Kicker Impulse IX406 User Manual

Congratulations! You have just purchased one of the latest in a long line of exceptional car audio power
amplifiersfrom Stillwater Designs. Your KICKER Impulse was designed and engineered by the same team which
created many other international award winning KICKER components like the ZR, ZX, and XS-Series amps. It
contains a number of cutting-edge features to give you outstanding performance and dependability when
installed in a properly designed system.
Thanks for buying KICKER. Enjoy.
KICKER IMPULSE AMPLIFIER FEATURES
Separate electronic crossovers are built in for convenience and allow you to select full range or highpass for front
and rear channels as well as full range or lowpass for the sub output.
The Kicker Impulse IX406 Amplifier is 2 Ohm stable on all six channels; the sub out can be bridged to as low as 4
Ohm mono. For connection to the source , you have the option of low level RCA inputs or a high level input for
use with radios that don’t have RCA outputs.
Separate KICKEQ bass and treble controls give you the ability to boost low and high frequencies to tailor the music
to your taste.
Auto-resetting short circuit and overthermal protection circuits are incorporated to protect the amplifier from
failure due to extreme conditions.
State of the art circuitry including MOSFET power supply and glass epoxy circuit boards are used to ensure many
years of trouble free operation.
IX406
Six-Channel Power Amplifier

Kicker Impulse IX406 Specifications

General

Channels	4
RMS Power at 2 Ohms	100W x 4
Bridged RMS Power at 4 Ohms	200W x 2
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	>95dB
Input Voltage	14.4V
Total RMS Power	400W
Fuse Rating	25A
Crossover	Variable HP/LP
Bass Boost	0-18dB at 45Hz

Summary

KICKER IMPULSE AMPLIFIER FEATURES

Key Amplifier Features

Lists features like crossovers, 2-ohm stability, high/low level inputs, EQ controls, and protection circuits.

Wiring

Input Signal and Power Wiring

Details preferred input methods, power/ground connections, fuse, and wire protection for safe installation.

Mounting the IMPULSE Amplifier

Amplifier Installation Location

Guides on choosing a mounting spot, using screws, and orienting heatsinks for optimal cooling.

EXPLANATION OF INPUT OPTIONS FOR THE IMPULSE IX406

Using One Pair of RCA Cables

Explains hookup with one RCA pair, parallel input ON, and sub input set to F+R for six-channel output.

Using Two Pairs of RCA Cables

Details hookup with two RCA pairs, parallel input OFF, and sub input set to F+R for fader capability.

Input Options for the IMPULSE IX406

Using Three Pairs of RCA Cables

Describes hookup with three RCA pairs, parallel input OFF, and sub inputs for separate six-channel operation.

Using High Level Inputs (Stereo Pair)

Explains connecting with one stereo pair of high-level inputs, parallel ON, sub input F+R, no fader.

Using High Level Inputs (Two Stereo Pairs)

Details hookup with two stereo high-level inputs, parallel OFF, sub input F+R for fader capability.

Basic Sub Options for the IMPULSE Six-Channel Amplifier

Using One 4 or 8 Ohm Subwoofer

Illustrates connection for a single subwoofer with 4 or 8 ohm impedance.

Using Two 2 or 4 Ohm Subwoofers

Shows wiring for two subwoofers, each with 2 or 4 ohm impedance.

Basic Sub Options for the IMPULSE Six-Channel Amplifier

Using Four 2 Ohm Subwoofers

Diagram showing how to connect four subwoofers, each rated at 2 ohm impedance.

Using Two 8 Ohm Subwoofers

Illustrates wiring for two subwoofers, each rated at 8 ohm impedance.

Basic Systems for the IMPULSE Six-Channel Amplifier

Front & Rear Speakers with Stereo Subwoofers

Diagram for a system with front/rear speakers and stereo subwoofers, noting crossover settings.

Front & Rear Speakers with Bridged Mono Subwoofer

Diagram for a system with front/rear speakers and a bridged mono subwoofer, noting minimum impedance.

Basic Sub Options for the IMPULSE Six-Channel Amplifier

Using Four 4 or 8 Ohm Subwoofers

Diagram showing connections for four subwoofers, each with 4 or 8 ohm impedance.

Using Three 6 Ohm DVC Subwoofers

Illustrates wiring for three dual voice coil subwoofers, each rated at 6 ohm impedance.

Adjustments and Controls

Setting Gain Control

Guide on adjusting amplifier gain for level matching with the source unit, avoiding distortion.

Setting KICKEQ™ Controls

Instructions for adjusting Bass and Treble controls for optimal sound quality, avoiding adjustments while driving.

Troubleshooting

LED Indicators and No Output Scenarios

Explains LED colors and troubleshooting steps for no output or single-channel output issues.

Protection Circuit and Noise Issues

Covers troubleshooting for thermal/short circuit protection and alternator noise problems.

Specifications

Power Output and Impedance Ratings

Details RMS and Dynamic power output at various impedances and THD levels.

Frequency Response and Input Sensitivity

Lists frequency response range and input sensitivity levels for high and low-level inputs.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Crossover Details

Provides signal-to-noise ratio, crossover type, and KICKEQ boost frequency details.

Physical Dimensions

Lists the amplifier's physical dimensions in both inches and millimeters.

ELECTRONICS LIMITED WARRANTY

Warranty Coverage and Duration

Outlines warranty periods for authorized/unauthorized installation and B-Stock products.

Warranty Service Procedure

Details the steps for obtaining warranty service, including RA number and return address.

Items Not Covered by Warranty

Lists conditions and damages that are excluded from warranty coverage.