KICKER CXA400.1 Subwoofer Amplifier Owner’s Manual

CX
AMPLIFIERS
Owner’s Manual
MODEL:
CX.1-SERIES AMPLIFIERS
OWNER’S MANUAL
CXA400.1 | CXA800.1
CXA1200.1 | CXA1800.1

Authorized KICKER Dealer:
Purchase Date: …………………………..
Model Number: ………………………….
Serial Number: …………………………..

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.

PERFORMANCE

RMS Power [Watts] @ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 1Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
Length [in, cm]| 150W x 1
300W x 1
400W x 1
8-1/8, 20.6| 300W x 1
600W x 1
800W x 1
8-1/8, 20.6| 600W x 1
1200W x 1
1200W x 1
12, 30.6| 900W x 1
1800W x 1
1800W x 1
13-5/8, 34.6

Specifi cations common to all models:

Height [in, cm] Width [in, cm] Frequency Response [Hz] Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB] Input Sensitivity
Electronic Crossover
KickEQ™ Bass Boost
Subsonic Filter
Remote Bass| 2-3/8, 5.9
6-3/4, 17
25–200

95, A-weighted, re: rated power
Low Level: 125mV–5V
High Level: 1V–40V
Variable Lo-pass 50Hz–200Hz, 12dB/octave
Variable 0–6dB @ 40Hz
25Hz, 24dB/octave
Yes (sold separately)
---|---

NOTE: 2019 CXA mono amplifi ers are 1Ω stable – power rating +/- 10%.
Pro Tip : To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifi er and extend the warranty by 1 year, use genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.

INSTALLATION

Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifi er. 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 amplifi er. If possible, mount the amplifi er 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.
The KICKER CX Amplifi ers are capable of space-saving vertical mounting. Use a 2.5mm hex key (Allen wrench) to loosen the end panel, remove the existing brackets, then insert and tighten the double-slotted brackets to the amplifier as illustrated on the next page.

VERTICAL MOUNTING

Wiring: Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Then, connect the ground wire to the amplifi er. 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 of this same gauge (or larger) between the battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.
The CX amplifi er has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low level signals from your car stereo’s source unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit’s speaker outputs to the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifi er using the KICKER KISL as shown (make sure you set the CX amplifi er’s input level switch to “HI”). Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifi er using the low- level RCA outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifi er to “LO”. Either input method will provide an output signal at the RCA output, which effectively passes the audio signal to another amplifier or component. 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 within 18” (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifier. If you ever need to remove the amplifi er from the vehicle after it has been installed, the ground wire should be the last wire disconnected from the amplifi er–just the opposite as when you installed it.

MONO OPERATION
minimum impedance of 1 ohm

For multiple amplifi er installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifi er 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. Use wiring of the same gauge and current capacity as your power and ground wires.

OPERATION

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The CX-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 terminal labeled REM between the amplifi er’s positive and negative power terminals.
• 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.

Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER CX amplifi ers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals from your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the Input Level switch on the amplifier. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for additional instructions.
Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the side of the amplifi er allows you to adjust the lo-pass crossover frequency from 50–200Hz. The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.
Input Gain Control: The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output level of the source unit to the input sensitivity of the amplifi er. Maximum power out of the amplifi er 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 amplifi er and disconnecting all speakers from it. Turn the gain knob completely off (counterclockwise) and all crossovers off, or to their least effective setting. Turn the bass boost knob completely off (counterclockwise). 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 amplifi er. 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 amplifi er’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 amplifi er 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 amplifi er it will introduce distortion and you will need to redo these steps.
Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifi er is designed to give you increased output, 0–6dB, at 40Hz. The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.
Remote Bass-CXARC (sold separately): With the optional CXARC remote bass level control, you have the ability to attenuate the output level of the amplifi er remotely. To surface-mount the CXARC remote bass level control, simply screw the remote to the chosen location, then run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass” jack on the amplifi er panel. Do NOT connect/disconnect while the amplifi er is on. Connecting the 3.5mm cable without the remote knob will cause the amplifi er to output at full gain, possibly damaging your speakers.

CXARC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION
(Optional – CXARC not included.)

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your amplifi er 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 Power (PWR) & Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your Kicker CX series amplifi er. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging system, the LEDs will glow either green or red. When the green LED is lit, this indicates the amplifi er is turned on and no trouble exists.
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 amplifi er with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
Red LED fl ickering 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.
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 airfl ow around the amplifier. 2 Amplifier shuts down = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 8–16 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 or low output? 1 Check the balance and fader controls on source unit  2 Check the RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections.
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.
Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers 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 amplifi er 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 support@kicker.com or call Technical Services 405-624-8583 for unanswered or specifi c questions.

CXA400.1
150 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts) Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
CXA800.1
300 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts) Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
CXA1200.1
600 x 1 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts) Signal to Noise Ratio -70dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
CXA1800.1
900 x 1 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts) Signal to Noise Ratio -70dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

1 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION
U.S.A ONLY Les USA seulement
KICKER will now provide a three year warranty with all CXA-Series Amplifier purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .
This extends the standard warranty by an additional
year. Amplifi er and Kit must be purchased from an
Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER CX amplifi er success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended warranty program even more benefi cial to you.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede CX amplifi er performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of CX amplifiers.
The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifi ers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized
KICKER Dealers in the United States of America or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of
KICKER amplifi ers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifi er is allowed regardless of the number of amplifi erinstallation kits purchased. This program does not apply to “B”-stock product or factory-refurbished product.
This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer soon for details.
*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement

ELECTRONICS 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 TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. If this product is identifi ed 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 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 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 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- ofpurchase 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 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 amplifi er clipping or distortion
•  Items previously repaired or modifi ed 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 (amplifi ers, 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 specifi c procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
Note: All specifi cations and performance fi gures are subject to change. Please visit www.kicker.com for the most current information.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specifi c 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.

P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • USA • (405) 624–8510
©2018 Stillwater Designs

References

• Car Audio, Home & Personal Audio | KICKER®
• Car Audio, Home & Personal Audio | KICKER®

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