Great two channel amp for compact, or non-high performance needs. I am currently using this amp as a two channel setup with Rockford Prime 6x9's in an FJ40. The sound is clear and tight. Unlike amps I've owned in the past, this one doesn't heat up very much until you start to push it at high volumes for long periods of time. It is small and easy to hide. A few words about the features of the amp:
-Hookup: If you have ever installed a car amplifier before, it is all the same. If not, read articles on [...] to get an idea of what you will be expected to do, and the other parts (like wires) you will need to purchase to make this work. If none of it makes sense seek out a local audio installation shop or find a friend with experience. I am using a 30amp fuse in a Rockford fuse holder, 8 gauge Directed power and ground, and 16 gauge speaker wire.
-Sound Quality: I do not have a head unit in my truck because I do not want to advertise I have sounds in it. The stock location of the AM radio is empty, with some dummy wires hanging out of it to make it look like the deck was removed. I am using a 3.5" to RCA wire to connect the amp to an MP3 player as a sourse. The MP3's are compressed at 192 and the sound quality is much more than adequate. I can turn it up louder than I need to without distortion. Since I don't have a sub yet, there isn't a whole lot of bass, but I find the sound to be whole and smooth. I have Inifity Reference 5022 5.25" in my other car which seem to be missing mid-range, while being slightly harsh on the high treble. I do not want this to turn into a review of the speakers, but the amp seems to be supplying the audio signal with enough power for the speakers to do their job properly is what I would like to convey.
-SAMS "Stereo and Mono Operation Simultaneously" : According to the manual, if you have 4 ohm full range speakers, and a 4 ohm sub, you can hook them all up at once, with 50x2 to the highs and 100x1 to the sub. You will need to supply your own passive crossovers for this setup. I will probably move to this type of setup in the future, for now I'm using it in 50x2 only.
-Audio sensing turn on: I originally wanted to use this setup, but it turned out that it didn't work EXACTLY as I thought. Once the power was connected, and the source played music, the amp turned on properly, but did not turn off when the source turned off or was disconnected. I have since given up on this turn on method and am using the normal 12v turn on lead. The manual states this should only be used if the other preferred methods of automatic turn on were not available. I did adjust the gain properly as discussed in the manual. I even tried turning the gain to zero, and it still did not turn off. I am removing one star for this product because this feature did not work, but I wish I could discount it half a star because it is not a primary feature, but I think it should work if it is an included option.
The amp that I received came with a birth certificate of power handling, and mine was rated at 123 watts x1 channel (which is a little over the specs), some crimp terminals, spare fuse, and manual. Overall, I am very happy with this small setup for my truck. I don't want to drive around advertising that I have loud sounds, but I still want it to sound good. Long drives can be taxing without music, and after a 3 hour one way drive, I decided I should do something about this and I am happy I purchased this amplifier.
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Kicker 08ZX1002 2X50-Watt Stereo AmplifierProduct Description: ZX dominance means severe stereo or mono amplifier power surging into corresponding KICKER subwoofers and speakers. ZX dominance also means the utmost reliability from the biggest name in trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound.
Trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Click to enlarge. All ZX Amps are now outfitted with differential RCA inputs. Click to enlarge. Upgrade to ZX850.2, ZX550.2, ZX450.2 or ZX350.2 for an included remote bass control. ZX-Series Amplifiers return for 2008 as reliable as ever--21 no-fault options to run a complete car audio system. Two-channel, four-channel, three- and five-channel hybrids, and absurd single-channel subwoofer amps round out a hard-working, noise-free lineup known for supplying the force until the listener shuts the music down. And now all ZX Amps are outfitted with differential RCA inputs, completely eliminating unwanted whines and audio trash and making for the most enjoyable listening experience possible. Differential inputs and new automatic turn-on modes make ZX Amps some of the most complete power producers on the market.
ZX Stereo Amplifiers Eight ZX.2 Stereo Amplifiers, from a space-saving, 50-watt model up to a 425-watt thumpin' one, offer a bundle of features that designate them unbeatable. Each amp includes a built-in 12dB/octave high-, low-, or all-pass electronic crossover variable from 50 to 200 hertz, and a KICKEQ Boost that offers up to 18 decibels of bass centered at 40 hertz.
For added convenience, balanced differential inputs make KICKER ZX Amplifiers compatible with any factory radios, and they eliminate unwanted noise in a system. Boost, gain, and crossover frequencies are top-mounted for easy access, and a handy protection indicator featuring a new flashing yellow low-voltage light enhances the end panel. "Soft-start" circuitry lessens initial shock load when powering up, and a muting circuit cancels audio noise that surges down the line. One of three different automatic turn-on modes (remote, DC offset, signal sense) can be selected on the end panel to best suit the system setup. A mountable remote bass control directing sub output comes standard with the larger four stereo amps.
ZX100.2 Features
3 automatic turn-on modes
Balanced differential inputs for noise elimination
RCA inputs have direct speaker level input capability
Easily removable top allows for custom painting
Optional end caps
2 ohm stability on all amps
Angled power connections
What's in the Box ZX100.2 amplifier, Mounting hardware, User's manual
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My first Kicker amp and I was impressed with the raw power and quality fidelity. The Remote Power options work great and you don't need to run a wire from the stereo to turn the amp on when the stereo comes on.
