Kicker DX250.1, DX500.1, DX1000.1 Owner's Manual

D

DX AMPLIFIER

DX250.1
DX500.1
DX1000.1

English Version

Versión Español

Amplificador del la Serie DX.1

LIVIN’ LOUD

Deutsche Version

Verstärker der DX.1-Serie

Version Francaise

Amplificateur de série DX.1

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DX.1-SERIES AMPLIFIERS
OWNER’S MANUAL

MODEL: DX250.1 / DX500.1 / DX1000.1

Authorized KICKER Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Model Number:

Serial Number:

PERFORMANCE

Model: DX250.1 DX500.1 DX1000.1

RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω mono,  1% THD+N

Length, in. (cm) 10-1/4” (26) 10-1/4” (26) 10-1/4” (26)

Electronic Crossover Fixed, 80Hz

Subsonic Filter Fixed, 25Hz

Bass Boost Selectable, 0/9dB

Specifi cations common to all models:

Height, in. (mm) 2-1/4” (57)

Width, in. (mm) 8-5/16” (211)

Frequency Response ± 1dB 20Hz–200Hz

Signal-to-noise Ratio >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power

Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V

Remote Bass Yes (not included) Yes Yes

140 x 1
250 x 1

24dB/octave

24dB/octave

@ 40Hz

High Level: 250mV–10V

275W x 1
500W x 1

Variable lo-pass 50Hz–200Hz
18dB/octave

Variable hi-pass 10Hz-30Hz
18dB/octave

Variable 0–12dB @ 40Hz

550W x 1
1000W x 1

Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifi er and extend the warranty by 1 year, use
genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.

INSTALLATION

Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifi er. Make sure there are no items
behind the area where the screws will be driven. Choose a location that allows at least 4” (10cm) of open
ventilation for the amplifi er. If possible, mount the amplifi er in the climate-controlled passenger compartment. Drill
four holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifi er.

Wiring: Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Then, connect the ground wire to the
amplifi er. Make the ground wire short, 24” (60cm) or less, and connect it to a paint-and-corrosion-free, solid,
metal area of the vehicle’s chassis. Adding an additional ground wire of this same gauge (or larger) between the
battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.

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The DX amplifi er has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low level signals
from your car stereo’s source unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit’s speaker outputs to the
stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifi er using the KICKER ZISL as shown (make sure you set the DX
amplifi er’s input level switch to “HI”). Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifi er using the low-level
RCA outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifi er to “LO”. Either input
method will provide a low-level output signal at the RCA output, which effectively passes the audio signal to
another amplifi er or component. Keep the audio signal cable away from factory wiring harnesses and other
power wiring. If you need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90 degree angle.

source unit
high-level speaker
outputs

core conductor

+

–

Install a fuse within 18” (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifi er. If you
ever need to remove the amplifi er from the vehicle after it has been installed, the ground wire should be the last
wire disconnected from the amplifi er--just the opposite as when you installed it.

Model External Fuse

(sold separately)

DX250.1 1 x 40 Ampere 8 Gauge PK8, ZCK84

DX500.1 1 x 80 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK44, ZCK44

DX1000.1 1 x 100 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK44, ZCK44

shield

to amplifi er

OR

Power/Ground Wire KICKER Wiring Kit

KICKER ZISL

to amplifi er

source unit high-level
speaker outputs

MONO OPERATION

minimum impedance of 2 ohms

woofer

remote turn-on
(see page 5)

15A 15A

DX250.1

18”

24”

(60cm)

external fuse

bare-metal
chassis ground

(45cm)

12V

battery

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OPERATION

All models except the DX250.1

AUTO

TURN ON

+12V DC AUDIO

OFFSET

INPUT

GAIN

LEVEL

LO
HI

BOOST

011 10

BASS

012

signal in

INPUT

LR

LR

OUTPUT

SUBSONIC

X-OVER

30

LO-PASS

X-OVER

REMOTE

BASS

20050

signal out

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The DX series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be
selected on the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode causes the
REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifi ers.

• Remote Turn-On: Set the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run 18
gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the
amplifi er’s positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.

• DC Offset Turn-On: If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC Offset
mode detects a 6V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.

• Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting is the fi nal alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense
turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the
amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.

Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER DX amplifi ers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals
from your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the
Input Level switch on the amplifi er. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for additional instructions.

Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the side of the amplifi er allows you to adjust the lo-pass
crossover frequency from 50–200Hz, and the hi-pass crossover from 10-30Hz (DX250.1 is fi xed at 80Hz and
25Hz). The settings for these controls are subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start for the lo-pass crossover,
20Hz for the hi-pass.

Input Gain Control: The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to
the input level of the amplifi er. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it
to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifi er up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it
down a little.

Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifi er is designed to give you
increased output, 0–12dB, at 40Hz (For the DX250.1, use the Bass Boost switch to toggle between 0 or +9dB).
The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping
the amplifi er.

Remote Bass-ZXRC (Not included with the DX250.1): With the ZXRC remote bass level control, you have the
ability to control the output level of the amplifi er remotely. To mount the ZXRC remote bass level control, simply
screw the metal bracket to the chosen location, then slide the housing onto the bracket until it snaps into place.
Run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass” jack on the amplifi er chassis. See page 5.

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O

T

ON

INPUT
LEVEL

OUTPUT

BASS

BOOST (dB)

SS

)

SS

)

LRL

R

GAIN

O

LO
HI011

10

30200

50

O

O

ZXRC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION

1. mount the
metal bracket

2. slide the housing until it snaps
into the metal bracket

AUT
URN

12V DC AUDI

FF
N

HI-PA

LO-PA

INPUT

X-OVER (Hz

X-OVER (Hz

back view

REMOTE

BASS

4-conductor phone cable

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your amplifi er does not appear to be working, check the obvious things fi rst such as blown fuses, poor or
incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There is a Power
Protection LED on the side power panel of your Kicker DX series amplifi er. Depending on the state of the amplifi er
and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will glow either Red or Green. When the green LED is lit this indicates
the amplifi er is turned on and no trouble exists.

Green LED off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: +12 volt power terminal
(should read +12V to +16V) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Check for reversed
power and ground connections Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.

Green LED on, no output? Check the following: RCA connections Test speaker outputs with a
“known” good speaker. Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. Check for a signal in the
RCA cable feeding the amplifi er with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.

Protection LED fl ashing with loud music? The red LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the
connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your vehicle’s battery or
replace your vehicle’s alternator.

Protection LED on, no output? Amplifi er is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum
recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airfl ow around
the amplifi er. Amplifi er shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged.
Voltage to the amplifi er is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical
system inspected. Amplifi er will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check
for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s)
operating below the minimum recommended impedance.

No or low output? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker input) and
speaker output connections.

Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input) cable

Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper grounding Check



the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.

Reduced bass response? Reverse a speaker connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer
channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.

Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head units.
Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If you are
experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the
head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.

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5

Please Note: Modern high performance speakers have a lower DC Resistance than what used to be available.
The KICKER Coaxial and Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances may be as low
as 3 ohms) and work with any amplifi er designed to operate at a four ohm load. If you want to use two KICKER
Coaxial or Component speakers on a single channel of your amplifi er, wire the speakers in series. This will
improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and lessen the thermal load at the amplifi er. This
may prevent an amplifi er from shutting down due to over-current protection circuitry.

CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct.
Improper connections can result in blown amplifi er fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the
vehicle.

If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized
KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on
the KICKER homepage, www.kicker.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are
interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail [e-mail] or
call Technical Services [phone] for unanswered or specifi c questions.

DX250.1

140 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

DX500.1

275 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

DX1000.1

550 x 1 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

KICKER will now provide a three­year warranty with all DX-Series
Amplifi er purchases paired with a
qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .

This extends the standard warranty by an additional
year. Amplifi er and Kit must be purchased from an
Authorized KICKER Dealer.

KICKER DX amplifi er success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended
warranty program even more benefi cial to you.

Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede DX amplifi er performance.

A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of DX
amplifi ers.

The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifi ers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized
KICKER Dealers in the United States of America or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of
KICKER amplifi ers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifi er is allowed regardless of the number of amplifi er
installation kits purchased. This program does not apply to “B”-stock product or factory-refurbished product.

This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer soon for details.

*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement

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AMPLIFICADOR DE LA SERIE DX.1
MANUAL DEL PROPIETARIO

MODELOS: DX 250.1 / DX500.1 / DX1000.1

Distribuidor autorizado de KICKER:

Fecha de compra:

Número de modelo del amplifi cador:

Número de serie del amplifi cador:

RENDIMIENTO

Modelo: DX250.1 DX500.1 DX1000.1

Potencia RMS
@ 14.4V, 4Ω monofónico,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω monofónico,  1% THD+N

Largo, in. (cm) 10-1/4” (26) 10-1/4” (26) 10-1/4” (26)

Crossover electrónico Fijo, 80Hz

Filtro Subsónico

Refuerzo de Bajos Seleccionable 0–9dB

Especifi caciones comunes de todos los modelos:

Altura, in. (mm) 2-1/4” (57)

Ancho, in (mm) 8-5/16” (211)

Respuesta de frecuencias ± 1dB 20Hz–200Hz

Relación de señal a ruido >95dB, ponderado en A, ref: potencia nominal

Sensibilidad de entrada Baja Nivel: 125mV–5V

Remoto Bajo Si (vende por separado)Si Si

140 x 1
250 x 1

24dB/octave

Fijo, 25Hz
24dB/octava

@ 40Hz

Alto Nivel: 250mV–10V

275W x 1
500W x 1

Pasabajas variable de 50Hz–200Hz
18dB/octava

Pasaalto variable de 10Hz-30Hz
18dB/octava

Variable 0–12dB @ 40Hz

550W x 1
1000W x 1

Nota: Para obtener el mejor rendimiento de sus nuevos amplifi cadores KICKER, le recomendamos que use
accesorios y cableado KICKER auténticos.

INSTALACIÓN

Montaje: Escoja un lugar estructuralmente sólido para montar el amplifi cador KICKER. Asegúrese de que no
haya nada por detrás de dónde van a entrar los tornillos. Escoja un lugar en que queden por lo menos 4 plg.
(10 cm) de espacio abierto de ventilación alrededor del amplifi cador. Si es posible, monte el amplifi cador en el
compartimiento de pasajeros, con ambiente acondicionado. Haga cuatro agujeros con una broca de 7/64 de
plg. (3 mm) y monte el amplifi cador con los tornillos N° 8 que se suministran.

Cableado: Desconecte la batería del vehículo para evitar cortocircuitos. Luego, conecte un cable de conexión
a tierra al amplifi cador. El cable de conexión a tierra debe ser corto, de 24 plg. (60 cm) o menos, y debe
ir conectado a un punto sólido del chasis del vehículo en que no haya ni pintura ni corrosión. También se
recomienda instalar un cable de conexión a tierra adicional, de este mismo calibre (o de mayor calibre), entre la
terminal negativa de la batería y el chasis del auto.

El amplifi cador DX tiene entradas RCA diferenciales de doble sensibilidad de entrada que reciben señales de
alto nivel o bajo nivel de la unidad fuente del sistema estereofónico del automóvil. La señal se puede llevar al
amplifi cador desde las salidas de altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente. Fije el selector de nivel de entrada del

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panel de extremo del amplifi cador en la posición de alto (HI). Engarce y suelde conectores RCA al extremo del
cable de altavoz procedente de las salidas de altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente y conéctelo a las entradas
RCA del panel de extremo del amplifi cador o simplifi car la instalación mediante un ZISL KICKER como se
muestra a continuación. Como alternativa, puede conectar producción de su unidad fuente a las entradas RCA
del amplifi cador DX RCA. Fije el selector de nivel de entrada del panel de extremo del amplifi cador en la posición
de bajo (LO). Cualquiera de los métodos de entrada permite establecer una señal de salida de bajo nivel en la
salida RCA, lo cual, en efecto, pasa la señal de audio a otro amplifi cador o componente. Mantenga el cable de
señal de audio alejado de los arneses de cableado de fábrica y otros cables de alimentación. Si es necesario
cruzar este cableado, crúcelo en un ángulo de 90°.

Cable de salida
de altavoz de
alto nivel

cable central

+

–

Conexión a tierra o blindaje

Instale un fusible a menos de 18 plg. (45 cm) de la batería y en línea con el cable de alimentación conectado al
amplifi cador. Si alguna vez necesita desmontar el amplifi cador, el cable de conexión a tierra debe ser el último
que se desconecte del amplifi cador. Exactamente lo contrario de lo que se hace cuando se instala.

Hacia el amplifi cador

O

KICKER ZISL

Hacia el
amplifi cador

Cable de salida de
altavoz de alto nivel

Modelo Fusible

Externo

(no incluido)

DX250.1 1 x 40A Calibre 8 PK8, ZCK84

DX500.1 1 x 80A Calibre 4 PK4, CK44, ZCK44

DX1000.1 1 x 100A Calibre 4 PK4, CK44, ZCK44

Cable de Alimentación y
Conexión a Tierra

Kit de cableado
KICKER

FUNCIONAMIENTO MONOFÓNICO

impedancia mínima de 2 ohmios

woofer

encendido a
distancia (página 9)

15A 15A

DX250.1

18”

24”

(60cm)

fusible externo

(45cm)

12V

conexión a tierra

batería

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