ZX
MULTI-CHANNELAMPLIFIER
with a CLASS-DSUBWOOFERCHANNEL
ZX550.3, ZX700.5
©2006 Stillwater Designs
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.
Operation
ꢀ 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.
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
Figure 5
ꢀ 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
(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!
Subwoofer Channel
Input Gain Control
Bass Boost Control
Subwoofer Channel
Crossover Control
Subwoofer Channel
ꢀ 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. 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.
ꢀ 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.
AMP 1 Input
Gain Control
AMP 2 Input
Gain Control
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you
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.
ZX700.5
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.
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
Crossover Control
AMP 2
Crossover Control
AMP 1
may prevent an amplifier from shutting down, due to over-current protection circuitry.
4. CrossoverControl The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.
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.
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
Performance
Figure 6
Mount the metal bracket
chosen location. Then slide the
Model
ZX550.3
ZX700.5
Back View
Side View
housing onto the bracket until it
RMS Power in Watts, AMP 1 and AMP 2 all channels driven
@14.4V, 4Ω Stereo ≤1% THD+N
@14.4V, 2Ω Stereo, ≤1% THD+N
@14.4V, 4Ω Mono, ≤1% THD+N
RMS Power in Watts, Subwoofer channel driven
@14.4V, 4Ω Mono ≤1.5% THD+N
@14.4V, 2Ω Mono, ≤1.5% THD+N
Length:
snaps into place. Run the cable from
the controller to the “Remote Bass”
jack on the amplifier chassis.
70 x 2
85 x 2
N/A
70 x 4
85 x 4
Slide the housing until it snaps into the metal bracket
165 x 2
TroubleShooting
210 x 1
420 x 1
210 x 1
420 x 1
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
16 3/4” (425mm)
20” (507mm)
SUB INPUT
SUB
Specifications common to all models:
Height:
2 1/8” (54mm)
9 5/8” (244mm)
4 Conductor
Phone Cable
Width:
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.
Frequency Response, 0.5 dB:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
20 Hz - 20 kHz
>95 dB, a-weighted, re: rated power
Input Sensitivity:
125 mV - 5 V low level, 250 mV - 10 V high level
Electronic Crossover:
Bass Boost:
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
Variable 0 to +18dB boost @ 40Hz, for the subwoofer channel
ꢀ 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.
Model ZX550.3
70 x 2, 210 x 1 @ 4 ohms from 20-20K, 20-200Hz, 14.4Vdc,
1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
ꢀ 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
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)
ZX.3/ZX.5AMPLIFIER
4
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ElectronicsLimitedWarranty
InternationalWarranty
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.
Contact your International Kicker dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty
policies.
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.
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.
GARANTÍA INTERNACIONAL
VersiónEspañol
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
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
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
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
GARANTIE INTERNATIONALE
VersionFrançaise
Pour connaître les procédures propres à la politique de garantie de votre pays, contactez votre revendeur ou
distributeur International Kicker.
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
04272006+06ZX.4
ZX.3/ZX.5AMPLIFIER
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