KMA KMA600.1 User manual

KMA600.1
KMA
AMPLIFIERS
Owner’s Manual

2
KMA.1-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 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: KMA600.1
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: KMA600.1
RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
300W x 1
600W x 1
Length [in, cm] 8-1/16, 20.5
Height [in, cm] 2-5/16, 5.9
Width [in, cm] 7-1/8, 18
Frequency Response ± 1dB 25Hz-200Hz
Signal-to-noise Ratio >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V
High Level: 250mV–10V
Electronic Crossover Variable Lo-pass 50Hz–200Hz, 12dB/octave
KickEQ™ Bass Boost 0-12dB @ 40Hz
Subsonic Filter 25Hz, 24dB/octave
Remote Bass Yes

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
KMA600.1 1 x 80 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4
12V
battery
external fuse
remote turn-on (see page 5)
woofer
MONO OPERATION
minimum impedance of 2 ohms
ABYC-compliant power terminals
Amplifier uses 304-stainless steel
screws and conformal coated PCB
for increased weather resistance.
aluminum bottom
plate
≤7”
(18cm)

4
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 KMA-
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)

5
OPERATION
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The KMA 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
terminal labeled REM between the amplifier’s positive and negative power terminals. This is the
preferred automatic turn-on method.
• DC Offset Turn-On: The DC Offset mode detects a 6V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs
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 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 Control: The variable crossover on the side of the amplifier allows you to adjust the lo-pass
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 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 Bass-KMARC: With the KMARC remote bass level control, you have the ability to control the
output level of the amplifier remotely. To surface-mount the KMARC remote bass level control, simply
screw the remote to the chosen location, then run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass”
jack on the amplifier panel. Do NOT connect/disconnect while the amplifier is on. Connecting the cable
without the remote will cause the amplifier to output at full gain, possibly damaging your speakers. See
page 6 for installation.

6
KMARC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION
Surface-mount the KMARC
remote using the supplied screws.
Connect the cable to the KMARC remote and the Remote
Bass 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 vehicle’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 vehicle’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.
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.
Check out the collection of marine amplifiers we offer.