Kicker CXA1200.1 Review
Are you in the market for an amplifier for your car? Look no further than the Kicker CXA1200.1.
A mono car amplifier that will deliver the upwards of 1200 watts RMS to your subwoofer, read through this Kicker CXA1200.1 review and discover that this is an amp built for some pretty big bass with a awesome amount of clarity.
Amazon affiliate here: If you click any Amazon links on my pages and purchase any products I get a small commission from within the original price. Thank you!
The adjustable bass boost (KickEQ) @ 40Hz makes it possible for you to regulate the bass starting at 0dB all the way to 12dB. You can set the level of sound output you find a comfortable setting to accommodate your musics characteristics but quickly change the settings for another song “on the fly”.
However, brute force is not the only purpose of this amplifier. There’s a subsonic filter that allows you to remove distortion by cutting off frequencies a performance subwoofer should not be producing, this helps lengthen the life of your subwoofer and amp.
The variable low-pass filter gives you maximum performance from the sub combo. This unit also comes with an optional CXRC Remote Bass Controller that you can use to regulate the bass boost allowing you to tune the system to perfection.
CXA1200.1 Additional Features
- Remote bass level controller (optional)
- Balanced differential inputs that minimize interference and noise
- PreAmp outputs and inputs
- 4-gauge power and ground lead
- Speaker-level inputs
- Vertical mounting hardware
- Two-year warranty and three-year warranty if purchased with a Kicker multi-amp kit or single amp wiring kit
Find Your Audio System's Ideal Wire Gauge
Kicker CXA1200.1 Specifications
- 600 Watt x 1 Channel @ 4 Ohm
- RMS Power
- LED Lights
- Dual speaker terminals
- 1200 Watt x1 Channel @ 2 Ohm
- Pulse Width Modulated MOSFET power supply
- 2400 Watt Max Power
- 3-way protection circuit
Kicker Money Back Guarantee
The Powerful Kicker 1200W Mono Amplifier comes with a 60-day money back guarantee, you probably wont have to take advantage of that option because of the quality kicker used when manufacturing this unit. Heck, even the older CX line of kicker amplifiers were almost bulletproof. I still run my CX series kicker amplifier today!
If you’re looking for powerful bass response at low power levels, you can regulate the system to 300 Watts (RMS) @ 4 ohms as-well.
Custom Mounting
The Kicker CXA1200.1 has a compact design. The design features screw holes and groves that allow you to mount the included brackets onto the amplifier and mount it vertically in some of the harder to reach locations of some vehicles. Connecting to this amplifiers very easy, you can use the speaker level or the line level RCA inputs to give you connection flexibility.
Audio Functionality
The 25 Hz subsonic high-pass filter is fit with 24dB/octave slope for a smooth and flexible operation. For versatility, there is an optional 12V remote and turn-on function. The amplifier can turn on via the signal input from the RCA inputs or from the standard Remote 12 volt input. Also, The Balanced differential inputs and lab-grade Fail-Safe Integration Technology that rejects noise and emits high-quality sound.
Wiring for this Amp is pretty similar to most amplifiers on the market now however, kicker seems to make things a bit easier with this line. Earlier we talked about some of the cool mounting features and some of the audio features. What I didn’t tell you was that this amp gives you the option to use Hi level or Low level inputs.
Ill explain. If you do not have an aftermarket amplifier that you would like to install into your vehicle currently using a factory stereo you generally only have one choice. You have to buy A Hi Low Converter commonly known as a “Line Output Converter” in order to get sound from your factory stereo to your new amplifier. Kicker came up with a really good idea. They implemented a High Low Converter into their amplifiers, including this one!
Kicker CXA1200.1 Installation Parts
- 4 Gauge Wiring Kit
- Hi Lo Converter (If you have a factory radio)
- Wired Bass knob (Lets you control your bass from the front seat)
- Your subwoofer(s)
- Subwoofer Enclosure(s)
Recommended Wiring Kit For The CXA1200.1
My go-to amp wiring kit is the Kicker 4 Gauge wiring kit with RCA wiring, not all amp kits have RCA wiring. Kicker makes all of the amp kits pretty well and i cant say that ive ever had any issues with them not providing proper amounts of current or having any hot spots down the line. I go with 4 gauge because of this amplifiers maximum RMS power rating, 1200 watts. Your wiring is very important, it can make or brake your sound system and potentially be dangerous. That being said, A true 4 gauge amp kit such as the one i recommended will definitely get the job done!
Recommended Hi Lo Converter
Pac makes a pretty good Line out put converter. The main thing I look for is one that helps to filter out possible signal noise and can be hidden in a place that wont be too visible.
Recommended Wired Bass Knob
Kicker makes a small sleek and efficient bass knob that can be taken apart in order to custom mount it. I like this one because i don’t really hear any complaints about it, and i shouldn’t. It literally has one job.
Kicker CXA1200.1 Wiring
Wiring is typical with this unit. You’ll run your battery wire to the battery fused within 8 inches of the batter post. Ground your amplifier using the ground wire found in your amp wiring kit within 10 inches of your amplifier onto a clean surface shaved of paint.
Run your signal wires (RCA Wires) that you plugged in to the subwoofer output connections behind your aftermarket radio to your amplifiers “input” connection. If you do not have an aftermarket stereo youll need to hook up a “Line output converter” to the speaker wire outputs behind your radio or the speaker outputs near the speaker locations. If you’ve never done this here’s more information on Line Output Converters.
After your signal wires have been connected and ran to the amplifier you have the fun task of actually turning the amplifier on. Since this kicker amp doesn’t have the ability for signal sensing like some of the other kickers you will need to hook up the ‘amp turn on’ wire to the amp also known as the Remote wire.
This wire is hooked up to a source that provides 12v only when your vehicle is running, telling the amp that it is okay to turn on without draining the battery. This wire is generally hooked up to a cigarette lighter circuit or an ignition wire circuit.
After all of these wires are hooked up make sure to connect to your subwoofers. If you have any questions about Installing an amplifier make sure to read our ‘How-To-Guide’ where we explain in pretty good detail how professionals install amplifiers.
ForAudioGeeks Kicker CXA1200.1 Conclusion
The Kicker CXA1200.1 is a serious amplifier for people that appreciate quality sound whether they are playing bass at a low volume or high. Hit the “BUY NOW” button to take a look at some of the customer reviews and see what actual kicker fans have to say about this unit!
