ZX
STEREOAMPLIFIER
ZX150.2, ZX200.2, ZX250.2
©2007 Stillwater Designs
Operation
ꢀEnd Panel LED flashing with loud music? The yellow LED indicates low battery voltage. Check
all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your
vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.
L
R
R
AUTO
INPUT
LEVEL
L
TURN ON
XOVER
DC AUDIO
+12V
OFF HI LO
ꢀEnd Panel 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.
LO
HI
OFFSET
INPUT
OUTPUT
SPKR +
SPKR -
SPKR+
SPKR -
1. 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 Ga 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.
ꢀ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.
ꢀ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 6 volt surge from the HI Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been
turned on.
ꢀ 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.
ꢀ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.
ꢀ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.
2. 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.
ꢀGound 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.
If you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the
RCA outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.
3. Crossover Switch Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifier to set the internal
crossover to OFF, HI or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplified.
Set the switch to HI if you want the amplifier’s internal crossover to serve as a high-pass filter. 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/HI/LO” switch setting with the audio system on!
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.
4. 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.
5. Bass Boost Control 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 go back and adjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.
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.
6. Crossover Control 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.
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
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.
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
is an illuminated red badge on top of the amplifier denoting the power state of the amp in addition to
the Protection LED on the end panel of your Kicker ZX series amplifier. When the red badge is lit this
indicates the amplifier is turned on and the amplifier is functioning properly.
Model ZX150.2
60 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -94
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
ꢀRED Badge Light 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. 5)
Check for blown fuses.
Model ZX200.2
70 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -94
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
ꢀRED Badge Light 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 VOM meter set to measure “AC”
voltage.
Model ZX250.2
85 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -94
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
ZX.2AMPLIFIER
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InternationalWarranty
ElectronicsLimitedWarranty
Contact your International Kicker dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
Kicker warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of
THREE (3) MONTHS from date of original purchase with receipt. When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer it is
warranted for TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. In all cases you must have the original receipt.
Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the
warranty period, Kicker will repair or replace (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise at
no charge. Warranty replacements may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced
with more current equivalent products.
WARNING: KICKER products are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning
up a system to a level that has audible distortion is more damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted system at
the same volume level. The threshold of pain is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently
damage your hearing. Please use common sense when controlling volume.
GARANTÍA INTERNACIONAL
VersiónEspañol
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the product subsequent to
the original purchaser. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty
as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or
implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties; therefore these
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; however you may have other rights that
vary from state to state.
Comuníquese con su concesionario o distribuidor Kicker internacional para obtener infor ación sobre procedimientos
específicos relacionados con las normas de garantía de su país.
ADVERTENCIA: Los excitadores Kicker son capaces de producir niveles de sonido que pueden dañar permanentemente
el oído. Subir el volumen del sistema hasta un nivel que produzca distorsión es más dañino para el oído que escuchar un
sistema sin distorsión al mismo volumen. El dolor es siempre una indicación de que el sonido es muy fuerte y que puede
dañar permanentemente el oído. Sea precavido cuando controle el volumen.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs (Kicker) Dealer for warranty
service. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer can be found at www.kicker.com or by contacting Stillwater
Designs directly. You can confirm that a dealer is authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window decal.
La frase “combustible para vivir la vida Livin’ Loud™ a todo volumen” se refiere al entusiasmo por la vida que la marca
Kicker de estéreos de automóvil representa y a la recomendación a nuestros clientes de que vivan lo mejor posible (“a
todo volumen”) en todo sentido. La línea de altavoces y amplificadores Kicker es la mejor del mercado de audio de
automóviles y por lo tanto representa el “combustible” para vivir a todo volumen en el área de “estéreos de automóvil” de
la vida de nuestros clientes. Recomendamos a todos nuestros clientes que obedezcan todas las reglas y reglamentos
locales sobre ruido en cuanto a los niveles legales y apropiados de audición fuera del vehículo.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to Stillwater Designs (Kicker), call the Kicker
Customer Service Department at (405) 624-8510 for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Package all
defective items in the original container or in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to:
INTERNATIONALE GARANTIE
DeutscheVersion
Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075
Nehmen Sie mit Ihren internationalen Kicker-Fachhändler oder Vertrieb Kontakt auf, um Details über die Garantieleistungen
in Ihrem Land zu erfahren.
The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please return-only defective components. The
return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items will be returned freight-collect to
you.
WARNUNG: KICKER-Treiber können einen Schallpegel erzeugen, der zu permanenten Gehörschäden führen kann!
Wenn Sie ein System auf einen Pegel stellen, der hörbare Verzerrungen erzeugt, schadet das Ihren Ohren mehr, als ein
nicht verzerrtes System auf dem gleichen Lautstärkepegel. Die Schmerzschwelle ist immer eine Anzeige dafür, dass der
Schallpegel zu laut ist und zu permanenten Gehörschäden führen kann. Seien Sie bei der Lautstärkeeinstellung bitte
vernünftig!
Include a copy of the original receipt with the purchase date clearly visible, and a “proof-of-purchase” statement listing
the Customer’s name, Dealer’s name and invoice number, and product purchased. Warranty expiration on items without
proof-of-purchase will be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must be prepaid;
items sent freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.
Der Slogan “Treibstoff für Livin’ Loud” bezieht sich auf die mit den Kicker-Autostereosystemen assoziierte Lebensfreude
und die Tatsache, dass wir unsere Kunden ermutigen, in allen Aspekten ihres Lebens nach dem Besten (“Livin’ Loud”) zu
streben. Die Lautsprecher und Verstärker von Kicker sind auf dem Markt für Auto-Soundsysteme führend und stellen somit
den “Treibstoff” für das Autostereoerlebnis unserer Kunden dar. Wir empfehlen allen unseren Kunden, sich bezüglich der
zugelassenen und passenden Lautstärkepegel außerhalb des Autos an die örtlichen Lärmvorschriften zu halten.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed.
It does not cover:
o Damage due to improper installation
o Subsequent damage to other components
GARANTIE INTERNATIONALE
VersionFrançaise
o Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
o Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered
abuse
Pour connaître les procédures propres à la politique de garantie de votre pays, contactez votre revendeur ou distributeur
International Kicker.
o Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
o Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
o Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
o Return shipping on non-defective items
o Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
o Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
o Freight Damage
AVERTISSEMENT: Les haut-parleurs Kicker ont la capacité de produire des niveaux sonores pouvant endommager
l’ouïe de façon irréversible ! L’augmentation du volume d’un système jusqu’à un niveau présentant une distorsion audible
endommage davantage l’ouïe que l’écoute d’un système sans distorsion au même volume. Le seuil de la douleur est
toujours le signe que le niveau sonore est trop élevé et risque d’endommager l’ouïe de façon irréversible. Réglez le volume
en faisant prevue de bon sens !
o The cost of shipping product to Kicker
o Service performed by anyone other than Kicker
L’expression “ carburant pour vivre plein pot “ fait référence au dynamisme de la marque Kicker d’équipements audio
pour véhicules et a pour but d’encourager nos clients à faire le maximum (“ vivre plein pot “) dans tous les aspects de leur
vie. Les haut-parleurs et amplificateurs Kicker sont les meilleurs dans le domaine des équipements audio et représentent
donc pour nos client le “ carburant pour vivre plein pot “ dans l’aspect “ installation audio de véhicule “ de leur vie.
Nous encourageons tous nos clients à respecter toutes les lois et réglementations locales relatives aux niveaux sonores
acceptables à l’extérieur des véhicules.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Kicker strives to maintain a goal of 72-hour service for all electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.) returns.
Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered.
Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the Kicker Customer Service
Department at (405) 624-8510.
P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A. • (405) 624-8510
10262007-D+08ZX.2
ZX.2AMPLIFIER
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