My system has plenty of power. Who needs an amp?

You might think you don't need an amp because you have a 400-watt system in your car, or because your new stereo puts out 50 watts a channel. But those are peak wattage ratings, which may boil down to 15 or 20 watts per channel, using the more realistic RMS rating. An amp sends your speakers the power they need to deliver your music with clarity and impact, whether you're using factory speakers or high-performance components. And low-frequency reproduction requires lots of power, so an amp is an absolute must if you're adding a sub to your system.

Our take on the Kicker 12PX100.2

by Buck Pomerantz

Bring the music outside

Kicker designed the PX100.2 2-channel amplifier to work in your powersports vehicle, boat, motorcycle, ATV, golf cart, tractor, or any other vehicle using a 12-volt charging system. This weather-resistant music maker fits in the palm of your hand — or on the fairing of your bike — putting out up to 50 watts RMS per channel so you can hear your tunes clearly as you work or play outside.

Optimized for 2-ohm speakers

The PX100.2 employs Kicker's Direct Amp Technology™, using the vehicle's electrical system as its power supply so the amp will run cool even while you're pushing it hard and loud. Kicker recommends the PS5250 5-1/4" Powersports speakers as the perfect match for the PX100.2, as their 2-ohm impedance pulls maximum power from this dynamic little amp.

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Highlights:

2-channel amplifier (works in any vehicle with a 12-volt charging system)
25 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (50 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms)
Direct Amp Technology results in 90% efficiency
selectable high-pass filter (off, 100 Hz, 250 Hz at 24 dB/octave)
preamp and speaker-level inputs (speaker-level input requires an optional adapter)
14- to 10-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
fuse rating: 10A x 1
7-3/8"W x 2-1/16"H x 3-1/2"D
warranty: 2 years
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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	25 x 2
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	N/A
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) Loading...	50 x 2
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) Loading...	N/A
Minimum Impedance Bridged Loading...	N/A
Minimum Impedance Unbridged Loading...	2
Best Frequency Response Loading...	20-20k Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power Loading...	1%
Signal to Noise Ratio Loading...	85 dB
Input Voltage Loading...	---
Features
Amplifier Class Loading...	Not Given
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	N/A
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	N/A
High-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	100 Hz or 250 Hz
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	24 dB/oct
Bass Boost Loading...	No
Bass Boost Frequency Loading...	N/A
Fan Cooled Loading...	No
Fuse Rating Loading...	10
Speaker Level Inputs Loading...	Harness
Preamp Outputs Loading...	No
Width (inches) Loading...	7-3/8
Height (inches) Loading...	2-1/16
Depth (inches) Loading...	3-1/2
Parts Warranty Loading...	2 Years
Labor Warranty Loading...	2 Years

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

2-channel amplifier
12" Input/Output harness
In-line fuse holder
One 10-amp ATO fuse (installed)
Four 1" Self-tapping screws
Two 14-16 Gauge crimp-on ring terminals
Two 11-1/2" Zip-ties
Owner's manual (English/ Spanish/ German/ French)

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: PX series amplifiers are designed for motorized vehicles with small battery/charging systems; Kicker's new Direct Amp Technology uses the vehicle's charging system as its power supply, offering 90-percent efficiency. As a result, the PX100.2 draws a maximum of less than 10 amps and outputs solid power without taxing the limited charging capacity found on motorcycles, utility or other vehicles. Little ventilation is required and with its small footprint, the PX100.2 can be installed in motorcycle saddle bags or fairings, glove compartments, or other small spaces.

Power Output: The PX100.2 is a stereo amplifier and is 2Ω stable. The power output is 25 watts RMS x 2 at 4Ω (<1% THD+N) and 50 watts RMS x 2 at 2Ω (< 1% THD+N). The amp was designed to power one or two pair of PS5250 full range speakers (available in 4Ω and 2Ω), but it can also be used with other speakers.

Controls: The controls are under a rubber cover:

High Pass Crossover: two switches:
- on/off
- 100 Hz / 250 Hz; select crossover frequency
Input Level: select high (speaker level) or low (line level)
Auto Turn-on: select 12V (amp turns on when +12 volts is applied to the remote wire in the harness) or DC (amp turns on when a 6 volt surge is detected from a speaker level source)
Gain: rotary knob; adjust to match the output of the source unit

Wiring: All the wiring connections are in one Molex plug (power, ground, remote turn-on, speaker output, RCA input).

Speaker Level Input: When connecting a speaker level source, cut the RCA plugs off and splice into the remaining wire. If you prefer not cutting the RCA plugs off, use the Kicker ZS ZISL speaker level to RCA adapter (item number 20609ZiSL, sold separately).

Differential Input: The differential input circuit reduces the likelihood of picking up any engine noise.

Weather Resistant: The PX Amps are weather-resistant, using a conformal-coated circuit board for protection against the elements. They also include stainless-steel mounting hardware.