INSTALLATION PLANNING AND CONSIDERATIONS
Clarion XC amplifi ers are designed for installation in vehicles with 12V electrical systems
and a common ground confi guration. While Clarion strongly recommends professional
installation of our products to maximize the performance of the product, installing the
amplifi er yourself can certainly produce impressive results. Please take into consideration
the following when planning your installation.
•
Take care in choosing a mounting location for the amplifi er. Clarion does not
recommend mounting an amplifi er to a subwoofer enclosure. Vibration could damage
internal components of the amplifi er.
•
Ensure that the screws used to mount the amplifi er will not damage anything
underneath the mounting location. This can include interconnects and speaker wires,
factory wiring harnesses, computers modules, factory fl uid lines, fuel tanks and more.
Mounting hardware should be suffi cient to ensure that the amp will not come loose in
the event of a vehicle accident.
•
All wiring running to and from the amplifi er should be planned so that its route does
not bring it in proximity of any high current devices or computer modules. This will
help to prevent noise from being induced in the audio system.
•
XC Amplifi ers incorporate balanced differential inputs. As such, Clarion recommends
the use of twisted pair interconnects to ensure that the signal on the center pin and
shield of the interconnect allow this circuitry to perform to the best of its ability in
terms of rejecting unwanted noise.
•
Although the XC amplifi ers are suitable for marine installations, they are in no way
water resistant. They should be mounted in a dry, well-ventilated location. The marine
features of the amp are designed to handle humid conditions commonly associated
with installations in boats.
•
Amplifi ers dramatically increase the load on the vehicles electrical system. Please
confi rm that the vehicle battery and alternator are in good condition. Clarion
recommends the use of a heavy duty AGM style battery to increase current delivery
and play time and the use of a stiffening capacitor to provide increased instantaneous
current to the amplifi er.
•
Properly supplying current to your amplifi er may require that some of the factory
electrical connections under the hood of your vehicle be upgrades. The industry refers
to these upgrades as 'The Big 3'. These upgrades include a new ground wire from
the engine in your vehicle to the battery ground terminal. A new ground wire from
the ground terminal of your battery to the chassis of the vehicle. A new power wire
from the output of your alternator to the positive terminal of your battery. Performing
these upgrades are optional, but will increase the performance and longevity of any
electrical component you add to your vehicle.
6