Kicker QSS65, QSS67 Owner's Manual

QSS

COMPONENT SYSTEM

QSS COMPONENT SYSTEM

QSS65 | QSS67

Owner’s Manual | English

Manual del Propietario | Español
SISTEMA DE ALTAVOCES COMPONENTES QSS

Benutzerhandbuch | Deutsch
QSS-KOMPONENTENSYSTEM

Manuel d’utilisation | Française
SYSTÈME À COMPOSANTS QSS

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QSS COMPONENT SYSTEM
Owner’s Manual

MODELS: QSS65 / QSS67

Authorized KICKER Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Speaker Serial Number:

The KICKER QSS-series component systems offer unmatched audio fi delity for vehicle applications. Whether you’re
confi guring the ultimate multi-speaker and subwoofer surround system or simply upgrading from dull, lifeless factory
speakers, the QSS component systems deliver the most pleasing full-range sound on the market today! Key features of

our highest-end component systems include:

Crossover Woofer Tweeter

Zobel Impedance correction to fl atten
impedance network

Mylar capacitors and audiophile-grade air core
inductors

Bi-amplifi cation capable Polished back plate Dupont Tetoron composite dome

Asymmetrical circuit design Tri-tech cone design Open wire mesh-grill

Brushed aluminum base heat sink Aluminum phase plug Sealed and tuned chamber

Balanced tweeter attenuation Copper-clad aluminum coil wire Copper-clad aluminum coil wire

Heatsinked resistors for increased power­handling

Dedicated attenuation jumpers (0, +3 or +6
dB) for a clean connection with less resistance

Illuminated tweeter protection Nickel-plated, spring-loaded terminals Extended Tweeter post

Revolutionary surround design maximizes
cone area, maintains standard cutout size

Copper shorting ring on the pole piece to
reduce distortion

Ultra-durable Spiral Tinsel leads, woven
through the duo-wave spider

Strongest available cast aluminum basket,
increasing magnetism

Pressed polyfi l inserted behind the
dome for acoustic dampening

Dual Neodymium magnets with
tuning vent

Acoustic cavity coupled to magnet
reduces internal refl ections

Enclosure volume allows for
lower frequencies, better off-axis
response

PERFORMANCE

Model QSS65 QSS67

Woofer [in, mm] 6-1/2, 160 6-3/4, 165

Tweeter [in,mm] 1-3/16, 30 1-3/16, 30

Dome Material Tetoron® Tetoron®

Rated Impedance [Ω] 4 4

Peak Power Handling [ Watts] 180 200

Continuous Power Handling [Watts RMS] 90 100

Sensitivity [1W, 1m] 86dB 87dB

Frequency Response [Hz] 50–22k 40–22k

Woofer Mounting Hole Diameter [in, mm] 5-1/16, 129 5-7/16, 138

Woofer Bottom Mount Depth [in, mm] 2.5, 63.5 2.5, 63.5

Flush Mount Tweeter Hole Diameter [in,mm] 1-13/16, 46 1-13/16, 46

Flush Mount Tweeter Depth [in,mm] 1-1/8, 29 1-1/8, 29

High Pass [dB], at Frequency [Hz] 24, 2800 24, 2800

Low Pass [dB], at Frequency [Hz] 12, 2800 12, 2800

High Frequency Output Attenuation [dB] 0, +3, +6 0, +3, +6

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CONFIGURATION

Before mounting and wiring the QSS component system, determine which confi guration you will use for
the speakers and crossover.

QSS Speaker
Confi gurations

Coaxial great for space-limited applications

Separates optimal sound quality and improved

QSS Crossover
Confi gurations

Conventional 2-way easy install | ideal when available

Bi-amplifi ed optimal sound quality; more effi cient

ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS

or when separate tweeter mounting
is not possible

sonic imaging (with proper tweeter
mounting)

ADVANTAGES CONSIDERATIONS

amplifi er channels are limited

usage of amplifi er power

high frequencies may not be as
prominent | tweeter output may
need to be increased at crossover

trickier install | vehicle must have a
good tweeter mounting location

audio fi delity not quite as high as
bi-amplifi ed confi guration

requires at least 4 amplifi er
channels | slightly trickier install

tweeter

tweeter

phase plug

Coaxial Confi guration

Separates Confi guration

SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

The QSS component system comes packaged in a separates confi guration.
To use a coaxial confi guration, see Fig. 1 and follow these steps:

1. Unscrew and remove the aluminum phase plug from the center of the woofer.

2. Screw the coaxial mounting adapter into the woofer in place of the phase plug.

3. Screw the tweeter into the tweeter post.

4. Thread the tweeter’s lead wires through the center of the woofer.

5. Snap the tweeter post onto the coaxial mounting adapter.

6. Rotate the tweeter clockwise for the most appealing position.

7. Secure the tweeter’s lead wires using the clip on the underside of the woofer.

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Steps 2–6

tweeter lead
wires

Fig. 1
Confi guring the QSS for
Coaxial Operation

coaxial mounting adapter

tweeter post

Step 1

Step 7

tweeter

Fig. 2

QSS crossover

INPUT jumper.
Install only for 2-way confi gurations;
do not install if bi-amping.

tweeter output-level jumpers.
One of these jumpers MUST be installed. Higher
numbers mean more volume from the tweeter.

+3 dB

0 dB

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CROSSOVER CONFIGURATION

The KICKER QSS crossover can be confi gured as a conventional 2-way crossover by installing the
included INPUT jumper into the - MID + -TW + input terminals as shown in Fig. 2. In this confi guration,
the amplifi ed signal from your source unit or amplifi er should be wired to the + and - terminals indicated on
the INPUT jumper.

The QSS crossover can also be confi gured for bi-amp wiring by removing (or simply not installing)
the INPUT jumper. To use the bi-amp confi guration, you must connect two amplifi ed signals to each
crossover (you will need at least four amplifi er channels). Install one of the included tweeter output­level jumpers (0 dB, +3 dB, or +6 dB) to adjust the tweeter output level. Installing jumpers with higher
numbers will result in more volume from the tweeter.

WIRING

We recommend using 16 gauge (or larger) wire. The QSS components are rated at 4 ohms and work
with any source unit or amplifi er designed to operate at a 4 ohm load. Make sure your source unit or

amplifi er is rated for 4 ohm operation.

Crossover in 2-way confi guration | One component set per channel

• At least two amplifi er channels are needed for stereo operation (only one channel is shown)

woofer

tweeter

crossover

source unit / amplifi er

+

+

-

OUT

-MID+

- IN +

-OUT+

OUT

-TW+

-

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Crossover in bi-amp confi guration Two channels per component set

• At least four amplifi er channels are needed for stereo operation (only two channels are shown)

+

-

+

-

-

OUT

MID

+

IN

-MID+IN-TW+

-MID+

CH2

LEFT OUTPUT

amplifi er / source unit
(must have at least four channels)

OUT

TW

-TW+
CH1

+

-

Pro Tip: Looking for the next step in audio performance from your QSS components? Upgrade to a
KICKER IQ or KX 4 or 5-channel amplifi er for each QSS component system you have installed to take
full advantage of the QSS’s bi-amping capabilities. With a dedicated amplifi er channel for each tweeter
and each midrange driver, you’ll have a more effi cient system that will deliver a clearer soundstage and
an increasingly dramatic dynamic response. In other words, your music will be more expansive and
captivating.

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WOOFER MOUNTING

The KICKER QSS components are designed for free-air applications and do not require a sealed
enclosure for optimum performance. It is important to isolate the sound coming from the front of the
speaker from the sound radiating from the back of the speaker. This is most easily accomplished by
mounting the speakers in a vehicle’s factory locations or in a location with a semi-isolated rear chamber
(like the rear deck of a car behind the rear seats).

If you are replacing factory speakers in their original locations, you may have to enlarge the speaker
cut-outs and pre-drill new screw holes using a 7/64” (2.5mm) bit. Custom mounting locations will require
more preparation and work. Make sure that the speaker will not interfere with trunk and door opening and
closing mechanisms and that the enclosed screws will not puncture the fuel tank, puncture wiring, or
interfere with any other mechanical parts on the underside of the mounting surface. Cycle the windows all
the way down and up.

If the speaker cut-out locations require you to cut metal, avoid structural metal and braces. Mount the
speaker to the vehicle as outlined in Fig. 3.

door body

door panel

speaker cut-out

Fig. 3

QSS woofer

screws

speaker grille

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panel

mounting nut

fl ush ring

Fig. 4
Flush Mounting the Tweeter

panel

mounting nut

back angle ring

Trim the mounting nut legs at the score
lines to accommodate thicker panels.

tweeter

tweeter

front angle ring

inset surface

rounded surface

Fig. 5
Angle Mounting the Tweeter

TWEETER MOUNTING

The tweeter can be mounted one of three ways: fl ush, angled, and coaxial mounting. For fl ush mounting
applications, see Fig. 4. Choose a fl at location on the panel with space behind the panel to allow room
for the mounting nut, motor structure, and tweeter post. After checking the clearances, cut a 1-13/16”
(46mm) diameter mounting hole in the panel. Position the mounting nut behind the panel. Feed the
wire through the optional fl ush ring, the hole in the panel, and the mounting nut. Mount the tweeter by
screwing the mounting nut onto the tweeter.

For angled mounting applications choose a fl at location on the panel with space behind the panel to
allow room for the mounting nut, motor structure, tweeter post, and back angle ring. After checking the
clearances, cut a 1-13/16” (46mm) diameter mounting hole in the panel. Place the front angle ring in front
of the panel. Then place the wire and tweeter through the front angle ring and into the panel. Next, place
the wire through the back angle ring, place the back angle ring over the rear of the tweeter, and line-up
the narrow part of the front angle ring for the preferred angle of operation. Place the wire through the
mounting nut and loosely tighten the mounting nut around the tweeter. Rotate all the parts in unison until
the tweeter is angled in the desired direction. Secure the assembly by tightening the mounting nut. See

Fig. 5.

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CROSSOVER MOUNTING

Mount the crossover in a location that is easy to access for wiring and tweeter output level adjustment.
Make sure that the crossover will not be exposed to water. The bottom of the car door is not a good
location. If you must mount the crossover in the car door, exercise caution as water can accumulate in the
bottom of the door. Keep the crossover high in the door and shielded from water.

QSS crossover.
(mounted inside
door panel)

tweeter mounting hole

to tweeter
lead wires

door jamb

woofer mounting hole

The speaker wire should be kept away from sharp edges and avoid the possibility of getting pinched by
the door. An existing grommet in the door jamb is the ideal place to run the speaker wire. If the factory
hole and grommet do not exist or are inaccessible, you must drill a hole to run the speaker wire through
the door jamb. Be careful not to drill into other wiring or existing door mechanisms. Any time a wire is run
through a hole, it is necessary to insert a rubber or plastic grommet to protect the wire from damage.

to woofer
terminals

rubber
grommets

from amplifi er or
source unit

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GRILLE MOUNTING

Snap-on grille or trim-ring if desired

Rotate grille/trim-ring counter­clockwise to remove

Note: All specifi cations and performance fi gures are subject to change. Please visit www.kicker.com for the
most current information. To get the best performance from your new KICKER speakers, we recommend using
genuine KICKER accessories and wiring. Please allow two weeks of break-in time for the speakers to reach optimum
performance.

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ACOUSTICS LIMITED WARRANTY

When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer, KICKER warrants this product to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from date of original purchase. If this product is
identifi ed as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from date of original
purchase. 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. 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 specifi c 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
service. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer can be found at www.kicker.com or by contacting Stillwater Designs
directly. You can confi rm 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 Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Package only
the defective items in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to:

Stillwater Designs, 3100 North Husband St, Stillwater, OK 74075

The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please return only defective component
systems. The return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items will be returned
freightcollect to you. For example, if a subwoofer is defective, only return the defective subwoofer, not the entire
enclosure. 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 proof-of-purchase will be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must
be prepaid; items sent freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does not cover:
o Damage due to improper installation
o Subsequent damage to other components
o Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
o Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be
considered abuse
o Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
o Speakers damaged due to amplifi er clipping or distortion
o Items previously repaired or modifi ed by any unauthorized repair facility
o Return shipping on non-defective items
o Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
o Products with tampered or missing serial numbers
o Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
o Products purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer
o Freight Damage
o The cost of shipping product to KICKER
o Service performed by anyone other than KICKER

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one-week service for all acoustics (subwoofers, midrange drivers, tweeters,
crossovers, etc) returns. Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered. Failure to
follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the KICKER Customer Service Department
at [phone]. Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specifi c procedures for your
country’s warranty policies.

stillwaterdesigns

P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • USA • (405) 624–8510

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Manual del propietario del
SISTEMA DE COMPONENTES QSS

MODELO: QSS65 / QSS67

Distribuidor autorizado de KICKER:

Fecha de compra

Número de modelo del altavoz:

Los sistemas de componentes de la serie QSS de KICKER ofrecen una fi delidad de audio inigualable para aplicaciones para vehículos.
Ya sea para confi gurar el último sistema de sonido envolvente con altavoces múltiples y subwoofer o simplemente para mejorar la versión
de parlantes aburridos y sin vida de fábrica, los sistemas de componentes QSS brindan el sonido de gama completa más placentero del

mercado en la actualidad!

Divisor de frecuencias Altavoz de graves Altavoz de agudos

Red de corrección de impedancia Zobel para equilibrar
la red de impedancia

Capacitores Mylar e inductores con núcleo de aire con
calidad de audio profesional

Con capacidad de biamplifi cación Placa posterior pulida Cúpula compuesta de Tetoron Dupont

Diseño de circuito asimétrico Diseño cónico Tri-tech Rejilla metálica de circuito abierto

Disipador térmico de aluminio pulido Corrector de fase de aluminio Cámara afi nada y sellada

Atenuación balanceada del altavoz de agudos Cable de bobina de aluminio enchapado en cobre Cable de bobina de aluminio enchapado

Resistores con disipación térmica para una mayor
potencia

Puentes atenuantes especializados (0, +3 ó +6 dB)
para una conexión limpia con menos resistencia

Protección iluminada del altavoz de agudos Terminales accionadas por resortes y niqueladas Poste de altavoz de agudos extendido

Su diseño envolvente revolucionario maximiza
el área de cobertura y mantiene el tamaño del
interruptor

Anillo de cortocircuito de cobre en el polo para
reducir la distorsión

Trencillas en espiral ultra duraderas, tejidas a
través del núcleo bidireccional

La canasta de aluminio fundido más fuerte
disponible, que aumenta el magnetismo

Relleno de poliéster prensado colocado
detrás de la cúpula para obtener
atenuación acústica

Imanes duales de neodimio con
conducto de afi nación

en cobre

La cavidad acústica con imán reduce las
refl exiones internas

El volumen envolvente permite
frecuencias más bajas, mejor respuesta
de frecuencia fuera de eje

RENDIMIENTO

Modelo QSS65 QSS67

Altavoz [pulg., mm.] 6-1/2, 160 6-3/4, 165

Altavoz de agudos [pulg.,mm.] 1-3/16, 30 1-3/16, 30

Material de la cúpula Tetoron® Tetoron®

Impedancia nominal [Ω] 4 4

Potencia máxima [ Vatios] 180 200

Potencia continua [RMS Vatios] 90 100

Sensibilidad [1W, 1m] 86dB 87dB

Respuesta de frecuencia [Hz]

Diámetro del orifi cio de montaje del altavoz [pulg., mm.] 5-1/16, 129 5-7/16, 138

Profundidad del montaje inferior del altavoz [pulg., mm.] 2.5, 63.5 2.5, 63.5

Diámetro del orifi cio de montaje para empotrado del altavoz de agudos [pulg.,mm.]

Profundidad de montaje para empotrado del altavoz de agudos [pulg.,mm.] 1-1/8, 29 1-1/8, 29

Paso alto [dB], en frecuencia [Hz] 24, 2800 24, 2800

Paso bajo [dB], en frecuencia [Hz] 12, 2800 12, 2800

Atenuación de salida de alta frecuencia [dB] 0, +3, +6 0, +3, +6

50–22k 40–22k

1-13/16, 46 1-13/16, 46

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