Kicker ZR1000 - User Manual

Based on the same design philosophy as the original KICKER Amplifier,
the ZR-Series amplifiers from Stillwater Designs expand and improve 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.
FEATURES & CONTROLS
The design goals for the ZR-Series amps were simple yet crucial: build the ultimate ampli-
fiers 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.
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ZR120, ZR240, ZR360, ZR600 & ZR1000
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIERS

Summary

Features and Controls

Heatsink Design and Protection

New heatsink for heat dissipation, with thermal, overvoltage, reverse polarity, and short circuit protection.

Connectors and Power Supply

Gold-plated connectors, upgraded power supply switching MOSFETs for better thermal stability and sound.

Surface Mount Devices

Extensive use of surface mount devices throughout the design to increase reliability.

Carry-over Features

Includes ZRX Crossover Module, active signal processing, RCA outputs, optical isolation, DC servo circuit, silent turn-on/off.

Daisy Chaining Impedance

Multiple amplifiers can be daisy chained without signal degradation due to 22,000 Ohms input impedance.

Installation Recommendation

Recommends installation by an authorized dealer for longer warranty.

Mounting Instructions

Orientation for Cooling

Amplifier orientation is critical for cooling; fins should be vertical or flat with fins up.

Heatsink Isolation

Keep chassis isolated from vehicle metal to prevent ground loops; use plastic inserts.

Mounting Screw Size

Plastic inserts accept #8 screws for mounting.

Wiring Instructions

Connector Wire Gauge

Speaker connectors accept up to 8 gauge wire; ZR360/600/1000 power/ground use 4 gauge.

Ground Connection

Connect ground wire (<= 24 inches) to bare metal chassis, not directly to battery.

Positive Wire and Fuse

Run positive wire directly to battery positive terminal with an inline fuse within 18 inches.

Wire Gauge Selection Chart

Chart for minimal loss at full rated power based on wire length and model.

Signal Wire Routing

Keep signal wires away from power wires; cross at 90 degrees if necessary.

Inline Fuse Values

Specifies inline fuse ratings for each model (ZR120 to ZR1000).

Important Information

ZRX Crossover Module Function

Amplifier equipped with ZRX module for low pass, high pass filtering, or bypass mode.

Important Operation Notes

Setting the ZRX Module

Explains Bypass, Low Pass (80Hz), and High Pass (100Hz) modes for the ZRX module.

Module Installation Precautions

Active Signal Processing Module must be installed for operation; do not power up without module or change module when powered.

Typical Installations

Diagrams showing typical installations like daisy chaining and adding to factory stereo.

ZRX Specifications

Details crossover slope (12dB/octave) and crossover points (80Hz low pass, 100Hz high pass).

System Diagrams

Minimum Operating Impedances

Details minimum impedances for stereo (1 Ohm) and bridged mono (2 Ohm) operation.

Two Channel Operation

Diagram and description for connecting signal and speakers in stereo mode.

Bridged Operation

Diagram and description for connecting signal and speakers in bridged mono mode.

Daisy-Chaining Amplifiers

Connecting Amplifier Inputs

Connects the input of one amplifier to the output of the first for same frequency range operation.

Setting Gain Controls

Gain Control Purpose

Gain control is for level matching, not power adjustment; adjusts amplifier sensitivity.

Gain Adjustment Procedure

Procedure to set gain by raising source level and then amplifier gain until distortion is audible.

Optional Active Signal Processing Modules

Module Docking Port

Allows use of KICKER Modules to increase amplifier versatility at low cost.

Active Crossover Modules

2-way modules for separate amplifiers (SWX, MRX, TWX) with selectable crossover frequencies.

Specialty Modules

Various modules like EEM, EQM, CRM, RGX, PBM, KEQ, MMDP for specific functions.

Trouble Shooting

LED Indicators and Basic Checks

Explains LED behavior and basic checks using a VOM for power and remote turn-on issues.

Yellow Trouble LED On

Covers thermal protection, overcurrent protection, and voltage issues indicated by the yellow LED.

Alternator Noise

Troubleshooting steps for whistling noise following engine RPM, checking grounds and RCA routing.

Stereo Image Issues

Addresses unfocused stereo image and reduced bass by checking system phasing and speaker wiring.

Vehicle Jump Starting Caution

Caution regarding correct jumper cable connections to avoid blown fuses or system damage.

Specifications

Model Power Ratings

Table detailing rated power for different models in stereo and bridged mono configurations.

Common Specifications

Lists common specs like distortion, frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, input impedance, and sensitivity.

Electronics Limited Warranty

Warranty Period and Replacement

Details 3-year warranty (dealer install) or 1-year (DIY), and replacement policy.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Steps to follow for warranty service, including returning to dealer or contacting customer service for RA number.

What is Not Covered

Lists exclusions from warranty, such as improper installation, misuse, or unauthorized repairs.

Service Turnaround Time

States a goal of 24-hour service for returns, subject to inventory.

International Warranty

Advises contacting international dealers for country-specific warranty policies.

WARNING

Hearing Damage Warning

Warning about potential hearing damage from high sound levels and distortion.

Kicker ZR1000 Specifications