Kicker’s two biggest lines of amplifiers are the CX series and the KX series. The CX series features 6 models ranging between $149.95 and $449.95. The KX series features 9 models with a price range between $329.95 and $999.95.

Each series provides a variety of amplifiers with different channel capacities. The CX series features three mono block amps including the CXA1200.1 and the KX series features five including the KXA400.1 and the KXA1200.1. The CX series also features the CX360.4, a 4 channel amp, and the CX660.5, a 5 channel amp. The KX series features two four -channel amps and two two-channel amps. The CX series seems to have more variety, so why is the KX series so much more expensive?

Both CX and KX series amplifiers accept low level and high level inputs. Both series list their high-level input sensitivity at 250 mV - 10 V. The CX series has a low level input sensitivity of 125 mV - 5 VV. The KX series doesn’t list any low level input sensitivity, but it does say that it can accept it. However, because both the KX and the CX can both handle low-level and high-level sensitivity, there’s no real advantage for either series when it comes to inputs. The KX does have a DSP controlled pre-amp, but this only impacts the way the amplifier processes the information. With the DSP controlled pre-amp, the information is sent to a microprocessor instead of it being processed in the typical analog way. You will still set your crossovers where you set them, but the KX will just process this digitally. Once again, no real difference or advantage to either series.

So what gives one of these series the advantage over the other? Well, one of these areas in signal processing. The CX series features 12 dB/octave signal processing, whereas KX features 24 dB/octave signal processing. Now, why is this important to you? The 12 dB/octave processing isn’t going to be nearly as precise and will let unwanted signals through the crossover. Not only can this affect the overall sound, but it can damage small, high-frequency drivers in your sound system such as tweeters. However, with 24 dB/octave processing, the crossover will be much more precise. The right signals will get to the right driver (tweeters, woofers, etc.) and unwanted signals will be much more unlikely to get through. The signal processing is one area where the KX series really separates itself from the CX series as far as overall quality.

Another big feature that KX has and CX doesn’t is perfect gain setting lights. These lights allow you to quickly and easily perfectly set your gains without needing professional equipment or experience. As part of installing your KX series amp, you will receive a few test tunes. Using the combination of the test tunes and the perfect gain settings lights, you will be able to easily set your gains and establish the volume your head unit should never go above in order to prevent clipping. Ultimately, what this provides you with is a high quality sound that is free of distortion, as well as a sound system that is going to produce that high quality sound without damage for a long time. Without perfect gain setting lights, it becomes a more difficult task to set your gains and avoid clipping.

Kicker’s KX series features KickEQ+. KickEQ+ is a variable bass boost that allows you to customize your subwoofers to the music you listen to. On all KX series amplifiers, there will be three settings under KickEQ+; boost, center frequency, and bandwidth. Adjusting these three settings will allow you to choose how much bass boost you give your subwoofers, as well as where and how widely across your subwoofers that boost is applied. The CX series does have KickEQ variable bass boost. However, KickEQ is simply a 6dB bast boost whereas KickEQ+ is an 18dB bass boost. Also, KickEQ doesn’t have the central frequency and bandwidth controls that KickEQ+. So, for you as the listener, KickEQ+ in the KX series is going to provide you with more power in your subwoofers as well as more control, which is ultimately going to give you a better sound that can’t quite be matched by the CX series.

One final difference that you’ll notice is the remote knobs for each series. The CX units feature CXARC compatibility so that you can use a CXARC remote bass control to quickly raise or lower the bass level of your sound system. Otherwise, the CX series features traditional, fully analog controls on the actual amplifier. The KX series features the KXARC remote control, which you receive with the purchase of a KX-series amplifier. This remote is a wireless bluetooth remote so you can easily adjust settings on your amplifier without being directly near the amplifier. Is this a must-have feature? No, not at all. However, it is quite convenient to be able to adjust your amplifier on the go with the simple press of a button on a completely detached remote control.

With all that being said, the CX series amplifiers are not bad amps. In fact, they are quite solid as long as they aren’t pushed too hard. The CX series is going to get the job done for you. Think about a truck like the F-150, where you’ve got the base model, the XL, the XLT, the Raptor, etc. The CX series are the base model trucks that can get you back and forth without issues. That base model has the same engine as the more expensive truck, but it doesn’t have all the extra stuff that comes with that more expensive model. The CX series is the work truck and the KX series is the more expensive luxury vehicle. These amps have all the bells and whistles and are going to provide you with high power that sounds really clean. Ultimately, the CX series is going to give you raw power and the KX series is going to cost more for the same power, but it’s going to sound smoother.