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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
