Kicker KX850.4, KX350.4, KX650.4 Owner's Manual

2

KX Amplifiers

Features

KX350.4 / KX650.4 / KX850.4

KX.4 Series

Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Four Channel Models:

Congratulations!

You have just purchased the latest in amplifier

technology to carry the famous KICKER name.

Your KICKER KX series amplifier is designed

and built to give you years of powerful and

trouble-free performance. This installation

manual contains valuable information on how

to get the most out of your new

KX series amplifier.

This is your “fuel for Livin’ Loud

™

”!

Authorized Kicker Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Amplifier Model Number:

Amplifier Serial Number:

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Attention:

Please record your purchase information in the area

below. We recommend attaching the original sales

receipt to this manual for future reference.

If you require service on this speaker during the

warranty period, you will need to provide this

information and a copy of the original sales receipt to

Kicker for validation of warranty repairs.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR RECEIPT!

3

KX Amplifiers

Features

Features

Low Impedance Operation Class A/B stable into 2 ohm stereo
or 4 ohm mono loads.

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 18dB

of boost at 40Hz.
Built-In Variable Crossover 12dB High pass variable from

50-200Hz. User defeatable for full range operation.
High & Low level inputs Allows connection to various sources

such as: after-market stereo, factory radio, DVD Player, Video
Cassette Player, etc.

Custom tooled gold plated connectors Assure maximum
power transfer and clamping.

SAMS (Stereo And Mono Simultaneously) Amplifier will
operate into a bridged mono load and a stereo load at the same
time.

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.

Two Year Warranty When purchased from anAuthorized
KICKER dealer.

4

KX Amplifiers

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 brake
lines, fuel lines, gas tanks, or wiring harnesses 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
automobiles trunk can reach upwards of 140 degrees fahrenheit.
An amplifier mounted here may require additional cooling tactics
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 amplifier’s mounting location.

Now that you are ready to mount your amplifier, use the
supplied 3mm allen wrench to remove the amplifier EndKap. This
will give you access to the mounting holes in the amplifier and all
wiring connections.

With the EndKap removed, drill 4 holes using a 7/64” drill bit
and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.

Rem ove

Remove

Remove

Remove

5

KX Amplifiers

Installation

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
potential of noise problems.

When working with power connections it is always
recommended that you disconnect the battery to prevent
accidents.

Model Fuse Size Wire Size

KX-350.4 40A 8 GA
KX-650.4 80A 4 GA
KX-850.4 120A 2 GA

The ground should be connected to the amplifier first before
making any of the other connections. This wire should be as
short as possible (24 inches or less) and connected to a
paint/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 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.

A fuse must be installed within 18 inches of the battery to
protect the power wire feeding your amplifier. This fuse should be
of at least the same value used in the amplifier but no higher
than the capacity of the wire. See the chart below for wire size
and fusing recommendations.

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.

All four channels will work with only one set of RCA cables, but

there will be no fade capability.

A

Note: To get the best performance from your new Kicker Amplifier,

we recommend using genuine Kicker Accessories and Wiring.

LEFT +

LEFT ­ RIGHT -

RIGHT +

LEFT +

MP 1

AMP 2

LEFT -

RIGHT -

RIGHT +

SOURCE UNIT

WAR NI NG-Use Only

High Or Low Level
NOT...Both!!!

6

KX Amplifiers

Installation

RCA Dummy Plugs

SOURCE UNIT

LEFT +

LEFT -

RIGHT -

RIGHT +

LEFT +

LEFT ­ RIGHT -

RIGHT +

AMP 1

AMP 2

Speaker
Outputs

RCA Dummy Plugs

When using both sets of High Level inputs, RCA dummy plugs
must be inserted into the AMP 2 inputs in order for the fader to
work properly. If the amplifier is being used in any other
configuration do not use the RCA dummy plugs! If you do not
have dummy plugs available, simply using raw RCA ends or
cutting the ends off of existing cables will be sufficient. See the
Amplifier Technical manual for more information. DO NOT USE

SHORTING PLUGS!

7

KX Amplifiers

System Diagram

The following diagrams show the most common configurations

for your system.

STEREO FOUR CHANNEL OPERATION

KX.4 amplifiers are capable of operating into a minimum
impedance of 2 ohms per channel in stereo operation.

BRIDGED OPERATION (MONO)

KX.4 amplifiers are capable of operating into a minimum
impedance of 4 ohms in Bridged operation.

STEREO AND BRIDGED

KX.4 amplifiers are capable of operating into a minimum

impedance of 2 ohms stereo and 4 ohms bridged operation.

Installation

GROUND

REMOTE

REMOTE

TURN-ON

TURN-ON

+12V

+12V

BATTERY

BATTERY

GROUND

18"

18"

or less

or less

FUSE

FUSE

-

R­R+
L­L+

R­R+
L­L+

+

+

SIGNAL IN AMP 2

SIGNAL IN AMP 2

SIGNAL IN AMP 1

SIGNAL IN AMP 1

-

-

+

+

+

GROUND

REMOTE

TURN-ON

BATTERY

+12V

18"

or less

FUSE

R­R+
L­L+

R­R+
L­L+

+

-

SIGNAL IN AMP 2

SIGNAL IN AMP 1

+

+

-

-

-

-

GROUND

+

-

SIGNAL IN AMP 2

SIGNAL IN AMP 1

-

+

-

+

+

-

REMOTE

TURN-ON

+12V

BATTERY

R­R+
L-

18"

or less

FUSE

L+

R­R+
L­L+

8

KX Amplifiers

Navigation

On your Kicker amplifier there are six rotary controls on top
and two switches on the end panel. These controls ensure the
reliability and performance of the amplifier, so they need to be
set correctly.

CROSSOVER SWITCHES

NEVER CHANGE THE CROSSOVER SWITCH SETTING WITH

THE SYSTEM ON!

The switches located on the end panel next to the RCA jacks
are for setting the internal crossover. In the OFF position the
amplifier passes a full range signal to the speakers. Use the LO
position when connected to a subwoofer. The HI position should
be selected when connected to any speakers which you do not
want to receive sub-bass information.

BEFORE TURNING ON THE SYSTEM FOR THE FIRST TIME,

MAKE SURE THAT THE SIX ROTARY CONTROLS ON TOP

OF THE

AMPLIFIER ARE TURNED FULLY
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE!

GAIN CONTROLS

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.
Adjust AMP 1 first, then proceed to AMP 2.

CROSSOVER CONTROL

Where you set the crossover is very subjective and can be fine
tuned to match your listening preference or speaker
requirements.

BASS BOOST

The BASS BOOST control is designed to give you increased
output at 40 Hz. 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.

Amp 2 Input Gain

Low Level High Level
170mV - 5V 340mV - 10 V

Amp 2 Bass Boost

0 - 18 dB @ 40 Hz

Amp 2 Crossover

50Hz - 200 Hz 12 dB/Oct

Amp 1 Input Gain

Low Level High Level
170mV - 5V 340mV - 10 V

Amp 1 Bass Boost

0 - 18 dB @ 40 Hz

Amp 1 Crossover

50Hz - 200 Hz 12 dB/Oct

Operation

9

KX Amplifiers

Remote Bass Level

When using AMP 2 as a subwoofer amplifier 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
appropriate jack on the amplifier
chassis.

Mounting Surface

operation

REMOTE BASS
LEVEL CONTROL

PHONE
CABLE

10

KX Amplifiers

Performance

MODEL KX350.4 KX650.4 KX850.4

RMS Power in Watts, All Channels Driven

@ 14.4V, 4Ω Stereo, <

1% THD+N 4 x 60 4 x 120 4 x 175

@ 2Ω Stereo, <

1% THD+N 4 x 90 4 x 170 4 x 215

@ 4Ω Mono, <

1% THD+N 2 x 175 2 x 325 2x 425

@ 12.5V, 4Ω Stereo, 0.085% THD+N 4 x 35 4 x 70 4 x 90

@ 2Ω Stereo, 0.5% THD+N 4 x 70 4 x 135 4 x 180

@ 4Ω Mono, 0.5% THD+N 2 x 130 2 x 250 2 x 325

Length with EndKaps: 16” 22 1/2” 25 3/4”

(40.64cm) (57.15cm) (65.40cm)

SPECIFICATIONS COMMON TO ALL MODELS

Height: 2.5 inches / 6.35 centimeters
Width: 10.125 inches / 25.7 centimeters
Length Without EndKaps: Subtract 5” (12.7 cm) from chart above
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, + 0/- 1dB
Input Sensitivity: 170mV - 5V low level, 340mV - 10V high level
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Electronic Crossover: Variable high or low pass, 50 - 200Hz,

12dB/octave

KickBass Boost: Variable 0 to +18dB boost @ 40Hz

Specification

Model KX350.4

60 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD,
CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -98
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Model KX650.4

120 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD,
CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -95
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Model KX850.4

175 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD,
CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -94
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

11

KX Amplifiers

Trouble shooting

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check
obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring
connections, crossover and gain controls set
incorrectly, 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.

2.) Amp shuts down only while vehicle is running.
Voltage protection is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier

is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have auto
mobile charging/electrical system inspected.

3.) Amp will only play at low volume levels.
Short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker

wires shorted to each other or the vehicle chassis.
Damaged speakers or operating below minimum
impedance will also cause this.

 No output from one channel:

Check balance control on head unit.
Check RCA & speaker connections for that channel.
Swap RCA connections from left to right.

If problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA
cable or source unit problem.

Swap speaker connections from left to right.

If problem changes sides then you have a bad speaker
cable or bad speaker.

Help

12

KX Amplifiers

 Alternator noise (whining sound that varies with engine
RPM):

Check for damaged RCA cable.
Check routing of RCA cable.
Check source unit for good ground.
Check gain setting, turn down if set too high.

 Poor stereo image or reduced bass response:

Check system phasing by turning the balance control

from left to right. If there is more bass output when
turned to either side then check your speaker wiring for
proper positive and negative connections. reverse
connections on one channel if necessary.

CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that
connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper
connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as

failure in other systems in the vehicle.

Help

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
amplifier 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 amplifier wire the speakers in series. This will
improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and
lessen the thermal load at the amplifier. This may prevent an
amplifier from shutting down, due to over-current protection
circuitry.

If you have more questions about the installation and operation

of your new KICKER amplifier, see the Authorized KICKER

Dealer in your area. You may also call our Technical Services

Line at [phone] for assistance or visit our website at

www.KICKER.com.

NOTE: All specifications and performance figures are subject to change. Please visit the support section at www.kicker.com for the most current information.

Trouble Shooting

13

KX Amplifiers

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
[phone] 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 [phone].

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:

04202005+04KX.2

14

KX Amplifiers

Notes

Notes

15

KX Amplifiers

Notes

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