Kicker DX200.4 User manual

FourChannelModels:
OX.4SeriesAmplifier
Owner'sManual
OX200.4
Congratulations on your
KICKER purchase!
Please record your purchase
information and keep your sales
receipt for validation of warranty.
Installation
Authorized Kicker Dealer:
Purchase Date:
Amplifier Model Number:
Amplifier Serial Number:
1. Mounting Choose astructurally sound location to mount your Kicker amplifier. The controls on the
top of the amplifier need to be accessible for adjustment. Make sure there are no items behind the area
where the screws will be driven. Choose alocation 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 a7/64" (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.
2. Wiring Disconnect the vehicle sbattery 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 apaint 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
OX amplifier has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low
level signals from your car stereo's source unit. Ideally, when connecting the source unit
to the amplifier
the
OX amplifier's input level switch should be set to "LO" and alow-level signal should run from the
source unit's stereo RCA output to the stereo RCA input
on the end panel of the amplifier using RCA
interconnect cable.
If alow-level stereo RCA output is not available on the source unit, the signal can
be delivered to the amplifier using the high-level speaker outputs on the source unit. Set the input
level
switch on the end panel of the amplifier to "HI". Crimp and solder RCA connectors to the end of the
speaker wire running from the high-level speaker outputs on the source unit and connect the wire to the
RCA Inputs on the end panel of the amplifier as shown
in Figure 1. Keep the audio signal cable away
from factory wiring harnesses and nFigure 1
h . 'If dHigh-level Speaker Output Wire i!UIJ 0Core Cable
ot er power wIring. you nee to ~ToSourceUnit ~ Q ~, /-"..-------.-....
cross this wiring, cross it at a90 ,---_~....,..-----~ ? ~. ~?----.11111""'"
degree angle. 0oGround or Shielding
Install afuse 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.
See the chart below for power and ground wire size, and fusing recommendations.
Mode1DX200.4 1 (ONE) 30 AMPERE FUSE PowerGroundWire 8GA
3. Configuration The following diagrams show the most common configurations for your Kicker OX
series amplifier.
TwoChannelOperation (Stereo)
DXA series amplifiers are capable of operating into aminimum
impedance of 2ohms per channel
in stereo operation. See Figure 2.
BridgedOperation (Mono) DXA amplifiers are capable of operating into aminimum impedance of 4
ohms when
in bridged operation. See Figure 3.
StereoBridgedOperation (Simultaneously) The DXA series amplifiers are capable of operating into a
minimum impedance of 4ohms bridged and 2ohms per channel
in stereo operation. See Figure 4.
2DX.4AMPLIFIER

o
Stereo Input 2
0<].-.----
~::.~
.-cr::..------
-tr=~.- ------------
Stereo Input 1
Stereo Input 1
Front Stereo
Output
o
G .l------'
Stereo Input 2
~~-------'
o tl
(A\ (': KeNEK JI l[
~i"" IO-COMA n
GD@O V!JJJf!:iIJ.'ifi!J{!!!!:;fiiJJJfffIiKfitjjJl!fFl f [
Source Unit Rear Stereo
Output
CD -e=:
@ [~". ~~N~~MA ); 19T-=:l·~_-::."'--------"
Il!l>GID"" V!JJJEiiItllf1!JEiiItllf1!JEiiItllf1!J1!fFl ~n
Source Unit
:fKICKER I E> I """<
:fKICKER IE> 1"""4
Four Channel Operation (Stereo)
~~ .... ~I-EjF~u;.ser,Minimum Impedance of 2 ohms per channel in stereo operation
Battery
+
•
•
..........................
: ,;
" <: ,,"
- + - +-
Figure 2
Figure 3
Bridged Operation (Mono)
~~ ••• mr..,..~Fu~s;e,.. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms while in bridged operation
Battery
Stereo Input 2
o<l -:-:J-------'
cil ~
9"C..-l---------'
~.~-
Stereo Input 1
o
[fKICKER I E> I 20 .. 4
Minimum impedance of 4 ohms mono and 2 ohms
per channel in stereo simultaneously.
+
Battery
Figure 4
Stereo and Mono Operation Simultaneously (SAMS)
Note: To get the best performance from your new Kicker Amplifier, we recommend using genuine Kicker Accessories and Wiring.
3

Operation
1. CrossoverSwitch Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifier to set the internal
crossover to
OFF, HI or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplified. Set
the switch
to HI if you want the amplifier's internal crossover to serve as ahigh-pass filter fixed at 100 Hz
with
an 18 db/octave slope. Set the switch to LO if you want the amplifier's internal crossover to serve as
alow-pass filter fixed at 80
Hz with an 18 db/octave slope to power your subwoofers.
2. Input Gain Control The input gain control is not avolume control. It matches the output of the
source unit
to the input level of the amplifier. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source
unit goes to 30, turn
it to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you can hear
audible distortion, then turn
it down alittle.
3. FaderControl With the amplifier and source unit wired in the stereo operation configuration shown in
Figure 1, set the fader button to the "On" postion to allow front and rear fade capability.
4. Bass Boost Turn the bass boost on to increase bass by 9db at 40 Hz. If you choose to enable the
bass boost
it may be necessary to reduce the input gain control on the amplifier to avoid clipping.
~ 5. Automatic Turn-On Selection The DX 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
ORemote Turn-On Set the switch to +12Vto use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run
18 Ga 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. This
is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
ODC Offset Turn-On If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC
Offset mode detects a 6 volt surge from the
HI Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been
turned on.
OSignal Sense Turn-on The Audio setting is the final alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is aSignal
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.
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
aPower Protection LED on the side power panel of your Kicker DX series amplifier. Depending on the
state of the amplifier and the vehicle's charging system, the
LED will glow either Red, Yellow or Green.
When the green
LED is lit this indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
OGreen LED off, no output? With aVolt 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. 5) Check for
blown fuses
4
OGreen 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.
oYellow LED flashing with loud music? The yellow 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.
ORed LED on, no output? 1) Amplifier is very hot. qThermal protection is engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with aVOM 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 only while vehicle is running. qVoltage protection circuitry
is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle's
charging and electrical system inspected.
3) Amplifier will only play at low volume levels. qShort 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.
DX.4AMPLIFIER

ONo output from one channel? 1) Check the balance control on source unit 2) Check the RCA (or
speaker input) and speaker output connections for the channel
3) Swap the RCA (or speaker input)
cable from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have abad RCA (or speaker input) cable
or source unit problem.
4) Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes sides
then you have abad speaker cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.
oAlternator 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.
OPoor stereo image or reduced bass response? C::>Check system phasing by turning the balance
control from left
to right. If there is more bass output when turned to either side, then check your speaker
wiring, passive crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative connections.
Reverse aspeaker connection from positive
to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass
improves, the speaker was out of phase.
oGround-Loop Noise? c::>lf you are using only one pair of RCA inputs, connect the RCA cable to the
AMP 1inputs.
c::>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 aground wire from the
RCA outputs on the head unit
to the chassis will remedy this issue.
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.
Please Note:
Modern high performance speakers have alower DC Resistance than what used to be available, The
Kicker Coaxial and
Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances may be as low as 3ohms) and
work with any amplifier designed to operate at afour ohm load, If you want to use two Kicker Coaxial or Component
speakers on asingle channel of your amplifier wire the speakers in series. This will improve the sound quality, lower the
total harmonic distortion and lessen the thermal load at the amplifier, This
may prevent an amplifier from shutting down,
due to over-current protection circuitry.
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.
Performance
Model
RMS Power in Watts, all channels driven @14.4 Volts,
40 stereo, ::;; 1%THD+N
@
20 stereo, ::;; 1% THD+N
@
40 mono, ::;; 1% THD+N
Length:
in (cm)
Specifications common to all models:
Height: in (mm)
Width:
in (mm)
Frequency Response, ±1db:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Input Sensitivity:
Selectable Electronic Crossover:
Bass Boost:
DX200.4
25 x4
50 x 4
100 x 2
101/4 (26)
21/8 (54mm)
8
5/16 (211 mm)
20 Hz -20 kHz
>95db, a-weighted, re: rated power
Low Level: 125mV-5V
High Level 250mV-1
OV
18 db/Octave High Pass Fixed @ 100Hz
18 db/Octave Low Pass Fixed @ 80Hz
9db Bass Boost Switch Fixed @40Hz
Model DX200.4
25 x@4ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1%THD, CEA-2006 Walts
Signal to Noise Ratio -85
CEA-2006 (ref: 1 W, A-weighted)
5

ElectronicsLimitedWarranty
Kicker warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for aperiod of
THREE
(3) MONTHS from date of original purchase with receipt. When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer it is
warranted for TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. 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 dunng the
warranty period, Kicker
will repair or replace (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise at
no charge. 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 aperiod 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 adealer is authorized by asking to see acurrent 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 [phone] for aReturn Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Package
all
defective items in the original container or in apackage that will prevent shipping damage, and return to:
Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, 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.
Include acopy 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:
oDamage due to improper installation
oSubsequent damage to other components
oDamage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
oDamage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered
abuse
, 0 Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
oSpeakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
oItems previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
oReturn shipping on non-defective items
oProducts with tampered or missing barcode labels
oProducts returned without aReturn Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number
oFreight Damage
oThe cost of shipping product to Kicker
oService performed by anyone other than Kicker
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Kicker strives to maintain agoal of 72-hour service 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 [phone].
NOTE: All specifications and performance figures are SUbject to change. Please visit the www.kicker.com for the most current information.
6DX.4AMPLIFIER

InternationalWarranty
Contact your International Kicker dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty policies.
WARNING: KICKER products are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning
up asystem
to alevel 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.
Nehmen Sie mit Ihren internationalen Kicker-Fachhandler
oder Vertrieb Kontakt auf, um Details uber die Garantieleistungen
in Ihrem Land zu erfahren.
Comunfquese con su concesionario 0distribuidor Kicker internacional para obtener infor aci6n sobre procedimientos
especfficos relacionados
con las normas de garantfa de su pais.
ADVERTENCIA: Los excitadores Kicker son capaces
de producir niveles de sonido que pueden dafiar permanentemente
el oido. Subir el volumen del sistema hasta un nivel que produzca distorsi6n es mas darlino para el oido que escuchar un
sistema sin distorsi6n
al mismo volumen. EI dolor es siempre una indicaci6n de que el sonido es muy fuerte yque puede
dafiar permanentemente
el oido. Sea precavido cuando controle el volumen.
Versi6nEspanoi
DeutscheVersion
GARANTfA INTERNACIONAL
INTERNATIONALE GARANTIE
La frase "combustible para vivir
la vida Livin' Loud™ a todo volumen" se refiere al entusiasmo por la vida que la marca
Kicker
de estereos de autom6vil representa y a la recomendaci6n anuestros clientes de que vivan 10 mejor posible ("a
todo volumen") en todo sentido. La linea de altavoces yamplificadores Kicker es la mejor del mercado de audio de
autom6viles ypor 10 tanto representa el "combustible" para vivir a todo volumen en el area de "estereos de autom6vil" de
la vida de nuestros clientes. Recomendamos atodos nuestros c1ientes que obedezcan todas las reg las yreglamentos
locales sobre ruido en cuanto alos niveles legales yapropiados
de audici6n fuera del vehiculo.
WARNUNG: KICKER-Treiber kbnnen einen Schallpegel erzeugen, der
zu permanenten Gehbrschaden fUhren kann!
Wenn Sie ein System auf einen Pegel stellen, der hbrbare Verzerrungen erzeugt, schadet das Ihren Ohren mehr, als ein
nicht verzerrtes System auf
dem gleichen Lautstarkepegel. Die Schmerzschwelle ist immer eine Anzeige dafur, dass der
Schallpegel zu laut ist und zu permanenten Gehbrschaden fUhren kann. Seien Sie bei der Lautstarkeeinstellung bitte
vernunftig!
Der Slogan "Treibstoff
fUr Livin' Loud" bezieht sich auf die mit den Kicker-Autostereosystemen assoziierte Lebensfreude
und die Tatsache, dass wir unsere Kunden ermutigen,
in allen Aspekten ihres Lebens nach dem Besten ("Livin' Loud") zu
streben. Die Lautsprecher und Verstarker von Kicker sind auf
dem Markt fUr Auto-Soundsysteme fUhrend und stellen somit
den "Treibstoff" fur das Autostereoerlebnis unserer Kunden dar. Wir empfehlen allen unseren Kunden, sich bezuglich der
zugelassenen und passenden Lautstarkepegel auBerhalb des Autos an die brtlichen Larmvorschriften zu halten.
GARANTIE INTERNATIONALE VersionFrant;aise
Pour connaitre les procedures propres a la politique de garantie de votre pays, contactez votre revendeur ou distributeur
International Kicker.
AVERTISSEMENT: Les haut-parleurs Kicker ont
la capacite de produire des niveaux sonores pouvant endommager
l'oUle de
fa<;:on irreversible! L'augmentation du volume d'un systeme jusqu'a un niveau presentant une distorsion audible
endommage davantage I'ou'ie que I'ecoute
d'un systeme sans distorsion au meme volume. Le seuil de la douleur est
toujours
Ie signe que Ie niveau sonore est trop eleve et risque d'endommager I'ou'(e de fa<;:on irreversible. Reglez Ie volume
en faisant prevue
de bon sens !
L'expression "carburant pour vivre plein pot" fait reference au dynamisme de la marque Kicker d'equipements audio
pour vehicules et apour
but d'encourager nos clients afaire Ie maximum (" vivre plein pot ") dans to us les aspects de leur
vie. Les haut-parleurs et amplificateurs Kicker sont les meilleurs dans Ie domaine des equipements audio et representent
donc pour nos client
Ie "carburant pour vivre plein pot" dans I'aspect "installation audio de vehicule "de leur vie.
Nous encourageons tous nos clients arespecter toutes les lois et reglementations locales relatives aux niveaux sonores
acceptables aI'exterieur des vehicules.
( E: PO. Box 459 •Simwale" Oklahoma 74076 :}~~j!:
101607-E+08DXA 7

Model Number
08DX2004
-~~,~'--'-
Serial Number
lfKICKER
L;v~'L6~~
- _( - " / ,- J"-' ---"-
Date Tested
82 03 2008
Total Maximum Power Output (watts)
Total Harmonic
Distortion Test Signal-to-Noise
Ratio Test Protection
Circuit Test

Outside the USA, please complete and mail to
your country's National KICKER Distributor.
You can get this address from the retail store
where you purchased your KICKER products
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 112 STILLWATER OK
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
"KICKER
STILLWATER DESIGNS
PO BOX 459
STILLWATER
OK 74076-9907
II ... 1.1 •• 11111.111.1. II •• 1. 1111.11111 •• , 111.1,11111
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES

What KICKER Product(s) did you purchase?
Serial Number Model
Product Registration: return for
FREE 'f KICKER
DECAL & CATALOC
OR RECISTER ON LINE
[email protected]/RECISTER.HTML
(number under bar code on carton 0( product) (eg. S12L7, IX704, R25)
Name (JMr.
(JMs. -----~:::-::=-:=-=--------
Address PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Year
DayMonth
Date Purchased: _
Place Purchased:
E-Mail Address
City
Is this the first time you have purchased a
KICKER product? 0
Yes 0 No HICHER.CDItI
Model (eg. Focus) _
Who will perform the installation?
Store Name
Address
City _
State Zip _
In what vehicle will you install these products?
State Zip _
Telephone ( ) _
~ AREA CODE
Age: (J Under 18 (J 18-24 025-31 032-38
o39-45 046-52 0 53-&9 060 &Over
What types of magazines do you read frequently?
oCar Stereo (J Stereo (J Music 0Automotive
(J Sports 0 SCience (J Lifestyle 0News
What types of music do you listen to frequently?
(J Rock D Pop 0Country 0Hip-Hop
oJazz 0Classical 0New Age DTechno
Do you belong to any of the following?
(J IASCA (J USAC 0 dB Drag Racing .0Other
year _
(J Independent Professional
Make (eg. Ford)
oMyself 0Friend (J Store above