Does your car audio system sound flat? Do you crave that deep, rumbling bass that makes your music truly come alive? Many car owners dream of powerful sound, but when it comes to choosing a Kicker subwoofer, the choices can feel overwhelming. You see terms like “voice coils,” “RMS power,” and different series names, and suddenly, that dream of booming bass seems complicated.
Picking the perfect Kicker sub means balancing power, size, and your budget. Getting it wrong means wasted money and disappointing sound. But don’t worry! We have broken down the confusing Kicker lineup just for you. This guide cuts through the jargon.
By the end of this post, you will understand exactly which Kicker subwoofer fits your vehicle and your listening style perfectly. Get ready to turn up the volume with confidence. Let’s dive into the world of Kicker bass!
Top Kicker Subwoofer Recommendations
- The Hideaway HS10 is a compact powered 10-inch subwoofer that delivers surprising low frequency impact in a tough, all-aluminum frame.
- The included remote control allows you to change the amount of bass without changing the radio volume, for the perfect mixture of bass in your music at any volume.
- The Hideaway comes with an adjustable low-pass crossover, variable +6dB bass boost, phase switch, and two auto turn-on options: DC-offset or signal sensing.
- A mere two millimeters taller than its little brother the HS8, the HS10 delivers more power and a bigger impact in an all-aluminum frame.
- The quick-connect Molex plug and harness includes power, signal and remote turn-on. It also features high- and low-level inputs for integration with nearly any factory or aftermarket head unit, plus two automatic turn-on options for incredibly easy activation.
- Compact, factory-tuned enclosure for tight locations to fit many trucks and SUVs
- Two models available – 12-inch sub with 500-watt amp, or a 10-inch sub with 400-watt amp
- Amp is built-in and power-matched for hard-hitting bass
- Easily integrates with factory system
- Down-firing for ultimate driver protection
- Compact Powered 12-Inch Subwoofer System – Low-profile, all-aluminum 12" powered enclosure designed to fit under seats and in tight spaces while delivering strong low-frequency impact.
- FIT+ Integration for Modern Vehicles – KICKER FIT+ (Fail-safe Integration Technology PLUS) accepts input signals from 0.25V to 40V (up to 400W at 4Ω) and is compatible with many newer start/stop vehicles without requiring an external line output converter.
- 230 Watts RMS with Full Control – Built-in 230-watt RMS amplifier with a 12 dB/octave low-pass crossover adjustable from 50–120 Hz, a 24 dB/octave high-pass filter at 25 Hz, 0°/180° phase switch, and variable KickEQ bass boost up to +6 dB at 40 Hz.
- Included Remote Bass Level Control – Wired remote knob lets you adjust subwoofer level from the driver’s seat without changing the main radio volume, so you can dial in the right amount of bass for any song or volume setting.
- Broad Frequency Response in a Slim Enclosure – Plays from 25–120 Hz in a compact chassis measuring approximately 17-1/8" (D) x 12-1/8" (W) x 3-1/2" (H) and weighing about 17.5 lbs (7.92 kg), making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles and seating locations.
- L7T Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures are ultra-thin, square subwoofers loaded in a custom-tuned box, made to pound out the low notes without taking up the cargo space you need.
- The tough down-firing enclosure design with internal bracing resists stacking weight and scratches. Pile up the cargo!
- Equipped with a thin L7T Solo-Baric sub, the down-firing enclosure effortlessly fits under the seat, in your trunk or in your cargo area – no grille needed!
- The L7T features Forced-Air Cooling, creating high power handling and ultra reliability.
- Extremely Compact Design with Drivers Hidden, Becoming a Part of the Vehicle’s Makeup
- New CompRT Features Forced-Air Cooling - 20% Cooler for Increased Reliability
- High-Output ReFLEX Passive Woofer Intensifies Bass Output
- Internally Braced Enclosure Provides Ultimate Protection
- Easily Mounts in Cargo Area, with No Space Issues
- Affordable big-bass performance - without taking up lots of room in your trunk or cargo area.
- Tough as nails. Load your cargo right on top of the sub for extra space – with plenty of bass!
- Full perimeter venting and UniPlate back plate and pole piece
- Stiff, injection-molded cone with 360-degree back bracing
- Utilizes extensive internal bracing, thick MDF construction and custom embroidery
- Package Includes: (1) Kicker 43DC122 Comp Dual 12" Subwoofers In Vented Sub Box Enclosure, 2-Ohm, (1) RockvilIe dB11 1400w/700w RMS Mono Class D 2-Ohm Amplifier Car Amp+Bass Remote, (1) RockvilIe RWK81 8 Gauge Complete Amp Installation Wire Kit with 100 % Copper RCA
- Features of 43DC122: KICKER 43DC122 Comp Dual 12" Subwoofers In Vented Sub Box Enclosure, 2-Ohm, Dual Subwoofer Size: 12 inches (30 cm), Impedance: 2 Ohms, Power Handling: 600 Watts Peak, 300 Watts RMS, Recommended Power Range: 100 - 300 Watts RMS @ 2 Ohms, Injection molded SoloKon cone, Optimized Polyfoam Ribbed Surround, Extremely rigid cone, along with 360 degree back bracing eliminates distortion, Double stitched surround for enhanced durability
- Tinsel leads woven into the spider with Kicker's Spiralead technology, Single high-temperature 4 Ohm voice coil, 45 oz. Magnet Structure, Frequency Response: 30 - 500 Hz, Sensitivity: 95 dB, 3/4" MDF Construction, Heavy duty black carpeting, Embroidered Kicker logo, Monogrammed carbon fiber front
- Features of dB11: Optical Coupler Class "D" Technology, Fully Adjustable 12dB / Octave Crossover with Differential Circuitry, Low Pass Filter: 50Hz - 250Hz, Subsonic Filter: 15Hz - 55Hz, Phase Control, Full IC-Controlled Protection Circuitry, Fully Adjustable 12dB Bass Equalizer, Mute and Delay Soft Start System, Status Mode LED Indicator, Minimum THD at Rated Power: <0.1%, S / N Ratio: >90dB, Under Voltage Protection at 10V, Over Voltage Protection at 16V, Frequency Response: 15Hz - 250 Hz
- Features of RWK81: (1) 17 High Grade Twisted Pair of 100% Copper RCA Cable, 17 8 Gauge Translucent Blue SuperFlex Power Cables, 17 18 Gauge Blue Remote Cable, 17 16 Gauge Clear Speaker Wire, 3 8 Gauge SuperFlex Ground Wire, Gold Plated AGU Heat Resistant Fuse Holder, 60 Amp AGU Gold Plated Fuse, 7 Split Tube Loom, Accessories Included: Wire Ties, Ring Terminals, Butt Connectors, Spades, and Grommets , Soft abrasion proof insulating jacket allows for 100% improved flexibility.
- Extremely Compact Design with Drivers Hidden, Becoming a Part of the Vehicle’s Makeup
- New CompRT Features Forced-Air Cooling - 20% Cooler for Increased Reliability
- High-Output ReFLEX Passive Woofer Intensifies Bass Output
- Internally Braced Enclosure Provides Ultimate Protection
- Easily Mounts in Cargo Area, with No Space Issues
Choosing Your Kicker Subwoofer: A Buyer’s Guide to Deep Bass
Kicker subwoofers are famous for delivering powerful, clean bass. Whether you want your music to thump in your car or fill your home theater with deep rumbles, picking the right Kicker model is key. This guide helps you navigate the options so you get the perfect boom for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Kicker subwoofer, certain features tell you a lot about its performance.
Power Handling (RMS vs. Peak)
- **RMS Power Handling:** This is the most important number. It tells you how much continuous power the subwoofer can safely handle. Higher RMS usually means louder, cleaner bass without distortion.
- **Peak Power Handling:** This number is the maximum power the sub can handle for a very short time. Don’t rely on this number alone; focus on RMS.
Impedance (Ohms)
Impedance is measured in Ohms (like 2-Ohm or 4-Ohm). This number must match what your amplifier is designed to power. Mismatching can cause your amp to overheat or the subwoofer not to perform well.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity measures how loud the sub plays with a given amount of power. A higher sensitivity rating (like 90 dB) means the sub gets louder easily, which is great if you have a lower-powered amplifier.
Size and Mounting Depth
Subwoofers come in standard sizes (like 10-inch, 12-inch, or 15-inch). Make sure the size fits your available space, especially the mounting depth in your trunk or enclosure.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials Kicker uses directly affect how long the subwoofer lasts and how it sounds.
Cone Material
Kicker often uses durable materials for their cones, like polypropylene or treated paper. These materials handle the intense back-and-forth motion of deep bass while resisting moisture and temperature changes. Stiffer cones usually mean clearer sound.
Surround Material
The surround is the flexible ring connecting the cone to the basket (frame). Kicker frequently uses high-roll, durable rubber surrounds. This lets the cone move a long distance (high Xmax), which is essential for moving lots of air and producing deep bass.
Voice Coil
The voice coil transfers electrical power to the cone’s movement. Kicker often uses copper or aluminum voice coils that are designed to dissipate heat effectively. Good heat management prevents the sub from overheating and failing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means long life and great sound.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **High Xmax (Excursion):** This is how far the cone can move forward and backward. More Xmax equals deeper, louder bass notes.
- **Strong Basket/Frame:** A heavy, rigid cast aluminum basket prevents vibrations that can muddy the sound.
- **Ventilation:** Features that help cool the motor structure (like vented pole pieces) allow the sub to play harder for longer periods.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Things to Avoid):
- Using an amplifier that is too weak or too powerful for the sub’s RMS rating strains the equipment.
- Placing a subwoofer in an enclosure that is too small (especially sealed boxes) limits its ability to produce deep bass notes correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Kicker offers different lines of subwoofers for different users.
Car Audio Enthusiasts (Competition Level):
If you want extreme volume and power handling, look at the Kicker Solo-Baric L7 or L7X series. These are built for massive power and deep, window-rattling bass. They demand large, specialized enclosures and very powerful amplifiers.
Daily Drivers (Great Balance):
For most people who want significantly better bass than stock audio without sacrificing trunk space entirely, the Kicker CompR or the older Comp series are excellent. They offer a great mix of power handling, sound quality, and reasonable size requirements.
Marine or Off-Road Use:
If you plan to use your sub outside (like in a boat or UTV), you must choose a Kicker model specifically rated for marine use. These models have extra protection against water and UV rays.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kicker Subwoofers
Q: Which Kicker subwoofer size is best for a small car?
A: A 10-inch subwoofer usually fits best in smaller trunks or cabins. They provide a good punch without taking up too much valuable space.
Q: Do I need a separate amplifier for a Kicker subwoofer?
A: Yes, almost always. Most Kicker subwoofers require an external amplifier to reach their full potential and play cleanly. The built-in power in a standard car stereo is not enough.
Q: What does “DVC” mean for a Kicker sub?
A: DVC stands for Dual Voice Coil. This means the subwoofer has two separate voice coils. DVC allows for more wiring options (like running them in series or parallel) to match your amplifier’s impedance better.
Q: How do I know if my enclosure is the right size for my sub?
A: Kicker provides recommended enclosure sizes (volume in cubic feet) for every subwoofer model on their website or manual. Always follow those recommendations for the best sound.
Q: Can I run a 4-Ohm sub with a 2-Ohm stable amp?
A: Yes, you can usually run a 4-Ohm sub on a 2-Ohm stable amplifier. The amp will just produce less power, which is safe for the subwoofer.
Q: What is the difference between the Comp and the CompR series?
A: The CompR series is generally an upgrade from the standard Comp series. CompR usually offers better power handling, higher sensitivity, and a more robust motor structure for louder performance.
Q: How do I protect my subwoofer from being damaged by too much power?
A: Match the amplifier’s RMS power output closely to the subwoofer’s RMS rating. If the amp is slightly lower, it is safer than an amp that is significantly higher.
Q: Are Kicker subwoofers good for music other than Hip-Hop or Rock?
A: Yes. While Kicker excels at hard-hitting bass, modern models are designed for accurate sound reproduction. They handle complex music genres like Jazz or Classical well, provided they are installed in a properly designed enclosure.
Q: What is the purpose of the “vented pole piece” on a Kicker sub?
A: A vented pole piece is a small opening in the center magnet structure. It allows air to escape from inside the subwoofer, which helps keep the voice coil cool during heavy use.
Q: Should I choose a sealed or ported box for my Kicker sub?
A: Sealed boxes provide tighter, more accurate bass but are less loud overall. Ported (or vented) boxes are louder and go deeper but can sometimes sound slightly less precise. Check the Kicker recommendations based on your music style.