Kicker L7S104 Solobaric Subwoofer and Rockville dB13 Amplifier System

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Kicker L7S104 10-inch Solobaric Subwoofer, Rockville dB13 Mono Class D Amplifier, and the accompanying Rockville RWK4CU 4 AWG Installation Wire Kit. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation or operation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.

2. Safety Information

Always observe the following safety precautions during installation and operation:

• Disconnect the vehicle's battery negative terminal before beginning any electrical work.
• Ensure all wiring is properly routed and secured to prevent damage or short circuits.
• Use appropriate gauge wiring as specified in this manual and the installation kit.
• Install fuses as close to the battery as possible to protect the electrical system.
• Avoid mounting components in locations that obstruct vehicle operation or safety features.
• Do not expose components to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
• Prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Adjust volume responsibly.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• (1) Kicker L7S104 10" Solobaric L7S Car Subwoofer
• (1) Rockville dB13 3000 Watt Peak / 750w RMS Mono Class D Amplifier
• (1) Rockville RWK4CU 4 AWG Gauge 100% Copper Complete Amp Installation Wire Kit OFC
• Subwoofer Owner's Manual
• Amplifier Owner's Manual
• Bass Remote for Amplifier
• Mounting Screws for Amplifier

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Kicker L7S104 Subwoofer Installation

The Kicker L7S104 subwoofer is designed for optimal performance in either sealed or ported enclosures. Refer to the subwoofer's specific owner's manual for detailed enclosure recommendations and dimensions.

Figure 4.1: Front view of the Kicker L7S104 Solobaric Subwoofer. This image shows the square cone design and the Kicker branding.

Figure 4.2: Rear view of the Kicker L7S104 Solobaric Subwoofer, highlighting the dual voice coil terminals for wiring.

Wiring: The L7S104 features dual four-ohm voice coils. Common wiring configurations include:

• 2-Ohm Load: Wire the two 4-ohm voice coils in parallel. This configuration is suitable for the Rockville dB13 amplifier, which is stable at 2 ohms.
• 8-Ohm Load: Wire the two 4-ohm voice coils in series. This configuration is less common for this amplifier but may be used in specific multi-subwoofer setups.

Ensure proper polarity when connecting the subwoofer to the amplifier.

4.2 Rockville dB13 Amplifier Installation

Select a mounting location that is dry, well-ventilated, and secure. Avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat.

Figure 4.3: The Rockville dB13 Mono Class D Amplifier, shown with its included bass remote control.

1. Power Wiring:
   • Connect the 4 AWG power cable (from the RWK4CU kit) to the amplifier's +12V terminal.
   • Route the power cable directly to the vehicle's positive battery terminal.
   • Install the included ANL fuse holder with the appropriate fuse (typically 80-100A for this amplifier) within 18 inches (45 cm) of the battery.
2. Ground Wiring:
   • Connect the 4 AWG ground cable (from the RWK4CU kit) to the amplifier's GND terminal.
   • Connect the other end of the ground cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle's chassis. Ensure a solid, low-resistance connection. The ground cable should be as short as possible, ideally less than 3 feet (1 meter).
3. Remote Turn-On Wiring:
   • Connect a remote turn-on wire (typically 18 AWG, included in RWK4CU kit) from your head unit's remote output to the amplifier's REM terminal. This wire turns the amplifier on and off with your head unit.
4. RCA Signal Input:
   • Connect RCA cables from your head unit's subwoofer or full-range pre-outs to the amplifier's RCA input jacks.
5. Speaker Wiring:
   • Connect the subwoofer's speaker wires to the amplifier's speaker output terminals. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
   • Given the L7S104's dual 4-ohm voice coils, wire them in parallel for a 2-ohm load to maximize the dB13 amplifier's power output.

4.3 RWK4CU 4 AWG Installation Kit Usage

The RWK4CU kit provides all necessary wiring and accessories for a complete amplifier installation. Ensure all cables are routed away from moving parts, sharp edges, and potential interference sources (e.g., vehicle's ECU, antenna cables). Use cable ties to secure wiring.

• Power Cable: Red, 4 AWG, for +12V connection.
• Ground Cable: Black, 4 AWG, for chassis ground.
• RCA Interconnect: For audio signal transmission.
• Remote Turn-On Wire: Blue, for amplifier activation.
• Speaker Wire: For connecting the amplifier to the subwoofer.
• Fuse Holder & Fuse: For battery protection.
• Terminals & Cable Ties: For secure connections and cable management.

5. Operation

5.1 Initial Power-Up and Break-In

After completing all wiring, reconnect the vehicle's battery. Turn on your head unit. The amplifier's power indicator should illuminate.

Subwoofer Break-In: Allow the subwoofer to break in for approximately 10-20 hours of play time at moderate volume levels. This allows the suspension components to loosen and reach their optimal performance characteristics.

5.2 Amplifier Settings (Rockville dB13)

Adjust the amplifier settings carefully to match your system and preferences.

• Gain Control: This matches the amplifier's input sensitivity to your head unit's output voltage. Start with the gain at minimum. Play a track with strong bass at about 75% of your head unit's maximum volume. Slowly increase the amplifier gain until you hear distortion, then back off slightly. Do not use the gain control as a volume knob.
• Low Pass Filter (LPF): The dB13 features a fully adjustable 12dB/octave crossover. For a subwoofer, set the LPF to filter out frequencies above a certain point, typically between 60Hz and 100Hz. This ensures the subwoofer only reproduces low frequencies.
• Subsonic Filter: This filters out extremely low frequencies that the subwoofer cannot reproduce effectively, preventing damage and improving sound quality. A common setting is between 20Hz and 30Hz.
• Bass Boost: Use sparingly, if at all. Excessive bass boost can lead to distortion and potential damage to the subwoofer. If used, adjust carefully.
• Bass Remote: The included bass remote allows for convenient adjustment of the subwoofer's output level from the driver's seat.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the subwoofer cone and amplifier chassis. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Inspection: Periodically check all wiring connections for tightness and corrosion. Ensure no wires are frayed or pinched.
• Ventilation: Ensure the amplifier's cooling fins are free from dust and debris to maintain proper heat dissipation.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

8.1 Kicker L7S104 10" Solobaric Subwoofer

• Size: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Impedance: Dual 4 Ohms Voice Coils (DVC)
• Peak Power Handling: 1200 Watts
• RMS Power Handling: 600 Watts
• Sensitivity: 86.8 dB (1w/1m)
• Frequency Response: 24Hz - 100Hz
• Mounting Depth: 6-1/4 inches (15.9 cm)
• Mounting Cutout (Square): 9-5/16 inches (23.7 cm)
• Recommended Sealed Box Volume: 0.66 - 1.0 cu. ft. (18.7 - 28.3 liters)
• Recommended Vented Box Volume: 1.25 - 2.25 cu. ft. (35.4 - 63.8 liters)
• Features: Injection-Molded Polypropylene Cone, Patented Corner Ribs, SoloKon 360-Degree Back Bracing, Ribbed Santoprene Surround, UniPlate™ Back Plate and Pole Piece, Perimeter Venting, Cast Aluminum Basket.

8.2 Rockville dB13 Mono Class D Amplifier

• CEA Compliant RMS Power (2 Ohm): 750 Watts x 1 Channel (<1% THD+N)
• CEA Compliant RMS Power (4 Ohm): 450 Watts x 1 Channel (<1% THD+N)
• RMS Power (2 Ohm): 1500 Watts x 1 Channel
• RMS Power (4 Ohm): 900 Watts x 1 Channel
• Peak Power (2 Ohm): 3000 Watts x 1 Channel
• Peak Power (4 Ohm): 1800 Watts x 1 Channel
• Class: D
• Power Supply: High-Speed MOSFET
• Crossover: Fully Adjustable 12dB/Octave with Differential Circuitry
• Features: Optical Coupler Class D Technology, Bass Remote.

8.3 Rockville RWK4CU 4 AWG Installation Kit

• Gauge: 4 AWG
• Material: 100% Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
• Components: Power Cable, Ground Cable, RCA Interconnect, Remote Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, ANL Fuse Holder, ANL Fuse, Terminals, Cable Ties.

9. Warranty and Support

Warranty: The Kicker L7S104 Subwoofer and Rockville dB13 Amplifier are covered by a limited warranty. Please refer to the individual product manuals or the manufacturer's website for specific warranty terms and conditions. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Support: For technical assistance or customer service, please contact the respective manufacturers:

• Kicker: Visit www.kicker.com for support resources and contact information.
• Rockville: Visit www.rockvilleaudio.com for support resources and contact information.