CONTENTS
Congratulations! 3
Specifications 3
Features 4
A M P L I F I E R S
About Protection Circuitry 5
Amplifiers and 2 Ohm Operation 5
Electrical Wiring 6
Mounting the Amplifier 6
High Input Wiring 7
Mode Switch Settings 8
Low Level Input Wiring 9
Four Channel Amplifier Speaker Wiring 10
GT1180
GT1380
GT1480
GT1580
Bridged Speaker Wiring with a Four Channel Amplifier 10
Dual Tri-Mode Speaker Wiring with a Four Channel Amplifier 11
Five Channel Amplifier Speaker Wiring 12
Bridged Speaker Wiring with a Five Channel Amplifier 12
Dual Tri-Mode Speaker Wiring with a Five Channel Amplifier 13
Precautions 14
Troubleshooting 15
Built-in Crossover
All GT amplifiers feature built-in electronic crossovers.
A M P L I F I E R S
The MonoBlock amplifier (GT1000M) features an continuously-variable low pass and an
+18dB Bass Boost switch.
F E A T U R E S
The 2 Channel, 4 Channel and 5 Channel GT amplifiers feature continuously-variable low
pass crossovers and fixed high pass crossovers. They also all feature a +18 dB Bass Boost switch.
Four Channel Amplifiers
GT1180, GT 1380, GT1480
All GT amplifiers have been designed to utilize100% MOSFET power supplies, ensuring
extremely rapid switching response for plenty ofclean power.
Four Channel Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier
Tri-Mode Capable
Heavy-duty Aluminum Alloy Heatsink
Class A-B Operation
Protection Circuitry
The amplifier protection circuitry will disable the amplifier if the inputs are overloaded,
short-circuited or if extremely high temperature conditions are detected. When the protection
mode is in operation, the LED indicator on the front panel will be illuminated, indicating
the amplifier has gone into a self-preservation mode.
Continuously-Variable LowPass Crossover: 45Hz-90Hz
Bass Boost Switch: 0 to +18dB
Remote Subwoofer Level Control
Continuously-Variable Input Gain Control
High Pass Crossover: 200Hz
4
5
Nickel Plated RCA And Speaker Level Inputs
Remote Turn-On/Turn-Off Circuit
MOSFET Pulse Width Modulated Power Supply
2 Ohm Stable Stereo Operation with Output Power Increase
Soft Turn-On Circuit
If you observe that the protection LED is lit, please check the system carefully to determine
what has caused the protection circuit to engage. The amplifier can be reset by turning
the remote power off and then on again. If the amplifier shuts down due to a thermal
overload condition, please allow it to cool down before powering up. If the amplifier shuts
down because of an input overload or short circuit, be sure to repair these conditions before
attempting to power up the amplifier again.
Thermal and Speaker Short Protection Circuitry
LED Power and Protection Indicators
2 Ohm Operation (in stereo mode)
Five Channel Amplifier
GT1580
Your GT amplifier was designed to operate effectively at loads as low as 2 Ohms. This
means that you can install four 8 Ohm speakers per channel when using parallel wiring.
Increasing the number of woofers per channel at low frequencies (up to 100Hz) produces an
acoustic coupling effect. This acoustic coupling increases your power output by 3 dB per
speaker.
Five Channel Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier
Tri-Mode Capable
Heavy-duty Aluminum Alloy Heatsink
Class A-B Operation
Continuously-Variable LowPass Crossover: 45Hz-90Hz
(all channels)
Bass Boost Switch: 0 to +18dB (CH1-CH4)
Variable Bass Boost: 0 to +18dB (CH5)
Remote Subwoofer Level Control
Continuously-Variable Input Gain Control
High Pass Crossover: 200Hz (Channels 1-4)
Nickel Plated RCA And Speaker Level Inputs
Remote Turn-On/Turn-Off Circuit
MOSFET Pulse Width Modulated Power Supply
2 Ohm Stable Stereo Operation with Output Power Increase
Soft Turn-On Circuit
Thermal and Speaker Short Protection Circuitry
LED Power and Protection Indicators
When operating at 2 Ohms, the amplifiers will increase their output power by approximately
50%. The current draw will also increase by about the same amount. So be sure you have
enough current to run the amplifiers into a 2 Ohm load. If you lack adequate current, your
music reproduction will be distorted.
Please note: The gain control of any car audio amplifier should not be mistaken for a volume
control. It is a sophisticated device, designed to match the output level of your audio source unit
to the input level of the amplifier. Do not adjust this input level to maximum unless your input
level requires it. Ignoring these instructions will result in an input overload to the amplifier, and
excessive audio distortion. It can also cause the protection circuit to engage.
Electrical Wiring
High Level Inputs
The GT 4-Channel amplifiers utilize a separate connector
for Channels 1/2 and Channels 3/4.
All BOSS GT series power amplifiers are equipped with easy top access screw terminals. These
terminals are nickel-plated in order to ensure excellent electrical contact and resist corrosion.
When making electrical connections to the amplifier, please observe the following:
WARNING: If you use the HIGH LEVEL (speaker) inputs, do not use the LOW LEVEL inputs at the same time.
Use at least 8 gauge or heavier wire for power and ground connections.
Wire the amplifier directly to the car battery. Make sure there is circuit protection (such as a fuse)
on the positive power lead, within 18 inches of the battery.
For the ground connection, use the shortest possible wire to a good chassis ground point.
Wire the Remote connection to the remote turn-on lead of your equalizer or head unit. In some cases
cases this may be the power antenna lead of the head unit.
Four Channel Amplifiers:
GT 1180, GT 1380, GT 1480
Remote Subwoofer Level Control
All BOSS GT series power amplifiers are equipped with a dashboard mount remote subwoofer
level control. Run the supplied dashboard remote control from the front panel of your amplifier. By
turning the level knob clockwise, you will increase the output of low frequencies.
6
7
CHANNEL 2 (+)
CHANNEL 2 (-)
CHASSIS GROUND
CHANNEL 1 (-)
CHANNEL 1 (+)
Fuses
HEAD UNIT
Fuses protect both the amplifier and the electrical system of your vehicle from faulty conditions. If
you must replace the fuse in your GT amplifier, use a fuse of exactly the same type and rating.
A different type or rating may result in damage or cause a fire.
CHANNEL 3 (+)
CHANNEL 3 (-)
From
Mounting the Amplifier
HEAD UNIT
SPEAKER
OUTPUTS
CHASSIS GROUND
Mark the location for the mounting screw holes by positioning the amplifier where you wish to
install it and use a scribe (or one of the mounting screws) inserted in each mounting hole to mark
the mounting surface. If the mounting surface is carpeted, measure the hole centers and mark with
a felt tip pen.
CHANNEL 4 (-)
CHANNEL 4 (+)
Drill pilot holes in the mounting surface for the mounting screws and insert the mounting screws
into these holes. Tighten them securely.
Note: Before beginning your installation, be sure to take note of any wires, lines or other devices
in your vehicle which may be located behind any mounting surface.
Four Channel Amplifiers:
GT1180, GT1380, GT1480
High Level Inputs (5 Channel Amplifier) - GT 1580
WARNING: If you use the HIGH LEVEL (speaker) inputs, do not use the LOW LEVEL inputs at the
same time.
CHANNEL 2 (+)
CHANNEL 2 (-)
CHASSIS GROUND
CHANNEL 1 (-)
CHANNEL 1 (+)
CH1
INPUT
CH2
INPUT
CH4
INPUT
CH3
INPUT
HEAD UNIT
CH1/2
CH5
CH5-L
CH1
CH3
CH1
CH2
From
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
45
90
HEAD UNIT
SPEAKER
OUTPUTS
45
90
45
90
CH4 CH5
IN IN
CH3
CH4
CH2
CH3/4
CH4
CH5-R
INPUT MODE
8
9
Five Channel Amplifier:
G T 1580
CHANNEL 3 (+)
CHANNEL 3 (-)
CHASSIS GROUND
CHANNEL 4 (-)
Mode Switch in
4ch Position
CHANNEL 4 (+)
CH1/2
CH1
CH5
CH5-L
CH3
CH1
CH2
Note: Use the 4CH mode when using high level (speaker) inputs and the 5CH mode use with for low level (RCA) inputs.
45
90
45
90
45
90
CH4 CH5
IN IN
INPUTMODE
CH3
CH4
CH2
CH3/4
CH4
CH5-R
Mode Switch Settings
MODE
CH4 INPUT
CH3 INPUT
CH1 INPUT
CH2 INPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
SWITCH
5CH IN
4CH IN
2CH IN
1CH/2CH/3CH/4CH/5CH
1CH/2CH/3CH/4CH
1CH/2CH
1/2/3/4/5CH
1/2/3/4/5CH
1/2/5CH
CH3 INPUT
CH1 INPUT
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
Mode Switch in
5ch Position
Y adaptor
When the high level (speaker) inputs are used, or when
there is no input for CH5, the Mode switch should be
placed in the5CH position.
CH1/2
CH5
CH5-L
CH1
CH3
CH1
CH2
45
90
45
90
45
90
CH1/2
CH5
CH5-L
CH1
CH3
CH4 CH5
IN IN
INPUTMODE
CH3
CH4
CH2
CH3/4
CH4
CH5-R
CH1
CH2
45
90
45
90
45
90
CH4 CH5
IN IN
INNPPUTTMMOODDEE
Y adaptor
CH3
CH4
CH2
CH3/4
CH4
CH5-R
CH2 INPUT
CH4 INPUT
From OUTPUT
of HEAD UNIT
Dual Tri-Mode Speaker Wiring
Four Channel Speaker Wiring
Four Channel Amplifiers
GT1180, GT 1380, GT1480
Tri-Mode Operational Output is a unique feature which allows a subwoofer to be operated in MONO
mode, while the main speakers are playing STEREO simultaneously on one pair of amplifier output
channels.
CH1
SPEAKER
CH2
SPEAKER
To engage the amplifier in this mode, place the Crossover (Subwoofer) switch in the FULL position.
Use a 100V non-poplar capacitor for a high pass crossover and a wire coil inductor to block high
frequencies from the subwoofer, as shown in the figure below. Please review the table below for
inductor and capacitor component values to determine the desired crossover frequencies.
Four Channel Amplifiers
GT1180, GT 1380, GT1480
SUBWOOFER MINIMUM
SUBWOOFER
IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS!
CH 2
SPEAKER
CH 1
SPEAKER
+
GROUND
10
11
CH3
SPEAKER
CH4
SPEAKER
+
LOW PASS FILTER
(INDUCTOR)
+
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
To BATTERY
HIGH PASS FILTERS
(CAPACITORS)
Bridged Speaker Wiring
LEFT SPEAKER
(SUBWOOFER)
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
Four Channel Amplifiers
GT1180, GT 1380, GT1480
+
GROUND
HIGH PASS FILTERS
(CAPACITORS)
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
+
+
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
To BATTERY
CH3
SPEAKER
CH 4
SPEAKER
GROUND
+
LOW PASS FILTER
(INDUCTOR)
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
SUBWOOFER MINIMUM
IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS!
+
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
RIGHT SPEAKER
(SUBWOOFER)
SUBWOOFER
To BATTERY
CH2
SPEAKER
Dual Tri-Mode Speaker Wiring
Five Channel Speaker Wiring
Five Channel Amplifier:
GT1580
Tri-Mode Operational Output is a unique feature which allows a subwoofer to be operated in MONO
mode, while the main speakers are playing STEREO simultaneously on one pair of amplifier output
channels.
CH 5 SPEAKER
(SUBWOOFER)
CH1
SPEAKER
To engage the amplifier in this mode, place the Crossover (Subwoofer) switch in the FULL position.
Use a 100V non-poplar capacitor for a high pass crossover and a wire coil inductor to block high
frequencies from the subwoofer, as shown in the figure below. Please review the table below for
inductor and capacitor component values to determine the desired crossover frequencies.
SUBWOOFER MINIMUM
IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS!
Five Channel Amplifiers
GT1580
SUBWOOFER
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
CH4
SPEAKER
GROUND
CH 2
SPEAKER
CH 1
SPEAKER
+
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
12
13
CH3
SPEAKER
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
+
+
LOW PASS FILTER
(INDUCTOR)
To BATTERY
CH 5 SPEAKER
(SUBWOOFER)
HIGH PASS FILTERS
(CAPACITORS)
Bridged Speaker Wiring
SUBWOOFER MINIMUM
IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS!
Five Channel Amplifier:
GT1580
BRIDGED
LEFT SPEAKER
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
CH 5 SPEAKER
(SUBWOOFER)
+
GROUND
HIGH PASS FILTERS
(CAPACITORS)
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
+
+
To BATTERY
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
CH 4
SPEAKER
CH 3
SPEAKER
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
GROUND
+
To REMOTE TURN-ON
from HEAD UNIT
+
LOW PASS FILTER
(INDUCTOR)
SUBWOOFER
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
4 - 8 OHMS!
To BATTERY
SUBWOOFER MINIMUM
IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS!
BRIDGED
RIGHT SPEAKER
Precautions
Troubleshooting
Before removing your amplifier, refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures.
Always test the speakers and their wires first.
Before you drill or cut any holes, investigate your car's layout very carefully. Take care
when you work near the gas tank, fuel lines, hydraulic lines and electrical wiring.
No Output
Confirm that all terminal strip connections are secure and tight.
Do not operate the amplifier when it is not mounted. Attach all audio system components
securely within the automobile to prevent damage, especially in case of an accident.
Check both in-line and built-in fuses. Both the "+12V" and the "REMOTE" terminals
must have +12V referenced to chassis ground.
Do not mount this amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or in a pinched
condition, or likely to be damaged by nearby objects.
Confirm that the audio signal source (car radio, equalizer, etc.) is connected and
is supplying output signal. To check if the amplifier is supplying signal, unplug
the RCA cables from the signal source (but leave them plugged into the amp).
Gently tap the center pin of each of the disconnected RCA plugs with your finger.
This should produce a noise (feedback) in your speakers.
Before making or breaking power connections in your system, disconnect the vehicle
battery. Confirm that your head unit or other equipment is turned off while connecting
the input jacks and speaker terminals.
14
15
Only one
channel
works
Confirm that all speaker strip connections are secure and tight.
If you need to replace the power fuse, replace it only with a fuse identical to that supplied
with the system. Using a fuse of different type or rating may result in damage to your
system which isn't covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Check the BALANCE control on the head unit (or other source) to verify that it
is set to its midpoint.
If you are using the Low Level RCA Inputs, reverse the input plugs at the amplifier
(switches the R with the L). If the channel which is silent switches to other side,
the problem is either in the head unit/other source or the connecting tables.
Readjust the Input Sensitivity Control to better suit the input signal.
Weak Output
Noise in the
Audio
If the noise is a "whine" whose pitch follows the engine speed, confirm that the
amplifier and any other signal sources ( head unit, etc.) are properly grounded.
If the noise is a "clicking" or "popping" noise whose rate follows the engine speed,
this usually means that the vehicle is equipped with resistor spark plugs and wires,
or that the ignition is in need of service.
Check the routing of the speaker and input wires to make sure they are not
adjacent to wires which interconnect lights and other accessories.
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