We found the manual pretty complete as far as how to adjust the various features, but it assumes a fairly high level of knowledge on the part of the installer. For instance, it explains how to set the gain (which buttons to push) but not how to determine the correct level. Same thing with the crossovers and parametric equalizer, the book expects you to know what you're after and explains how to make the setting. On the other hand, there are three settings for the Kompressor(tm) (besides OFF) with suggestions as to which setting you might want to use, but it would be nice to see some specs (i.e., threshold, compression ratio, etc.)
The manual also contains information regarding the warranty, which covers materials and workmanship for 90 days or two years when purchased from an authorized Kicker dealer.
Listening TestAfter installing the SX400.2 in the Buick, we sat in the driveway with the A/C and baseball game on for few minutes to cool down. It took a few extra minutes to learn the gain menus. We leaned into the trunk in 98-degree heat long enough to get that trunk lip mark across our foreheads again. The amp is connected to the 6.5-inch separates in the front doors at 4 ohms, so it should be delivering about 88-watts per channel.
We started with The Waybacks' Way Live album. The Waybacks are an energetic bluegrass band with a great drummer (think speed-grass). The CD is recorded with various solo instruments panned pretty hard left or right, so you can really hear the guitars, mandolin and fiddle quite clearly. All the instruments sounded true, right down to the picking and bowing sounds. It was just as if you were listening to them being played right in front of you. The male vocals were also very convincing.
Next up was Donald Fagen's Nightfly. On the intro to "Snowbound," we could really hear the individual low notes from the Fender Rhodes, but the cymbal work starting off "Tomorrow's Girls" was really just OK.