Features
Controls
Connections

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for determining an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured over the full frequency range of the amp with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels at a reference of 1 watt. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on equal footing. Measured under CEA-2006 conditions the Kicker DX500.1 is rated at 140 watts RMS x 1 channel into a 4-ohm load and the signal to noise ratio is 75 dB. Additional specs listed in the manual (but not listed as CEA-2006 compliant) include 275 watts RMS x 1 channel into a 2-ohm load (measured using a 14.4 volt power supply with no more than 1% THD+N), 500 watts RMS x 1 channel into a 1-ohm load (measured using a 14.4 volt power supply with no more than 1% THD+N), and 95 dB signal to noise ratio (measured at the rated power output).

Kicker Livin' Loud Certified Power: The amplifier comes with a certificate that indicates the total maximum wattage measured from the amplifier in the box, along with the model number, serial number, tested date, and whether the amplifier passed the total harmonic distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, and protection circuit tests.

Auto Turn-On: The Auto Turn-On switch offers three options:

• +12 V: the amp turns on when +12 volts is applied to the remote terminal
• DC Offset: the amp turns on when a 6 volt surge is detected on the signal inputs (from a speaker-level source); in this mode the amp's remote terminal acts as a +12 volt output to turn on another component
• Audio: the amp turns on when an incoming audio signal is detected; in this mode the amp's remote terminal acts as a +12 volt output to turn on another component

Protection Circuitry: The DX500.1 has protection circuitry that will turn the amp off in the event of overheating, over voltage (over 16 volt input), under voltage (under 10 volt input), and short circuit (speaker output). If the Protection LED on the left side of the amp illuminates red, the protection circuit has engaged and the amp will not play until the problem is resolved.

Speaker-level Input: High-level inputs can be used when the source device doesn't have preamp level outputs. The same RCA inputs on the amp are used for either speaker-level or line-level connections. When a speaker-level signal is used, a speaker wire to RCA adapter is needed (item number 20609ZISL, sold separately) and the Input Level should be set to High.

Remote Bass Level Control: The included ZXRC remote bass level control lets you adjust the output level of the amplifier from anywhere in the vehicle. A 20' cable is included and when attached to the mounting bracket, the Remote Bass Level Control has the following dimensions:

• Width: 2.212"
• Height: 1.193"
• Depth: 1.727" (2.367" including the knob and cable)

Controls

Auto Turn-On: Three position switch; choose +12 V, DC Offset, or Audio.

Input Level: Set the two position switch to High (for speaker level) or Low (for line level).

Gain: The input gain is continuously variable, labeled 0 to 11. The gain range is governed by the input level switch; 250mV to 10V for speaker level and 125mV to 5V for line level.

Bass Boost: The bass boost circuit provides a 9 dB signal boost centered at 40 Hz; the bass boost is manually turned on or off.

Subsonic Filter: Frequencies that cannot be reproduced by the subwoofer do not become sound, but unnecessary oscillations causing distortion; these frequencies also waste amplifier power and can damage speakers. The subsonic filter removes the frequencies below the crossover point to improve the performance of the speakers by eliminating this harmful distortion. The 18 dB/octave subsonic filter's crossover point is continuously variable from 10 to 30 Hz.

Crossover: The internal low pass crossover is always active (it cannot be bypassed). The crossover point is continuously variable from 50 to 200 Hz; the crossover slope is 18 dB/octave.

Connections

Left Side of Amplifier:

• +12V (power): set-screw terminal; accepts bare wire up to 4 gauge
• REM (remote turn-on): set-screw terminal; accepts bare wire up to 8 gauge
• GND (ground): set-screw terminal; accepts bare wire up to 4 gauge
• Speaker Outputs: set-screw terminals; accept bare wire up to 8 gauge
• Fuses: two 30-amp ATO fuses

Right Side of Amplifier:

• RCA Inputs: one pair of gold-plated RCA jacks, used for line level or speaker level inputs
• RCA Outputs: one pair of gold-plated RCA outputs; useful for adding another amp
• Remote Bass: RJ-25 jack (phone type plug) for use with the included ZXRC remote bass level control