Kicker ZX460 User Manual

Kicker ZX460 User Manual

4–channel power amplifier
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Based on the same design philosophy as the original KICKER Amplifier,
the ZX460 four–channel amplifier from Stillwater Designs expands and
improves the standards for car audio amplifier performance. Features that
defined the way an amplifier should be built, attention to detail, flexibility,
and pure clean power have been retained and some important new
performance/reliability features have been added.
The design goals for the ZX-series four-channel amplifier were simple yet crucial: build
the ultimate amplifiers available for the brutal environment of a vehicle.
A new heatsink design provides maximum heat dissipation when air flow isn't ideal. In
addition to the existing forms of protection already in effect (thermal, overvoltage, and
reverse polarity), a new short circuit protection circuit will allow the amplifier to operate
into a variety of loads including 1 Ohm stereo and 2 Ohm mono.
Gold plated custom tooled speaker and power connectors maximize power transfer and
damping. To improve the thermal stability, sound quality, and output power we have
upgraded the power supply switching MOSFETs.
Surface mount devices are used extensively throughout the design to increase reliability.
Features carried over from the last generation of amplifiers include:
ZRX Crossover Module included.
Active Signal Processing Modules are less expensive than outboard signal processors and
eliminate the possibility for electrical noises to enter the system.
RCA output jacks provide a simple method for daisy chaining multiple amplifiers, espe-
cially when the plug-in modules are used.
Optical isolation between the signal and power grounds has proven very effective to
keep automotive electrical noises from entering the signal path.
For the best sound quality possible we have eliminated coupling capacitors from the sig-
nal path through the use of a DC servo circuit.
Silent turn on/off circuitry eliminates pops to protect your speakers and makes your
system ready for competition.
Multiple amplifiers can be daisy chained without signal degradation because the input
impedance is 22,000 Ohms.
Stillwater Designs recommends that the amplifier be installed at an authorized dealer.
The length of your KICKER amplifier's warranty is three times as long when installed by an
authorized KICKER dealer.
ZX460
4–CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
FEATURES & CONTROLS

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Summary of Contents for Kicker ZX460

  • Page 1 Multiple amplifiers can be daisy chained without signal degradation because the input impedance is 22,000 Ohms. Stillwater Designs recommends that the amplifier be installed at an authorized dealer. The length of your KICKER amplifier’s warranty is three times as long when installed by an authorized KICKER dealer.
  • Page 2: Mounting Instructions

    MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS The orientation of the amplifier is critical to proper cooling. The cooling fins are designed to operate best when the amp is in a vertical position or mounted flat with the fins up. It is important to keep the chassis of the amplifier isolated from the metal of the vehicle because the heatsink is connected to signal ground for noise isolation.
  • Page 3 (Mounting Instructions, continued) Use KICKER End Caps and KICKER Sink Links to cover exposed end panels and hiding wiring in multiple amplifier installations. SUPPLIED END CAPS SNAP INTO PLACE OVER AMP END PANELS OPTIONAL SINK LINK COVERS TWO AMPLIFIER END PANELS...
  • Page 4: Wiring Instructions

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE READ BEFORE INSTALLING AMPLIFIER Your new KICKER power amplifier is equipped with a ZRX Active Electronic Crossover Module installed in the Module Docking Port. You may configure the ZRX to function as a low pass filter (12dB/octave at 80Hz) or high pass filter (12dB/octave at 100Hz) by setting the switch on the ZRX as shown is the illustration.
  • Page 5 Typical Installations Daisy Chaining Two Amplifiers Adding a KICKER Amplifier and Subwoofer with ZRX Modules to your Factory Stereo SOURCE Factory Source America’s Music Machines...
  • Page 6: Special Features

    SPECIAL FEATURES • To understand all the different system possibilities, think of the KICKER ZX460 as two separate amplifiers in one chassis: Amp 1 and Amp 2, each having two channels. • When only two RCA cables are plugged into the Amp 1 inputs, the ZX460 automatically distributes the left channel to Amp 1 left and Amp 2 left.
  • Page 7: System Diagrams

    LEFT FRONT RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER SPEAKER – SOURCE AMP 2 OUTPUT 2L- 2R RIGHT AMP 1 AMP 2 AMP 1 OUTPUT GAIN GAIN LOWPASS LEFT MODULE OUTPUT AMP 1 AMP 2 INPUT INPUT INTERNAL CROSSOVER HIGHPASS – KICKER Subwoofer (2Ω Minimum)
  • Page 8: Setting Gain Controls

    (2Ω Minimum) SETTING GAIN CONTROLS Each channel pair on the ZX460 is equipped with a variable gain control. The gain control is provided for level matching purposes; it does not give the amplifier any more power by turning it up – its purpose is to adjust the sensitivity of the amplifier in relation to the output level provided by the source.
  • Page 9 OPTIONAL ACTIVE SIGNAL PROCESSING MODULES All KICKER amplifiers have a Module Docking Port, which allows the use of any KICKER Module. These modules greatly increase your amplifier’s versatility, and cost very little when compared to “stand alone” units with the same functions.
  • Page 10: Troubleshooting

    If improper connections are made, it can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as failure in other systems in the vehicle. If you have more questions about the installation of your new KICKER component, see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you purchased your component. You may also call our...
  • Page 12: What Is Not Covered

    Authorized KICKER Dealer or one (1) year from date of original purchase if not installed by an Authorized KICKER Dealer. If this product is labeled “B Stock”, it is warranted for one (1) year from date of purchase, regardless of place of installation. Should service be necessary under this war-...

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