Sony XM-8ES

Features

CTA-2006 Compliant: CTA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement 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 amplifier power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers), with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4-ohms. CTA-2006 standards allow consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers under the same conditions (apples to apples).

CTA-2006 Specifications:

• Power Output:
  • 100 watts RMS x 8 into 4-ohms
  • 165 watts RMS x 8 into 2-ohms
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dBA (measured at 1 watt into 4-ohms)

Other Specifications:

• Bridged Power Output: 330 watts RMS x 4 (14.4 volts, 4-ohms)
• Peak Power Output: 280 watts x 8 (14.4 volts, 2-ohms)

Amp Overview: The Sony XM-8ES is a full-range Class D 8-channel amplifier. Its Class D design and heavy-duty aluminum chassis offer efficient heat dissipation and vibration-damping for reliable performance. High-quality electronic components and a low-noise power supply provide pristine audio playback. The amp can be used to drive six full-range speakers, bi-amping a pair of component speakers, or bridged for up to three subwoofers. With multiple crossovers built-in, you can configure the amplifier for low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass applications.

Signal Summing: The XM-8ES features signal summing, letting you combine separate audio signals from a factory system, such as separate tweeter, woofer, midrange, etc. outputs, and combine them into full-range signals for powering aftermarket speakers.

Speaker-Level Inputs: The RCA inputs will accept either speaker-level or line-level signals from your car’s head unit. A speaker-level signal is connected to the RCA inputs using a speaker wire to RCA adapter (sold separately).

Auto Turn-on: When using a speaker-level input, the amp will turn on automatically when it senses the input signal from most head units.

Protection Circuits: The amplifier is equipped with protection circuits and turns off in the case of speaker short circuit, thermal overload, or DC output.

Controls

Turn-on: 2-position switch:

• Remote: amp turns on when a +12 volt signal is applied to the remote terminal
• Signal: amp turns on when it senses a speaker-level input

Input Voltage: 2-position switch:

• Low: input sensitivity range is 200mV to 8V; used for preamp-level inputs
• High: input sensitivity range is 3V to 16V; used for speaker-level inputs

Input Mode: 4-position switch:

• 1-8: all eight RCA inputs are used and feed the corresponding output channels (allows front-to-rear fading from the head unit)
• 1-2/5-6: input 1 feeds channels 1&3 while input 2 feeds channels 2&4; input 5 feeds channels 5&7 while input 6 feeds channels 6&8
• 1-2: input 1 feeds output channels 1, 3, 5, and 7 while input 2 feeds output channels 2, 4, 6, and 8
• 1+3/2+4: inputs 1 and 3 are combined and the summed signal feeds output channels 1, 3, 5, and 7; inputs 2 and 4 are combined and the summed signal feeds output channels 2, 4, 6, and 8

Line Out Mode: 3-position switch determines the signal type for the pair of Pre Out jacks:

• Thru: inputs 1 and 2 feed line outputs 1 and 2 respectively
• Stereo: inputs 1 and 3 are combined to feed line output 1; inputs 2 and 4 are combined to feed line output 2
• All: inputs 1-4 are combined and the summed signal feeds both line outputs

Common Controls: Channels 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 each have independent controls for the filter type, crossovers, and input sensitivity.

• Filter: a 4-way switch lets you select the type of filter used for that set of channels; options include Off, HP, LP, and BP. Bandpass mode (BP) lets you combine the High- and Low-pass filters.
• Range: a 2-way switch determines the range of the corresponding Frequency dials:
  • 50-500: sets the LPF and HPF range to 50Hz to 500Hz
  • 500-5k: sets the LPF and HPF range to 500 to 5000Hz
• Crossovers: The amp features 12dB per octave crossovers that can be configured as low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, or flat (full-range). There are identical crossover controls for channels 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8:
  • High-Pass Frequency: rotary dial; range depends on the range switch setting; 50-500 Hz or 500-5,000 Hz
  • Low-Pass Frequency: rotary dial; range depends on the range switch setting; 50-500 Hz or 500-5,000 Hz
• Input Sensitivity (Gain): Input sensitivity is adjusted with rotary dials; the range depends on the input voltage switch setting.

Connections

Power Input: Set-screw terminals are provided for connecting the power and ground cables. The terminals accept up to 1/0-gauge wire (recommended). The set screws are tightened/loosened with the included 2.5mm Allen wrench.

Remote Turn-on: The remote turn-on set screw terminal will accept up to 8-gauge wire. The set screw is tightened/loosened with the included 2.5mm Allen wrench.

Speaker Outputs: The eight pair of speaker outputs are also set screw terminals and accept up to 8-gauge wire. They are tightened/loosened with the included 2.5mm Allen wrench.

Signal Input: The amplifier features eight RCA inputs on a 10″ harness. If no line-level signal is available, you will need speaker wire to RCA adapters (sold separately) to connect the amplifier to the source unit via speaker wires.

Line Outputs: The 10″ input harness also includes one pair of RCA preamp outputs, useful for adding another amp without running another set of cables. The output signals will be determined by the Line Out Mode switch and are not affected by the crossovers or input sensitivity setting on this amp.

Fuses: The amp has four 40-amp ATO fuses (160-amp total current draw)