2
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Introduction
KX2500.1
Congratulations!
You have just purchased the latest in amplifier
technology to carry the famous KICKER name.
Your KICKER KX2500.1 amplifier is designed and built
to give you years of powerful and trouble-free
performance in SPL contests and on the street.
Please read this installation manual, it contains
valuable information to help you get the most out of
your new KX2500.1 amplifier.
This is your “fuel for Livin’ Loud ™”!
Attention:
Please record your purchase information in the area
provided below. We recommend attaching the original
sales receipt or a copy of it to this manual for future
reference.
If you require service on this amplifier during the
warranty period, you will need to provide this
information and a copy of the receipt to Kicker to
validate your warranty.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR RECEIPT!
KX2500.1
Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
Mono-Block Model:
Authorized Kicker Dealer:
Purchase Date:
Amplifier Model Number:
Amplifier Serial Number:
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
KX2500.1
3
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Features
Features
Class D Mono Amplifier Delivers massive power into a
single channel with greater efficiency than conventional class A/B
amplification.
Low Impedance Operation Designed for stable operation
and maximum power output into a 2 ohm load.
SORT Protection Circuitry (Short circuit, Over-voltage,
Reverse polarity, Thermal) Protects amplifier from accidents and
undesirable operation.
MOSFET Power Supply Provides high efficiency operation.
KickBass Variable bass boost circuit which provides up to
18 dB of boost at 40 Hz.
Full-time Variable Crossover 12dB low pass variable from
50-200Hz.
Subsonic Filter Switchable (ON / OFF) speaker protection
filter set at 12dB/octave @ 25 Hz.
High & Low level inputs Allows connection to various
sources such as: an after-market stereo, factory radio, DVD
Player, Video Cassette Player, etc.
PAST (PRE Amp Signal Transfer) Output RCA jacks to pass the
incoming signal to another amplifier or component.
Custom tooled gold plated connectors Assure
maximum power transfer and clamping.
Remote Bass Level Control Dash or center console
mountable for remote fine-tuning of bass output.
EndKaps Cast aluminum, custom, removable covers to
protect and hide all your wiring connections to the amplifier.
Can be prepped and painted any custom color you choose.
Big Toothy Grin Expression on your face as you and your
friends admire this ‘surfboard’ in your trunk.
Two Year Warranty When purchased from an Authorized
KICKER dealer.
4
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
Mounting
When selecting a location to mount your Kicker amplifier be
sure it is structurally sound and that there are no items behind
the area that could be damaged by the screws. Check for wiring
harnesses, brake lines, fuel lines, gas tanks, etc.
All amplifiers generate heat under normal operation. Be sure to
choose a location that allows adequate ventilation for the
amplifier. Also consider that the air temperature inside an
automobile’s trunk can reach upwards of 140 degrees
fahrenheit (60° celsius). An amplifier mounted here may require
additional cooling needs such as fans or venting to allow cool
operation. If possible, mounting the amp in the passenger
compartment will allow cooler operation.
Remember that the controls on top of the amp will need to be
accessible for adjustment later. Keep this in mind as you choose
your amplifiers mounting location.
Now that you are ready to mount your amplifier, use the
supplied 3mm allen wrench to remove the amplifier EndKaps.
This will give you access to the mounting holes in the
amplifier and all wiring connections.
NOTE: Objects in the manual are larger than they appear!
Pictures and diagrams of the massive KX2500.1 in this manual
are not to scale...this was done to prevent having a manual the
size of your average wakeboard.
With the shroud removed, drill 4 holes using a 7/64” (2.75 mm)
drill bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.
Remove
Remove
Remove
Remove
5
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
Wiring
Signal can be input into the amplifier using either the low level
RCA input connections or the high level speaker level
connections. Using the low level RCA connections is the
preferred method. Use the high level inputs only if your head unit
does not have low level RCA type outputs. Connecting to the
amp with either input will provide a low level signal at the output
(PAST) jacks.
The use of twisted pair interconnects is recommended for all
installations to minimize noise. When routing these cables
through the automobile, try to keep them away from factory
wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross
any of this wiring do so at a 90 degree angle to reduce the
possibility for noise problems.
When working with power connections it is always
recommended that you disconnect the battery to prevent
accidents.
The ground should be connected to the amplifier first before
making any of the other connections. This wire should be as
short as possible (36 inches or less) and connected to a paint
and corrosion free solid metal area of the car’s chassis.
Use the same gauge wire as recommended for the amplifier’s
power connection to the battery. Adding an additional ground
wire between the car battery’s negative post and the car chassis
of this same gauge (or larger) is highly recommended. Adding or
upgrading the ground from the case of the alternator to the car
chassis is also recommended.
If you ever need to remove the amp from the vehicle after it
has been installed, the ground wire should be the last wire
disconnected from the amplifier. Just the opposite as when you
installed it.
The supplied ANL fuse holder and fuse must be installed within
18 inches of the battery to protect the power wire feeding your
amplifier.
The Remote Turn-On lead gets connected to your source unit’s
power antenna lead or another switched + 12 volt source in your
vehicle.
Model Fuse Size Wire Gauge
KX2500.1 300 Amp 1/0 Ga
Left +
Speaker
Outputs
Left -
Right -
Right +
WARNING-Use Only One...Never Both At The Same Time !!!
REMOTE
BASS
SOURCE UNIT
RCA
Outputs
To Chassis Ground
Remote Turn-On
To + Post On Battery
NOTE 1
FUSE
LED Status
Indicators
To Speaker - Terminal
To Speaker + Terminal
NOTE 1: Supplied with amplifier.
300 amp ANL type fuse with holder.
Wire within 18" of the battery.
6
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
BIG AMP AHEAD
Just in case you missed it at the time of purchase, this is a BIG amplifier that will create BIG power. For an amplifier to
produce 2500 watts of output power it requires a solid electrical system feeding it and a solid delivery system to your speakers. What
this means is you have to use the appropriate wire and accessories with this amplifier to insure optimum performance and durability.
We recommend using Genuine Kicker Installation Accessories. Visit your local dealer or visit www.Kicker.com to learn more.
Kicker highly recommends the following:
An alternator with a minimum
140 amp output capacity.
At least one extra battery located close to the amplifier.
1/0 gauge power and ground feeds to the extra battery.
Proper fusing as per diagram below.
Short as possible power and ground feeds to the amplifier.
A minimum
of 12 gauge speaker wire from amp to speakers. Up to 8 Gauge can be used and is recommended.
Earplugs.
a
ALTERNATOR
140 Amp Minimum
Total length of Ground Cable
not to exceed 3 feet.
REMOTE
TURN-ON
1/0 Gauge
+12V
0 G
or less
KICKER
300 A
FUSE
1/0 Gauge
FUSE
KICKER
300 A
or less
18"
18 Gauge
18"
MAIN
BATTERY
Engine
Compartment
1/0 Gauge
KICKER
+12V
AUXILARY
BATTERY
In Trunk
300 A
FUSE
Total length of cable from
Auxilary Battery to Amplifier
not to exceed 6 feet.
GROUND
1/0 Gauge
1/0 Gauge
12-8 Gauge
7
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
System Diagrams
The following diagrams shows the most common configurations for your Kicker KX2500.1 series amplifier.
MONO CHANNEL OPERATION
The KX2500.1 amplifier is capable of operating into a minimum impedance of 2 ohms (Ω). If you are using a single voice coil
woofer be sure the impedance of the voice coil is equal to or greater than 2Ω. If using dual voice coil subwoofer or driving
multiple subwoofers, be sure the net impedance presented to the amplifier is at least 2Ω or greater.
NOTE: For maximum performance from your Kicker KX2500.1 amplifier,
we recommend using Genuine Kicker Installation Accessories.
Visit your local dealer or visit www.Kicker.com to learn more.
TO + 12 VOLT
POWER SOURCE
SUBWOOFER(s)
REMOTE
GROUND
TURN-ON
1/0 Gauge
1/0 Gauge
KICKER
300 A
FUSE
18 Gauge
+
+
2Ω
SIGNAL
OUT
SIGNAL
IN
8
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
TWO KX2500.1 AMPLIFIERS & ONE DVC SUBWOOFER
This diagram shows how to power a single Dual Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofer using two KX2500.1 amplifiers. For maximum power
output from your KX2500.1 to the subwoofer each voice coil should be 2Ω impedance. Do not connect to voice coils with an
impedance lower than 2Ω!
Be sure to properly power and ground each amplifier according to the minimum specifications shown on page 6 to insure proper
operation and maximum power output.
NOTE: The gain setting/output level on both amplifiers must be matched for proper operation. If the output level of both amplifiers is
not matched this will result in poor performance and possible damage to your subwoofer.
To properly set the levels you will need a test CD containing a 60 Hz test tone and a digital volt meter. Play the 60 Hz tone through
your CD player set at a low to moderate volume level. Next, measure the AC voltage output across each amplifier’s positive (+) and
negative (-) speaker output terminals. Turn the gain down on the amplifier which reads higher until it matches the other amplifier.
5.50
AC Volt
_
+
Coil 2 +
Signal
IN
Coil 1 -
Coil 2 -
++
Signal
OUT
Coil 1 +
5.50
AC Volt
_
+
Signal
IN
9
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
ONE SUBWOOFER
For maximum power into a single subwoofer you will need a 2Ω Single Voice Coil (SVC) subwoofer OR a 4Ω Dual Voice Coil
(DVC) subwoofer.
Single 2ΩSVC
Single 4ΩDVC - Parallel Wired
TWO SUBWOOFERS
For maximum power into a pair of subwoofers you will need two 4Ω Single Voice Coil (SVC) subwoofers OR two 2Ω Dual Voice
Coil (DVC) subwoofers.
Two 4ΩSVC - Parallel Wired
Two 2ΩDVC - Series/Parallel Wired
Coil +
+
Coil -
Coil 2 +
Coil 1 -
Coil 2 -
Coil 1 +
+
Coil +
Coil -
Coil +
Coil -
+
Coil 1 -
Coil 2 +
Coil 2 -
Coil 1 +
Coil 2 +
Coil 1 -
Coil 1 +
Coil 2 -
+
10
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
FOUR SUBWOOFERS
For maximum power into a quad set of subwoofers you will need four 8Ω Single Voice Coil (SVC) subwoofers OR four 4Ω Dual
Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofers.
Coil +
Coil -
Coil +
Coil -
Coil +
Coil -
Coil +
Coil -
+
Four 8ΩSVC - Parallel Wired
Four 4ΩDVC - Series/Parallel Wired
Coil 2 +
Coil 2 +
Coil 2 +
Coil 2 +
Coil 1 -
Coil 1 +
Coil 2 -
Coil 1 -
Coil 1 +
Coil 1 +
Coil 1 -
Coil 2 -
Coil 2 -
Coil 1 -
Coil 1 +
Coil 2 -
+
11
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Installation
USING THE SIGNAL OUTPUT JACKS (PAST)
The Output (Pre Amp Signal Transfer) RCA jacks allow you to
send the incoming signal from one Kicker KX2500.1 series
amplifier to another amplifier or processor without the need for Y
cables. The signal from the PAST jacks is identical to the signal
fed to the amplifier via its RCA input jacks or the High Level
inputs and is not affected by the amplifier’s built in crossover.
Most head units with high voltage outputs should be capable of
driving up to ten amplifiers in a chain.
REMOTE BASS LEVEL CONTROL
When using the Remote Bass Level Control you have the
ability to control the level of the subs from the driver’s seat. To
mount the controller 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 (REMOTE BASS) jack on the amplifier chassis.
When using more than one KX2500.1 amplifiers you have the
ability to control all of them from one Remote Bass Level Control.
The adapter is a common Modular Phone Splitter found at Radio
Shack and is installed between the controller and the amplifiers.
Use additional RJ11 cords (4 conductor phone cords) to connect
the amplifiers to the Modular Phone Splitter.
REMOTE
REMOTE
Mounting Surface
REMOTE BASS
LEVEL CONTROL
Left +
Left -
Use Only The Speaker Outputs OR the RCA Outputs.
Speaker
Outputs
Right -
Right +
To Next Amplifier
WARNING!!!
Never Both At The Same Time !!!
BASS
BASS
SOURCE UNIT
RCA
Outputs
Common Modular
Phone Splitter
To Other
Amplifiers
12
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Operation
Navigation
Your Kicker amplifier has three rotary controls on top and one
switch on the end panel. These controls ensure the
reliability and performance of the amplifier, so they need to be
set correctly.
SUBSONIC FILTER SWITCH
NEVER CHANGE THE SUBSONIC
FILTER SWITCH SETTING
WITH THE SYSTEM ON!
The switch located on the end panel next to the RCA jacks is
for the subsonic filter. It is 12db/octave set at 25 Hz. It is highly
recommended to leave this switch on as it protects your amplifier
and speakers from damaging ultra-low frequencies which are not
audible. If you must turn this switch ‘off’, do so only when using
sealed woofer enclosures and no boosting of frequencies below
40 Hz with any equalizer.
BEFORE TURNING ON THE SYSTEM FOR THE FIRST TIME,
MAKE SURE THAT THE THREE ROTARY CONTROLS ON
TOP OF THE AMPLIFIER ARE TURNED FULLY
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE!
GAIN CONTROL
Remember, the gain control is not a volume control, it matches
the output of the head unit to the input level of the amplifier and
must be adjusted properly for best performance. All the way up
or down is not necessarily the best.Turn the head unit up to
about 3/4 volume. (eg. If the head unit goes to 30, turn it to 25.)
Next, turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up slowly until
you can hear audible distortion, then turn it down just a little.
CROSSOVER CONTROL
Where you set the crossover is very subjective and can be fine
tuned to match your listening preference or speaker
requirements. All KX2500.1 amplifiers come with a full-time
variable lowpass crossover selectable from 50 Hz - 200 Hz.
BASS BOOST
The BASS BOOST control is designed to give you increased
output at 40 Hz (up to +18 dB). The setting for this control is
subjective, however, if you turn it up, you must go back and
adjust the gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.
Input Gain Control
Low Level High Level
170mv - 5v 340mv - 10v
Bass Boost Control
0 to +18 dB @ 40 Hz
Crossover Control
50 Hz - 200 Hz @ 12 dB/Oct
Subsonic Filter
Switch
REMOTE
BASS
13
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Help
Trouble shooting
If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check
obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring
connections, gain controls properly set, etc.
There are two LEDs on the end panel of your Kicker KX series
amplifier, one green and one red. When the green LED is lit this
indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists. If the
green LED turns off and the red LED is lit this indicates that the
protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged.
The power indicator on top of the amplifier which
illuminates the model badge follows the same function as the
green LED.
Green LED off, no output:
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check:
+12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to 16V).
Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to+16V).
Ground terminal.
Green LED on, no output:
Check RCA connections.
Test speaker outputs with known good speaker.
Substitute known good source unit.
Check for signal on RCA cable with VOM meter in AC
position.
Red LED on, no output:
1.) Amp is very hot.
Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper
impedance at speaker terminals. Also check for
adequate airflow around amplifier.
MODEL: KX2500.1
14
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Specifications
1 x 1500
1 x 2500
1 x 1200
1 x 2000
Height:
Width:
Length with EndKaps:
Length without EndKaps:
Frequency Response:
Input Sensitivity:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Electronic Crossover:
KickBass Boost:
Subsonic Filter:
@ 14.4Vdc, 4Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N
@ 2Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N
@ 12.5Vdc, 4Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N
@ 2Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N
2-1/2 inches / 6.35 centimeters
10-1/8 inches / 25.7 centimeters
30-9/16 inches (77.6cm)
26-5/16 inches (66.8cm)
20 Hz - 200Hz, +0, -1 dB
170 mV - 5 V low level, 340 mV - 10 V high level
>85 dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Variable low pass, 50 - 200 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Variable 0 to +18 dB boost @ 40 Hz
12 dB/octave High Pass @ 25 Hz
RMS POWER
In Watts, All Channels Driven
NOTE: All specifications and performance figures are subject to change. Please visit the support section at www.kicker.com for the most current information.
Performance
1500 x 1 @ 4 ohms, from 20-200 Hz, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD
CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -46
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
Power Wire Chart
Kicker Recommended
For Maximum Performance
Amperage
Draw
20-35
35-50
50-65
65-85
85-105
105-125
125-150
150-200
200-250
250-300
* For current draw exceeding 300 amps or cable lengths in excess
of 25 feet contact Kicker or your local Kicker dealer for advice.
Up to
5 to
10 ft.
10 to
15 ft.
x 2
5 ft.
8 Ga. 8 Ga. 8 Ga. 8 Ga. 4 Ga.
0-20
8 Ga. 8 Ga. 8 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga.
8 Ga. 8 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga.
8 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
4 Ga. 4 Ga. 4 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
4 Ga. 4 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
4 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
1/0 Ga. 1/0Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga. 1/0 Ga.
15 to
20 ft.
x 2
1/0 Ga.
x 2
20 to
25 ft.
x 2
1/0 Ga.
x 2
1/0 Ga.
x 2
15
KX2500.1 Amplifier
Warranty
ELECTRONICS LIMITED WARRANTY
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
Kicker warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use for a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from date of original
purchase with receipt. When purchased from a Authorized KICKER Dealer it is
warranted for TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. In all
cases you must have the original receipt! Should service be necessary under this
warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the
warranty period, Kicker will repair or replace (at its discretion) the defective
merchandise with equivalent merchandise at no charge. Warranty replacements may
have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced
with more current equivalent products.
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to
owners of the product subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable implied
warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty as provided
herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties,
whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do
not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply
to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; however you may have other
rights that vary from state to state.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater
Designs (Kicker) Dealer for warranty. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer
can be found at www.kicker.com or by contacting Stillwater Designs directly. You can
confirm that a dealer is authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer
window decal.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to
Stillwater Designs (Kicker), call the Kicker Customer Service Department at
(405)624-8510 for a Return Authorization (RMA) number. Package all defective
items in the original container or in a package that will prevent shipping damage,
and return to
Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075
The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please
return only defective components. The return of functioning items increases your
return freight charges. Non-defective items received will be returned freight collect.
Include a copy of the original receipt with the purchase date clearly visible, and a
“proof-of-purchase” statement listing the Customer’s name, Dealer’s name and
invoice number, and product purchased. Warranty expiration on items without proofof-purchase will be determined from type of sale and the manufacturing date code.
Freight must be prepaid; items sent freight collect, or COD, will be refused.
Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be
directed to the Kicker Customer Service Department at (405) 624-8510.
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was
designed.
It does not cover:
Kicker strives to maintain a goal of 72-hour service for all electronics (amplifiers,
crossovers, equalizers, etc.) returns. Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement
inventory or parts is encountered.
Contact your International Kicker dealer or distributor concerning specific
procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
• Damage due to improper installation.
• Subsequent damage to other components.
• Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners,
and/or UV radiation.
• Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for
the same damage may be considered abuse.
• Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product.
• Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion.
• Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility.
• Return shipping on non-defective items.
• Products with tampered or missing barcode labels.
• Products returned without a Return Authorization (RMA) number.
• Freight Damage.
• The cost of shipping product to Kicker.
• Service performed by anyone other than Kicker.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A. • 405 624-8510
KICKER drivers are capable of producing sound levels
that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning up a
system to a level that has audible distortion is more
damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted
system at the same volume level. The threshold of pain
is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and
may permanently damage your hearing.
Please use common sense when controlling volume!
WARNING:
08112005+05KX1
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