table of contents
about this manual................................................................................................... 2
features of your PowerPlateTM.................................................................................. 2
warning and tips..................................................................................................... 3
mounting locations................................................................................................. 3
system planning...................................................................................................... 4
signal sources.......................................................................................................... 5
system configurations.............................................................................................. 6
amplifier controls..................................................................................................... 11-12
installation............................................................................................................... 13
controls and connections......................................................................................... 13-14
multi-crossTM crossover and configurations............................................................. 15-16
tuning...................................................................................................................... 17
troubleshooting....................................................................................................... 19
specifications........................................................................................................... 21
warranty information............................................................................................... 22
introduction
Although it may be hard to remember, back in the 1970’s, car audio as we now know it didn’t really
exist. Sure, music lovers could buy a cassette or 8-track tape deck and some 6” x 9” three-way
speakers. Advanced stereo buffs might even add a “power-booster” to increase output to as much
as 12 watts RMS! But none of this really delivered the power to cut through road noise with sound
quality that compared with the best home audio. Not until 1979 that is, when a/d/s/ introduced the
revolutionary PowerPlateTM P100 amplifier and 300i 2-way plate loudspeakers. Aesthetically, the P100
introduced the low profile design which has been an a/d/s/ trademark to this day. Technologically, the
P100 combined a high efficiency switching power supply with a state-of-the-art, discrete high-
current stereo power amplifier. For the first time, a car audio system existed with the musical
integrity and dynamic range that made you want to take long drives to nowhere, just to listen to the
music. High quality car audio was born, and the original a/d/s/ PowerPlateTM P100 made it happen.
The latest improvements to the PowerPlateTM line-up include increased heatsink area to facilitate
higher power output, Constant Bass circuit for subwoofer signal that can be mixed into all channels,
and fully balanced high-level inputs compatible with any source. The amplifier you have purchased is
an enhancement of the respected P-series multichannel amplifiers. In this version, we have improved
upon the already acclaimed sound quality by addressing internal details, and upgrading selected
components to incorporate the latest technology which was not available when the P-series was
originally designed. Selected low-noise, high-speed op amps are used in critical circuits. Class A-B
biasing is used throughout the voltage-gain and active crossover stages. Numerous modifications and
“tweaks” were also performed which improve the power supply dynamics and reduce noise. These
changes improve transparency and dynamic linearity, resulting in a smoother and more detailed top-
end, tighter bass, more explosive dynamic contrasts, and virtually holographic imaging. Left intact are
the P-series unequalled flexibility, high efficiency and superb reliability. These, along with
multichannel design, are fundamental in the a/d/s/ approach to systems engineering, which makes
achieving true high fidelity reproduction simple and predictable in any installation.
warranty
There are two things you must do to ensure trouble free service in the event you need warranty repairs.
1. Keep your original sales receipt in a safe place. A copy of the receipt will be required to obtain warranty
service.
2. Be sure your retail dealer has written the date, model number and serial number (if applicable) of the
product on the receipt. To give yourself an extra measure of protection, make a separate record of the
information about your purchase and keep it in a safe place. In the event you misplace the sales receipt,
your dealer may be able to give you a copy.
Take a moment now to read the terms of your warranty. Check to be sure your sales receipt is dated and
has the product model number and serial number (if applicable) on it. Then put it away in a safe place.
When shipping a Product in for service:
•Enclose a copy of your original sales receipt that has the date, product model number and serial
number (if applicable) written on it.
•Always ship Products in the complete original packing material.
• Avoid shipping Products via the postal service. If you must use the postal service, be sure to
register and insure the package.
a/d/s/ Limited Warranty
Analog and Digital System, Inc. (a/d/s/) warrants to the original consumer purchaser of the a/d/s/ Products
described in this manual, that the Product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year after the date of purchase, if the Product is installed by an authorized a/d/s/ retail
dealer, the warranty is extended to three (3) years. a/d/s/’ sole obligation under the warranty shall be to
provide, without charge, parts and labor necessary to remedy the defects, if any, that appear during the
warranty period.
This warranty is the sole and exclusive express warranty given with respect to the Product. All other express
warranties are hereby excluded. Neither a/d/s/ not the authorized dealer who sells the Product is responsible
for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
IMPORTANT – This warranty does not cover:
•Damage that is the result of misuse, abuse, accident (including but not limited to damage by
water), faulty hookup, defective or maladjusted associated equipment, or the use of the Product
with equipment of which it was not intended.
•Cosmetic defects that appear more than thirty (3) days after the date of purchase. Cosmetic
damage caused by improper handling is also excluded.
• Products that are used for commercial purposes.
• The cost of removing or reinstalling the Product.
•Damage that occurs while the Product is being shipped to whoever will service it. See the infor
mation above regarding shipping procedures.
This warranty is void if:
•The Product identification or serial number is removed or defaced in any way.
•The Product is serviced or repaired by anyone other than a/d/s/ or an authorized a/d/s/ dealer or
service agency.
Original sales receipt:
•Be sure the retail dealer has written on it the date, model number and serial number (if
applicable) of the Product. This information is required for warranty service.
This warranty is limited to:
•Products purchased from authorized a/d/s/ retail dealers in the United States. a/d/s/ will supply a
list of authorized dealers on request.
In order to obtain warranty service you must:
•Return the Product, freight prepaid, to the a/d/s/ dealer from which it was purchased, an Autho-
rized a/d/s/ independent service agency, or to a/d/s/., If necessary you may call a/d/s/ Customer
Service Department for the names and address of authorized independent service agencies in your area.
•Provide proof of purchase in the form of a copy of your original sales receipt. The date, model
number and serial number (if applicable) of the Product must be written on the sales receipt.
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