Alpine MRV F900 User Manual

4 Channel Power Amplifier  
R
MRV-F900  
4 Channel Power Amplifier  
• OWNER'S MANUAL  
Please read before using this equipment.  
• MODE D'EMPLOI  
Veuillez lire avant dutiliser cet appareil.  
• MANUAL DE OPERACIÓN  
Léalo antes de utilizar este equipo.  
Conte nts  
Introduction .........................................................................................................2  
WARNING..............................................................................................................4  
CAUTION ........................................................................................................................................... 5  
PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 5  
Installation............................................................................................................6  
Mounting the End Covers.................................................................................................................... 7  
Connections ........................................................................................................8  
Cautions on wire lead connections .................................................................................................... 10  
Mounting the Terminal Cover ........................................................................................................... 12  
Switch Settings ............................................................................................... 14  
Examples of System Expansion........................................................... 15  
Information......................................................................................................... 18  
In case of difficulty ............................................................................................................................ 18  
Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 19  
Service Care ...................................................................................................... 20  
1-EN  
Introd uc tion  
Meeting a new challenge to realize the best  
sound possible for the mobile environment  
AlpineF#1Status  
For a quarter of a century, Alpine’s goal has been the best sound in the mobile  
environment despite its harsh physical and electrical conditions. To overcome these  
severe listening conditions, Alpine has developed its own unique on-board acoustic  
technology. This is totally different from that of home audio.  
The Mobile Multimedia Era is flourishing, and recording media and reproduction  
technology have evolved in a remarkable fashion. For an exciting and wide range of  
emotional experience, sound is more important than ever, and is becoming the  
central factor.  
In the fashion of the master artisans of musical instruments, Alpine has  
concentrated its incomparable craftsmanship to establish its standing as a Mobile  
MultiMedia specialist. Alpine’s technical foundation is based on its unique technol-  
ogy and expertise accumulated through years of experience. Alpine constantly  
strives to deliver the best possible sound in this new era with an approach called  
“micro-dynamics.” This approach consists of micro- and macroscopic- technological  
analysis and design. This gives Alpine the ability to deliver increased precision in  
reproduction speed and time measurement, to maximize the musical sensory experi-  
ence.  
The best sound in the mobile environment promises the most advanced multimedia  
experience to serious listeners in their vehicles.  
Alpine F#1Status.  
The passionate challenge begins here.  
2-EN  
4 Channel Amplifier  
The MRV-F900 is designed to convey all the passion and  
impact of exceptional performances.  
The high fidelity circuitry of this 100W x 4-channel power  
amplifier, consists of high grade audio components. This  
combination produces beautiful harmonics, aiming at the  
ultimate in craftsmanship and following the ideas of  
microdynamics.  
I High performance MOS-FETs used in power supply unit and final stage  
Unlike regular transistors, MOS-FETs can operate at extremely high speeds. They feature low loss of  
broad range response as well as excellent signal response.  
I Exclusive audio high speed, high current SBD (Schottky barrier diode) used in power  
supply circuit  
The specially designed troidal transformer aiming at low noise and a sense of power has been given  
the maximum possible capacity. Even the electrolyte of the electrolytic capacitor is specially ordered,  
a measure of the thorough considerations taken with the MRV-F900. The polarities of the parts  
particularly important for achieving high sound quality, such as the transformer, coils and film  
capacitors, are carefully controlled to achieve maximum time precision.  
I Copper foil patterns are used for the circuit boards essential for achieving high quality  
sound.  
Their thickness is increased to boost speed at high currents. The circuit boards are made of glass  
epoxy. Parts have been carefully selected for their low noise levels and stable performance to achieve  
unprecedented high sound quality.  
I The circuitry is designed through a process of repeated simulations, and high sound  
quality S.T.A.R circuits are used extensively.  
Far more attention than with previous tunings prioritizing static characteristics has been paid to group  
delay. The constants of both multiple circuits and individual components have been researched  
scrupulously, in a tuning process many times more extensive than in the past. As a result, the harmonic  
spectrum and high energy characteristics of exceptional performances is output beautifully in every  
detail of the sound to achieve unprecedented dynamism.  
3-EN  
WARNING  
USE ONLY IN CARS WITH A 12 VOLT  
NEGATIVE GROUND.  
(Check with your dealer if you are not sure.)  
Failure to do so may result in fire, etc.  
WARNING  
This symbol means important instruc-  
tions.  
Failure to heed them can result in  
serious injury or death.  
BEFORE WIRING, DISCONNECT THE CABLE  
FROM THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL.  
Failure to do so may result in electric shock or  
injury due to electrical shorts.  
DO NOT OPERATE ANY FUNCTION THAT  
TAKES YOUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM  
SAFELY DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE.  
Any function that requires your prolonged  
attention should only be performed after  
coming to a complete stop. Always stop the  
vehicle in a safe location before performing  
these functions. Failure to do so may result in  
an accident.  
DO NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME  
ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS.  
Arrange wiring and cables in compliance with  
the manual to prevent obstructions when  
driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang  
up on places such as the steering wheel, gear  
lever, brake pedals, etc. can be extremely  
hazardous.  
KEEP THE VOLUME AT A LEVEL WHERE YOU  
CAN STILL HEAR OUTSIDE NOISE WHILE  
DRIVING.  
DO NOT SPLICE INTO ELECTRICAL CABLES.  
Never cut away cable insulation to supply  
power to other equipment. Doing so will  
exceed the current carrying capacity of the wire  
and result in fire or electric shock.  
Failure to do so may result in an accident.  
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR ALTER.  
Doing so may result in an accident, fire or  
electric shock.  
DO NOT DAMAGE PIPE OR WIRING WHEN  
DRILLING HOLES.  
When drilling holes in the chassis for installa-  
tion, take precautions so as not to contact,  
damage or obstruct pipes, fuel lines, tanks or  
electrical wiring. Failure to take such precau-  
tions may result in fire.  
USE THIS PRODUCT FOR MOBILE 12V  
APPLICATIONS.  
Use for other than its designed application may  
result in fire, electric shock or other injury.  
DO NOT USE BOLTS OR NUTS IN THE BRAKE  
OR STEERING SYSTEMS TO MAKE GROUND  
CONNECTIONS.  
Bolts or nuts used for the brake or steering  
systems (or any other safety-related system), or  
tanks should NEVER be used for installations  
or ground connections. Using such parts could  
disable control of the vehicle and cause fire etc.  
USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN  
REPLACING FUSES.  
Failure to do so may result in fire or electric  
shock.  
DO NOT BLOCK VENTS OR RADIATOR  
PANELS.  
Doing so may cause heat to build up inside and  
may result in fire.  
KEEP SMALL OBJECTS SUCH AS BOLTS OR  
SCREWS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.  
Swallowing them may result in serious injury.  
If swallowed, consult a physician immediately.  
MAKE THE CORRECT CONNECTIONS.  
Failure to make the proper connections may  
result in fire or product damage.  
4-EN  
CAUTION  
PRECAUTIONS  
Temperature  
This symbol means important instruc-  
tions.  
Failure to heed them can result in  
injury or material property damage.  
Be sure the temperature inside the vehicle is  
between +60°C (+140°F) and 10°C (+14°F)  
before turning your unit on.  
HALT USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM  
APPEARS.  
Failure to do so may cause personal injury or  
damage to the product. Return it to your  
authorized Alpine dealer or the nearest Alpine  
Service Center for repairing.  
Installation Location  
Make sure the MRV-F900 will not be installed  
in a location subjected to:  
Direct sun and heat  
High humidity and water  
Excessive dust  
Excessive vibrations  
HAVE THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION  
DONE BY EXPERTS.  
The wiring and installation of this unit requires  
special technical skill and experience. To ensure  
safety, always contact the dealer where you  
purchased this product to have the work done.  
Maintenance  
If you have problems, do not attempt to repair  
the unit yourself. Return it to your Alpine  
dealer or the nearest Alpine Service Station for  
servicing.  
USE SPECIFIED ACCESSORY PARTS AND  
INSTALL THEM SECURELY.  
Be sure to use only the specified accessory  
parts. Use of other than designated parts may  
damage this unit internally or may not securely  
install the unit in place. This may cause parts to  
become loose resulting in hazards or product  
failure.  
ARRANGE THE WIRING SO IT IS NOT  
CRIMPED OR PINCHED BY A SHARP METAL  
EDGE.  
Route the cables and wiring away from moving  
parts (like the seat rails) or sharp or pointed  
edges. This will prevent crimping and damage  
to the wiring. If wiring passes through a hole in  
metal, use a rubber grommet to prevent the  
wires insulation from being cut by the metal  
edge of the hole.  
DO NOT INSTALL IN LOCATIONS WITH HIGH  
MOISTURE OR DUST.  
Avoid installing the unit in locations with high  
incidence of moisture or dust. Moisture or dust  
that penetrates into this unit may result in  
product failure.  
5-EN  
Insta lla tion  
Due to the high power output of the MRV-F900, considerable heat is produced when the  
amplifier is in operation. For this reason, the amplifier should be mounted in a location which will  
allow for free circulation of air, such as inside the trunk. For alternate installation locations,  
please contact your authorized Alpine dealer.  
1. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the four screw locations.  
2. Make sure there are no objects behind the surface that may become damaged during drilling.  
3. Drill the screw holes.  
4. Position the MRV-F900 over the screw holes, and secure with four self-tapping screws.  
NOTE:  
To securely connect the ground lead, use an already installed screw on the metal part of the  
vehicle (marked (#)). Be sure this is a good ground by checking continuity to the battery (–)  
terminal. As much as possible connect all equipment to the same ground point. These proce-  
dures will help eliminate noise.  
Self-Tapping Screws (M4 x 20)  
Ground Lead  
Chassis  
1
2
3
4
Holes  
1
2
#
3
Fig. 1  
4
6-EN  
Mounting the End Covers  
The products appearance can be improved by mounting the end covers on the main unit after  
installation.  
Mount the end covers after installing the main unit.  
Mounting the brackets  
1
1) Use the included machine screws  
to mount the three included brackets  
onto the  
6
5
side opposite the terminal surface.  
6
5
5
5
Fig. 2  
NOTE: APPLYING THE DOUBLE FACE TAPE  
Perform the procedure below when you want to securely fasten the end cover or when you  
do not plan on removing the cover once it is mounted.  
1) Peel off the paper from one side of the included double face tape  
.
7
2) Apply one piece of double face tape  
to the upper surface of the three brackets  
.
5
7
3) Peel off the paper from the other side of the double face tape  
.
7
5
7
Fig. 3  
Applying the cushion  
2
3
1) Peel off the paper from the included cushion  
.
8
2) Apply the cushion  
to the rear side of the end cover  
.
9
8
9
8
Fig. 4  
Mounting the end covers  
1) Mount the end covers  
to the brackets  
.
5
9
Set the bracket  
vertically from the top side.  
5
NOTE:  
9
To remove the bracket , push up vertically from the bottom upwards,  
5
in the opposite direction of when the bracket was installed.  
5
Fig. 5  
7-EN  
Conne c tions  
BATTERY  
GND  
RENOTE  
+
+
+
+
+
BRIDGED  
+
BRIDGED  
CH-1  
CH-3  
CH-1  
CH-2  
CH-3  
CH-4  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
POWER PPLY  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
CH-2  
CH-4  
1
2
2
1
Fuse (80A, Included),  
Fuse Box (Included)  
4
3
To the vehicles battery  
5
6
Fig. 6  
Before making connections, be sure to turn the power off to all audio components. Connect the  
yellow battery lead from the amp directly to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery. Do  
not connect this lead to the fuse block.  
To prevent external noise from entering the audio system.  
Locate the unit and route the leads at least 10 cm away from the car harness.  
Keep the battery power leads as far away from other leads as possible.  
Connect the ground lead securely to a bare metal spot (remove any paint, dirt or grease if  
necessary) of the car chassis.  
If you add an optional noise suppressor, connect it as far away from the unit as possible.Your  
Alpine dealer carries various noise suppressors. Contact them for further information.  
Your Alpine dealer knows best about noise prevention measures so consult your dealer for  
further information.  
1
2
RCA Input Jacks  
Connect these jacks to the line out leads on your head unit using RCA extension cables (sold  
separately).  
Speaker Output Terminals  
The MRV-F900 has one set of speaker outputs. Be sure to observe correct speaker output  
connections and phasing. Connect the positive output to the positive speaker terminal and the  
negative to negative.  
Do not use the speaker () terminals as a common lead between the left and right channels. Do  
not connect this lead to the vehicles chassis.  
NOTES:  
Do not connect speaker leads together or to chassis ground.  
Do not connect the speaker output terminals to the battery lead or to the ground lead.  
Otherwise it may result in malfunction or fire.  
3
Insulation Tube  
8-EN  
4
Battery Lead (Sold Separately)  
Be sure to add a fuse as close as possible to the MRV-F900s battery terminal. This fuse will  
protect your vehicles electrical system and the MRV-F900 in case of a short circuit. If you need  
to extend this lead, the wire gauge should be AWG4 or larger.  
NOTES:  
Please make sure not to short the exposed connector to any grounded metal surface when  
replacing the fuse or making initial connection.  
When adding a fuse to the battery lead, be sure to use the 80A fuse (supplied) with its fuse  
holder (supplied).  
Do not place the fuse holder (supplied) in the vehicles engine compartment because of the  
high temperatures reached in this area.  
In order to protect the vehicles battery and the wiring, be sure to use an equivalent  
replacement for the supplied (80A) fuse.  
The fuse holder (supplied) corresponds to an 80A fuse or lower. It is not suitable for a fuse  
rated higher than 80A.  
5
6
Ground Lead (Sold Separately)  
Connect this lead securely to a clean, bare metal spot on the vehicle chassis.Verify this point to  
be a true ground by checking for continuity between that point and the negative () terminal of  
the vehicle's battery. Ground all your audio components to the same point on the chassis to  
prevent ground loops.  
Remote Turn-On Lead (Blue/White, Sold Separately)  
Connect this lead to the remote turn-on or power antenna (positive trigger, (+) 12V only) lead of  
your head unit.  
WARNING  
WIRING PRECAUTIONS  
THIS IS THE TERMINAL FOR SPEAKER OUTPUT.  
DO NOT CONNECT POWER SUPPLY.  
CONNECT POWER SUPPLY HERE.  
BATTERY  
GND  
RENOTE  
+
+
BRIDGED  
+
+
+
BRIDGED  
+
CH-1  
CH-3  
CH-1  
CH-2  
CH-3  
CH-4  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
POWER SUPPLY  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
CH-2  
CH-4  
WARNING  
Be careful of battery wiring.  
Be sure to use attached FUSE.  
Don't connect Battery without FUSE.  
BATTERY  
GND  
RENOTE  
+
+
BRIDGED  
+
+
+
BRIDGED  
+
CH-1  
CH-3  
CH-1  
CH-2  
CH-3  
CH-4  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
POWER SUPPLY  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
CH-2  
CH-4  
9-EN  
Conne c tions  
Cautions on wire lead connections  
Use Power Supply wire sold at your dealers store.  
Refer to the description below for the proper procedure.  
If you are in doubt about how to make this connection, consult your dealer.  
Check the wire size.  
NOTES:  
1
Wire Size (Battery Lead, Ground Lead):  
Recommended wire size for this unit is AWG4 or larger.  
Wire Size (Remote Turn-on Lead):  
Recommended wire size for this unit is AWG8 AWG14.  
If the wire gauge used is unknown, ask your dealer.  
Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire leads by about 7 10mm (9/32"  
3/8"). (Fig. 7)  
NOTES:  
2
If length of the exposed wire is too short, a poor connection may occur causing operation  
failure or sound interruption.  
On the other hand, if the length is too long, an electrical short-circuit may occur.  
7 10 mm (9/32" 3/8")  
Lead end side of the product  
Fig. 7  
10-EN  
Slide the battery lead into the fuse block.  
3
Slide the battery lead (sold separately) into the fuse block (supplied) as below:  
1) Dismantle the fuse box.  
1
Turn the cap  
counterclockwise.  
3
2
2) Turn the hexagon screw  
3) Remove the rubber ring  
of the fuse terminal  
with a hexagon wrench (supplied).  
4
10  
and the metal ring . (They are not used. They are for  
protection during transportation.)  
5
1
4) Slide the battery lead  
(sold separately) through the cap  
.
5
2
5) Insert the tip of the battery lead  
into the inner part of the fuse terminal  
.
3
2
6) Tighten the hexagon screw  
of the fuse terminal  
securely with the hexagon wrench  
(supplied).  
7) Insert the fuse  
6
(80A, supplied) as shown in the illustration below.  
8
7
9
2
*
Fit the projection  
of the fuse holder  
into the grooves  
of the fuse terminal  
.
3
2
* Remove  
6
7
5
3
** AWG4 or larger 1  
2
4
10  
9
* Remove  
8
8
9
10  
4
To the vehicle's battery  
1
5
** AWG4 or larger  
To the battery terminal  
of the product  
Fig. 8  
Turn the hexagon screw of the power terminal. Insert the exposed wire end into  
the lead terminal. Tighten the Hexagon screw with the Hexagonal Wrench (In-  
cluded), to fix the lead. (Fig. 9)  
4
Before making this connection, use insulated shrink tubing to cover any exposed  
wire extending beyond the terminal.  
NOTES:  
Use only the Hexagon screws included.  
For safety reasons, connect the battery leads last.  
To prevent disconnection of the leads or dropping of the unit, do not use the cabling to  
carry the unit.  
Hexagon Screw  
Lead  
Lead Terminal  
Fig. 9  
11-EN  
Conne c tion  
Mounting the Terminal Cover  
The products appearance can be improved by mounting the terminal cover on the main unit  
after installation.  
Mount the terminal cover after the connections have been made and you have checked that  
operation is normal.  
Open the door.  
1
1) Use the included hexagonal wrench to remove the two hexagonal screws  
fastening  
q
the door  
.
p
2) Open the door  
.
p
q
p
Fig. 10  
Mounting the terminal cover  
2
1) Before mounting the terminal cover  
Fasten the wires securely together in a position in which they will not touch thetermi-  
nal cover.  
2) Use the two included hexagon screws (M3)  
the top surface of the terminal section.  
to mount the included terminal cover  
to  
e
w
* Tighten the screws securely so that they do not come loose due to vibrations while the  
vehicle is moving.  
3) After mounting the terminal cover  
Check that the cords do not touch the terminal cover.  
* If the cords touch the terminal cover, the vibrations of the vehicle may damage the  
wires or cause short-circuiting.  
e
w
p
Fig. 11  
12-EN  
Fastening the door  
3
1) Close the door  
2) Mount the door  
.
p
p
using the two original hexagonal screws  
.
q
* Tighten the screws securely so that they do not come loose due to vibrations while the  
vehicle is moving.  
NOTES:  
Be sure to fasten the door. Failure to do so may lead to malfunction.  
The warranty will be invalidated if the unit is used with the door open.  
q
w
Fig. 12  
p
13-EN  
Switc h Se tting s  
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
CH-1  
NOM(1.0V)  
CH-2  
NOM(1.0V)  
CH-3  
NOM(1.0V)  
CH-4  
NOM(1.0V)  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
MIN  
MAX  
MIN  
MAX  
MIN  
MAX  
MIN  
MAX  
GAIN  
GAIN  
MODE  
MODE  
GAIN  
GAIN  
#
#
# Take off the two hexagon screws when switch  
setting and open the door. When you finish  
the switch setting, close the door and fix with  
the original hexagon screws.  
13  
7
9
8
11 12  
Input Gain Adjustment Control  
,
,
,
Set the MRV-F900 input gain to the minimum position. Using a dynamic CD as a  
source, increase the head unit volume until the output distorts. Then, reduce the vol-  
ume 1 step (or until the output is no longer distorted). Now, increase the amplifier gain  
until the sound from the speakers becomes distorted. Reduce the gain slightly so the  
sound is no longer distorted to achieve the optimum gain setting.  
NOM(1.0V)  
MIN  
MAX  
GAIN  
10  
,
Mode Selector Switch  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
1) Set this switch to the NORMALposition for normal 4-channel connections.  
MODE  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
2) For bridged connections, set the switch to the BRIDGEDposition.  
MODE  
13  
Status indicator  
Amplifier status can be confirmed with the indicator.  
• Protection indicator (PROTECTION)  
Blue  
Light  
Red Condition  
Amplifier circuit is normal.  
Solution  
Light Amplifier circuit is abnormal. Contact your authorized Alpine dealer.  
14-EN  
Exa m p le s of Syste m Exp a nsion  
SYSTEM A  
(4ch input, 4ch output)  
15  
80A  
Battery Lead*  
To the vehicle's battery  
Ground Lead  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
SPEAKER  
SPEAKER  
L
R
L
R
CH-1/  
CH-2  
MODE  
NORMAL  
BRIDGED  
+
+
+
+
CH-3/  
CH-4  
MODE  
BATRY  
G
RENOTE  
+
+
+
+
BRGED  
BRIED  
CH-1  
CH-3  
CH-1  
CH-2  
CH-3  
CH-4  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
POWER SUPPLY  
SPEAKER OUTPUT  
C
C
* NOTES:  
Please make sure not to short the exposed connector  
to any grounded metal surface when  
(L)  
(R) (L)  
(R)  
replacing the fuse or making initial connection.  
When adding a fuse to the battery lead, be sure to  
use the 80A fuse (supplied) with its fuse holder  
(supplied).  
14  
14  
Do not place the fuse holder (supplied) in the  
vehicles engine compartment because of the high  
temperatures reached in this area.  
In order to protect the vehicles battery and the wiring,  
be sure to use an equivalent replacement for the  
supplied (80A) fuse.  
(L)  
(R) (L)  
(R)  
The fuse holder (supplied) corresponds to an 80A  
fuse or lower. It is not suitable for a fuse rated higher  
than 80A.  
Head Unit  
Remote Turn-On Lead  
14  
15  
RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)  
Fuse (80A, Included), Fuse Box (Included)  
15-EN  
Exa m p le s of Syste m Exp a nsion  
SYSTEM B  
(4ch input, 11ch output)  
CDA-7990  
PXA-H900  
CENTER  
SUBWOOFER  
REAR  
FRONT LOW  
FRONT MID  
FRONT HIGH  
(L)  
OUTPUT  
(R)  
GUIDE INPUT  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
Front Tweeter Output (L)  
Front Tweeter Output (R)  
Front Mid Range Output (L)  
Front Mid Range Output (R)  
Front Mid Bass Output (L)  
Front Mid Bass Output (R)  
Rear Output (L)  
Rear Output (R)  
Subwoofer Output (L)  
Subwoofer Output (R)  
Center Output  
14  
14  
15  
RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)  
Fuse (80A, Included), Fuse Box (Included)  
16-EN