Features
Controls
Connections

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for measuring an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N) over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4Ω. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on an equal basis. Using CEA-2006 criteria, the Rockford Fosgate P500X2 is rated as follows:

• Power Output:
  • 4Ω: 150 watts x 2-channels
  • 2Ω: 250 watts x 2-channels
  • Bridged: 500 watts x 1-channel (into 4Ω)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 85 dBA (105 dB at rated power)

Cast Aluminum Heatsink: The cast aluminum heatsink dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% cooling improvement over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.

Dynamic Thermal Management (DTM): DTM evenly distributes excess heat across the amplifier's entire heatsink.

MEHSA³ (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application-3rd Generation): MEHSA is a Rockford Fosgate proprietary process that increases the heat transfer from the MOSFET devices to the heatsink. The multi-layer insulated metal MEHSA substrate operates with minimal thermal resistance, spreading heat both downward and outward to quickly dissipate heat from each device across the heatsink. This allows greater power output, enhanced thermal stability, and maximum reliability.

Trans-ANA (TRANSconductance Active Nodal Amplifier): Trans-ANA is a circuit that allows the audio signal to pass through the amplifier at low voltage. The signal is directly level-shifted to the fixed high voltage rails via a pair of drive transistors. Signal linearity is assured by an active node formed by the drive transistors at ultrasonic frequencies. The result is crystal clear sound quality.

NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision): NOMAD is an intelligent protection circuit that uses an analog computer to make real time decisions regarding temperature, voltage, current and impedance. The amplifier is protected without limiting sound output unless needed.

DSM (Discrete Surface Mount): High speed robotics are used in the manufacturing process to place 1% tolerance parts and large board traces. DSM improves the efficiency of the circuit, decreases cross-talk from other discrete components and lowers operating temperature.

CLEAN Set-Up: Rockford's integrated level setting technology, CLEAN (Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise), replaces sophisticated test equipment with input/output clip LEDs, allowing you to match the source unit's output to the amp's gain, and optimize the amp's output. The input clip indicator works in conjunction with the audio source volume, illuminating red when the source reaches it's clipping point. The output clip indicator works in conjunction with the input level dial on the amp, illuminating the appropriate color depending on the audio content used for the setup.

Power and Protection LEDs: The LEDs are located on top of the amplifier. A blue Power LED illuminates when the amplifier is turned on. A red Thermal LED illuminates if the amplifier overheats. The yellow Protect LED illuminates if a short circuit or too low an impedance is detected at the speaker connections. When any of the protection circuits engage, the amp automatically shuts down until the problem is corrected.

Balanced Differential Inputs: Differential inputs eliminate noise picked up by signal cables by measuring the voltage of both the (+) and (-) input signal, then subtracting the voltage common to both conductors (noise), resulting in only the clean signal entering the amplifier.

Controls

Input Level: To accommodate the varying range of signal levels from today's factory and aftermarket radios, the input level is adjustable from 150mV to 12V.

Crossover: The amplifier's internal crossover has a 12 dB/octave slope. It can be set to high-pass, all-pass (full range), or low-pass operation and the crossover point is variable from 50 Hz to 250 Hz.

Punch EQ: Punch EQ works along with the crossover switch. When the crossover is set to low-pass, the Punch EQ acts as a variable bass boost; 0-18 dB at 45 Hz. When the crossover is set to high-pass, the Punch EQ acts as variable treble boost, 0-14 dB at 12.5 kHz. When the crossover is set to all-pass, both the bass and treble boost circuits are active.

Connections

Power Connections: The power and ground terminals are nickel-plated captive c-clamp wire connectors and will accommodate up to 4-gauge wire. An external 80-amp fuse (not included) must be installed on the power wire. The remote turn-on terminal will accept up to 12-gauge wire. A Phillips or flat-head screwdriver (not supplied) is required to tighten/loosen the terminals.

Speaker Connections: The two pair of speaker output terminals are also nickel-plated captive c-clamps and will accept up to 8-gauge wire. A Phillips or flat-head screwdriver (not supplied) is required to tighten/loosen the terminals.

Signal Input: The RCA inputs will accept either a line-level or speaker-level input. A speaker-level signal can be connected using a Speaker Wire to RCA adapter (sold separately). When using a speaker-level input signal, the auto turn-on feature is active and the remote turn-on terminal becomes a 12 volt output to turn on/off up to two additional amplifiers or other components.

Line Level Output: The amplifier has a pair of RCA line level pass-thru outputs to feed another amplifier. The pass-thru output is passive (the same signal present at the amp's input) and the amp's crossover has no effect on the signal.

Punch Level Control (PLC): An RJ-45 jack is provided for connecting an optional wired remote PLC2 (item number 575PLC2, sold separately), allowing remote control of the output level of the amplifier. A second RJ-45 jack is the PLC output, used to daisy-chain additional amplifiers controlled by a single remote.