Kicker ZX150.2, ZX200.2, ZX250.2 User Manual

ZX

STEREOAMPLIFIER

ZX150.2, ZX200.2, ZX250.2

©2006 Stillwater Designs

Installation . . . as easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Mounting Choose a structurally sound location to mount your Kicker amplifier. The controls on the

top of the amplifier need to be accessible for adjustment. 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 amplifier. If possible, mount the amplifier in the climate-controlled passenger compartment. Drill four
holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.

2. Wiring Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Then connect the ground wire
to the amplifier. 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 between the
battery's negative post and the vehicle chassis of this same gauge (or larger) is recommended.

Use a twisted pair of RCA (low-level)
interconnect cable to feed the audio signal
to the amplifier. Only use speaker wire
(high-level) inputs if your source unit does
not have RCA type outputs. Either input
method will provide a low-level output
signal at the RCA output, which effectively
passes the audio signal to another
amplifier or component (P.A.S.T.). Keep
the RCA cable away from factory wiring
harnesses and other power wiring. If you
need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90
degree angle.

Install a fuse within 18” (45cm) of the
battery and in-line with the power cable
connected to your amplifier. If you ever need to remove the amplifier 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. See the chart below for power and ground wire size, and fusing
recommendations.

3. Configuration The following
diagrams show the most common
configurations for your Kicker ZX series amplifier.

Two Channel Operation (Stereo) These ZX amplifiers are capable of operating into a minimum
impedance of 2 ohms per channel in stereo operation. See Figure 2.

Bridged Operation (Mono) ZX.2 series amplifiers are capable of operating into a minimum
impedance of 4 ohms when in bridged operation. See Figure 3.

Stereo and Mono Operation Simultaneously (SAMS) The ZX.2 series amplifiers are capable of
operating into a minimum impedance of 4 ohms mono and 2 ohms per channel in stereo
simultaneously with the use of passive crossovers. See Figure 4.

INSTALLATION

ZX.2AMPLIFIER

ZX150.2 / ZX200.2 / ZX250.2

TwoChannelModels:

ZX.2SeriesAmplifier

Owner’sManual

Congratulations on your

KICKER purchase

Please record your purchase

information and keep your sales

receipt for validation of warranty.

Authorized Kicker Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Amplifier Model Number:

Amplifier Serial Number:

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

ModelZX150.2 Fuse25A PowerGroundWire 8GA
ModelZX200.2 Fuse30A PowerGroundWire 8GA
ModelZX250.2 Fuse40A PowerGroundWire 8GA

Note: To get the best performance from your new Kicker Amplifier, we recommend using genuine Kicker Accessories and Wiring.

2 3

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Use only one type of signal input to the amplifier,

either RCA Cable or Speaker Wire

RCA Cable
(Low-Level)

Input

Speaker Wire

(High-Level

Output)

Speaker Wire

(High-Level Input)

Left +
Left ­Right ­Right +

CONFIGURATION

RCA Cable
(Low-Level)

Output

Crossover Switch

Signal Out

(P.A.S.T.)

Battery

Remote
Turn-On

+12V

(45cm)

18"

Or Less

Ground

(60cm)

Or Less

Fuse

24"

Minimum impedance of 2 ohms per channel in stereo operation

Minimum impedance of 4 ohms when in bridged operation

Right Speaker

_

R-

R+

L-

L+

+

Signal Out (P.A.S.T.)

Signal In

_

+

Left Speaker

killers trk7“on Top”

SOURCE UNIT

RL

RL

OUTPUT

OFF HI LO

XOVER

HI-LEVEL

INPUT

+ - - +

INPUT

L+ L-R+R-

Battery

Battery

Remote
Turn-On

+12V

(45cm)

18"

Or Less

Remote

Turn-On

+12V

Ground

(45cm)

18"

Or Less

Ground

(60cm)

Or Less

Fuse

24"

(60cm)

Or Less

Fuse

24"

Minimum impedance of 4 ohms mono and 2 ohms per channel in

stereo simultaneously with the use of passive crossovers

R-

R+

L-

L+

Signal Out (P.A.S.T.)

Signal In

Mono

Speaker

_

+

Right Speaker

_

R-

R+

L-

L+

HIGH PASS
CROSSOVER

Signal Out (P.A.S.T.)

Signal In

HIGH PASS
CROSSOVER

+

Speaker

_

+

Left Speaker

Mono

_

+

CROSS-

LOW
PASS

OVER

Operation

Your Kicker ZX.2 series amplifier has three rotary controls on top and one switch on the end-panel.
Before turning on the system for the first time, turn the three rotary controls on the top of the amplifier
to the full counter-clockwise position.

1. CrossoverSwitch The crossover switch on the end-panel is 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 speakers, which you do not want
to receive any sub-bass information.
Never change the crossover
"OFF/HI/LO" switch setting with the
audio system on! See Figure 1.

2. InputGainControl The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the
source unit to the input level of the amplifier. 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 amplifier up until you can
hear audible distortion, then turn it down a little.

3. BassBoostControl The bass boost control is designed to give you increased output 0 - 18dB
at 40 Hz. The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must go back and adjust the
input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.

4. CrossoverControl The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.

TroubleShooting

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses,
poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There
are two LEDs on the top of your Kicker ZX 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.

 Green LED off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: 1) +12 volt power
terminal (should read +12V to +16V) 2) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V)

3) Check for reversed power and ground connections 4) Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.

 Green LED on, no output? Check the following: 1) RCA connections 2) Test speaker outputs
with a “known” good speaker. 3) Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit.

4) Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the “AC” test position selected
on the VOM meter.

 Red LED on, no output? 1) Amplifier 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 airflow
around the amplifier. 2) Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running. Voltage protection
circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the
vehicle's charging and electrical system inspected. 3) Amplifier 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 output from one channel? 1) Check the balance control on source unit 2) Check the RCA (or
speaker input) and speaker output connections for the channel 3) Swap the RCA (or speaker input)

cable from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA (or speaker input) cable

or source unit problem. 4) Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes
sides then you have a bad speaker cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.

 Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? 1) Check for damaged RCA (or speaker
input) cable 2) Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable 3) Check the source unit for proper
grounding 4) Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are 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, passive crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative
connections. Reverse a speaker connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer
channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.

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.

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 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
specific questions.

Performance

Model ZX150.2 ZX200.2 ZX250.2

RMS Power in Watts, all channels driven
@ 14.4 Volts, 4

Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N 60 x 2 70 x 2 85 x 2

@ 2

Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N 75 x 2 100 x 2 125 x 2

@ 4

Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N 150 200 250

Length: 10 1/4” (260mm) 10 1/4” (260mm) 13 1/2” (342mm)

Specifications common to all models:
Height: 2 1/8” (54mm)
Width: 9 5/8” (244mm)
Frequency Response, ± 0.5 dB: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity: 125 mV - 5 V low level, 250 mV - 10 V high level
Electronic Crossover: Variable HI, LO or OFF (bypass), 50 - 200Hz, 12dB per octave
Bass Boost: Variable 0 to +18 dB boost @ 40 Hz

ZX.2AMPLIFIER

L-

L+

4 5

Model ZX150.2
60 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -102
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Model ZX200.2
70 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -98
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Model ZX250.2
85 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4V

dc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)

Signal to Noise Ratio -98
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Figure 5

PERFORMANCE

OPERATION

Crossover Control

50 - 200Hz, 12dB/Oct

Input Gain Control

Low Level: 125mV - 5V, High Level: 250mV - 10 V

Bass Boost Control

0 to +18dB boost @ 40Hz

ElectronicsLimitedWarranty

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 an 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
service. 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 Merchandise 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 will be returned freight­collect to you.

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 amplifier clipping or distortion
o Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
o Return shipping on non-defective items
o Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
o Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
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 72-hour service for all electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, 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].

InternationalWarranty

Contact your International Kicker dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty
policies.

WARNING: KICKER products 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.

GARANTÍA INTERNACIONAL VersiónEspañol

Comuníquese con su concesionario o distribuidor Kicker internacional para obtener infor ación sobre procedimientos
específicos relacionados con las normas de garantía de su país.

ADVERTENCIA: Los excitadores Kicker son capaces de producir niveles de sonido que pueden dañar
permanentemente el oído. Subir el volumen del sistema hasta un nivel que produzca distorsión es más dañino para el
oído que escuchar un sistema sin distorsión al mismo volumen. El dolor es siempre una indicación de que el sonido es
muy fuerte y que puede dañar permanentemente el oído. Sea precavido cuando controle el volumen.

La frase "combustible para vivir la vida Livin' Loud™ a todo volumen" se refiere al entusiasmo por la vida que la marca
Kicker de estéreos de automóvil representa y a la recomendación a nuestros clientes de que vivan lo mejor posible ("a
todo volumen") en todo sentido. La línea de altavoces y amplificadores Kicker es la mejor del mercado de audio de
automóviles y por lo tanto representa el "combustible" para vivir a todo volumen en el área de "estéreos de automóvil"
de la vida de nuestros clientes. Recomendamos a todos nuestros clientes que obedezcan todas las reglas y
reglamentos locales sobre ruido en cuanto a los niveles legales y apropiados de audición fuera del vehículo.

INTERNATIONALE GARANTIE DeutscheVersion

Nehmen Sie mit Ihren internationalen Kicker-Fachhändler oder Vertrieb Kontakt auf, um Details über die
Garantieleistungen in Ihrem Land zu erfahren.

WARNUNG: KICKER-Treiber können einen Schallpegel erzeugen, der zu permanenten Gehörschäden führen kann!
Wenn Sie ein System auf einen Pegel stellen, der hörbare Verzerrungen erzeugt, schadet das Ihren Ohren mehr, als ein
nicht verzerrtes System auf dem gleichen Lautstärkepegel. Die Schmerzschwelle ist immer eine Anzeige dafür, dass
der Schallpegel zu laut ist und zu permanenten Gehörschäden führen kann. Seien Sie bei der Lautstärkeeinstellung
bitte vernünftig!

Der Slogan "Treibstoff für Livin' Loud" bezieht sich auf die mit den Kicker-Autostereosystemen assoziierte
Lebensfreude und die Tatsache, dass wir unsere Kunden ermutigen, in allen Aspekten ihres Lebens nach dem Besten
("Livin' Loud") zu streben. Die Lautsprecher und Verstärker von Kicker sind auf dem Markt für Auto-Soundsysteme
führend und stellen somit den "Treibstoff" für das Autostereoerlebnis unserer Kunden dar. Wir empfehlen allen unseren
Kunden, sich bezüglich der zugelassenen und passenden Lautstärkepegel außerhalb des Autos an die örtlichen
Lärmvorschriften zu halten.

GARANTIE INTERNAT IONALE VersionFrançaise

Pour connaître les procédures propres à la politique de garantie de votre pays, contactez votre revendeur ou
distributeur International Kicker.

AVERTISSEMENT: Les haut-parleurs Kicker ont la capacité de produire des niveaux sonores pouvant endommager
l'ouïe de façon irréversible ! L'augmentation du volume d'un système jusqu'à un niveau présentant une distorsion
audible endommage davantage l'ouïe que l'écoute d'un système sans distorsion au même volume. Le seuil de la
douleur est toujours le signe que le niveau sonore est trop élevé et risque d'endommager l'ouïe de façon irréversible.
Réglez le volume en faisant prevue de bon sens !

L'expression " carburant pour vivre plein pot " fait référence au dynamisme de la marque Kicker d'équipements audio
pour véhicules et a pour but d'encourager nos clients à faire le maximum (" vivre plein pot ") dans tous les aspects de
leur vie. Les haut-parleurs et amplificateurs Kicker sont les meilleurs dans le domaine des équipements audio et
représentent donc pour nos client le " carburant pour vivre plein pot " dans l'aspect " installation audio de véhicule "
de leur vie. Nous encourageons tous nos clients à respecter toutes les lois et réglementations locales relatives aux
niveaux sonores acceptables à l'extérieur des véhicules.

ZX.2AMPLIFIER

6 7

GARANTIE

WARRANTY

12282005+06ZX.2

P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A. • [phone]

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