Kicker CXA800.1 800-Watt CX Amplifier Owner’s Manual

Kicker CXA800.1 800-Watt CX Amplifier

• 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

NOTE: 2019 CXA mono amplifiers are 1Ω stable – power rating +/- 10%.

Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifier and extend the warranty by 1 year, use genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.

INSTALLATION

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. 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.

The KICKER CX Amplifiers are capable of space-saving vertical mounting. Use a 2.5mm hex key (Allen wrench) to loosen the end panel, remove the existing brackets, and then insert and tighten the double-slotted brackets to the amplifi er 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 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 ground wire of this same gauge (or larger) between the battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.

The CX amplifier 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 amplifier using the KICKER KISL as shown (make sure you set the CX amplifier’s input level switch to “HI” ). Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifier using the low- level RCA outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifier 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 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.

MONO OPERATION

minimum impedance of 1 ohm

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. Use wiring of the same gauge and current capacity as your power and ground wires.

Model | External Fuse (sold separately) | Power/Ground Wire | KICKER Wiring Kit

• CXA400.1 1 x 40 Ampere 8 Gauge PK8, CK8
• CXA800.1 1 x 80 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4
• CXA1200.1 1 x 100 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4
• CXA1800.1 1 x 150 Ampere 1/0 Gauge PKD1

OPERATION

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The CX-series offers two different automatic turn-on modes; +12V and DC Offset.

• Remote Turn-On: Run an 18 gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the amplifier’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 amplifiers 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 high-level signal, simply press 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 amplifier allows you to adjust the low-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 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 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, fl at, 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 the 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 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 amplifier 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 can attenuate the output level of the amplifier 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 amplifier panel. Do NOT connect/disconnect while the amplifier is on. Connecting the 3.5mm cable without the remote knob will cause the amplifier to output at full gain, possibly damaging your speakers.

CXARC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION

(Optional – CXARC not included.)

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 Power (PWR) and protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your Kicker CX series amplifier. 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 amplifier 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.

The green LED is on, no output? Check the following: (1) RCA connections and (2) Test speaker outputs with a “known” good speaker. (3) Substitute the source unit with a “known” good source unit. (4) Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure the “AC” voltage.

Red LED flickering 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 airflow 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) The amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or 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 the 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 the 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 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 installation advice, 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 Services405-624-8583 for unanswered or specific 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)

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. The amplifier and Kit must be purchased from an

Authorized KICKER Dealer

KICKER CX amplifier success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended warranty program even more beneficial to you. Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede CX amplifier performance. A superior- quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of CX amplifiers. The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifiers 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 amplifiers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifier is allowed regardless of the number of amplifier installation 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 the date of the original purchase with the 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 the 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 after 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 currently 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 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 collected 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 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 by 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 the 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 the product to KICKER
• Service performed by anyone other than KICKER

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

KICKER strives to maintain a goal of a one-week turnaround for all electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.) returns. Delays may be incurred if a 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.

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

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

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 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.

FAQs

What is the Kicker CXA800.1 800-Watt CX Amplifier?

The Kicker CXA800.1 is a high-performance mono car amplifier designed to deliver up to 800 watts of power to your subwoofer, enhancing your car audio system's bass capabilities.

What makes the Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier special?

The Kicker CXA800.1 stands out for its power output, compact size, and efficient Class D technology, making it an ideal choice for boosting your car audio system's bass.

What's the maximum power output of the Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier?

The Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier can deliver a maximum power output of 800 watts at 2 ohms, which is perfect for driving a powerful subwoofer.

What is the recommended speaker impedance for this amplifier?

The Kicker CXA800.1 is optimized for a 2-ohm speaker impedance, making it suitable for a wide range of subwoofers.

Does it come with a built-in subsonic filter?

Yes, the Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier features a subsonic filter, allowing you to customize the low-frequency output and protect your subwoofer from potentially damaging frequencies.

Is the Kicker CXA800.1 bridgeable?

No, the Kicker CXA800.1 is a mono amplifier and cannot be bridged to create a stereo output. It is designed to power a single subwoofer.

What type of input connections does it support?

The Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier features RCA input connections, making it compatible with most car audio head units.

Does it come with a remote bass control?

Some models of the Kicker CXA800.1 come with a remote bass control (sold separately), allowing you to adjust the bass output from the driver's seat.

What is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of this amplifier?

The Kicker CXA800.1 typically has an SNR of around 95 dB, ensuring clear and low-noise audio output.

Is the Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier protected against overheating and short circuits?

Yes, it includes thermal, overload, and short circuit protection, which helps safeguard the amplifier and connected components from damage.

Can I use it for both music and movie audio in my car?

Yes, the Kicker CXA800.1 can enhance both music and movie audio in your car, particularly when paired with a subwoofer for deep and immersive bass.

What's the warranty coverage for the Kicker CXA800.1 amplifier?

The warranty coverage can vary, so it's essential to check with the manufacturer or the authorized retailer for specific warranty details and terms.

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