Features
Controls
Connections

Features

Overview: The Rockford Fosgate M5-1500X5 is a 5-channel powersports amplifier with a rated power output of 100 watts per channel at 4-ohms or 2-ohms for the four main channels, and 400 watts @4Ω/600 watts @2Ω for the subwoofer channel. This Element Ready amplifier can be used on motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, or boats, and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.

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 determining 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 into a 4Ω load with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare amplifiers and receivers under identical conditions. The CEA-2006-rated RMS power output is 100 watts RMS x 4 channels. Additionally the power output is 100 watts RMS x 4 channels into 2Ω and 200 watts RMS x 2 channels bridged (into 4Ω). The subwoofer output is rated for 400W x 1 @4Ω, 600W x 1 @2Ω, and 600W x 1 @1Ω.

Element Ready: Rockford Fosgate's Element Ready Amplifiers are protected against dust, UV rays, and corrosion. Marine-grade, two-part epoxy-coated circuit boards are used to prevent corrosion due to exposure in moist and humid places. In addition, stainless hardware is used to help prevent rust and corrosion of all electrical connections. The M5-1500X5 carries an IPX6 rating, making it impervious to water spray.

Amp Class: The M5-1500X5 features Rockford Fosgate's proprietary Class-AD technology for the front & rear speaker channels and Class-BD for the subwoofer channel. This allows the amplifier to produce more power with less current draw from the vehicle's charging system.

MEHSA 4 Cooling: The amplifier features Rockford Fosgate's MEHSA 4 (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application) technology that reduces MOSFET temperatures, lowers distortion, increases durability, and prolongs the output circuitry's life span.

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 its 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.

Controls

PRESET: The M5-1500X5 features Rockford Fosgate's PRESET setting (On/Off) that eliminates the need to set-up the amplifier when used with a compatible Rockford Fosgate ATV/UTV Stage 3 or Stage 4 audio kit (sold separately). When set to On, the PRESET circuitry automatically optimizes the front, rear, and subwoofer input levels, Punch EQ, and crossover settings. If manually setting these adjustments, the PRESET switch should be set to the Off position. Individual PRESET switches are provided for the front, rear, and subwoofer outputs.

Input Level: The amplifier has dual input level controls for the front and rear channels, conveniently accessible from the top. To accommodate the varying range of signal levels from today's factory and aftermarket radios, the input levels are adjustable from 150mV to 12V. A small flat-head screwdriver (not supplied) is needed to adjust the levels.

Crossover: The amplifier has three built-in crossovers for the front, rear, and subwoofer channels. All three crossovers are variable from 50Hz to 250Hz with a slope of 12dB/octave. The front and rear channels can be independently set to high-pass, all-pass (full range), or low-pass operation, while the subwoofer channel is set for low-pass operation. The rotary frequency settings can be adjusted with a small screwdriver.

Punch EQ: The amplifier has two Punch EQ functions (for front and rear) that change with the crossover switches. When the crossover is set to low-pass, the Punch EQ acts as a variable bass boost; 0 to +18dB at 45Hz. When the crossover is set to high-pass, the Punch EQ acts as a variable treble boost, 0 to +14dB at 12.5kHz. When the crossover is set to all-pass, both the bass and treble boost circuits are active. The subwoofer channel's Punch EQ acts as a variable bass boost only.

Connections

Power Connections: The M5-1500X5's power, ground, and remote turn-on terminals are located on a single 11" harness with matching adapter. The adapter accepts up to 4 AWG wire (recommended) and features set-screws for locking the wire in place. The power/ground harness is combined with the subwoofer output harness and attached to the amp in one large connector that's held in place with 2 hex-socket screws.

Fuse: The amplifier does not have an on-board fuse. A 200-amp fuse should be placed on the power wire within 18" of the battery.

Speaker Connections: The amplifier is equipped with two 11" speaker output harnesses which are combined with the power/ground harness to one connector at the amplifier. Two 7.5" speaker harnesses plug into the output harnesses and provide bare-ended wire for connection to your speakers. Front and rear speaker outputs can be bridged to provide two 2 x 200W @4Ω outputs. The subwoofer output is a single channel and cannot be bridged.

Signal Input: The amplifier's Differential Inputs will accept either a line-level or speaker-level input on the Molex-style connectors. A single amp connector, secured with hex-socket screws to the amp, features three 4-pin Molex connectors on the other end for connecting the included input adapter harnesses. Each input adapter harness has a 4-pin Molex plug on one end and dual RCAs on the other end. Front and rear line-level signals can simply be connected via RCA cables from the source unit to each input harness. For a speaker-level signal, you can cut the RCA connectors from the input harnesses and splice the wires to the speaker wires of the source unit. 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, which can be used to turn on/off an additional amplifier or other component.