XS50 & XS100
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIERS
Based on the same design philosophy as the original KICKER Amplifier,the XS-Series amplifiers from Stillwater Designs expand and improve thestandards for car audio amplifier performance. Features that defined theway an amplifier should be built, attention to detail, flexibility, and pureclean power have been retained and some important new
performance/reliability features have been added.

FEATURES & CONTROLS
The design goals for the XS-Series amps 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. Inaddition to the existing forms of protection already in effect (thermal, overvoltage, andreverse polarity), a new short circuit protection circuit will allow the amplifier to operate
into a variety of loads including 1/2 Ohm stereo and 1 Ohm mono.
Gold plated custom tooled speaker and power connectors maximize power transfer anddamping. To improve the thermal stability, sound quality, and output power we haveupgraded 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 andeliminate the possibility for electrical noises to enter the system.
RCA output jacks provide a simple method for daisy chaining multiple amplifiers, especially when the plug-in modules are used.
Optical isolation between the signal and power grounds has proven very effective tokeep automotive electrical noises from entering the signal path.
For the best sound quality possible we have eliminated coupling capacitors from the signal path through the use of a DC servo circuit.
Silent turn on/off circuitry eliminates pops to protect your speakers and makes yoursystem 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 anauthorized KICKER dealer.

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The orientation of the amplifier is critical to proper cooling. The cooling fins aredesigned to operate best when the amp is in a vertical position or mounted flat with thefins up. It is important to keep the chassis of the amplifier isolated from the metal of thevehicle because the heatsink is connected to signal ground for noise isolation. Grounding
the heatsink will cause a ground loop. The plastic inserts in the mounting feet of the amp
should remain in place as isolators. These inserts are designed to accept #8 screws formounting.

#8 Mounting
ScrewsIsolation
Pads

2VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL#8 Mounting
Screws(Mounting Instructions, continued)

Use KICKER End Caps and KICKER Sink Links
to cover exposed end panels and hiding wiringin multiple amplifier installations.
SUPPLIED END CAPS SNAP INTO PLACE OVER AMP END PANELSOPTIONAL SINK LINK COVERS TWO AMPLIFIER END PANELS

3WIRING INSTRUCTIONSAll speaker connectors will accept up to 8 gauge wire, and the power and ground connectors are designed for 4 gauge wire. It is very important that the screws in the amplifiers’ terminal strips are very tight. An allen wrench is included for this purpose. Always
make the ground connection first when installing this amplifier and disconnect ground lastwhen removing it from the system.
Connect the ground wire, which is 24 inches or less, to a structural chassis member. Be
sure the connection is to bare metal and securely screwed or bolted. (It is not recommended to run the ground wire to the battery.) Run a positive wire of the size shown below
directly to the positive terminal of the battery and use a fuse of appropriate size within 18inches of the battery.
This fuse protects the wire run from the battery.
Please refer to this wire gauge selection chart for minimal loss at full rated power under
test conditions:
Model Up to 4 ft 4 to 7 ft
7 to10 ft
10 to 13 ft 13 to 16 ft 16 to 22 ft
XS50
664222
XS100
222
200
When running the signal wires keep them away from all power wires in the vehicle to avoidnoise. If a signal wire needs to cross power wires, try to make the junction at 90 degrees.
This will have the least chance of picking up noise.
Note: in the case where the recommended wire size is larger than the amplifier’s connector, it may be necessary to use a power distribution block or inline connector to adapt
down to the size your amp will accept.
Inline fuse used at the battery: XS50 = 90A, XS100 = 150A (supplied with the amplifier).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ BEFORE INSTALLING AMPLIFIERYour 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) orhigh pass filter (12dB/octave at 100Hz) by setting the switch on the ZRX as shown is theillustration. The ZRX may also be set to bypass, in which case your amplifier will function ina full-range mode. The ZRX affects only the amplifier in which it is installed. The amplifier’s
output RCA jacks carry a full-range signal regardless of the settings on the ZRX.

4

–SUBWOOFERCROSSOVER
MODULEZRXHIPASSLOWPASSS1

BYPASS(continued)+–+Setting the ZRX
Bypass Mode - Amplifier reproduces the full frequency range
Low Pass Mode - Amplifier frequencies 80Hz and lower
High Pass Mode - Amplifier frequencies 100Hz and higher

IMPORTANT OPERATION NOTESAn Active Signal Processing Module must be installed in the Module Docking Port inorder for the amplifier to operate. Never power up the amplifier without a module
installed. Never remove or insert a module with the amplifier powered up. Failure to follow
these precautions can result in damge to your speaker(s) and/or amplifier(s) which may
not be covered under warranty.

Typical Installations
Adding a KICKER Amplifier and Subwoofer
to your Factory Stereo

Daisy Chaining Two Amplifierswith ZRX Modules
SOURCE

Factory Source

America’s Music Machines(Speaker Level Out)

HIGH–+–+++–Midrange

America’s Music Machines

Line OutConverter–Midrange

America’s Music Machines

LOW

LOW
––+–++–++ –Subwoofer

To Additional Amps
(Optional)

SubwooferZRX Specifications
Crossover Slope
Crossover Points

12dB/octave
80Hz low pass
100Hz high pass

5SYSTEM DIAGRAMSThese diagrams show minimum operating impedances for each system configuration
The XS-Series KICKER amplifiers need low impedances to make full power. In stereo mode
the amplifier will make all available power at 1/2 Ohm per channel. Likewise, 1 Ohm monois the impedance necessary to get full power out of the amp.
TWO CHANNEL OPERATION
In conventional stereo or two channel operation, a signal is required for eachchannel and a speaker load of no less than 1/2 Ohm is connected to each of the rightand left outputs.
REMOTE TURN-ON
RCA INPUT L+R
RCA OUTPUT L+R
GAIN
ZRX
ZRX MODULE
BYPASS MODULE

America’s Music Machines

GROUND–+–+RIGHTSPEAKER(S)LEFT
SPEAKER(S)FUSE++12V+––BATTERYMINIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE
1/2Ω EACH CHANNELBRIDGED OPERATION
For bridged mono systems, an input is required to both input connectors and the speaker load of no less than 1 Ohms is connected to the left+ and right-.

REMOTE TURN-ON
RCA INPUT L+R
RCA OUTPUT L+R
GAIN
ZRX MODULELOWPASS MODULE

America’s Music Machines

GROUND–FUSE+12V+–+MONOSPEAKER(S)+ –BATTERYMINIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE 1Ω

6

(System Diagrams, continued)

SUGGESTED CONFIGURATIONS FOR BRIDGED OPERATION
Maximum power output using XS Series amplifiers.
KICKER 2Ω Subwoofers
ZRX Lowpass–+–+––++

KICKER 4Ω Subwoofers
ZRX Lowpass–+–+––––++++

KICKER 8Ω Subwoofers––+–+–+–++–+–+–+ZRX Lowpass+–+–7

(System Diagrams, continued)

THREE CHANNEL OPERATION
The higher frequencies (typically above 100Hz) are connected in stereo while the monowoofer(s) are connected from the left+ to the right-. These systems require the use ofpassive crossovers to maintain proper impedance loads at all frequencies.
KICKER RESOLUTION™ SYSTEM PACK(1/2 Ω Minimum)–+

SYSTEM
CROSSOVER–+–+TO SOURCE
HIGH-PASSPASSIVECROSSOVERSUBWOOFER (1Ω Minimum)– +ZRX Bypass–LOW-PASSPASSIVECROSSOVER+–+–++ –HIGH-PASSPASSIVECROSSOVER–+SYSTEMCROSSOVER–+–+DAISY-CHAINING AMPLIFIERS
When operating more than one amplifier in the same frequency range it is possible toconnect the input of the next amplifier to the output of the first. Daisy chaining in thismanner requires only one source for several amplifiers.

TO SOURCE
KICKER SUBWOOFERZRX Lowpass––+–++

KICKER SUBWOOFERZRX Lowpass–+–+

TO NEXTKICKER AMPLIFIER

8–+SETTING GAIN CONTROLSThe 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 amplifierin relation to the output level provided by the source.
Start with the amp gain set to minimum by turning the control counter-clockwise. Turnthe source level up until distortion is barely audible – this will be at about 75-80% of fullvolume. Raise the amplifier gain until distortion is just audible. The gain is now set correctly.
Check the level with CD/tape and tuner to make sure the adjustment is correct for all
sources.

OPTIONAL ACTIVE SIGNAL PROCESSING MODULESAll 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.

Active Crossover Modules:
These 2-way modules allow you to use separate amplifiers for your subwoofers, midbass
drivers, midranges, or tweeters. By doing this, especially on the subwoofer, a clean andundistorted sound is available at much higher listening levels.
Each module offers a range of selectable crossover frequencies and 24dB/octave filtering.
• SWX – 60Hz, 80Hz, or 100Hz subwoofer/midbass or midrange crossover.
• MRX – 175Hz, 250Hz, or 350Hz midbass/midrange crossover.
• TWX – 3500Hz or 4500Hz midrange/tweeter crossover.

Specialty Modules:• EEM (Electronic Enclosure Module) – When used with KICKER Freeair™ woofers,
this module simulates the response of KICKER Competition™ woofers ina sealed enclosure.
• EQM (Equalization Module) – Frequency Enhancement and extension modulethat equalizes frequencies in the low bass region as well as the upper
treble regions.
• CRM (Center/Rear Fill Module) – This module allows one amplifier to drive acenter channel and rear speakers independently at the same time.
• RGX (Remote Gain Module) – An ideal amplifier enhancement module that provides a remote gain control function.
• PBM (Parametric Bass Module) is designed to meet the demand for aremote-controllable bass EQ to enhance your bass listening pleasure andto allow you to adjust the bass boost and center frequency from the comfortof the driver’s seat.
• KEQ (KICKEQ) – adds adjustable Bass Boost (up to +18dB at 40Hz) and Treble
Boost (up to +12dB at 18kHz).
• MMDP (Multi-Module docking Port) – Allows the use of two KICKER Active Signal
Processing Modules in a single amplifier.
See your Authorized KICKER Dealer for more high performance Active Signal Processing
Modules - the secret behind the amazing flexibility of KICKER amplifiers.

9TROUBLE SHOOTING
Note: It is normal for the yellow trouble LED to blink when the amplifier is turned on or off.
This is a function of the protection circuit looking for trouble.
Red LED power indicator off, yellow trouble indicator off.
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM):• Check +12 Volt terminal• Check Ground terminal• Check for +12 Volts at remote turn-on terminal
Red LED power indicator on, yellow trouble indicator off:
• Check RCA and speaker connections• Test speaker outputs with a known good speaker• Substitute a known good signal source
Yellow trouble LED on, red power indicator off:
1. Amp is very hot - Thermal protection is engaged. Verify that speakerload impedance is not below specified minimums. Check areaaround amplifier for objects which may restrict air flow and propercooling. If this continues to be a problem, take vehicle to an
authorized Kicker dealer for evaluation.
2. Amp is not too hot - Overcurrent protection is engaged, red power LED
blinks every two seconds. This indicates that there is a short in thespeaker wiring. Locate short using a VOM by checking between
speaker positive and negative. If the amplifier is used in stereo, try
disconnecting one channel at a time to help isolate which channel is shorted.
3. Amp is not too hot - Voltage to amp is not within the 9-16 volt operating
range. If the vehicle’s charging system goes over 16 volts, the amp
will shut off. If the voltage gets too low, the amp will not operate.
Using a VOM identify the voltage problem and rectify.
Alternator noise (whistling sound that follows the engine RPM).
• Make sure that the amp case is not grounded.
• Make sure that the source has a good ground.
• Check routing of the RCA cable. Try substituting another RCA
cable routed in a different location in the vehicle.
• Check gain setting to make sure that it is not too high.
Stereo image is unfocused and bass is reduced.
Check system phasing by turning the balance control from the left tothe right. If the bass is more prominent when turned to either side,check speaker wiring for proper positive and negative connections.
Reverse connections on one channel if necessary.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper
cables are correct. 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 theAuthorized KICKER Dealer where you purchased your component. You may also call our
Technical Services Line at (405)624-8583 for technical assistance.

10

SPECIFICATIONS
Model

XS100

XS50

Rated Power4Ω stereo (watts)

50 x 225 x 2

Rated Power2Ω stereo (watts)

125 x 275 x 2

Rated Power1Ω stereo (watts)

250 x 2150 x 2

Rated Power
1/2Ω stereo (watts)

500 x 2300 x 2

Rated Power
4Ω Bridged Mono (watts)

250

150

Rated Power
2Ω Bridged Mono (watts)

500

300

Rated Power
1Ω Bridged Mono (watts)

1000

600

2.75H x 10W x 23.15L

2.75H x 10W x 19.85L

Dimensions (Inches)Specifications common to all models
Maximum Distortion at Rated Power, 4Ω Stereo, 12.5-16VDC: 0.02%
Frequency Response: 10Hz-28kHz; +0, -1dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB, unweighted, re: rated power
Input Impedance: 22kΩ
Input Sensitivity: 150mV-3V RMS

11ELECTRONICS LIMITED WARRANTY
Stillwater Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanshipunder normal use for a period of three (3) years from date of original purchase when installed byan Authorized KICKER Dealer or one (1) year from date of original purchase if not installed byan 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 warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period,
Stillwater Designs will replace or repair (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalentmerchandise at no charge. Warranty replacements on “B-Stock” merchandise may have cosmetic
scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with equivalent products.
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 aperiod of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase atretail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Somestates 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 fromstate to state.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
Defective merchandise must be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs(Kicker/Impulse) Dealer for warranty. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer can be obtained bywriting or calling Stillwater Designs direct. You can confirm that a dealer is authorized by asking to seea current authorized dealer window decal.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise, call the Kicker Customer ServiceDepartment at (405)624-8510 for a Return Authorization (RA) number. Package all defective items in
the original container or in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return toStillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075
The RA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Return only defective components. Non-defective items received will be returned freight collect.
Include a dated proof-of-purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Warranty expiration on items
returned without proof-of-purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage
may be invalidated if this date is greater than one (1) year previous to the date item is sent in. Freightmust be prepaid; items received freight collect will be refused.
Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the Kicker
Customer Service Department at (405)624-8510.

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:• Products purchased from an unauthorized dealer.
• Damage due to improper installation• Damage caused by exposure to water, excessive
heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation.
• Damage through negligence, misuse, accident orabuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may
be considered abuse.
• Freight damage.
• The cost of shipping product to Stillwater Designs.

• Items previously repaired or modified by any
unauthorized repair facility.
• Items returned from unauthorized individuals ordealers.
• Return shipping on non-defective items.
• Products with tampered or missing barcode labels.
• Products returned without a Return Authorization(RA) number.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Stillwater Designs maintains a goal of 24-hour service for all returns. Delays may be incurred if lack ofreplacement inventory or parts is encountered.

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Contact your International Stillwater Designs dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for yourcountry’s warranty policies

P.O. BOX 459 • STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA 74076 • 405 624-8510

WARNING:.KICKER components 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!
FEBRUARY 2000