Setup: Triad Crown CDi 2-600 Underground Garden Array Amp Setup Guide

Overview

The Crown CDi 2-600 Underground Garden Array Amp is a two-channel professional amplifier configured for Triad Garden Array outdoor audio systems. This setup uses one channel for multiple 70V satellite speakers and the other for an underground subwoofer connected at 2/4/8 ohms.

The recommended arrangement accepts separate left and right analog source connections, combines them within the amplifier’s signal-processing configuration, and sends mono audio to both output channels. Up to 16 Triad Garden Array Satellites can be connected in parallel to the 70V output when the satellites are set to their highest volume level.

Specifications

• Model: Crown CDi 2|600
• Amplifier channels: 2
• Rated output: 600 watts per channel at 4 ohms
• Supported output modes for this installation: 70V and 2/4/8 ohms
• Recommended Channel 1 mode: 70V for Garden Array Satellites
• Recommended Channel 2 mode: 2/4/8 ohms for the underground subwoofer
• Analog input configuration: ANLG 1+2 assigned to both channels
• Amplifier gain setting for consumer source equipment: +37 dBu
• Control interface: front-panel display, encoder knob, Menu button, Back button, channel Select buttons, channel Mute buttons, and Power button
• Network information displayed by the example configuration: IP address 192.168.0.36
• Connections: analog input Phoenix connector, speaker output connector, balanced-input ground terminals, and an 8-pin GPIO/AUX control port

Detailed Description

The amplifier can drive low-impedance and constant-voltage speaker systems independently on either channel. In this garden installation, Channel 1 supplies the distributed satellite speakers through a 70V line, while Channel 2 drives the underground subwoofer through a low-impedance connection.

Connect the source’s left and right wires as separate inputs to the male Phoenix connector. The included female RCA-to-bare-wire adapter can be used with the Garden Array subwoofer connection. Observe the positive and negative markings on every connector to preserve polarity.

The front-panel display shows the active preset, network address, input assignment, tuning status, and relative channel levels. Rotate the encoder knob to move through menus, press it to confirm a selection, use Back to return to the previous screen, and press Menu to open the main system menu.

Channel Select buttons provide access to individual channel level adjustment. Channel Mute buttons silence the corresponding output when required during testing or service.

Safety

• Do not connect the amplifier to AC power until all signal, speaker, and control connections have been completed.
• High-power 70V and 100V amplifier outputs can create a serious electric-shock hazard.
• Do not connect speaker wires until all other connections are finished and the installation has been checked.
• Read the Crown amplifier owner’s manual and the applicable Garden Array satellite and subwoofer setup instructions before operating the system.
• Confirm the selected output mode and wiring before applying power. A speaker connected to the wrong output configuration can be damaged.
• Use correct polarity on the input and output connectors. Reversed polarity can reduce bass and weaken the combined sound field.

Setup and Operation

1. Plan the wiring

Use one two-conductor burial cable from Channel 1 for the Garden Array Satellites. Wire the satellites in parallel on the 70V line. Use a separate two-conductor burial cable from Channel 2 for the underground Garden Array Subwoofer.

For the recommended system design, connect the satellites to Channel 1 and the subwoofer to Channel 2. Keep the two speaker circuits separate throughout the installation.

2. Connect the analog source

Connect the source left and right outputs as two independent analog inputs. Attach the positive and negative wires to the appropriate Phoenix connector positions, checking the connector markings before tightening or securing the wiring.

Do not combine the input wires physically. The two signals are assigned and combined through the amplifier configuration menus.

3. Configure the amplifier

1. From the home screen, press Menu.
2. Scroll to Configure Amplifier with the encoder knob and press the knob to select it.
3. Choose Guided Setup.
4. In Amp Wiring Setup, make sure Y 1+2 is not selected.
5. Leave Bridge 1+2 unchecked.
6. Select Next.

4. Select the output modes

On the Output Mode Setup screen, configure the channels as follows:

• Top channel, Channel 1: 70V
• Bottom channel, Channel 2: 2/4/8

Select Next after confirming both settings.

5. Assign the input source

On the Input Source screen, set ANLG 1+2 in the upper input box and ANLG 1+2 in the lower input box. This assigns the combined analog source to both amplifier channels.

Select Next to continue to the DSP settings.

6. Apply the Garden Array DSP configuration

Use the following values in the Edit DSP screens. Turn off settings that are not listed.

Channel 1 crossover

• High-pass filter: On
• High-pass type: L-R 24
• High-pass frequency: 120 Hz
• Low-pass filter: Off
• Low-pass type: L-R 24
• Low-pass frequency: 20 kHz
• Gain: 0.0 dB
• Polarity: Normal

Channel 1 output equalization

• Band 1: Bell, 320 Hz, +6.0 dB, Q 0.704
• Band 2: Bell, 1.4 kHz, -7.0 dB, Q 6
• Band 3: Bell, 4 kHz, +2.0 dB, Q 1
• Band 4: Bell, 13 kHz, -8.0 dB, Q 8

Channel 2 crossover

• High-pass filter: On
• High-pass type: L-R 24
• High-pass frequency: 26 Hz
• Low-pass filter: On
• Low-pass type: L-R 24
• Low-pass frequency: 200 Hz
• Gain: 0.0 dB
• Polarity: Normal

Channel 2 output equalization

• Band 1: Bell, 35 Hz, +4 dB, Q 3
• Band 2: Bell, 70 Hz, +7 dB, Q 1
• Band 3: Bell, 115 Hz, -6 dB, Q 8
• Band 4: Bell, 275 Hz, -20 dB, Q 8
• Band 5: Bell, 520 Hz, -20 dB, Q 8

Channel 2 limiter

• Limiter: On
• RMS voltage: 30.00
• Thermal voltage: 50.00
• Thermal response: 10.00

After entering the DSP values, select Done on the final Edit DSP screen.

7. Set amplifier gain

1. Return to the home screen and press Menu.
2. Open System Settings.
3. Select Amp Gain Mode.
4. Choose Amp Gain.
5. Set the value to +37 dBu.
6. Select Done.

8. Balance the channels

The home screen normally shows 0.0 dB for both channels. These values control the relative level between the satellites and subwoofer without changing the basic channel assignment.

To reduce the subwoofer level, press Channel 2 Select and rotate the encoder knob until the desired reduction appears. For example, a setting of -3.0 dB lowers Channel 2 relative to the satellite channel. Press Channel 2 Select again to finish the adjustment.

After relative balance is set, turning the encoder for overall volume scales both channels proportionally.

Useful operating features

• Device presets can store DSP settings, channel assignments, gains, levels, mutes, source assignments, and output modes for later recall.
• The front-panel controls can be locked to prevent unauthorized changes.
• The 8-pin GPIO/AUX port can support basic amplifier monitoring and remote standby functions when used with a compatible control system.

Troubleshooting

No sound from either channel

• Confirm that the amplifier is powered and that neither channel is muted.
• Verify that the analog source wires are connected to the correct Phoenix connector positions.
• Check that the Input Source screen assigns ANLG 1+2 to both channels.
• Confirm that the source is producing an audio signal.

Satellites do not play

• Check that Channel 1 is configured for 70V.
• Inspect the two-conductor burial cable for an open connection or reversed polarity.
• Confirm that the satellite wiring is connected to the Channel 1 output rather than the subwoofer output.
• Check the Channel 1 level and mute status.

Subwoofer does not play

• Confirm that Channel 2 is set to 2/4/8.
• Check the separate subwoofer cable and its polarity.
• Verify that Channel 2 is not muted and that its relative level has not been reduced excessively.
• Confirm that the Channel 2 crossover and limiter settings were entered correctly.

Sound is weak or bass is reduced

• Inspect every positive and negative connection for reversed polarity.
• Check that the two speaker circuits have not been combined accidentally.
• Confirm that Bridge 1+2 and Y 1+2 remain unchecked for this configuration.
• Review the output mode assignments before increasing gain.

Channel balance is incorrect

• Check the relative Channel 1 and Channel 2 levels on the home screen.
• Use Channel Select and the encoder knob to make small adjustments.
• Remember that the balance adjustment affects one channel relative to the other, while a later overall-volume adjustment scales both channels together.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Supports 70V satellite distribution and low-impedance subwoofer operation in one amplifier; provides front-panel DSP setup; accepts separate analog source inputs; allows independent channel balancing; supports presets and control-system integration.
• Cons: Correct operation depends on careful output-mode selection, polarity checks, DSP entry, and separate wiring for the satellite and subwoofer circuits.