Kicker 46CXA660.5t 660 Watts RMS Class D 5 Channel Amplifier

Our testing and analysis of the Kicker CXA660.5

If you are looking for a legit 5-channel amplifier to run your entire audio system, then you may want to consider the Kicker CXA660.5  This 5 channel amplifier is more than capable of driving two sets of components and a 10-12 inch subwoofer and depending on loading, possibly even two subwoofers. The CXA660.5 Kicker amp is an excellent choice for great sounding power in a compact chassis. The Kicker CXA series amplifiers are the perfect combination of big power, flexibility and true reliability. The CXA660.5 combines the best of both amp topologies, they are Class-AB for the four full-range channels and Class-D for the Subwoofer channel. This provides flexibility with loading down to 2 ohms in stereo mode and 4 ohms in bridged mode on the full-range channels. The subwoofer channel can be loaded down to 2 ohms. Kicker has rated the amp with CEA-2006 compliance, we’ll put that to trial during our testing in a minute. 

What's inside the box?

Inside the box is an amplifier test birthing certificate, power chart,  Instruction manual, hardware, vertical mounting brackets, 

Dimensions

Dimensions of the amplifier include 14-1/8"W x 2-3/8"H x 6-3/4"D.

Factory power ratings

What can this amplifier do for power output? Kicker rates it 65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms, 90 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms, plus 150 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms and 300 x 1 at 2 ohms. Kicker provided the amplifier with a birthing sheet showing that this specific amplifier hit 732 Watts RMS of Certified Power Output. 

Our Kicker CXA660.5 Testing

CXA660.5 Four channels driven, 4 ohm, 1 KHz, 14.4v

The first test we ran was @ 4 ohms 4 channels driven, 14.2 volts, 1 KHz. Kicker rates it 65W here. We’re using our Audio Precision to generate our signal and measure distortion. Our HP8903B Audio Analyzer Picked up 73W RMS, .8% distortion and 17 volts of output. Our AMM-1 read 58 Watts and we drew 30.7 amps of current. 

CXA660.5 Four channels driven, 4 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

Next we went down to 40 Hz, 4-channels driven 14.2 volts. Our HP8903B Audio Analyzer Picked up 68W RMS, with 1% distortion and 16.4 volts. Our AMM-1 read 62 Watts. and we drew 30.8 amps of current.

CXA660.5 Two channels driven, 2 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

For our third test we went down to 2 ohms, 40 Hz 2-channels driven 14.2 volts. Our HP8903B Audio Analyzer Picked up 117W RMS, with 1% distortion and 15.1 volts of output. Our AMM-1 read 106 Watts. and we drew 28.7 amps of current.

CXA660.5 Subwoofer channel driven, 4 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

Then we tested the subwoofer channel output, 4 ohms, 14.2 volts, 40 Hz. Our HP8903B Audio Analyzer Picked up about 192W RMS, with 1.03% distortion and 27.5 volts of output. Our AMM-1 read 185 Watts and we drew 16.2 amps of current. 

CXA660.5 Subwoofer channel driven, 2 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

Our last power test was the subwoofer channel at 2 ohms, 14.2 volts, 40 Hz. Our HP8903B Audio Analyzer Picked up about 332W RMS, with 1.03% distortion and 25.6 volts of output. Our AMM-1 read 314 Watts and we drew 29.4 amps of current. 

CXA660.5 Channels 1-4, Frequency response

And our last test was frequency response on channels 1-4. We set our reference level of 2 volts at 1 KHz, zeroed our meter and ran up each frequency. Then we ran our subwoofer channel frequency response test.

Overall, this amplifier will give you some excellent power given its size. The amplifier is more than capable of driving an entire system making this incredibly flexible for all kinds of vehicles. 

Inputs and Adjustments

The CXA660.5 has three sets of RCA inputs to connect directly to your head unit with a set of RCA cables

 For adjustments the amp has an input hi low level switch allowing for 125 mv - 5 volt inputs on low level mode and 1volt - 40 volt in high level mode, 3 gain controls, variable high pass crossover between off and 200Hz for channels 1 through 4 and variable low pass crossover between 50Hz and 200 Hz on channel 5. Fixed 40 Hz bass boost between 0 and 6 dB. The amplifier is capable of 2 / 4 and 5 channel inputs with the Fader switch and Sub input switch. The amplifier features an optional remote bass control jack, to be used with CXARC to make bass adjustments up front.

Current draw

Due to the nearly 70 amps of combined current draw at 2 ohms we recommend using a minimum of 4 gauge power and ground leads. 

Kicker CXA660.5 F.I.T.

Kicker’s CXA Series amps reach their high power levels thanks to an optimized circuit layout and the highest-grade internal components available. These amplifiers are built with FIT Failsafe Integration Technology, giving the user the ability to send any audio source directly to the amplifier without line output converters. To provide flexibility, the CXA amplifiers provide DC offset turn on so no remote turn on wire needed for those OEM integrations. The CXA amplifiers can also be installed vertically, expanding your mounting options to fit in those tight spaces. 

Car amplifier installation

We show you the complete process of installing a Pioneer Double DIN car stereo in a Chevy truck. The in-depth video shows the installation of the interface, and steering wheel control.

Amplifier Installation basics

Let's start with the basics of adding or installing a car amplifier. First you will need to plan your installation and power wiring, this usually is the most difficult part of the installation for most.

How to choose the proper wire size explained

What size power wire do I need for my amplifier? Well, that depends on the length of the wire and the power consumption of the amplifier. We walk you through how to choose the right gauge wire and wire material depending on your amplifier installation requirements.

How to wire speakers and subwoofers to your new amplifier

In our third video we demonstrate the various ways you can wire speakers and amplifiers to all types of amplifiers. There different ways to do this depending on the type of amplifier you choose to purchase.

What is gain? How do I set it properly?

In our fourth video we demonstrate how to set the gains on your amplifier to prevent damage to your speakers, subwoofers and even possibly your new amplifier. Using a portable oscilloscope we show you how to set your gains.