended by the speaker manufacturer
(refer to Figure 8). If the value is unknown, set the control
midway.
Figure 8. Kappa 54a front and rear controls for crossover, input,
and output.
2. Depending on your system plan, set the AMP and AUX
switches to LP (low-pass), HP (high-pass), or FLAT (refer
to Figure 8).
Owner ’s Manual/ Installation Guide – 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
Use the following guide to identify symptoms and solve
problems. Make sure the vehicle’s electrical system is
working properly and power is reaching the Kappa 54a (i.e.,
green LEDs on the top panel are on).
SYMP TOM
LIKELY CAUSE
SOLUTION
Audio cycles
off and on;
Amber protec-
tion LEDs (on
top panel) are on
A protection circuit
is turning the
amplifier off and on
Verify the following–
electrical system is
between 10 ~ 15.5 Vdc;
temperature is not
over 194°F (90°C);
no short circuits;
speaker loads are not
less than 1 ohm
(2 ohms in mono)
SYMP TOM
LIKELY CAUSE
SOLUTION
No audio
Low /No Remote
Turn-On Voltage
Check connections;
test turn-on voltage
Speakers are not
connected or are
blown
Check wiring; use
VOM/DVM to
measure speaker
coil impedance
Audio cycles
off and on;
Amber protection
LEDs (on top
panel) are on
GAIN is set too high
Set Input Sensitivity
correctly (see previous
page)
Distorted audio Input sensitivity
is not set properly
See Setting Input
Sensitivity on
previous page
Fuse blows
Incorrect wiring or
short circuit
Check connections;
refer to Applications
(see page 3)
Audio lacks
“punch”
Speakers are wired
with wrong polarity
Check polarity of
connections; refer to
Applications (page 3 )
SPECIFICATIONS
K APPA 54A...
Power Output, 4 ohms:
Power Output, 2 ohms:
4 x 50 watts
4 x 75 watts
Power Output, Bridged 4 ohms: 2 x 150 watts
Frequency Response:
Input Sensitivity:
20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
250 mV ~ 9 V
0.05 %
THD + Noise (4 ohms):
Signal-to-Noise:
> 95 dB
Maximum Current Draw:
Dimensions (w x h x l):
40 A
16 x 2 3 ⁄16 x 81 ⁄2 in.
406.4 x 55.6 x 215.9 mm
®
©1997, Infinity Systems, Inc., 20630 Nordhoff Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA
VOICE (818) 407-0228 • FAX (818) 709-9486
www.infinitysystems.com
Infinity constantly strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones; therefore, the specifications and construction details in this and related Infinity
publications are subject to change without notice. Unibloc is a trademark of Infinity Systems, Inc.
P/ N SH1103 Rev. 2
8 – Infinity Kappa 54a Power Amplifier
|