KICKER 51KPX300.4 Compact All Weather 4 Channel Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
Owner’s Manual
KPX Amplifiers
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 KPX-series amplifiers 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, weather resistant
footprint fool you; this amp came to play.
Specifications
| Model: | KPX500.1 | KPX300.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Power | 750W | 350W |
RMS Power Output
@ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 1Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N| 150W X 1
300W x 1
500W x 1| 45WX4
75WX4
150WX 2
Frequency Response [Hz]| 10Hz – 160Hz| 20Hz – 20kHz
Selectable Electronic Crossover| 24dB/Octave, Variable
Lo-Pass 40–160 Hz| 12d B/Octave
Hi-Pass 60/80/120 Hz
KickEQ™ Bass Boost| Selectable 0/+6db
Bass Boost @ 40 Hz| N/A
Fader On/Off Switch| N/A| Yes
Subsonic Filter| 24dB/Octave, Variable
Hi-Pass 10–40Hz| N/A
Remote Bass Control| Yes, CXARC (Not Included)| N/A
Length [in, cm]| 8 1/2, 21.7| 8 1/2, 21.7
Height [in, cm]| 1 11/16, 4.3| 1 11/16, 4.3
Width [in, cm]| 3 5/8, 9.2| 3 5/16, 8.4
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB]| >90dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB]| >75dB (ref: 1 W 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 amplifier, we
recommend using genuine KICKER speakers, accessories and wiring.
Pro Tip: A that’s eft are PowerSports speakers
, and a few cables , and
you’ll have an audio upgrade that will dominate any factory system! KICKER
amplifiers make it easy to upgrade to solid bass with your existing or stock
source unit. Ask your dealer about KICKER upgrades.
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. Drill four holes using a 7/64” (8mm) bit and use the supplied #8
screws to mount the amplifier.
Power Wiring
Click Here for Amolifier Install Kits
Model| External Fuse (sold separately)| Power/Ground Wire|
KICKER Wiring Kit
---|---|---|---
KPX300.4| 1 x 40 Ampere| 8 Gauge| KMPKB, PKB, CKB
KICKER will provide a three-year warranty with all KPX-Series Amplifier
purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation Kit*.
U.S.A ONLY
1 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. Amplifier and Kit
must be purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede KPX amplifier
performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of
KPX 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
Install the KPX Power & Ground Terminal Adapter to begin. Disconnect the
vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. A good ground connection Is
important. If the KPX Is mounted In the front fairing of a motorcycle, it will
be best to extend the ground wire all the way to tne battery. Make the ground
wire short, 24″ (60cm) or less and, if not conneted 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
signa cable 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 KPX
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 multiole 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 amplifiers fuse values, but
doesn’t exceed the capacity of your wiring.
If needed, cut off the RCA connections to use hi- eve
input, or use the KICKER KISL Speaker-RCA Converter.
Speaker Wiring
(4-Channel Operation)
(Bridged Operation)You may use a combination of stereo and bridged operation (eg AMP1 Left & Right, and AMP 2 Bridged Mono)
Operation
IMPORTANT: First switch has no function. Never change the switches with
the audio system on!
Automatic Turn-On: The KPX-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 KPX amplifier’s wiring harness.
- DC Offset Turn-On: The DC Offset mode detects a >2.5V DC offset from the Hl-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
Input Gain Controls: The inout 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 vo ume (if the source
unit goes to 30, turn it to 25). S ow y 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 vo tmeter or
osci oscope, begin by turning off the amp ifier and disconnecting all speakers
from it. Turn the gain knob completely off (counterclockwise) and all
crossovers off, or to their least effective setting. 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 at
KICKER.com),
or you start to see the waveform square off stop increasing the gain, turn the
amplifier off, reconnect all soeakers 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.
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.
Input Level: Choose whether to receive a HI or LO-level signal from your
source unit.
HI-PASS: Use the HI-PASS switches of the amplifier to set the internal
crossover.
Choose a cutoff of GOHz, 8OHZ, 120HZ, or OFF depending on the configuration of
switches.
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) &
Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your KICKER KPX 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.
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 VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
Red (PRR) LED flickering with loud music? The red (PRT) 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 (PRT) LED on, no output? 1 Ampilifier 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 soeaker
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 6-16 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.
3 lf using a Low-Level signal, make sure Radio Detect is OFF. 4 Check
the volume level on your source unit, to include the volume level of any
connected phones or MPG players.
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.
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 support@KICKER.com 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. Nondefective 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
- Item 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.
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.
P.O. Box 459
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076
USA
(405) 624–8510
50KPX-d-240125
KPX300.4 AMPLIFIER
Info Card
IMPORTANT: KICKER recomrnerds a professional installation performed by
authorizoo retailers . You are solely responsible for safely mounting and
wiring your prodocts.
If you have a problem with this product, prior to returning the product to the
store,
Contact KICKER Tech Support
Call us at 800-256-KICK (5425), or contact us at
support@kicker.com with any questions or
problems.
Thank you for your LICKER purchase!
U.S. Customers Only
Scan here for owner’s manual
https://qr.kicker.com/g/3vOV9qIfmxl
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the KICKER KPX300.4
Amplifier! The KPX-series have been engineered to handle the extreme
conditions of power sports 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 powersparts speakers, full-range speakers, or KICKER’s
classic after market speakers. And don’t let the small, weather proof
footprint fool you; this amp came to play
Sincerefy
Steve Irby
President/CEO 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 ANDYOR 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! PLEASE USE
COMMON SENSE WHEN CONTROLLING VOLUME.
Wiring
Model| External Fuse
(sold separately)| Power/ Ground Wire| KICKER Wiring Kit
---|---|---|---
KPX300.4| 1 x 40 Ampere| 8 Gauge| KMPK8, PK8, CK8
See owner’s manual for information on how to use
amplifier features such as Remote Tum-on, crossovers, and more!
51Kpx4-c23
Documents / Resources
|
KICKER 51KPX300.4 Compact All Weather 4 Channel
Amplifier
[pdf] Owner's Manual
51KPX300.4, 51KPX300.4 Compact All Weather 4 Channel Amplifier, Compact All
Weather 4 Channel Amplifier, Weather 4 Channel Amplifier, 4 Channel Amplifier,
Amplifier
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