What's the best amplifier signal?

[@Keith-me4zw]

Enjoy what Kicker does for car audio communities bringing good topics that are relatable and Kicker unmasked explains so much thats important to car audio.

[@curtisjenkins8900]

Handeld this like 2 year ago but thanks 😊

[@bondalero0074]

I’m driving a 20’Honda Civic turbo with a factory head unit I Love using the “Kicker”line level converter with Kicker CXA 800.1 at 1 ohm on my (1) SKAR DDX 10” DVC2 in a Factory ported rhino coated enclosure and it sounds like my 89’ Honda CRX with the Punch 150 with (2) Kicker 15” subs before Kicker even made amps!#Kicker#Livin’Loud#SKAR❤#DDX

[@edstoica]

thank you for this extended clarification. I was wondering about this topic for a long time, and many people tell me different truths. but this feels so logic now ;)

[@JasonWW2000]

Correction, "many people tell you different opinions."

[@apexwetdog]

Best technical explanation that I have seen. Thanks!

[@basscaddy1449]

Thanks for the informative video! I've always thought of remember when your TV volume and home theater volume if you turn TV volume on full blast the signal sounds dirty but if you turn TV volume down and Amp volume up it sounds better less extra noise

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, a TV volume is designed to give you extra output. Maybe 5db of clipping to account for a low recording volume. Just like a lot of headunits. Thats way they say to not turn up the volume beyond 2/3 or 3/4. It might distort.

[@richd9771]

I have a 2017 Ford Fusion and had to use a LC2i to connect RCA to my 19 year old Lighting Audio Bolt 300 bridged amp to run my 19 year old Fosgate P1 sub woofer.....Yes everything still worked after being in 3 different cars. The Fosgate dealer at my local stereo shop couldn't believe it when he seen it. About 6 months ago the old P1 finally blew and I bought a new P2 sub woofer and connected it to the Bolt amp and I know it was under powering the P2 but I wasn't read for a new amp. I noticed a huge difference in the quality of the bass and knew I would be buying a better amp soon. Just a few days ago a hooked up an old 1000 watt amp to the P2 and wow it sounded even better so just today I went to the stereo shop and bought a Kicker kxa400.1 I was really excited to find out about the new technology and to be able to connect the speaker wire through the RCA on the amp...that means I can eliminate the LC2i. 1 less device I would need to adjust and much better sound....OH and I use the base control knob every day with the LC2i so when I seen that the amp came with a "wireless" control knob that dose more well I was sold. Sorry for the long explanation but I love cars and car audio/video. Your videos are great so please them coming. Ive only watched a few at this point but this one is my favorite so far...very very informative and easy to understand. Thank you for the time and effort put into doing these videos.

[@joesegala1856]

The Xtant amps did this back in 98, balanced input and all up to 18v 😉 still have two installed in my Evo, definitely changing over to high level out asap though , barely getting a volt on my rca’s

[@isiahgreen8405]

This is cool. Always used a Audiocontrol LC7i or Matrix plus.

[@adaboy4z]

I have a 2011 Regal with 9 speaker Harmon Kardon system. I have the kicker kxa800.1 on a JL 12 W6v3 using high level input via kissl. It hits pretty hard bass is great! I thought I needed an LOC, but I'm glad I didnt buy one. The shockwave feature when I've used it causes woofer vibration during playback?

[@philiprubin6370]

great video guys!

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Thanks so much!

[@davidcrandon2329]

I'm old school as well, and was always taught to use the RCA preamp outputs instead of the speaker wires...but for a different reason...I was taught this because the power amp part of the head unit (or whatever power amp was in the car as OEM) was usually crap for distortion and frequency response and noise and therefore, why would you want to amplify a poorer quality signal than what comes out of the preamp RCA outputs. Is this not true anymore?

[@abelscaliber7969]

That’s only true if you use the trash EQ settings on cheap headunits, such as bass boost loudness and stage effects. If everything is set to flat The speaker wires and the rcas are the same signal just different strengths. In fact inside of a headunit, they use resistors to knock down the speaker wire voltage and then use that as RCA preamps

[@SNWxGaming]

PLS HELP. I've been chasing ground noise/low static for weeks now through my door speakers. I'm using high level inputs(5.7v) from my factory headunit ran through 9con wire to my trunk, connecting into a Lc7i LOC converting all outputs(RCAs) to their rated input voltage per amp. Is my 9con run from the headunit voltage too low, even as a high level input signal, prone to pickup noise along its 15ft run to the LOC in the trunk? I've checked all grounds for resistance already, and verified the static is not present from the 4chan amp. Also I'm not crossing any power or signal wires and I've tried adding a additional ground wire to the headunit chassity but no impact. Any help is appreciated.

[@lintontaylor3072]

Hey guys great video and I agree I’m old school myself but if it does make my system sound better then I will give it a shot! With that being said I was wondering about the subwoofer output from the deck? Most decks don’t have wires for subwoofers what is the best way to hook up the subs? Keep using the RCA inputs? Or are we going to see sub wires coming from the newer decks? Thanks again awesome video and info.

[@JasonWW2000]

Usually newer factory decks will send out a low voltage, low pass signal to a factory multichannel amp or factory subwoofer amp. For aftermarket head units it will only be rca outs. They are usually adjustable for crossover and level. Or you could run a full range, high voltage speaker output (such as front left and right) to your sub amp and use it's on board crossover. So lots of options.

[@deedolan399]

I appreciate the information

[@vincecuda]

I have a chinese eonon head unit, am i still better off using the speaker wire to kicker kisl or should i use the rca output from the head unit. Thanks

[@logiqalone8249]

Wow, great info! I learned so much. You guys are good. Just bought a KX red amp.

[@ponchorage]

@KICKER-AUDIO Thanks so much for the in-depth explanation. So, if I want to connect 4 speakers to a 4 channel amp, do I need two KISLs? It looks like each KISL is 2 channel. Is that correct?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Exactly right, assuming you want control of your fading capabilities (controlling front/back independently).

[@ddotson111]

So youre basically running the speaker wire that would go to the speakers from the radio... to the amp input through the amp and back to the speaker ? does this negate the need for gain ? or just clean it up. commenting from 12:39 in the video. thanks also currently running a kennwood ddx and cx600.1 to comp c 10s in parallel. can see a vid on my profile.

[@ddotson111]

im confused now.. which speaker wires and i running to the amp.. to power my sub ? from the headunit

[@JasonWW2000]

Instead of running a 2 to 4V RCA signal from the front to the rear of the vehicle and then amplifying it up to 40 or 60 volts to the speaker you can instead use the 8 to 10 volt speaker outputs from the head unit and run those to the rear of the vehicle. With the higher voltage going into the amp you get the same output voltage but your gain knob will be turned down a lot more. Let's say a 2v rca signal needs to be amplified 20x to get 40v. If you run a 10v speaker level signal it only needs to be amplified 4x. Small amounts of noise get picked up in the long wire runs. Amplifying the noise 20x will be way louder and nasty than amplifying the noise only 4x.

[@bluecomet2306]

I have a factory bose system in my truck. Am I able to take the after amp single voltage in this situation?? Not sure if there is a voltage to high for using a kisl

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Two questions for you. First, what truck do you have (year/model)? Different systems have different power ratings. Second, what amp do you have? Many of our amplifiers don't need a line out converter at all.

[@bluecomet2306]

I have a 2015 gmc canyon with factory bose. Looking at getting the kxa 1600.1. Just wanted to make sure it would work with the kisl with that after amp power.

[@mahdimagarre1236]

Hello Guys. Thats what I always do. Strip Rca connectors and hook straight up to speakers wires. But be CAREFUL. DO NOT USE THE GROUND WIRE going into the amp or your blow the capacitor of your head unit. Trust me it did happened to me.

[@c0uchsl0uch]

I'm going from a alpine head unit to a bass epicenter, the epicenter has options for 5v, 7.5v and 10v OUT to the amp. Can I exceed the amplifiers 5volt rating IN or is it best to match the out of epicenter to in of the amp, which would be 5 volts. I'm using rca's

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Yes you can. Our amps can take as much as a 40V input.

[@c0uchsl0uch]

@@KICKER-AUDIO I just a few days ago bought the cxa400.1 & the cx360.4. The 400.1 has a sheet of paper that states it was tested to put out 500 watts RMS ❗

[@bruth6138]

Is there anything in a KISL other than splicing speaker leads into RCAs? I have one from another company that is just that, will that work with my KX amp?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

K Ruth that’s exactly what it is, simply a set of high quality RCAs and a set of RCA barrel connections to make life easier when it comes to hooking up your amp.

Awesome vidd!

[@pedropassament4299]

Great video

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@t-gz2215]

I’m using factory radio. If I used a kisl instead of the 7 wire ( two pairs for speakers , yellow for power , black for ground, blue for remote) converted to rca. Would the amp not need the other wires for remote , power , ground ? would I need to find another way to get the remote if I changed to Kisl?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

What year/make/model do you have? We want to verify a few things before answering, or you can contact Tech Support directly at [e-mail] or by calling them: 405-624-8510. We are open weekdays from 8-5 cst.

[@rynev3392]

I have a question, should an amplifier gain be set to the clipping point of the head unit (let’s say 38 of 40 on a O-scope) or set it to the 3/4 rule (30/40) that most people suggest?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

OScope let's you get right up to the limit of available headroom before clipping. If you have access to one, that's the way to do it!

[@rynev3392]

@@KICKER-AUDIO I have one, so set it at the limit before clipping….. should the subwoofer adjuster be left alone in the middle not raised or cut?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

@@rynev3392 If you're using Bass Boost, you'll need to do the O-Scope gain setting procedure after you turn it on or adjust it. The remote bass knob (different from Bass Boost) is an attenuator - you'll want that knob maxed out when you do the gain measurement/adjustment.

[@rynev3392]

@@KICKER-AUDIO thanks for the help, I’m looking forward to tuning my system

[@idiocratease]

Great info👍

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Thanks! We've got more info live every Tuesday at 7:30 CST. Ask any questions you might have.

[@keepitsolidkeepitreal2877]

@KICKER Hi I have was given Old school Ix406 Kicker Amp would this work with 2 or 1 old school 90’s CVR 12” Kicker 4 ohms voice coil. I wired parallel for 2 ohms rated 300 watts rms I mounted Q-Logic box. I have older cassette radio it’s not a stock radio could I use the radio speaker wires for better output for amplifier or should I get newer radio deck with RCA or AUX. I have heard about that you could use radio AUX input wire into RCA outputs to drive better power is that truthful? Thank you. 👍

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

We would need the exact model number of the CVR to verify the power (usually on the magnet), but as far as the IX406, the high level inputs can be used if set up properly. First you have to ensure it is a full range signal. You will need an RTA and test tones for that. You also need a multimeter to measure the voltage output of your speaker wires. If they are between 150mV and 3V, use the Low level setting. If it's between 1V and 10V use the High level setting. Check this out for a how-to: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnLZZmiGdst8a9U

[@The2ToneZone]

I have a kicker zx 750.1. The manual says that either the speaker inputs(high level) or the rca(low level) will provide a low level signal. So if I run a DSP with bass enhance will the signal be too much for the RCA's? Also, where can I get the adapter plug for the high level speaker inputs?(I lost mine)

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

We offer a simple plug, but any RCA (with one end cut) off will do: www.kicker.com/2-channel-speaker-rca-converter As far as the DSP's compatibility, it's highly likely it'll work fine. To be on the safe side determine what the output voltage of the DSP is. The ZX750 takes up to 10v. Here is a link to the manual: www.kicker.com/app/manuals/amplifiers/zx/2008_ZX_400_500_750_1.pdf

[@mattburgess2]

When coming out of a factory stereo with high level and going into one of these amps, when using the first amp as a pass through, What level is coming out of the first amp? High level or low level?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Speaker leads are high level. RCA is low level. Is that what you wanted to know?

[@JoseGuzm4n]

I have a kx 800 amp that will be installed on a 2014 Altima with stock Bose radio. Should I use the speaker lead from the stereo or the one coming off the factory Bose amp?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

I verified with tech support that the best place is the speaker wire (the wire leaving the amp, going towards the speaker itself). The amp is designed to work very well with that signal.

[@JoseGuzm4n]

KICKER Thank you im on my way for my install, will update soon. I was going to use an audiocontrol LC2i for the conversion but seems to me this amp will not need it, correct me if im wrong. Thank again.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

jose guzman absolutely correct. No need for other processors.

[@JoseGuzm4n]

KICKER ok I ran into a set back. I ended up installing an audiocontrol epicenter and using the kisl on the epicenter and it did not work. So we ended up using a temporary hi lo rca pass for now. Will it be better off installing the Lc2i for a better signal into the epicenter.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

There is no need for it. We have processing in the amp that handles bass restoration, and the remote that comes with the amp adjusts it.

[@santiagoescala7737]

This seems counterintuitive given my kenwood deck goes up to 35, speaker leads clip at 25 while rca's clip at 34

[@floydward1866]

I just had akenwood and a cxa800.1with 1 12 kicker in my 85 El Camino 2ohm volume35 don't move me with 2horns2 6/9 2mids 2 tweets not a happy camper at all

[@JasonWW2000]

Headunit manufacturers add in some gain overlap to the amplified speaker level outputs. This can be helpful when listening to music recorded at a lower than normal level. You can max out the voltage and not have it clipping. You don't necessarily need built in gain overlap on the rca out because you can adjust the gain on the amp. The vast majority of radios do exactly this. You can use the speaker level outs and try not to go more than 25 on the head unit. If the recording level is low then you can go beyond 25. The end result is your passing a higher voltage signal to your amp so any small amount of noise is not going to be amplified as much. You can set your gain knob to a much lower level.

[@LTSRIDE24]

Great video & explanation! I just added a Kicker comp q to my system & I'm using my factory HU, along with a AudioControl LC8 to connect my amplifier via RCA cables, & a Rockford Fosgate mono amp. My question is, would it be best to ditch the RCA's & use the speaker wire inputs instead? Also, if I did that, I would have no need for the AudioControl at that point.

[@abelscaliber7969]

As long as your amp can take HL input then yea but most ppl just buy those for the acubass

[@INCMILWAUKEE]

So would the factory subwoofer amp speaker wire work? Like the speaker wires going to the factory sub.

[@rcervantes1083]

I want to know the same. I'll be wiring my '16 tlx with the els tomorrow. I am going to try the oem sub first. Depending on what you have, it may be different. Will respond with results. Going to run a kicker 4awg ofc amp kit, alpine mrxm m110 and a single jl w3v3. The sub is 4 ohm and the amp is 600w rms at 4ohm. Set at nominal it should hit.

[@a-team65]

@@rcervantes1083any update? Lol

[@rcervantes1083]

@A-TEAM lol. It worked well. Just upgraded to the 2020 tlx. Red is positive and white is negative. I used the scosche loc20 briged the power and negative on the loc. Ran the power to the amp power terminal and the ground to the ground terminal. Edit: by bridge I meant both positives from l/r channels put together and both negatives put together

[@a-team65]

@@rcervantes1083 wow I didn’t expect you to actually respond thanks! 🤣

[@1997LT1Camaro]

I’m doing a sub install. I have a factory Honda radio. My alpine amp has high level input for speaker wires. The amp also has RCA inputs. Is it just better to wire high level inputs in instead of using a rca signal converter? Would it be optimal to wire speaker wire directly to RCA cables like you mentioned here?

[@mafosa8519]

thats what it sounded like to me. learned something new today.

[@JasonWW2000]

Wiring speaker wire to an RCA is only meant to be used on Kicker amps that use the FIT inputs. For an Alpine amplifier all you need to do is connect your high level speaker wires to the high level inputs. You could also use a line output converter and RCA connectors, but it's just unnecessary extra complication. Both will work.

[@murdamechanik]

I have the iq500.4 and it has a pass thru for the rca to my iq500.1. Will the pass thru lower the voltage to my iq500.1? Or will it be the same voltage the iq500.4 is getting from my oem radio? Also do you have a replacement for the iq amps in the works?

[@JasonWW2000]

I guess you'll have to measure the input and output voltage and see if it changes at all. A lot of times the pass-through feature on an amplifier is just connecting the RCA's directly to each other.

[@jasonshahid2929]

Could I tap a signal off my factory sub up stream before the sub ( since I’ve disabled the factory sub) ? Trying to set it proper for my kicker L7 12” I have a CXA800.1 amp

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Usually, yes you can. Verify that with our Tech support: [e-mail] or call them at 405-624-8510. They are open weekdays from 8-5 cst.

[@StansE250]

I still get hung up on Differential Input vs. Single ended. I’ve heard that more ‘esoteric’ amps use Differential “twisted pair”, while more mainstream (Kicker, JBL, Pioneer, etc) use Single “coax style”. Yet, I’ve heard the exact OPPOSITE from other sources. So, let’s take your Class D (non-FIT) amps, and a broad generalization of your competitor Class Ds. What is the type of RCA that is optimal (twisted pair or coax type) ? Thank you gents !

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Hi Stan, twisted pair has inherently has better noise rejection, so there's never a reason not to use it (save for some minor differences in cost).

[@David-if7jh]

So, do I just make one KISL connection from the head unit (fusion ms ra205) to bring power to the amp then use regular RCA connections to feed the remaining inputs? Or does each speaker out put need to have a KISL connected? If so, can I use a RCA Y splitter on each end of the KISL just as I do on a normal rca cable coming from the line out rca from the radio to feed multiple inputs channels on an amp? My fusion only has 4 speaker output from head unit. I’m trying to connect 6 speakers and a sub using kxm800.5 and Kxm 400.2 amps

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

As long as the amp you are using accepts the resulting RCA voltage levels, then yes it's possible. Note: depending on how you are using the Y cable you may lose fading capabilities from the radio.

[@David-if7jh]

Yes, as stated I’m using your KXM800.5 and KXM400.2 amps. So, do I just make 1 pair of KISL connections to my amp1 input to bring the signal in, or do I need to make KISL connections from all 4 channels from back my radio to each channel on the amp?

[@GeorgeWPush]

If my Alpine amp has Speaker Level Input, do I still need a LOC?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

It depends on Alpines specs. Our amps take between 125 mV and 40V of input signal (speaker level), so it is very rare we need an LOC.

[@GeorgeWPush]

@@KICKER-AUDIO thank you. Great video btw.

[@yourejustintim]

Bought a cx400 from hifi online. They gave me 10 gauge power and ground. I called the company because your manual suggest 8gauge. Is this ok/safe? They said that its ok and they have never had a problem.

[@JasonWW2000]

How much amperage you plan to pull through the wire is the main determining factor. If you plan on wiring this amp to a 0.5 ohm load to extract all 40 amps that it's capable of pulling then you might want an 8 gauge power wire. If you're going to wire it to 1 ohm or 2 ohm then you're going to be drawing less current. 10 gauge wire will be fine. As long as it's copper wire.

[@adamholmes515]

What are the switches on the side for and which settings do I use where it says auto turn on 12v dc or offset and the other says input level hi/low. I have a kicker zx 400.1

[@JasonWW2000]

Hopefully you look at the directions and got it figured out. If you're running high level speaker outputs directly into the amp your radio may or may not use a DC offset signal. So if it does have 5 or 6 volts of Offset you can use that as the turn on signal for the amp. If your head unit does not have a DC offset signal then you'll have to run an extra wire as a remote turn on. The high or low input level is selected based on whether you're using speaker level high voltage inputs or if you're using low voltage RCA inputs.

[@johngray2526]

How do I connect my kicker cxa400.1 to my jensen CDR5620 ? do i hook up the RCA from and to amp then from amp to my kicker TC10 subwoofer ? help please I'm 55 and new to this lol

[@JasonWW2000]

You have 2 options. Use Jensens rca out or speaker out. The speaker out is higher voltage and probably the better choice. Then use the Kisl or similar to go from wires to an rca jack.

[@promo130]

So every amp kicker makes has balanced differential inputs? Also the entry level,? Like the bx series?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

BX?

[@promo130]

@@KICKER-AUDIO yeah Kicker bx 360.4

[@rockyb6012]

I have a kicker cx400.1 no bass knob I have it remote wired to head unit. Car off radio off but the amp will not go off. Can you help me out on what to do

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Yes, we can help! Contact support at [e-mail] or at 405-624-8510. Were open weekdays 8-5 central time.

[@JasonWW2000]

If you are using high-level outputs from the radio then it's probably sending a DC offset signal to the amplifier. The DC offset is turning on the amplifier, so no need for a remote turn on wire. It will turn itself off after 2 minutes of no signal. Some cars may not turn off the signal for 5, 10 or 30 minutes. If you want to bypass this automatic turn on and off through DC offset, you can take your high-level inputs and add a simple kicker LOC for $20 and then use a very short RCA cable between it and the amp. The time delay of the amplifier turning off should not cause any issues.

[@Supercharged1976]

If this is the case why is the clean max volume on my Pioneer on RCAs 38 where it will clip sooner using the internal amp at volume 27?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Pushed to their limit, any amp will clip, and head unit amps are not meant to be terribly powerful, so they will tend to clipwell before an aftermarket amp will. What we are saying is specific to using RCA's instead of high level inputs (aka speaker wire from the head unit.) The old-school method of stepping down the signal to RCA - only to re-amplify it from the RCA's to a higher level inside the amp is not necessary, and ultimately is not as clean a signal as using high-level inputs.

[@JasonWW2000]

The simple answer to your question is that headunit manufacturers add in some gain overlap to the amplified speaker level outputs. This can be helpful when listening to music recorded at a lower than normal level. You can max out the voltage and not have it clipping. You don't necessarily need built in gain overlap on the rca out because you can adjust the gain on the amp. The vast majority of radios do exactly this.

[@crzypaintballr3197]

What part of the head unit do I connect to Kisl to?

[@JasonWW2000]

The speaker wires from the headunit. Front left channel is two wires. That connects to the Kisl. This will be the front left rca input on the amp.

[@johnturnbull1685]

I replaced my factory head unit with an android aftermarket one. I used the RCA outs to connect to the factory amp. A well known problem in doing this is getting the factory amp to wake. I found that when I played music from USB or internal drive, that would wake the amp. However, playing the radio would not wake amp. Can you pls explain why this would be so and can you suggest whether there is anything that I can add to make radio wake amp?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

What amp is it?

[@johnturnbull1685]

@@KICKER-AUDIO The car has a factory Philips sound system. Unfortunately, I am not able to obtain details on the specific amp, other than it is Philips. The car was built in 2012.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Ah OK. In this case it would be best to contact the radio manufacturer. There are specs they would know that we simply wouldn't have access to.

[@johnturnbull1685]

@@KICKER-AUDIO Unfortunately not easy. Philips require serial number - to get this have to remove glovebox (very difficult), disable airbag ECU (from within console), disconnect battery etc. My question was general in nature, but does the Fit2(?) solution you speak of only apply to Kicker amps? I have a feeling that if I can increase volts going to amp, it will wake every time. I am using RCA out at the moment - not sure if speaker out would be better for waking amp?

[@keepitsolidkeepitreal2877]

Hi I have was given Old school Ix406 Kicker Amp would this work with 2 or 1 old school 90’s CVR 12” Kicker 4 ohms voice coil. I wired parallel for 2 ohms rated 300 watts rms I mounted Q-Logic box. I have older cassette radio it’s not a stock radio could I use the radio speaker wires for better output for amplifier or should I get newer radio deck with RCA or AUX. I have heard about that you could use radio AUX input wire into RCA outputs to drive better power is that truthful? Thank you. 👍

[@MrSpanky473]

Then how come my head unit (Alpine not a cheap unit) clips at 30 out of 35 on the DD1 on head unit power (internal amp) and will not clip at 35 through RCA's? I understand that keeping the noise floor down with keeping the input voltage up increases sound quality. Does FIT clean up the input signal?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

What amp are your RCA's going to?

[@MrSpanky473]

I'm using a Skar audio amp. but I'm talking about the difference between the rca output apposed to the output of the internal amplifier of the head unit. Does FIT clean up the signal before amplification?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

The video talks about the fact that the RCA signal is not cleaner than speaker level. RCA is stepped down, and tied to chassis ground which in and of itself can introduce noise (because it is tied to most of the electronics in the car), which the amp eventually re-amplifies. Speaker level signal is not tied to chassis ground, and is easily handled by many modern amps - including all Kicker amps. Back in the day, this wasn't possible, but technology has caught up. The other nice part about speaker level input is that the amp doesn't have to work as hard to deliver the audio.

[@JasonWW2000]

The simple answer to your question is that headunit manufacturers add in some gain overlap to the amplified speaker level outputs. This can be helpful when listening to music recorded at a lower than normal level. You can max out the voltage and not have it clipping. You don't necessarily need built in gain overlap on the rca out because you can adjust the gain on the amp. The vast majority of radios do exactly this..

[@mikeg597]

Can someone please help as to why I try this method and I only get sound while the male tip of the RCA is plugged in as soon as I push it on all the way and the female side goes on sound cuts off 😑

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

You could have an issue with the amp or the cable. Contact Tech Support ay 405-624-8510 or [e-mail]. They are open weekdays from 8-5c.

[@JulioLucero1960]

How bout tapping into Factory Bose Amp. Will I need a L.O.C. or a Kissel???

[@JulioLucero1960]

Vehicle is a 2018 yukon

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

A traditional line out converter is not needed., so the answer is, at most, a KISL for convenience. The KEYLOC will improve the sound quality with its built-in DSP, but it is not mandatory for installation if you use a Kicker amp.

[@JulioLucero1960]

I do have a kicker kxa 1200.1 So does the keyloc connect to the same wires as the KisL???

[@vlc9521]

what if i use the built in high level input that built into the amp plus the rca input at the same time on the amp

[@mafosa8519]

should say in the directions not to do that. on the amp. you have to "enable" the selection. listing to them. sounds like the speaker wires are the best bet.

[@codyburgess74]

Is that work on the older amps like the Zx version are just a new amp

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Yes. The ZX amplifiers can take an input voltage ranging from 125mV to 10V. Here is the manual. www.kicker.com/app/manuals/amplifiers/zx/2011_ZX_7005_RevB.pdf

[@_willalexander.88]

I might be missing something here. You say speaker wire(high) is better then rca (low) going to external amp. your kisl turns that high into low right before the amp. doesn't the 10v high get dropped when you use the kisl? what line of amplifiers do this? why would you not just let the user run speaker wire directly to the amp and not have to use kisl? I have a 2016 cx600.5 which has fit gen 1. I ran a 9 wire from stock HU to amp and used your kisl. it worked but I noticed it was lacking clarity. I Just recently installed your zxsum8 between hu and amp. it sounds a lot better to me. this is using low level input to amp. don't your fancy rca's get rid of any extra noise anyways?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

You've got a few questions packed into your message, so let's take them one at a time. First, the KISL itself doesn't do any converting of the signal level. It simply allows a clean method of taking raw wires and turning them into the RCA cables necessary to plug into the amp. The conversion gets done inside the amplifier (all KICKER amps have this capability). The clarity issue could've been because you didn't have full range signal going into the amp before you got the SUM8, which is exactly what it is designed to help you with. Very often (pretty much always, actually) car manufacturers will ensure that you cant easily blow their factory speakers by limiting/compressing the signal going to each speaker. The tweeters, woofers and factory subs all get their own dedicated frequency ranges. So if you wire directly from one set of wires or another, you only get that frequency range - not the whole spectrum of audio. The SUM8's job is to take all of the signals from all the different speakers in the car, and bring them together for the full range signal you need for an aftermarket audio system. This is probably why it sounds better to you now.

[@_willalexander.88]

KICKER thanks. so is it feasible to create an amplifier that accepts speaker wire input, has option to sum the signal built in so no additional hardware is needed?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

I don't know of an amp with internal summing capability, but hey - you never know what the future holds!

[@firebirdude2]

You can actually signal sum with Kicker's iQ line and the Tweeq software.

[@brotharobmusic]

I have a zx2500.1 and love it but i hate the fixed subsonic filter, 24db slope@ 25hz🥺 i wish i could trade it for the new 2500

[@ericmcginnis9413]

When he said cutting and splicing a pair of rca' was a lot of work I knew somethings was up, basically marketing or trying to sell his kissel. If your capable and building a system you're capable of two sauder joints! Also why not simply increase the line level voltage by running a line driver! I will one day test this theory but I know back in '99 I ran a cadence electronic crossover with built in line driver increasing voltage and it made a world of difference!

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Running a line driver is unnecessary if you have a high level input that is already higher voltage and has a lower noise floor. Back in the day, higher end aftermarket head units would bypass the internal amplifier when routing the signal to the RCA outputs. This was a cleaner signal that might benefit from a line driver. With rare exception, today's head units don't do that (saves cost). They step down the already amplified signal to a lower voltage for the RCA connection, which at that point only serves to add noise to the system when it is re-amplified by the line driver. This is why our engineers designed our amps to take as much as a 40v input signal. Line drivers and LOC's are not only largely unnecessary with our gear; they will usually make your sound worse if you use them.

[@JasonWW2000]

To some people, cutting and splicing a pair of RCA cables and then soldering them together is way over their knowledge level. They may not even know how to solder. So thats legit.

[@Jcesarbadboy11]

It's this for both of voice and bass amplifier??

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Yes, it is for all of our amplifiers.

[@RufusPJones]

Is a kissle the same as kicker line out converter?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

A KISL is simply a set of RCA cables with raw ends on one side, making it easier to convert factory speaker wire into RCA: www.kicker.com/2-channel-speaker-rca-converter

[@hausboxes]

Can I use a kissel on a cxa 300.4?

[@1styearsi]

just got a KXM 1200.1 and i'm thinking KXM 400.4 to complete replacing my 20 year old rockford amps. back in the day i had some ZR 120's and a ZR 360 great amps!!! my question is my 2016 VW passat and lost fader control when i did my install i used a audiocontrol LC7i ( www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc7i/ ) for my loc.the good thing about that it has circuitry that fixes the bass roll off of the factory deck. i would like to take advantage of the fit input but won't i still have the bass roll off the stock radio has????? i know i'm using marine amps in a car but i got a hell of a deal on them.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

1styearsi Our amps affectively make that technology irrelevant. You keep your fading capability and we have bass restoration software built into the amp. Plus you’ll get a higher-quality signal.

[@1styearsi]

@@KICKER-AUDIO thanks for the reply,i will give the it a shot....hay i took out my old school 1999 fosgate BD1000 and installed the KXM1200.1 today,after a few adjustments to compensate for the differences that thing is pounding i mainly go for quality over bass(i am 49) but i like to be able to flex for the kids LOL .i run 2 dvc 10's at 4 ohms in a ported box built to the woofers spec,so i around 600 watts.i am not disappointed with the 1200. back in the day my ZR120 took MANY people buy surprise on 2 8 ohm 12's.sooo many of the great brands have gone bad. glad to see kicker still putting out quality equipment!!! anyone can have a chinabuild house throw their name on some board that is in numerous other amps like Eplison has,kicker is still rocking a proprietary designs :) :) good stuff!!!!!

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@1styearsiI'd wire those subs found to 1 ohm. You'd have more power available should you choose to turn them up. Sound quality at low power might improve as well.

[@chrisbaynes6554]

Awesome

[@kennybales9786]

That sounds great...unless you drive a 2017 Ford Fusion with the 401a option group and want to add a sub. OEM's built-in signal roll off has to be de-tuned which may or may not work, an LOC has to be connected to a rear speaker... Can I just bring you my car? :)

[@kennybales9786]

Just as you said at 20:00. Hahaha

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Check out the KEYLOC: www.kicker.com/keyloc-smart-line-out-converter and the KEY 500.1 www.kicker.com/key-5001-1-channel-smart-amplifier

[@kwyjibosponge]

lol you could have said "its so easy a Daveman can do it"

[@jamesg8246]

Almost all quality head units output a much cleaner signal over Low Level than High Level. Not only that many factory head units have a fixed range frequency attenuation of the signal on some of the outputs. Like a 15+ WRX, when you use the High Level outputs the rear channels will not be outputting a clean full range signal. So then you're amplifying a truncated signal.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

That used to be true, but modern RCA outputs (by and large) only step down the output signal, allowing more noise to be introduced into the preamp. Yes, there are some decks that don't do this, but it's the reason we recommend using a high-level input. It's also the reason our amps can take as much as 40v (400 watts) of input signal. Here is a video to explain in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYLdeXyKarF5nbs

[@jamesg8246]

@@KICKER-AUDIO I already watched that video. It's tip toes around my valid points. If the RCA outputs are just a pulled down output off the amplifier mains that doesn't make the line level mains superior. It just means it's easier to hide the same noise inside of the higher output relative to the noise level. Besides that, if you purchase a head unit that has a better SNR on the RCA outputs than on the line level outputs you ares till better off using the RCA preouts because you will be sending less noise to the amp. Using the line level outputs just masks the noise. The goal should be to start with a source that doesn't generate the noise to begin with, and use the outputs with the least amount of noise which on a proper head unit will be the RCA preouts if you did your homework before purchasing. Furthermore the viewer needs to keep in mind Kicker makes amps and speakers not head units. Kicker therfore can only deal with the signal they are given. That being the case they will of course promote their own amps as a solution (bandaid) rather than another companies head unit (addressing the source of noise). Most people who use your products are people who will use the factory head unit and tap into the line level outputs and traditionally put high to low level converter in which generates noise typically and is best avoided. So for THAT person this is a better solution. However the problem is many of today's factory head units mess with the signal coming out of the built in amp. I gave a specific example of one which you avoided addressing. So now someone who uses your FIT+ solution will be amplifying an already modified source signal, not a full range signal in all applications. Sure, the kind of person who would use line level outputs won't be the kind of person to know or care about that. But you don't acknowledge the fact that in many cases, using the line level outputs you are not getting a clean full range signal.

[@JasonWW2000]

​@@jamesg8246Wow, you sound extremely biased. You seem to be going out of your way to prove a point that isn't even relevant. Are you not understanding that the whole point is to lower, reduce or hide the noise?

[@fasfocus00]

Is KISL offered in a female connector version?

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

It comes with barrel connectors in the package, so you're covered. www.kicker.com/2-channel-speaker-rca-converter

[@gilbertvaliente7801]

Kip is the 👿!!!! 🤣, it is VERY hard for me to believe that speaker level is the way to go for SQ in and Amp, I have a Sony top of the line 5V pre amp ( for real , I checked) going into a key 200.4 amp on the RCA’s can I use for SQ better the speakers line than my awesome RCA’s? Please confirm I am in disbelieve on this, very hard to believe for a old head😅

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Its science, and the realities of most head units. Watch this video again for a detailed explanation (bring a notepad): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYLdeXyKarF5nbs

[@gilbertvaliente7801]

@@KICKER-AUDIO I will give it a try, I will let you guys know the outcome😁

[@jacobjokabayashi4127]

I have the kx1200.1 amp why not include a kissal with the amp and not set the standard

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

You bring up an interesting point. As a business, it won't be a surprise that we don't want to add cost (to you or to us) by adding a part that may or may not be used during the install. Some people have RCA's they end up cutting, others have aftermarket radios that require a standard RCA connection. As far as the "not set the standard" part of your question, I'm not completely clear on what you are asking. Could you explain?

[@curtisjenkins8900]

Can you.just jump off the speaker wire connected to speaker in the trunk?

[@JasonWW2000]

Yes, depending on the max voltage the amp can accept. The Kicker says that take 40 volt inputs can handle the factory sub amp no problem. 40v is like 400 watts. No factory sub amp is doing an actual 400 watts.

[@samuelbellamy4218]

My headunit goes to 11

[@FrankSanchez505]

So there is no use using a kickerloc

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

The KISLOC is useful if you don't have one of our amps, or you have an older Kicker amp that was made before we added the wider input range. The KEYLOC has the KEY DSP algorithm, which people may want if they need to improve their sound quality while identifying the frequency range of the speaker wire they tapped.

[@JasonWW2000]

Most people are probably buying and using the kicker LOC on other people's amplifiers. Lol.

[@Scorpio-tn4vy]

It's only as strong as it's weakest link.

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

True. More often than not, our engineers have found that link is the RCA outputs.

[@ifell3]

I swear this could have been answered in 5 minutes.

[@ifell3]

You did aha kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmi4XqGmgbunmcU

[@johnviera3884]

The emperor has no clothes. An LOC is just a voltage level attenuator they’re all the same don’t pay more than $40 for a voltage attenuator. Or do a little research and make your own

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

For the less expensive, all analog LOC's, yes. Absolutely true. Ours are made differently. Watch these videos to see why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2K8eIZpi66op8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmi4XqGmgbunmcU

[@JasonWW2000]

You have a lot to learn, young grasshopper.

[@johnviera3884]

@@JasonWW2000 I’ve tried a lot of them including the Audio Control with active volume control

[@JasonWW2000]

@@johnviera3884 And have you noticed how most have terrible frequency response? There's only a few specific ones that pass a really nice signal. Kicker actually has one that's about $20. I would not recommend any other brand to the average person.

[@aaronczech878]

does kicker even make any high end subs??? if so ive never seen them.. i owned comps, cvrs solobarics they all suck!!! in this new day and age there are many better options!

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

When you say "high end", are you talking SQ or SPL? They are two very different animals.

[@Rob-cm9jr]

I hate fit. Doesn't work over 30. Goes to 62

[@JasonWW2000]

We are going to need some more details to understand exactly what you're talking about.

[@johnviera3884]

Did this guy just make a whole video on hi level is better than low level. Oy vey. No wonder Kicker has a horrible reputation in car audio At 18:50 also hi level is dynamic not constant depending on the volume knob. And it’s not full range. It’s dependent on the head unit amplifier response. It’s hardly ever flat unlike low level RCAs

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

A long time ago, there were a few head units that bypassed the amp and sent a higher quality signal through the RCA's. Now, most aftermarket radios simply step down the amplified signal to save cost. This lower quality signal allows more opportunities to induce noise. A balanced level (speaker wire) is a better signal in most modern vehicles, especially going to amplifiers that have the flexibility of accepting a wide range of input voltages, like ours.

[@johnviera3884]

@@KICKER-AUDIO now I have to spend 100 hours trying to prove you wrong. Wish me luck. According to your theory we should be using XLR cables

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

We 40+ engineers on staff, and use Audio Precision , (way too many) O-scopes, and people with decades of experience to validate the concept. We do this because when we see a better way to do things, we invest the time, education and money into making sure it works. To employ your previous analogy, the emperor has a wardrobe that would make Tyra Banks jealous.

[@johnviera3884]

@@KICKER-AUDIO leave me alone I’m researching. I’m soldering a pot to my speaker cable RCAs

[@johnviera3884]

@@KICKER-AUDIO I’ve spent a week looking for a factory head unit that has a flat speaker output signal. Maybe you can ask your 40+ engineers if they can find one.

[@motorcity429]

What is this Good morning America get to the point already

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Were trying to get Strahan on the show...it takes time.

[@freedom6046]

These guys are stoned as hahahaha

[@KICKER-AUDIO]

Ummm...what?

[@urbankyng6467]

🤣🤣