Amplifier KICKS 1.350 is a specialized device designed to improve the sound characteristics of the standard audio system in cars Nissan Kicks and other models with similar electrical architecture. Unlike universal amplifiers, this model is optimized for the features of the on-board network 12V and acoustic parameters of the interior of compact crossovers. Main advantage - combination of compact dimensions (180×120×40 mm) with an output power of 4×90 W at a load of 4 Ohms, allowing it to be integrated even into limited space behind the dashboard.

However, many owners encounter problems during installation: from incorrect selection of wire sections to errors in crossover settings, which leads to sound distortion or overheating. In this article we will analyze not only the technical characteristics and connection diagrams, but also practical nuances, which the manufacturer is silent in the instructions - for example, how to avoid interference from the CAN bus or why standard RCA cables are not always suitable here.

Technical characteristics of the KICKS 1.350 amplifier: what the specifications hide

On paper KICKS 1.350 looks like a typical 4-channel Class AB amplifier, but there are a few key differences that affect actual performance:

  • 🔋 Food: rated voltage 12–14.4V, but the device works stably even with 11.5V (critical for cars with a weak generator). Maximum current consumption - 25A, which requires a fuse of at least 30A.
  • 🎛️ Input sensitivity: 0.2–6V (unlike standard 0.5–5V), which allows you to connect directly to the radio without a linear output via high-level inputs.
  • 🔊 Load impedance: supports 2–8 ohms, but at 2 ohm power drops by 30% due to overheating protection. Optimal range - 4 ohm.
  • 📉 Harmonic Distortion (THD): declared 0.05% only achieved under load 4 ohm and volume level up to 70%. If exceeded, distortion increases to 0.3%.

The cooling system deserves special attention: an aluminum alloy radiator with a ribbed structure is effective only with forced ventilation. In closed recesses (for example, under a seat), the temperature may exceed 60°C, which leads to automatic power reduction by 40%. The manufacturer recommends installing the amplifier in the air conditioner blowing area or using an additional cooler.

📊 Where are you planning to install the KICKS 1.350 amplifier?
  • In the trunk
  • Under the front panel
  • Behind the rear shelf
  • At the door
  • Another option

Connection diagram: step-by-step instructions taking into account Nissan features

Standard instructions from the manufacturer do not take into account the specifics of electrical wiring Nissan Kicks, where the signal wires of the radio are often insufficiently shielded, and CAN bus creates interference. Below is an adapted diagram taking into account these nuances:

  1. Food: connect +12V directly to the battery through the fuse 30A, and not to the cigarette lighter. Use a cable with a cross-section 4 mm² (not 2.5 mm², as advised in most guides!).
  2. Earth: The grounding point must be at bare metal body (not bolted under the plastic!). The optimal place is the front seat mounting bolt.
  3. Control wire (REM): in Nissan Kicks it can be taken from blue/white wire radio (contact A10 on the connector). If the radio does not have a REM output, use ignition relay.
  4. Speaker wires: for speakers use cable 1.5–2.5 mm² with silicone insulation (for example, OFC KnuKonceptz>). The length should not exceed 3 meters - otherwise the signal loss will be up to 20%.

Critical error - ignoring noise filter. B Kicks The CAN bus runs close to audio wires, which causes a characteristic "digital noise" at high frequencies. Solution:

Use shielded, double-braided RCA cables

Install a ferrite filter on the amplifier power supply

Separate signal and power wires at a distance of ≥20 cm

Connect the 1F capacitor to the power supply (in parallel with the amplifier) -->

To check the correct connection, use a multimeter in voltage measurement mode on RCA outputs. Normal indicators: 1–2V at maximum volume. If the value exceeds 4B, reduce the gain on the amplifier to avoid clipping.

Sound settings: how to avoid common mistakes

Most users after installation KICKS 1.350 face two problems: excessive low frequencies (muttering) or sharp high (tired ears). The reason is incorrect crossover and equalizer settings. Optimization algorithm:

  1. Crossovers:
    • 🔊 Front speakers: HPF (high filter) on 80 Hz, slope 12 dB/oct.
    • 🔊 Rear speakers: HPF on 120 Hz (if there is no subwoofer) or LPF on 5 kHz (if any).
    • 🔊 Subwoofer: LPF on 80 Hz, 24 dB/oct, phase 0° (if the speaker is in the trunk) or 180° (if in the salon).
  • Volume levels: adjust the balance so that the front speakers are at 2–3 dB louder than the rear ones. This creates the effect of a “scene” in front of the driver.
  • Equalizer: reduce the band 2–4 kHz on 1–2 dB - this will reduce fatigue on long trips.

    • An important nuance: in KICKS 1.350 function implemented Auto EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound to the interior acoustics. However, it only works when closed windows and speeds up to 60 km/h. At higher speeds the mode is activated Road Noise Compensation, which can boost low frequencies excessively.

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    For fine tuning, use test tracks with pink noise (for example, Sweep 20–20kHz from AudioCheck). This will help identify the resonant frequencies of the cabin, which usually appear in the range 100–150 Hz.

    Comparison with analogues: why KICKS 1.350 outperforms competitors

    There are several amplifiers on the market with similar characteristics, but KICKS 1.350 has a number of unique advantages for owners Nissan:

    Parameter KICKS 1.350 Pioneer GM-D8704 Alpine KTP-445U JBL Club A600
    Power (4 ohms) 4×90 W 4×100 W 4×45 W 4×75 W
    Input sensitivity 0.2–6V 0.2–4V 0.5–2V 0.3–5V
    High-level input support Yes (automatic recognition) Yes (manual switch) No Yes (requires adapter)
    Anti-clipping Hardware + software Hardware only Missing Software (delayed)
    CAN bus compatible Yes (built-in filter) No Partially No

    Main advantage KICKS 1.350 — built-in surge protection, relevant for vehicles with the system Start-Stop. Competitors (eg. Alpine KTP-445U) when the voltage drops below 11V are turned off, while KICKS continues to work, reducing power smoothly.

    ⚠️ Attention: When using an amplifier with a subwoofer with a power greater than 300 W be sure to install an additional capacitor with a capacity 1–1.5F. Otherwise, with bass at high volume, voltage drops of up to 10.5V, which leads to resetting the radio settings.

    Typical faults and solutions

    Even if installed correctly KICKS 1.350 may behave unstable. Below is a table of the most common problems and their causes:

    Symptom Probable Cause Solution
    Amplifier turns on but no sound The REM wire is incorrectly connected or there is no signal from the radio Check the voltage at REM (should be 12V when turned on). Use a tester to check the RCA outputs.
    Sound distorts at high volumes Clipping due to too high input signal or low speaker impedance Reduce the gain on the amplifier. Check the impedance of the speakers (should be ≥4 ohm).
    The amplifier overheats and turns off Insufficient ventilation or poor food quality Install an additional cooler. Check the voltage at the battery terminals (should be ≥13.8V at idle).
    Extraneous noise (hissing, crackling) Interference from the CAN bus or poor grounding Use ferrite beads on RCA cables. Move the grounding point closer to the battery.

    If the amplifier suddenly turns off after 10–15 minutes work, check fuse - it can be designed for lower current. Also the reason may be voltage sag in the on-board network. To diagnose, connect a voltmeter to the amplifier terminals and check the voltage at maximum load (for example, when turning on the headlights and air conditioning).

    What to do if the amplifier does not turn on at all?

    1. Check the fuse on the amplifier (often hidden under a cover near the power terminals).

    2. Measure the voltage at +12V And REM - if not on REM 12V, the problem is in the radio or wiring.

    3. Disconnect all speakers and check if the amplifier turns on - if so, then the problem is in the load (short circuit in the speakers).

    4. If the amplifier still does not respond, reset its settings to factory settings (hold down the Mode for 10 seconds).

    System upgrade: compatible components for KICKS 1.350

    To unlock the potential of an amplifier, it is important to choose the right components of the audio system. Optimal pairs:

    • 🔊 Front speakers: Focal PS 165 (16.5 cm, 4 Ohm) or Morel Tempo Ultra 6. They have high sensitivity (92 dB), which compensates for power losses at high frequencies.
    • 🔊 Rear speakers: JBL GTO629 (16.5 cm, 3 Ohm) - their low impedance allows you to get additional 10–15 W power from the amplifier.
    • 🔊 Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-WX1210A (12", 4 Ohm) or Alpine S-W10D4. For them, one amplifier channel in bridge mode is enough (the power will be ~180 W).
    • 🎧 Soundproofing: StP Gold (2–3 layers on the door) + Bitoplast 10 mm on the floor. This reduces resonance and improves bass 30–40%.

    When choosing a subwoofer, keep in mind that KICKS 1.350 in bridge mode it gives 2×180 W at 4 ohm, but only at frequencies lower 100 Hz. For music with deep bass (such as EDM or hip-hop) it is better to use a separate monoblock.

    ⚠️ Attention: When connecting a subwoofer in bridged mode do not use speakers with impedances below 4 ohm. This will lead to overheating of the amplifier's output transistors and reduced service life.

    Owner reviews: real operating experience

    Analysis of reviews on forums (Drive2, Nissan Club) shows that KICKS 1.350 is estimated on average at 4.2/5, but there are a number of recurring comments:

    • ✅ Pros:
      • 🔹 Compact size - easy to place behind the dashboard.
      • 🔹 Clear highs even on standard speakers Nissan.
      • 🔹 Stable operation at low voltage (relevant for winter time).
    • ❌ Cons:
      • 🔸 Weak bass without a subwoofer (acoustics need improvement).
      • 🔸 Poor packaging - the box contains only the amplifier itself and instructions (no wires or fasteners).
      • 🔸 Heats up when used for a long time at high volume (additional airflow is needed).

    Fun fact: the owners Nissan Juke And Qashqai also successfully use this amplifier, despite the fact that it is positioned as a model for Kicks. The only difference is in Juke the REM wire needs to be modified, since the standard radio does not output 12V to the control contact.

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    The KICKS 1.350 amplifier is ideal for a budget-friendly audio system upgrade, but for full sound, additional investment in speakers and soundproofing will be required.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect KICKS 1.350 to a stock radio without RCA outputs?

    Yes, the amplifier supports high-level input. To connect, use the wires from the rear speakers (usually gray/gray-black and green/green-black wires in the radio connector). Important: Set the jumper on the amplifier to position High-Level Input.

    What fuse is needed to power the amplifier?

    Manufacturer recommends 30A, but if the length of the battery cable exceeds 3 meters, it's better to use 40A. The fuse must be closer to the battery (no further 30 cm from the terminal).

    Why does my amplifier make a clicking noise when turned on?

    This is a normal phenomenon - the power relay is activated. However, if the clicking sounds are repeated during operation, this is a sign unstable REM signal. Solution: Connect the REM through a voltage stabilizer (eg LM7805).

    Can KICKS 1.350 be used to connect 6 speakers?

    Technically yes, but you will need to connect the rear speakers in parallel (two per channel). Note that the load impedance will drop to 2 ohm, and the power per channel will drop to ~60 W. For 6 speakers, it is better to consider a 5-channel amplifier.

    How to reset your amplifier to factory settings?

    Press and hold the button Mode on the front panel 10 seconds until the indicator blinks. Alternative method: Turn off the power to 30 seconds (in this case, only custom equalizer presets will be saved).