Operation
Your Kicker ZX series amplifier has five (or seven ZX700.5) rotary controls on top and one
(or two ZX700.5) switch(es) on the end-panel. Before turning on the system for the first time, turn the
rotary controls on the top of the amplifier to the full counter-clockwise position.
1. CrossoverSwitch The crossover switch(es) on the end-panel is
(are) for setting the internal crossover(s) for the “full-range” audio
channels (12dB slope per octave). In the OFF position the amplifier
passes a full-range signal to the speakers. The HI position should be
selected when connected to speakers, which you do not want to
receive any sub-bass information. Never change the crossover
"OFF/HI" switch setting with the audio system on!
2. InputGainControl 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. Set AMP 1 first, then AMP 2 (ZX700.5 only) and finally
the Subwoofer Channel input gain control.
3. BassBoostControl The bass boost control is designed to give
you increased output 0 - 18dB at 40Hz for the subwoofer channel.
The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must go
back and adjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.
4. CrossoverControl The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.
5. RemoteBass(Level Control) When using the remote bass level control you have the ability to
control the level of the Subwoofer Channel’s output remotely. To mount the 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.
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 two LEDs on the top of your
Kicker ZX series amplifier, one green and
one red. When the green LED is lit this indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists. If the green LED turns
off and the red LED is lit, this indicates that the protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged.
Green LED off, no output? With a Volt 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
Green 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 “AC” test position selected on the VOM meter.
Red LED on, no output? 1) 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. 2) Amplifier shuts down
only while vehicle is running. Voltage 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. 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 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 a bad 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 a bad speaker cable, passive
crossover network and/or speaker.
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
Poor stereo image or reduced bass response? 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 a speaker connection from
positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.
Ground-Loop Noise? If you are using only one pair of RCA inputs, connect the RCA cable to the AMP 1 inputs.
No Fader? When using both sets of high-level inputs (ZX700.5 only), RCA dummy plugs must be inserted into
the RCA AMP 2 inputs in order for the fader to work properly. If you do not have dummy plugs available, use
unterminated RCA ends or cut the ends off of existing RCA cable. Do not use shorting plugs.
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 a lower 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 3 ohms) and work with any amplifier designed to
operate at a four ohm load. If you want to use two Kicker Coaxial or Component speakers on a single 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 ZX550.3 ZX700.5
RMS Power in Watts, AMP 1 and AMP 2 all channels driven
@14.4V, 4Ω Stereo ≤1% THD+N 70 x 2 70 x 4
@14.4V, 2Ω Stereo, ≤1% THD+N 85 x 2 85 x 4
@14.4V, 4Ω Mono, ≤1% THD+N N/A 165 x 2
RMS Power in Watts, Subwoofer channel driven
@14.4V, 4Ω Mono ≤1.5% THD+N 210 x 1 210 x 1
@14.4V, 2Ω Mono, ≤1.5% THD+N 420 x 1 420 x 1
Length: 16 3/4” (425mm) 20” (507mm)
Specifications common to all models:
Height: 2 1/8” (54mm)
Width: 9 5/8” (244mm)
Frequency Response, ± 0.5 dB: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity: 125 mV - 5 V low level, 250 mV - 10 V high level
Electronic Crossover: Variable (defeatable) HI pass, 50 - 200Hz, 12bB per octave, for the full-range channels
Variable LOW pass, 50 - 200Hz, 24dB per octave, for the subwoofer channel
Bass Boost: Variable 0 to +18dB boost @ 40Hz, for the subwoofer channel
ZX.3/ZX.5AMPLIFIER
4 5
Model ZX550.3
70 x 2, 210 x 1 @ 4 ohms from 20-20K, 20-200Hz, 14.4Vdc,
1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -72 / -55 dBA CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
Model ZX700.5
70 x 4, 210 x 1 @ 4 ohms from 20-20K, 20-200Hz, 14.4Vdc,
1
% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -72 / -55 dBA CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
PERFORMANCE
OPERATION
