KICKER KXMA1500.1 Mono Class D Subwoofer Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- August 19, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
KICKER KXMA1500.1 Mono Class D Subwoofer Amplifier
Specifications
- Model: KXMA1500.1
- RMS Power @ 14.4V: 4 mono, 1% THD+N
- Height: [in, cm]
- Width: [in, cm]
- Frequency Response: [Hz]
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: [dB]
- Input Sensitivity
Product Usage Instructions
Installation
- Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location for the amplifier with at least 4 inches of open ventilation. Drill four holes using a 7/64 (3mm) bit and mount the amplifier using supplied #8 screws.
- Power Wiring: Install a fuse within 7 inches of the battery and in-line with the power cable. Use only genuine KICKER marine accessories for marine applications.
Power/Ground Wire Specifications
- External Fuse (sold separately): 1 x 150 Ampere
- Power/Ground Wire: 1/0 Gauge
- ABYC-compliant power terminals
- Amplifier uses 304-stainless steel screws and conformal coated PCB for increased weather resistance
FAQ
-
What should I do if my audio system overheats?
If your audio system overheats, immediately turn off the amplifier and allow it to cool down before resuming operation. Ensure proper ventilation for the components to prevent overheating. -
Can I use non-KICKER wiring kits for installation?
We recommend using only KICKER KMPK Wiring Kits or genuine KICKER marine accessories to ensure proper functionality and safety of the amplifier, especially in marine applications.
KXM
AMPLIFIERS
Owner’s Manual
KXMA MONO-SERIES AMPLIFIERS OWNER’S MANUAL
KXMA1500.1
MODEL:
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.
PERFORMANCE
Model: KXMA1500.1
RMS Power
- @ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N 750W x 1
- @ 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N 1500W x 1
- @ 14.4V, 1Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N 1500W x 1
- Length [in, cm] 11-3/16, 28.4
- Height [in, cm] 2-1/8, 5.5
- Width [in, cm] 8-5/16, 21
- Frequency Response [Hz] 10Hz–160Hz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB] >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power
- 1W Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB] -75dB
- Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V
- High Level: 250mV–10V
- Subsonic Filter 10Hz–80Hz, 24dB/octave (BW)
- Selectable Electronic Crossover Variable LP 40–160Hz, 24dB/octave (BW)
- KickEQ+™ Bass Boost 0–6dB @ 20Hz–80Hz
- Remote Bass Yes (Included)
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 amplifi er.
Wiring: The KXMA amplifi er’s RCA inputs 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. Alternatively, the
signal can be delivered to the amplifi er using the low-level RCA outputs on
the source unit. 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 7” (18cm) of the
battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifi er. Use only
KICKER KMPK Wiring Kits or other genuine KICKER marine accessories when
installing amplifi ers in marine applications.
Model External Fuse (sold separately) Power/Ground Wire
KXMA1500.1 1 x 150 Ampere 1/0 Gauge
POWER WIRING
For multiple amplifi er installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifi er should have its proper-rated fuse, or breaker, installed between the amplifi er and the distribution block within seven 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 seven inches of the battery’s B+ terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the sum of the individual amplifi er’s fuse values, but not to exceed 1.5-times the sum of the individual fuse values (not to exceed the ampacity of the thermal insulation of the wiring as shown in U.S.C.G. CFR33 183.425, Table 5). KICKER recommends our ignition-protected Marine Rated Battery Fuses (MRBF) for these applications. See the diagram below.
NOTE: Seven inches is the standard distance under U.S. Coast Guard CFR33 for placement of fuses or breakers as required by law for new boat manufacturing. We recommend trying to adhere to this standard in a consumer installation. Failure to do so does not mean you are breaking the law, but it does put the safety of your boat and passengers at risk in the event of a power wire short circuit.
Two 4Ω Single Voice Coil MW12 Subwoofers
wired in parallel final impedance of 2 ohms
One 2Ω Dual Voice Coil L7X Subwoofer wired in parallel
final impedance of 1 ohm
Two 2Ω Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers wired in Series-Parallel
final impedance of 2 ohms
Two 4Ω Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers wired in Parallel
final impedance of 1 ohm
OPERATION
Mini-USB for internal use only; do NOT remove or tamper. KICKER is not responsible for any damage to equipment resulting from connections made to this port.
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The KXMA
series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be selected on
the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio
mode causes the REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional
amplifiers.
- Remote Turn-On: Set the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. 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. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
- DC Offset Turn-On: If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC Offset mode detects a 3V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
- Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting is the final alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.
Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER KXMA 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 amplifi er. Refer to the wiring section of this
manual for additional instructions.
Input Gain Control with Gain Matching: The input gain control is not a
volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to the input level of
the amplifi er and features Gain Matching to prevent clipping the input. 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). KICKER recommends using the test tones at
https://www.kicker.com/test-tones/ to reach the most accurate and best
performing settings. Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifi er
up until you see the Gain LED light up or hear audible distortion, then turn
it down a little. If the GAIN knob’s backlight comes on, the input is still
clipping. For full instructions on Gain Matching, please see the next page.
SUBSONIC: Use the Subsonic fi lter to set a hi-pass crossover from
10Hz–80Hz with a 24db/octave slope. This is used to protect the subwoofer
driver from over-excursion due to ultra-low frequencies, preventing damage
while ensuring your amplifi er’s power is used efficiently.
LO-PASS X-OVER: Use the LO-PASS X-OVER switch on the end panel of the
amplifi er to set the internal crossover from 40Hz–160Hz. This will set the low
pass fi lter of the amplifi er to only pass frequencies below the set threshold.
KICK EQ+ Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side
of the amplifi er is designed to give you increased output, 0–6dB, from
20Hz–80Hz, with a bandwidth setting to determine the width of the curve. The
setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust
the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifi er.
GAIN MATCHING
In any audio system, the goal is to reach maximum input and output levels
without distortion or clipping. The engineers at KICKER have taken the
guesswork, and hassle, out of matching the output voltage of your source unit
to the amplifi er with the Gain Matching feature. To begin, you’ll need to
download the KICKER test tones from www.kicker.com/test-
tones. The following fi les are available in
MP3 and WAV formats:
1kHz @ 0dBFS, 50Hz @ 0dBFS, 1kHz @ -10dBFS, 50Hz @ -10dBFS, 1kHz @ -5dBFS,
50Hz @ -5dBFS
These test tones are sine waves meant to provide a consistent signal for the
KXMA amplifi er to reference. The different recording levels are designed to
give you the perfect gain match for your application.
0dBFS: Designed for audiophile applications to give you distortion free
audio output with the most dynamic range.
- 5dBFS: Designed for normal/daily applications, there will be less dynamic range but higher potential audio output levels. With this set up you can get some occasional clipping from the amplifi er.
- 10dBFS: Designed only for Subwoofer applications, there will be less dynamic range but higher potential audio output levels. With this set up you can get some clipping from the amplifi er.
Afterwards, use the following procedure to accurately Gain Match your amplifier(s):
- Disconnect the speakers from the KXMA amplifi er.
- Set all EQ and crossover settings to flat on your source unit.
- Play the downloadable file from KICKER.com
- Turn the source unit up to 3/4 volume.
- Increase the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns on.
- Decrease the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns off.
All level matching circuitry in the KXMA amplifi ers is at the beginning of the
signal chain. If you are going to use features like bass boost, it may be
necessary to readjust the gain to a lower setting to compensate for increased
output at those frequencies.
Once the amp and source unit are gain matched, you will want to make certain
you are not overdriving your speakers. Use the following procedure:
- Set the source until volume to 0.
- Reconnect the speakers to the KXMA amplifier.
- Slowly increase the volume level of the source unit as you listen for audible distortion.
- If you can hear clipping, decrease the gain of the amplifi er until it is gone.
KMBLC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION
- Connect the cable to the KMBLC remote and the Remote Bass connection on the amplifi er
- Surface-mount the KMBLC remote using the supplied screws.
KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXMA-Series Amplifi er
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 KXMA amplifi er 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 KXMA amplifi er
performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of
KXMA amplifi ers.
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
amplifi ers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifi er is allowed
regardless of the number of amplifi er 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
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your amplifi er does not appear to be working, check the obvious things fi rst such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There is a Protection (PRT) LED on the side panel of your Kicker KXMA series amplifi er. Depending on the state of the amplifi er and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will either glow red or be off.
-
Red (PRT) LED fl ickering 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 Amplifi er 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 amplifi er. 2 Amplifi er shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifi er is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected. 3 Amplifi er 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 control 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.
©2020 Stillwater Designs
References
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