Kicker ZX300.1 User manual

ZX AMPLIFIER
ZX300.1
ZX400.1
ZX500.1
ZX750.1
English Version
Versión Español
Amplificador del la Serie ZX.1
Deutsche Version
Stereoverstärker der ZX.1-Serie
Version Francaise
Amplificateur de série ZX.1
LIVIN’ LOUD

2ZX AMPLIFIERS
ZX.1-SERIES AMPLIFIERS Owner’s Manual
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.
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 an additional ground wire of this same gauge (or larger) between the
battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.
The ZX 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 ZX amplifier’s
input level switch should be set to “LO” and a low-level signal should run from the source unit’s stereo RCA
PERFORMANCE
Authorized KICKER Dealer:
Purchase Date:
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Model: ZX300.1 ZX400.1 ZX500.1 ZX750.1
RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4mono, d1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2mono, d1% THD+N 300W x 1
200W x 1
400W x 1
250W x 1
500W x 1
375W x 1
750W x 1
Length 13-1/2”
(342mm)
10-1/4”
(260mm)
12”
(305mm)
14-11/16
(373mm)
Selectable Electronic Crossover Lo-pass,
80Hz,
24dB/octave
Variable lo-pass 50–200Hz, 24dB/octave
Bass Boost +12dB, on/off,
40Hz
Variable 0–18dB @ 40Hz
Frequency Response ± 1dB 25Hz–20kHz 25Hz–200Hz
Specifications common to all models:
Height 2-1/8” (54mm)
Width 9-5/8” (244mm)
Signal-to-noise Ratio >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V
High Level: 250mV–10V
Subsonic Filter 24dB/octave, fixed @ 25Hz
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.
MODEL: ZX300.1 / ZX400.1 / ZX500.1 / ZX750.1

3
Model External Fuse Power/Ground Wire KICKER Wiring Kit
ZX300.1 1 x 50 Ampere 8 Gauge PK8, CK8, ZCK8
ZX400.1 1 x 40 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4, ZCK4
ZX500.1 1 x 60 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4, ZCK4
ZX750.1 1 x 80 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4, ZCK4
output to the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifier using RCA interconnect cable. If a low-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 or simplify the
installation by using a KICKER ZISL as shown below. Either input method will provide a low-level 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.
source unit
high-level speaker
outputs
to amplifier
shield
+
–
core conductor
GND REM +12V
12V
battery
external fuse
remote turn-on
(see page 5)
bare-metal
chassis ground
d18”
(45cm)
d24”
(60cm)
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.
KICKER ZISL
source unit high-level
speaker outputs
OR to amplifier
protection LED

4ZX AMPLIFIERS
AUTO
TURN ON
+12V DC AUD O
OFFSET
XOVER
OFF LO
LO
HI
EMOTE BASS
SPKR + SPKR -
OU UT
INP
SENS T TY
OFF
ON
BASS
BOOST
GA N
LLRR
+–
MONO OPERATION
minimum impedance of 2 ohms
signal in signal out
woofer
ZX300.1
OPERATION
AUTO
TURN ON
+12V DC AUDIO
OFFSET
XOVER
OFF LO
LO
HI
REMOTE BASS
INPUT
SPKR + SPKR
OUTPUT
INPUT
SENSITIVITY
OFF
ON
BASS
BOOST
GAIN
LLRR
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The ZX 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
amplifier’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 6V 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.

5
REMOTE BASS
A
UTO
T
U
RN
ON
+12V D
C
AUD
O
O
FFSET L
O
H
NP
UT
S
PKR
+
S
PKR
-
INPUT
SENS TIV T
Y
L
X
O
VE
R
O
FF HI L
O
OU
TP
UT
L
R
R
S
PKR
+
S
PKR
-
ZXRC* REMOTE BASS
INSTALLATION 1. mount the
metal bracket
* ZXRC included with ZX750.1 ONLY
4-conductor phone cable
back view
2. slide the housing until it snaps
into the metal bracket
Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER ZX 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 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 Switch (ZX300.1): Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifier to set the internal
crossover to OFF or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplified. Set the switch to
LO if you want the amplifier’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass filter. Never change the crossover
“OFF/LO” switch setting with the audio system on!
Crossover Control (ZX400.1, ZX500.1, ZX750.1): The variable crossover on the top of the amplifier allows
you to adjust the 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 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 Switch (ZX300.1): Turn the bass boost on to increase bass by 12db at 40 Hz. If you enable the
bass boost, it may be necessary to reduce the input gain control on the amplifier to avoid clipping.
Bass Boost Control (ZX400.1, ZX500.1, ZX750.1): The variable bass boost control on the top of the
amplifier is designed to give you increased output, 0–18dB, at 40 Hz. 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-ZXRC (not included with ZX300.1, ZX400.1, ZX500.1): When the crossover on your
amplifier is set to LO pass, you have the ability to control the output level of the amplifier remotely. To mount the
ZXRC remote bass level control, simply screw the metal bracket to the chosen location, then slide the housing
onto the bracket until it snaps into place. Run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass” jack on the
amplifier chassis.