KICKER KX600.1 (01) PDF Document

The KICKER KX600.1 amplifier includes the following features:

Class D Mono Amplifier: Delivers massive power into a single channel with greater efficiency than conventional class A/B amplification.

Low Impedance Operation: Designed for stable operation and maximum power output into a 2 ohm load.

SORT Protection Circuitry: Protects the amplifier from short circuit, over-voltage, reverse polarity, and thermal issues.

MOSFET Power Supply: Provides high-efficiency operation.

KickBass: A variable bass boost circuit that provides up to 18dB of boost at 40Hz.

Full-time Variable Crossover: A 12dB low pass variable crossover from 50-200Hz.

Subsonic Filter: A switchable (ON/OFF) speaker protection filter set at 12dB/octave @ 25 Hz.

High & Low level inputs: Allows connection to various sources such as after-market stereos, factory radios, DVD players, etc.

PAST (PRE Amp Signal Transfer): Output RCA jacks to pass the incoming signal to another amplifier or component.

Custom tooled gold plated connectors: Assure maximum power transfer and clamping.

Strapping Jacks: Allow two amplifiers to be joined to produce two times the power.

Remote Bass Level Control: A dash or center console mountable controller for remote fine-tuning of bass output.

EndKaps: Cast aluminum, custom, removable covers to protect and hide wiring connections.

To mount your KICKER KX600.1 amplifier, follow these steps:

1. Select a structurally sound location for the amplifier. Ensure there are no items behind the area that could be damaged by screws, such as wiring harnesses, brake lines, fuel lines, or gas tanks.

2. Choose a location that allows for adequate ventilation, as all amplifiers generate heat. The air temperature in a trunk can reach upwards of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which may require additional cooling like fans or venting. If possible, mounting the amp in the passenger compartment will allow for cooler operation.

3. Make sure the controls on top of the amplifier will be accessible for later adjustments.

4. Use the supplied 3mm allen wrench to remove the amplifier EndKap (shroud). This will give you access to the mounting holes and wiring connections.

5. With the shroud removed, drill 4 holes using a 7/64″ drill bit.

6. Use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier securely.

You can provide a signal to the KICKER KX600.1 amplifier using either the low-level RCA input connections or the high-level speaker level connections.

Low-Level RCA Inputs (Preferred Method): Use this method if your head unit has RCA-type outputs. This is the preferred method for the best performance.

High-Level Speaker Inputs: Use this method only if your head unit does not have low-level RCA outputs. Connect the speaker outputs from your source unit directly to the high-level input on the amplifier.

Important Note: Use only one type of input. Never connect both the low-level RCA and high-level speaker inputs at the same time.

Connecting with either input method will provide a low-level signal at the output (PAST) jacks.

Follow these guidelines for power and ground connections:

1. Always disconnect the battery before working with power connections to prevent accidents.

2. The ground wire should be connected to the amplifier first, before any other connections. It should be as short as possible (24 inches or less).

3. Connect the ground wire to a paint and corrosion-free, solid metal area of the vehicle’s chassis.

4. Use the same gauge wire for the ground as recommended for the power connection. It is also recommended to add an additional ground wire of the same gauge (or larger) between the car battery’s negative post and the car chassis.

5. If you need to remove the amplifier, the ground wire should be the last wire you disconnect.

A fuse must be installed within 18 inches of the battery to protect the power wire. The fuse should be at least the same value as the amplifier’s fuse but not higher than the capacity of the wire. For the KICKER KX600.1, the recommendations are as follows:

Model	Fuse Size	Wire Size
KX-600.1	60A	4 GA

The KICKER KX600.1 amplifier is capable of operating into a minimum impedance of 2 ohms for single-channel operation.

You can run two KICKER KX600.1 amplifiers into one woofer to get double the power by using a Mono plug (3.5mm / 1/8″ Tip-sleeve Mono 2 conductor). When strapping two amplifiers, the minimum impedance is 4 ohms for the KX600.1 models.

When the amplifiers are strapped, the controls on the Secondary amplifier are bypassed.

The Output (PAST) RCA jacks allow you to send the incoming audio signal from your KICKER KX600.1 to another amplifier or processor without needing Y-cables. The signal from the PAST jacks is identical to the signal being fed into the amplifier’s RCA input or High Level input jacks. This output signal is not affected by the amplifier’s built-in crossover. Most head units with high voltage outputs should be capable of driving up to ten amplifiers in a chain using this feature.

The Remote Bass Level Control allows you to control the level of the subwoofers from the driver’s seat.

Installation:

1. To mount the controller, screw the metal bracket to a chosen location (e.g., under the dash).

2. Slide the controller housing onto the bracket until it snaps into place.

3. Run the cable from the controller to the “REMOTE BASS” jack on the amplifier chassis.

Using with Multiple Amplifiers:

If you have more than one KICKER KX600.1 amplifier, you can control all of them from a single Remote Bass Level Control. To do this, use a common Modular Phone Splitter. Install the splitter between the single controller and the multiple amplifiers.

Before turning on the system for the first time, make sure that the three rotary controls on top of the amplifier (Gain, Bass Boost, Crossover Frequency) are turned fully counter-clockwise.

The Subsonic Filter switch is located on the end panel next to the RCA jacks. It is a speaker protection filter set at 25 Hz with a 12dB/octave slope. This filter removes extremely low, inaudible frequencies that can waste amplifier power and potentially damage your subwoofers.

CAUTION: Never change the Subsonic Filter switch setting while the system is on.

The gain control matches the output of your head unit to the input level of the amplifier; it is not a volume control. Setting it all the way up or down is not necessarily best. To set it properly:

1. Turn the head unit up to about 3/4 of its maximum volume (e.g., if the volume goes to 30, turn it to 25).

2. Slowly turn the gain control on the amplifier clockwise until you hear audible distortion.

3. Once you hear distortion, turn the gain down just a little until the distortion is gone.

The KICKER KX600.1 has a full-time variable low-pass crossover, selectable from 50 Hz to 200 Hz. The setting for the crossover is very subjective and can be fine-tuned to match your personal listening preference or the specific requirements of your speakers.

The Bass Boost control is designed to give you increased output at 40 Hz, from 0 to +18dB. The setting for this control is subjective. However, if you turn the Bass Boost up, you must go back and re-adjust the gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier, which can damage your speakers.

If the green LED is off and you have no output, use a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) to check the following:

1. The +12 volt power terminal should read between +12V and +16V.

2. The remote turn-on terminal should read between +12V and +16V.

3. The ground terminal for proper connectivity.

Also, check for blown fuses and poor or incorrect wiring connections.

If the green LED is on (indicating the amplifier has power) but there is no sound, check the following:

1. Check the RCA connections to ensure they are secure.

2. Test the speaker outputs with a known good speaker.

3. Substitute a known good source unit to rule out a problem with your head unit.

4. Check for an audio signal on the RCA cable with a VOM meter set to the AC position.

If the red LED is lit, it indicates that the protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged. This can be caused by several issues:

1. Amp is very hot: Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper speaker impedance and ensure there is adequate airflow around the amplifier.

2. Amp shuts down only while the vehicle is running: Voltage protection is engaged. The voltage to the amplifier is outside the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging/electrical system inspected.

3. Amp 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. Damaged speakers or operating below the minimum recommended impedance will also cause this.

If you are experiencing low power output, try swapping the speaker connections from positive to negative at the amplifier. If the bass improves, the speaker was wired out of phase. Correct the wiring.

If you hear a whining sound that varies with engine RPM, check the following:

1. Check for a damaged RCA cable.

2. Check the routing of the RCA cable. Try to keep it away from power wires, and if they must cross, do so at a 90-degree angle.

3. Check the source unit for a good ground connection.

4. Check the gain setting. Turn it down if it is set too high.

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 failure in other systems in the vehicle.

The performance specifications for the KICKER KX600.1 amplifier are as follows:

RMS POWER in Watts, All Channels Driven

@ 14.4Vdc, 4Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N	1 x 300
@ 14.4Vdc, 2Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N	1 x 600
@ 12.5Vdc, 4Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N	1 x 255
@ 12.5Vdc, 2Ω Mono, 1.5% THD+N	1 x 510

CEA-2006 Certified Specifications

Power (Watts)	300 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD
Signal to Noise Ratio	-65 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

Specifications Common to All Models

Height:	2.5 inches / 6.35 centimeters
Width:	10.125 inches / 25.7 centimeters
Length with EndKaps:	16″ (40.64cm)
Length Without EndKaps:	11″ (27.94cm)
Frequency Response:	20Hz – 200Hz, + 0/- 1dB
Input Sensitivity:	170mV – 5V low level, 340mV – 10V high level
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:	>95dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Electronic Crossover:	Variable low pass, 50 – 200Hz, 12dB/octave
KickBass Boost:	Variable 0 to +18dB boost @ 40Hz