Kicker Hideaway Subwoofer Install

[pablo94sc]

I'm still thinking behind the seat is best. They have some nice boxes over in Australia, but they don't have the sliding rear window motor to deal with. Honestly, there is more room than I posted above, but you'd have to get creative with the design instead of using a basic trapezoidal box. I could build one, but I'm not at a point where I can tackle that project and feel someone with more experience in box design would be better suited. Building a box isn't terribly hard, but doing it correctly...

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[BigAir]

There are several other companies making thin, powered subs that would fit. Has anyone tried any besides the Kickers?

I have seen the DLC ACW10 recommended, but it is not easy to get in the U.S.

 

[Sauce]

Would something like the Audio Control LC2i or the Kicker KeyLoc improve the sound on one of these small enclosure subs (vs just tapping directly into the speaker wires)?

 

[superj]

Yes, rockvilld

 

[jrRaptor]

Would something like the Audio Control LC2i or the Kicker KeyLoc improve the sound on one of these small enclosure subs (vs just tapping directly into the speaker wires)?

Yes, I see people have used them on the 6G Ranger with success.

I think Kenwood makes a powered sub like the Kicker one we have but I don't know how it performs compared to the Kicker. Doing a quick search it looks like there are a lot of them out there - Alpine, JBL, etc. But I'd see if there's a comparison review if choosing between any of them.

I got a JL Audio Powerwedge+ for my CTS-V but it sits in spare tire well in the trunk. I would have loved to switch it over to the Ranger but it just won't fit. I use a MTX Re-Q5 to handle signal from stereo to the sub in the V. The KeyLoc and LC2i are popular here for the Ranger.

 

[Sauce]

Yes, I see people have used them on the 6G Ranger with success.

I think Kenwood makes a powered sub like the Kicker one we have but I don't know how it performs compared to the Kicker. Doing a quick search it looks like there are a lot of them out there - Alpine, JBL, etc. But I'd see if there's a comparison review if choosing between any of them.

I got a JL Audio Powerwedge+ for my CTS-V but it sits in spare tire well in the trunk. I would have loved to switch it over to the Ranger but it just won't fit. I use a MTX Re-Q5 to handle signal from stereo to the sub in the V. The KeyLoc and LC2i are popular here for the Ranger.

Are you able to explain how these audio to rca adapters / KeyLoc systems would improve the system? I see a lot of people use them on a similar setup but I don't totally understand the purpose.

Also, anything with a high level input (whether a KeyLoc or a sub) has both right and left inputs. Since both R and L speaker wires I would be tapping into are identical source, do I need to tap both sides, or could I just tap one side and leave the other side input empty?

 

[Jason B]

Left and right aren't identical source, unless it's not stereo in the rear speakers.
I had a weird setup many years ago, I think it was a Bazooka sub. IIRC, it connected to one side positive and the other side negative speaker wires.

 

[pablo94sc]

could I just tap one side and leave the other side input empty?

You need to use both as it's a stereo input and each channel will be mixed independently. This will allow your sub to play both channels' bass frequencies summed.

 

[hand-filer]

Any alternatives you suggest? Is the Stealthbox significantly better? I’d prefer a powered unit but open to any suggestions.

Yes a stealth box would be a significant improvement when matched with a proper amp.
There are also stealth box style enclosures available that let you chose better drivers for a lot less money than a stealth box.
It takes the same amount of wiring to do either.
There is a ton if information available already on this forum.
Another Sub woofer & Amp Installation
Mega audio upgrade -- sound deadening, speakers, stealthbox sub, GMRS radio
Audio Upgrade Review! JL Audio Stealthbox + Sound Good Stereo Kicker LOC + AudioControl 1.300 Amp

 

[SnyperX]

Would something like the Audio Control LC2i or the Kicker KeyLoc improve the sound on one of these small enclosure subs (vs just tapping directly into the speaker wires)?

I am running my Kicker HS8 with a LC2i. I also got a LC2i factory harness from PlugandPlauyKits ($80) that plugs inline with the factory head unit. Not for the faint of heart getting the factory head unit screen out of the truck to access where the harness plugs in.

LC2i 2024+ Ford Ranger Harness

2024+ Ford Ranger Head unit Removal (Australia)

 

[Oreo_Five8]

it doesn't matter they both suck. I have it installed and it's better than the stock but not really here is why:

(1) you can't turn it up past 20% gain. If you do the Aluminum enclosure resonates and you get a ton of dogshit noise.

(2) the cross over point is low, my guess is 120 Hz, and it is a sharp roll off. So bass lines in rock music are half there.

it's OK for the price but set you expectations up front it's not good it's just OK.

Is yours just behind the seat or mounted? Did you tune it after installation? Curious because I have the 8in ready to get installed.

 

[Oreo_Five8]

Would something like the Audio Control LC2i or the Kicker KeyLoc improve the sound on one of these small enclosure subs (vs just tapping directly into the speaker wires)?

Everyone that I've seen install the Keyloc with the Sub had it tuned and swear it sounds great. I'm planning on doing that but I'm still gathering the bits and pieces.

 

[Oreo_Five8]

Yes, I see people have used them on the 6G Ranger with success.

I think Kenwood makes a powered sub like the Kicker one we have but I don't know how it performs compared to the Kicker. Doing a quick search it looks like there are a lot of them out there - Alpine, JBL, etc. But I'd see if there's a comparison review if choosing between any of them.

I got a JL Audio Powerwedge+ for my CTS-V but it sits in spare tire well in the trunk. I would have loved to switch it over to the Ranger but it just won't fit. I use a MTX Re-Q5 to handle signal from stereo to the sub in the V. The KeyLoc and LC2i are popular here for the Ranger.

Here's the link to Kicker's powered subs: https://www.kicker.com/powered-subwoofers-for-cars
They go all the way up to 12 inches and also have down fired versions for under seat locations.

 

[Watchdog62]

It's going to be the best one anyways. The next better thing


The Stealthbox will be a lot better, that specific speaker ( 10TW1-2 ) is specifically designed for smaller enclosure volumes. So it is 4x the cost.

I WILL buy this probably within a couple of months, along with new speakers/amp.

If you buy an external crossover and set it to 200Hz with a 3dB/dec roll-off, you will not loose much of rock-n-roll baselines. The crossover is critical for the type of music you like.

Honestly if you have the budget for the stealthbox, save your time and $ (like I didn't), and go for it.

I am not saying the kicker is bad, it's just not good. the upper half of the gain is absolutely pointless with all of the structure vibration noise. I'm not sure why the knob is even there.

I recently installed jl 10"stealth box with a jl300 mono block amp and keylock dsp. Not cheap but sounds amazing. The keylock from Sounds Good Sounds comes with adapter for the B and O systems and essential to eliminate the bass cut off.

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