Amp Features
Amp Controls
Amp Connections
Subwoofer Features
Enclosure Compatibility
Amp 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 DX250.1 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 250 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) 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, test 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)
- Audio: the amp turns on when an
incoming audio signal is detected
Protection Circuitry: The DX250.1 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 switch should be set to High.
Fail-Safe Integration Technology (FIT): FIT utilizes isolated
differential inputs, rejecting noise and electrical interference for the quietest
operation possible. FIT also allows Kicker amps to accept output from nearly any
factory or aftermarket head unit.
Amp 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 (particularly
when mounted in a ported enclosure). The subsonic filter removes inaudible
frequencies to improve the performance of the speakers by eliminating this
harmful distortion. The 24 dB/octave subsonic filter's crossover point is 25 Hz.
Crossover: The internal low pass crossover is always active
(it cannot be bypassed). The crossover point is 80 Hz and the slope is 24 dB/octave.
Amp Connections
Left Side of Amplifier:
- +12V (power): screw terminal;
accepts spade connector up to 0.5" wide
- REM (remote turn-on): screw
terminal; accepts spade connector up to 0.33" wide
- GND (ground): screw terminal;
accepts spade connector up to 0.5" wide
- Speaker Outputs: screw terminals;
accept spade connectors up to 0.32" wide; there are
terminals for two subwoofers, internally shorted together
- Fuses: two 15-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 an optional ZXRC remote bass level
control
Subwoofer Features
Polypropylene Cone: The Kicker Comp subwoofer's super-rigid
injection-molded polypropylene cone features 360-degree back bracing to
completely eliminate flex and distortion.
Ribbed Foam Surround: The optimized ribbed foam surround
allows extended cone excursion for additional bass output and higher SPL. The
surround is double-stitched to the cone to add a mechanical fastener to the
chemical adhesives. This prevents the cone and surround from separating in the
harshest conditions.
Spiralead Tinsel Leads: The Kicker Comp subwoofer features
durable Spiralead tinsel leads, which are woven into the woofer's
progressive-roll polycotton spider, for added strength and reliability.
Steel Basket with Vented Pole Piece: The Kicker Comp
subwoofer features a resilient, steel basket with coil-cooling perimeter venting
and a vented pole piece for heat dissipation, so the high-temperature voice coil
stays cool.
Speaker Terminals: The spring-loaded, nickel-plated
terminals provide solid connections for speaker wire up to 10-gauge. Single
banana plugs and pin connectors will also fit.
Rubber Magnet Boot: A black rubber boot covers the outside
edge of the magnet structure to improve the cosmetics of the woofer and protect
the magnet during installation.
Enclosure Compatibility
Enclosure Versatility: The Kicker Comp subwoofer is
versatile, performing in vented or sealed enclosures, and in free-air
applications as well.
Sealed Enclosure Applications: A sealed enclosure design
gives the smoothest response with increased energy at the lowest frequency
between 20 to 30 Hz.
- Compact (minimum enclosure volume): 1.25 cu/ft
- SQ (maximum enclosure volume): 3.5 cu/ft
Recommended Vented Box Volume: A vented enclosure design is
the choice for loud, high-performance bass for SPL contests.
- Compact: 1.75 cu/ft with a 2.0" x 12.5" slot port
opening that is 16.0" in depth
- SQ: 2.25 cu/ft with a 2.0" x 12.5" slot port opening
that is 16.375" in depth
Note: The SQ enclosure generates a flatter response
curve and extends sub-bass response.
Infinite Baffle Mounting: The Kicker Comp subwoofer does not
require a sealed or vented enclosure for good bass performance. The Comp
subwoofer is designed to also be used as a free-air driver. The infinite baffle
mounting method effectively utilizes the rear deck and trunk space of most sedan
type vehicles.
