KICKER PXA 1000.5 Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
KICKER PXA 1000.5 Amplifier
KICKER PXA 1000.5 Amplifier
The KICKER PXA 1000.5 Amplifier is designed to handle extreme conditions of powersports and outdoor audio applications. It provides massive amounts of power and is cutting-edge efficient, making it perfect for less robust charging systems. It can be used with any combination of KICKER products, whether powersports speakers, full-range speakers, or KICKER’s classic aftermarket speakers. It is recommended to get a professional installation performed by authorized retailers. The user is solely responsible for safe mounting and wiring of the product.
Specifications
- Power Output: 1000W
- Input Sensitivity:
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95dB, a-weighted, re: rated power >75dB (ref: 1W output)
Note: All specifications and performance figures 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.
Installation Instructions
- Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifier.
- 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.
- Drill four holes using a 7/64 (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.
Pro Tip: You’re a KICKER amplifier and a few cables away from a full system upgrade that will dominate any factory system! KICKER line of amplifiers make it easy to upgrade to solid bass with your existing or stock source unit. Also, ask your dealer about KICKER Speaker upgrades.
PXA 1000.5 AMPLIFIER
IMPORTANT
KICKER recommends a professional 1nstallation pardoned by authorized
retailers. You are sole~ responsible for safe~ rrount1ng and wiring your
products.
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the KICKER PXA 1000.5 Amplifier! The PXA-series have been engineered to handle the extreme conditions of powersports and outdoor audio applications, provide massive amounts of power, and continue to be cutting-edge efficient, making them perfect for less robust charging systems. Use with any combination of KICKER products, whether powersports speakers, full-range speakers, or KICKER’s classic aftermarket speakers. And don1 let the small, weatherproof footprint fool you; this amp came to play.
- Sincerely
- Steve Irby
- President/CEO
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING! PROLONGED CONTINLKJUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A DISTORTED, CUPPED, OR OVFFI-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AM PU FIERS REOUIFE UP TO 4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTIED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM) CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE. KICKER PRODUCTS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SOUND LEVELS THAT CAN PERMANENTILY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING! PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE WHEN CONTROWNG VOLUME.
WARINING
DIP SWITCHES
Overview
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A
DISTORTED, CLIPPED OR OVER-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO
OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR
COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE UP TO 4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN
VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM)
CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE. 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.
The PXA-series have been engineered to handle the extreme conditions of
powersports and outdoor audio applications, provide massive amounts of power,
and continue to be cutting-edge efficient, making them perfect for less robust
charging systems. Use with any combination of KICKER products, whether
powersports speakers, full-range speakers, or KICKER’s classic aftermarket
speakers. And don’t let the small, weatherproof footprint fool you; this amp
came to play.
Specifications
| Model: | PXA300.1 | PXA600.1 | PXA400.4 | PXA1000.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Power | 500W | 850W | 800W | 1400W |
RMS Power Output
| | | |
@ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N| | | 100W x 4| 100W x 4
@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N| | | 100W x 4| 100W x 4
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N| 150W x 1| 300W x 1| 200W x 2| 200W x 2 (Amp 1
and 2) 300W X 1 (Sub)
@ 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N| 250W x 1| 500W x 1| | 500W X 1 (Sub)
@ 14.4V, 1Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N| 300W x 1| 600W x 1| | 600W X 1 (Sub)
Frequency Response [Hz]| 25Hz – 200Hz| 25Hz – 200Hz| 10Hz – 20KHz| Full Range
10Hz – 20KHz, Sub 25Hz – 200Hz
Selectable Electronic Crossover| 12dB/Octave Lo-Pass
60/80/100/120 Hz
| 12dB/Octave Lo-Pass
60/80/100/120 Hz
| 24dB/Octave
Hi-Pass 80/120 Hz, Lo-Pass (80 Hz only)
| 24dB/Octave
Hi-Pass 80/120 Hz (Amp1 and Amp2), Lo-Pass 60/80/100/120 Hz (Sub only)
KickEQ™ Bass Boost| Selectable 0/+6db Bass Boost @ 40 Hz| Selectable 0/+6db Bass Boost @ 40 Hz| N/A| (Sub Only)
Selectable 0/+6db Bass Boost @ 40 Hz
Fader On/Off Switch| N/A| N/A| Yes| (2) One for Amp 2, One for Sub Input
Length [in, cm]| 9-3/4, 24.8| 9-3/4, 24.8| 9-3/4, 24.8| 12-7/8, 32.8
Height [in, cm]| 1-7/8, 4.7| 1-7/8, 4.7| 1-3/4, 4.5| 1-15/16, 5
Width [in, cm]| 4-1/2, 11.5| | |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB]| >95dB, a-weighted, re:| rated power| |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB]| >75dB (ref: 1W output)| | |
Input Sensitivity| Low Level: 125mV–5V| | |
| High Level: 1V–40V| | |
Note
All specifications and performance figures 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.
Pro Tip
You’re a KICKER amplifier and a few cables away from a full system upgrade
that will dominate any factory system! KICKER line of amplifiers make it easy
to upgrade to solid bass with your existing or stock source unit. Also, ask
your dealer about KICKER Speaker upgrades.
Mounting
Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifier. 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. Drill four holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8
screws to mount the amplifier.
Power Wiring
- Model External Fuse (sold separately) : Power/Ground Wire : KICKER Wiring Kit
- PXA1000.5 : 1 x 150 Ampere 1/0 Gauge : PKD1
Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. A good ground connection is important. If the PXA is mounted in the front fairing of a motorcycle, it will be best to extend the ground wire all the way to the battery. Make the ground wire short, 24” (60cm) or less and, if not connoted to the battery, 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. 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. Install a fuse at the blue +12V constant wire. Fuse installation should be as close as possible to the battery, and no further than 18” (45cm) of the battery, and in-line with the harness’ power cable, which is connected to your PXA Amplifier. Make sure the power wire is routed so that it will not be damaged, crimped, or shorted. 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.
For multiple amplifier installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifier should have its proper-rated fuse, or breaker, installed between the amplifier and the distribution block within eighteen inches of the block, or on the distribution block if it provides for fusing. The primary power wire should also be fused between the battery and distribution block, within eighteen inches of the battery’s positive terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the sum of the individual amplifier’s fuse values, but doesn’t exceed the capacity of your wiring.
Speaker Wiring
(4-Channel Operation)
(Bridged Operation)
- AMP1 left (white) positive
- AMP 1 right (grey) negative
- AMP2 left (green) positive
- AMP2 right (purple negative
You may use a combination of stereo and bridged operation (eg AMP1 Left & Right, and AMP 2 Bridged subwoofer).
Operation
Features
Automatic Turn-On
The PXA-series offers two different automatic turn-on modes; +12V and DC
Offset.
- Remote Turn-On: Run 18 gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the blue REM wire on the PXA amplifier’s wiring harness.
- DC Offset Turn-On: The DC Offset mode detects a 2.5V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
To access the operational features of the PXA amplifier, remove the six Phillips-head screws from the bottom of the amp which are covering the operation panel.
- Input Gain Controls
- Input Level, Fader, Sub Input, & Crossover Switches
Input Gain Controls ****The input gain control is not a volume control.
It matches the output of the source unit to the input level of the amplifier.
Maximum power
out of the amplifier is possible with the gain in the lowest position.
Incorrectly setting the gain can result in distorted output or damage to, and
premature failure of, your speakers. For a quick setup, turn the source unit
up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to 25). Slowly
turn up (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier until you can hear audible
distortion, then turn it down a little. To use the preferred method of setting
the input gain using a voltmeter or oscilloscope, begin by turning off the
amplifier and disconnecting all speakers from it. Turn the gain knob
completely off (counterclockwise) and all crossovers off, or to their least
effective setting. Turn off bass boost. If a remote bass accessory is
connected to the amplifier, turn it completely on (clockwise). Ensure all EQ
and DSP settings on the source unit such as bass, treble, fader, seating
position etc. are set to linear, flat, center, or off. Turn on the amplifier.
Play a 0dB sine wave through your source unit and increase the volume to about
3/4 of maximum. Sine wave tracks can be downloaded for free from KICKER.com
under the “Support” tab. Use the 50Hz sine wave to set the gain for a
subwoofer and the 1kHz sine wave for full-range speakers. Set your voltmeter
or oscilloscope to measure AC voltage. Place the voltmeter’s probes on the
amplifier’s speaker output terminals. With the sine wave playing, slowly turn
the gain knob clockwise and watch the AC voltage on the voltmeter increase.
When the desired voltage is shown (reference power chart insert), or you start
to see the waveform square off stop increasing the gain, turn the amplifier
off, reconnect all speakers and set the crossovers to your desired setting.
Your gain is now set for maximum unclipped power from the amplifier. If you
increase amplitude using settings on the source unit or the bass boost on the
amplifier it will introduce distortion and you will need to redo these steps.
Never change the switches with the audio system on!
Input Level
Choose whether to receive a HI or LO-level signal from your source unit.
SUB Input
Choose whether to use the AMP2 Input or SUB Input for the SUB output channel.
Fader Switch
Turn the fader switch ON if you are running two sets of inputs (front and rear
for example) to the amplifier. Leave the fader switch OFF if you want to drive
all channels from a single stereo input.
HI-PASS
Use the HI-PASS switches to set the internal crossover. Choose a cutoff of
80Hz, 120Hz depending on the configuration of switches. OFF for a full range
signal.
LO-PASS
Use the LO-PASS switches to set the internal crossover. Choose a cutoff of
60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, or 120Hz depending on the configuration of switches.
KICK EQ Bass Boost
The bass boost is designed to give you increased output, +6dB, at 40Hz. If you
turn it on, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the
amplifier.
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 is a Power Protection LED on the side power panel of your Kicker PXA series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will glow either Red or Blue. When the blue LED is lit this indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
Blue 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.
-
For Hi-Level input, check input wires for +6V.
Blue 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 amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
Protection LED flashing 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? -
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.
-
Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected.
-
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 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 amplifiers 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.
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 [email protected] or call Technical Services 405-624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.
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 TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. If this product is identified as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from the 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 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
405-624-8510 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 components. The return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items will be returned freight collect 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:
- Damage due to improper installation
- Subsequent damage to other components
- Damage caused by 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 with tampered or missing serial numbers
- Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
- Products purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer
- Freight Damage
- The cost of shipping product to KICKER
- Service performed by anyone other than KICKER
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one week turnaround 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
405-624-8510. Contact your
International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for
your country’s warranty policies.
Guarantee
Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific
procedures for your country’s warranty policies. Our goods come with
guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are
entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation
for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to
have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable
quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
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