KICKER Speakers, Amplifiers and Subwoofers: Picking the Right Tool for the Job

Do not pick a speaker because it fits the hole, an amp because the wattage number is big, or a sub because somebody online said it hits hard.

KICKER has enough different product families that the better question is what job each part needs to do in the vehicle. That is how we narrow the choices at SMS.

Speakers: What Are You Trying to Hear?

A factory speaker replacement, a stronger amplified front stage and an open-air high-output system are different jobs. We look at location, mounting depth, available power, crossover plan and how loud the system needs to stay. In Jeeps, motorcycles and powersports vehicles, wind and road noise change the equation again.

Amplifiers: Channel Count Is Only the Beginning

The amplifier needs to match the speaker load, subwoofer load and system layout. A multi-channel amp may make sense for a compact daily-driver system. Separate amplification may make more sense when output or bass demand gets serious. Current KICKER LX options give us useful choices, but the system decides which one belongs there.

Subwoofers: Space and Output Have to Meet Somewhere

KICKER offers bass solutions ranging from shallow applications to high-output L7-style systems. We choose based on the space you are willing to give up, the enclosure we can build, the amplifier power available and the bass character you want. The woofer and box are a team.

Factory Integration Can Make or Break the Upgrade

If the factory radio stays, we need to know what the OEM audio system is doing before adding power. Load detection, factory EQ, bass roll-off and amplified OEM systems can all affect the signal. Sometimes a straightforward integration device is enough. Sometimes the vehicle needs a DSP or more advanced OEM integration.

Electrical Support Follows the System Demand

Once amplifier power goes up, wiring, fusing, grounds, battery support and charging capacity have to be checked. We do not wait for voltage problems to show up after the install.

Authorized KICKER Dealer — In-Store Purchase

SMS Car Audio is an authorized KICKER dealer, with KICKER sales handled in store. That gives us the chance to match the product to the vehicle and the rest of the system before money gets spent on the wrong combination.

KICKER Product & System Guide | KICKER Speaker Guide | KICKER Amplifier Guide | KICKER Subwoofer Guide