Owners Manual
Page 2
... connecting your amplifier to your new amplifier. Please read this owner's manual and carefully follow the instructions for multiple amplifier installations 33 Specifications 3.4 O 1990 Harman Kardon. Installation precautions 6 Charging system considerations 7 Mounting location 7 System configurations 8 Connecting the TC-series amplifier ........I I General information I I Power connections 1.3 Audio input connections 17 Speaker output connections 18 Controls and operation 19 Application drawings 22 Series-Parallel and minimum impedance speaker connection 29 Troubleshooting...
... connecting your amplifier to your new amplifier. Please read this owner's manual and carefully follow the instructions for multiple amplifier installations 33 Specifications 3.4 O 1990 Harman Kardon. Installation precautions 6 Charging system considerations 7 Mounting location 7 System configurations 8 Connecting the TC-series amplifier ........I I General information I I Power connections 1.3 Audio input connections 17 Speaker output connections 18 Controls and operation 19 Application drawings 22 Series-Parallel and minimum impedance speaker connection 29 Troubleshooting...
Owners Manual
Page 3
... power into 2 ohms stereo or 4 ohms bridged. Unlike many lower-quality amplifiers, the TC Series amplifiers can supply 50 amperes. This ultrawidebandwidth improves the accuracy of reproduction of music without premature clipping or current limiting. Fully discrete circuitry Rather than a third of highinstantaneous current capability (HCC), ultrawidebandwidth, low negative feedback, and fully discrete preamp and output circuitry. Ultrawidebandwidth Unlike conventional automotive amplifiers...
... power into 2 ohms stereo or 4 ohms bridged. Unlike many lower-quality amplifiers, the TC Series amplifiers can supply 50 amperes. This ultrawidebandwidth improves the accuracy of reproduction of music without premature clipping or current limiting. Fully discrete circuitry Rather than a third of highinstantaneous current capability (HCC), ultrawidebandwidth, low negative feedback, and fully discrete preamp and output circuitry. Ultrawidebandwidth Unlike conventional automotive amplifiers...
Owners Manual
Page 4
... only protects the preamplifier and power supply components from high temperatures, but also keeps dust and dirt from contaminating the inside of the cooling air flow. Reversible fan For side-by-side multi-amp installations, the fan in each TC Series amplifier can be cooled. Ultrawidebandwidth combined with low negative feedback and fully discrete curcuitry maintains the correct harmonic...
... only protects the preamplifier and power supply components from high temperatures, but also keeps dust and dirt from contaminating the inside of the cooling air flow. Reversible fan For side-by-side multi-amp installations, the fan in each TC Series amplifier can be cooled. Ultrawidebandwidth combined with low negative feedback and fully discrete curcuitry maintains the correct harmonic...
Owners Manual
Page 5
...-gain inputs The input circuitry on power noise filtering The TC Series amplifiers contain powersupply filters that effectively reject any power-supply-related noise, such as alternator whine. B+ and remote-on TC Series amplifiers isolates signal cables from potential ground loops and radiated noise. Simultaneous stereo plus bridged mono operation For one-amplifier stereo satellite/mono subwoofer systems, the TC Series amplifiers can provide stereo and bridged mono operation...
...-gain inputs The input circuitry on power noise filtering The TC Series amplifiers contain powersupply filters that effectively reject any power-supply-related noise, such as alternator whine. B+ and remote-on TC Series amplifiers isolates signal cables from potential ground loops and radiated noise. Simultaneous stereo plus bridged mono operation For one-amplifier stereo satellite/mono subwoofer systems, the TC Series amplifiers can provide stereo and bridged mono operation...
Owners Manual
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... system design considerations, connections, and operation. Introduction This manual covers all three of sustained high-volume sound. Retain this manual for immense flexibility in your proof of the amplifier(s). Before you obtain the optimum performance from the simplest to ensure that can be aware of the long-term effects of the Harman Kardon TC Series amplifiers: the TC600, TC300, and TC304...
... system design considerations, connections, and operation. Introduction This manual covers all three of sustained high-volume sound. Retain this manual for immense flexibility in your proof of the amplifier(s). Before you obtain the optimum performance from the simplest to ensure that can be aware of the long-term effects of the Harman Kardon TC Series amplifiers: the TC600, TC300, and TC304...
Owners Manual
Page 8
... lines, wires, etc.). Depending on your car's battery and charging system. Harman Kardon's tunnel cooled design keeps your Harman Kardon dealer for marking the mounting holes. enabling you are highperformance amplifiers whose current demands place an additional load on the volume at which you to install a second battery and an isolation switching system. Use the amplifier itself as under certain extreme operating conditions, can...
... lines, wires, etc.). Depending on your car's battery and charging system. Harman Kardon's tunnel cooled design keeps your Harman Kardon dealer for marking the mounting holes. enabling you are highperformance amplifiers whose current demands place an additional load on the volume at which you to install a second battery and an isolation switching system. Use the amplifier itself as under certain extreme operating conditions, can...
Owners Manual
Page 9
... two-channel stereo installation in which the amplifier provides power for information on the TC Series amplifier enables you to adjust the input signal level for optimum performance. (See the "Controls and operations" section for both the left and right channels, both front and rear The TC304 can also accept a high-level (speaker-level) input signal from a head unit that would ordinarily connect directly to a speaker or speakers with no preamp-level outputs...
... two-channel stereo installation in which the amplifier provides power for information on the TC Series amplifier enables you to adjust the input signal level for optimum performance. (See the "Controls and operations" section for both the left and right channels, both front and rear The TC304 can also accept a high-level (speaker-level) input signal from a head unit that would ordinarily connect directly to a speaker or speakers with no preamp-level outputs...
Owners Manual
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... low-pass amplifier to a mono subwoofer channel. In this configuration, the amplifier provides all its power into a single channel to provide higher power. amplifier. The TC600 or TC300 can be bridged. woofer amplitler. Note: Becmtse rher.e ur.e wl:\.fi.wn m f - (b) as a stereo high-pass amplifier to two stereo channels and as a dedicated mono amplifier running a single subwoofer or If you have several options for using TC Series amplifiers in bridged mode, such...
... low-pass amplifier to a mono subwoofer channel. In this configuration, the amplifier provides all its power into a single channel to provide higher power. amplifier. The TC600 or TC300 can be bridged. woofer amplitler. Note: Becmtse rher.e ur.e wl:\.fi.wn m f - (b) as a stereo high-pass amplifier to two stereo channels and as a dedicated mono amplifier running a single subwoofer or If you have several options for using TC Series amplifiers in bridged mode, such...
Owners Manual
Page 11
... separate channels of power. If you 're using the TC304 four-channel amplifier. multaneous bridged operation, provides Simultaneous bridged-mono/stereo operation almost unlimited flexibility for non- However, you will be configured to use any of satellite speakers as well as center-channel configuration or derived three-channel operation). The 4-3.2 operation of 4,3,2, operation have been described in the same frequency range. fade bass operation. You can be connected to both front and rear channel 4,3,2 operation using...
... separate channels of power. If you 're using the TC304 four-channel amplifier. multaneous bridged operation, provides Simultaneous bridged-mono/stereo operation almost unlimited flexibility for non- However, you will be configured to use any of satellite speakers as well as center-channel configuration or derived three-channel operation). The 4-3.2 operation of 4,3,2, operation have been described in the same frequency range. fade bass operation. You can be connected to both front and rear channel 4,3,2 operation using...
Owners Manual
Page 12
Audio input connections (from the amplifier to the speakers. Use the proper gauge of the proper size, and crimp them correctly to ensure that your amplifier is divided into four separate parts: 1. Power connections 3. General information Connection tips: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY'S NEGATIVE (-) TERMINAL BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR INSTALLATION, AND DO NOT RECONNECT IT UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY FINISHED! Speaker output connections (from the amplifier to the battery until after...
Audio input connections (from the amplifier to the speakers. Use the proper gauge of the proper size, and crimp them correctly to ensure that your amplifier is divided into four separate parts: 1. Power connections 3. General information Connection tips: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY'S NEGATIVE (-) TERMINAL BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR INSTALLATION, AND DO NOT RECONNECT IT UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY FINISHED! Speaker output connections (from the amplifier to the battery until after...
Owners Manual
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There are two methods you route these connections. Power connections Your TC Series amplifier requires a positive 12V battery connection and a negative 12V ground. Use 10-gauge or larger wire for these leads separately from the preamp output cables to the positi,te terminal of noise in your . TC600 12V Positive (B+) connection Remember-:Connecting your system have been conzpleted. amplifier to avoid the possibility of your...
There are two methods you route these connections. Power connections Your TC Series amplifier requires a positive 12V battery connection and a negative 12V ground. Use 10-gauge or larger wire for these leads separately from the preamp output cables to the positi,te terminal of noise in your . TC600 12V Positive (B+) connection Remember-:Connecting your system have been conzpleted. amplifier to avoid the possibility of your...
Owners Manual
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... amplifier. (See the "Controls and operations" section for information about adjusting input level.) You may receive: lowlevel (preamp-level) output or high-level (speaker-level) output. If you decide to use the type with a shielded, twisted pair of input signals that your head unit, electronic crossover, low-level equalizer (commonly referred to as a passive equalizer), or preamplifier to use high-quality preamp cables (although noise at the amplifier end. Low-level (preamp-level) connections Connect the left and right preamp output cables...
... amplifier. (See the "Controls and operations" section for information about adjusting input level.) You may receive: lowlevel (preamp-level) output or high-level (speaker-level) output. If you decide to use the type with a shielded, twisted pair of input signals that your head unit, electronic crossover, low-level equalizer (commonly referred to as a passive equalizer), or preamplifier to use high-quality preamp cables (although noise at the amplifier end. Low-level (preamp-level) connections Connect the left and right preamp output cables...
Owners Manual
Page 19
... about connecting specific speaker configurations, see the "Application 1- However, audiophile speaker cables may offer better perform- 3 f Detail: RCA pm conneclor High-level (speaker-level) connections ance. Speaker wires from the head unit to your TC Series amplifier can affect the sound quality of your system. Then attach each pair of 18-gaugeor larger should perform satisfactorily. I High-level (speaker-level) connections If yourhead unit has low-]evel(preamp- 1) connectors...
... about connecting specific speaker configurations, see the "Application 1- However, audiophile speaker cables may offer better perform- 3 f Detail: RCA pm conneclor High-level (speaker-level) connections ance. Speaker wires from the head unit to your TC Series amplifier can affect the sound quality of your system. Then attach each pair of 18-gaugeor larger should perform satisfactorily. I High-level (speaker-level) connections If yourhead unit has low-]evel(preamp- 1) connectors...
Owners Manual
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.... Test the system for the rear channels. Do not operate the system at ltigl~output le\vls nl/iettdistortio~ is changed as described in the following sections. If you hear distortion (clipping) on which input connectors you may easily reach amplifier output levels which can damage speakers. Controls and operation Bridged mono/stereo switch Set this level unless the amplifier - depending on a successive increment, immediately turn down the head unit volume control...
.... Test the system for the rear channels. Do not operate the system at ltigl~output le\vls nl/iettdistortio~ is changed as described in the following sections. If you hear distortion (clipping) on which input connectors you may easily reach amplifier output levels which can damage speakers. Controls and operation Bridged mono/stereo switch Set this level unless the amplifier - depending on a successive increment, immediately turn down the head unit volume control...
Owners Manual
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... volume control in your volume control by installing a line-level adaptor, commonly available from your head unit has a non-standard output signal. However, if operation is a dot indicator located at a new setting, reposition the INPUT control to its rotation clockwise and retest the system for normal preamp-type head units. For nonstandard low-level (preamp-level) and high-level (speaker-level) inputs: Turn the INPUT SENSITIVITY control all the way down to this setting. T..h.-e llNPUT control...
... volume control in your volume control by installing a line-level adaptor, commonly available from your head unit has a non-standard output signal. However, if operation is a dot indicator located at a new setting, reposition the INPUT control to its rotation clockwise and retest the system for normal preamp-type head units. For nonstandard low-level (preamp-level) and high-level (speaker-level) inputs: Turn the INPUT SENSITIVITY control all the way down to this setting. T..h.-e llNPUT control...
Owners Manual
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... your woofers than they were designed to the flat setting. Caution: Use this control carefully, since over -voltage conditions and will turn the 50Hz EQUALIZATION control clockwise until the music sounds best to you or until you achieve the best sound. Indicator LEDs The POWER LED turns on the amplifier, crossover, head unit, etc., until the amplifier is present at the battery (+) terminal and the REMOTE-ON...
... your woofers than they were designed to the flat setting. Caution: Use this control carefully, since over -voltage conditions and will turn the 50Hz EQUALIZATION control clockwise until the music sounds best to you or until you achieve the best sound. Indicator LEDs The POWER LED turns on the amplifier, crossover, head unit, etc., until the amplifier is present at the battery (+) terminal and the REMOTE-ON...
Owners Manual
Page 30
... their highest power at their minimum impedance loading of 2 ohms stereo or 4 ohms bridged mono. To determine minimum impedances, consider the combined impedances of all speakers operating in any given frequency range that are both 4-ohm speakers, the combined impedance is : 4+4=8ohms. Parallel RI X R2 - For example, if R 1 and R 2 are lower than these combinations as a way of protecting your amplifier will allow...
... their highest power at their minimum impedance loading of 2 ohms stereo or 4 ohms bridged mono. To determine minimum impedances, consider the combined impedances of all speakers operating in any given frequency range that are both 4-ohm speakers, the combined impedance is : 4+4=8ohms. Parallel RI X R2 - For example, if R 1 and R 2 are lower than these combinations as a way of protecting your amplifier will allow...
Owners Manual
Page 32
.... No sound. Check power connections and fuses. Also check other electrical equipment used with your amplifier does not operate as head units, equalizers. Troubleshooting checklist Most of the problems experienced by customers are due to installation or operational problems. If your amplifier. Power and Protect LEDs are on . first check the items in normal operation, please contact an authorized Harman Kardon service center. Check condition of car battery and charging...
.... No sound. Check power connections and fuses. Also check other electrical equipment used with your amplifier does not operate as head units, equalizers. Troubleshooting checklist Most of the problems experienced by customers are due to installation or operational problems. If your amplifier. Power and Protect LEDs are on . first check the items in normal operation, please contact an authorized Harman Kardon service center. Check condition of car battery and charging...
Owners Manual
Page 33
Cause Remedy Input control adjusted too low. Readjust input control (see "Controls and operation"). Upgrade speakers to eliminate clipping (see "Controls and operation"). Problem Amp plays clearly but sound distorts at high head unit volume control settings. Amp plays clearly at low to moderate head unit volume control settings, but not loud enough at high volumes. Speakers are not rated for higher power and cannot handle the amplifier's output. Input control is adjusted too high and amplifier is clipping. Readjust input level control counterclockwise to a model that ...
Cause Remedy Input control adjusted too low. Readjust input control (see "Controls and operation"). Upgrade speakers to eliminate clipping (see "Controls and operation"). Problem Amp plays clearly but sound distorts at high head unit volume control settings. Amp plays clearly at low to moderate head unit volume control settings, but not loud enough at high volumes. Speakers are not rated for higher power and cannot handle the amplifier's output. Input control is adjusted too high and amplifier is clipping. Readjust input level control counterclockwise to a model that ...
Owners Manual
Page 34
... wires are still in place on . TC600 and TC300: 5 large, 1 small RCA TC304: 5 large, 2 small RCA DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS. You can reverse the fan in any authorized Harman Kardon installer or service center to perform the fan reversal, and take this enables you . and so on both sides of the amplifier (see illustration for a TC Series amplifier...
... wires are still in place on . TC600 and TC300: 5 large, 1 small RCA TC304: 5 large, 2 small RCA DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS. You can reverse the fan in any authorized Harman Kardon installer or service center to perform the fan reversal, and take this enables you . and so on both sides of the amplifier (see illustration for a TC Series amplifier...