Kicker KMA300.4 User manual

KMA150.2
KMA300.4
KMA450.6
KMA
AMPLIFIERS
Owner’s Manual

2
KMA MULTI-CHANNEL SERIES AMPLIFIERS
OWNER’S MANUAL
INSTALLATION
Mounting: Choose a dry, 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” (3mm) bit and use the supplied
#8 screws to mount the amplifier.
Wiring: The KMA amplifier’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 amplifier using the KICKER KISL as shown (see page 3). Alternatively, the signal
can be delivered to the amplifier 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.
PERFORMANCE
MODEL: KMA150.2 | KMA300.4 | KMA450.6
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.
Model: KMA150.2 KMA300.4 KMA450.6
RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
40 x 2
75 x 2
150 x 1
40 x 4
75 x 4
150 x 2
40 x 6
75 x 6
150 x 3
Length [in, cm] 8-1/16, 20.4 12-7/16, 31.5 13-15/16, 35.3
Height [in, cm] 2-5/16, 5.9 2-5/16, 5.9 2-5/16, 5.9
Width [in, cm] 7-1/8, 18 7-1/8, 18 7-1/8, 18
Remote Level No No Yes
Specifications common to all models:
Frequency Response ± 1dB 10Hz-20kHz
Signal-to-noise Ratio >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity Low: 125mV-5V, High: 250mV-10V
Electronic Crossover 150.2 & 300.4: Off, Variable HP & LP 50–200Hz, 12dB/octave slope
450.6: Amps 1 & 2 - Variable HP 0–200Hz, 12dB/octave slope;
Amp 3 - Off, Variable HP & LP 50–200Hz. 12dB/octave slope
KickEQ™ Bass Boost 0-12dB @ 40Hz (450.6 AMP 3)

3
Install a fuse within 7” (18cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifier.
source unit
high-level speaker
outputs
to amplifier
shield
+
–
core conductor KICKER KISL (optional)
from source unit high-
level speaker outputs
OR
to amplifier
Model External Fuse
(sold separately)
Power/Ground Wire KICKER Wiring Kit
KMA150.2 1 x 40 Ampere 8 Gauge PK8, CK8
KMA300.4 1 x 60 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4
KMA450.6 1 x 80 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4
12V
battery
external fuse
remote turn-on (see page 6)
POWER WIRING
ABYC-compliant power terminals
Amplifier uses 304-stainless steel
screws and conformal coated PCB
for increased weather resistance
aluminum bottom
plate
≤7”
(18cm)

4
BRIDGED OPERATION (STEREO & MONO)
minimum impedance of 4 ohms
STEREO OPERATION
minimum impedance of 2 ohm
STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY OPERATION
minimum impedance of 4 ohms bridged (mono) and 2 ohm per channel stereo
(KMA450.6 shown)

5
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 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 amplifier’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). 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.
KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXA-
Series Amplifier purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER
Installation Kit* .
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. Amplifier and Kit must be
purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER KMA 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 KMA amplifier performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of KMA 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
12V
external
fuse
to amplifier
to amplifier
≤7”
(18cm)
external
fuse
≤7”
(18cm)
external
fuse
power distribution block
battery
≤7”
(18cm)

6
OPERATION
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The KMA series offers two different automatic turn-on modes that can
be selected on the end panel; +12V and DC Offset. Using the DC Offset mode causes the REM wire 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 blue REM wire on KEY
amplifier’s wiring harness. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
• If 12V remote turn-on is not available, DC Offset turn-on can be used if speaker-level (high-level)
audio inputs are being used. The DC offset mode detects a 6V DC offset on the speaker wires when
the source unit has been turned on.
Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER KMA amplifiers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level
signals from your source unit. If you are using 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 amplifier allows you to adjust the
crossover frequency of AMP3 (KMA450.6 only) to OFF, hi-pass, or lo-pass from 50–200Hz, and the hi-
pass crossover frequency of AMP1 & AMP2 from OFF-200Hz. OFF will pass a full-range signal, HI will cut
off frequencies below a threshold, and LO will cut off frequencies above a threshold.
Input Gain Control: The input gain control is not a volume 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 a little.
Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifier is designed to give you
increased output, 0–12dB, 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 Level KMARC (KMA450.6): With the included KMARC remote level control, you have the
ability to control the output level of the amplifier remotely. To surface-mount the KMARC remote level
control, simply screw the remote to the chosen location, then run the cable from the controller to the
“Remote” jack on the amplifier panel. See page 7 for installation.
REMOTE LEVEL not available with KMA150.2 and KMA300.4

7
KMARC REMOTE LEVEL INSTALLATION
KMA450.6 only Surface-mount the KMARC
remote using the supplied screws.
Connect the cable to the KMARC remote and the Remote
connection on the amplifier
back view
Remote cable passes audio; do
not run cable parallel to power
wires.
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 KMA 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: +12 volt power
terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Check
for reversed power and ground connections Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.
Green LED on, no output? Check the following: RCA connections Test speaker outputs with a
“known” good speaker. Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. Check for a signal
in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
Red LED flickering with loud music? The red LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the
connections in your boat’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your battery or
replace your alternator.
Red LED on, no output? 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. Amplifier shuts down only while your boat is running = voltage protection circuitry
is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the boat’s charging
and electrical system inspected. Amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection
is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s)
operating below the minimum recommended impedance.

8
No or low output? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker input)
and speaker output connections. Check for reversed polarity at the speaker(s)
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input)
cable Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper grounding
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.
CAUTION: When jump starting the battery, 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 boat.
KMA150.2
40 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KMA300.4
40 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KMA450.6
40 x 6 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
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