Kicker speaker kit review/ slight rant

[GSD4EVR]

I know not everyone has the same experience, but I just got done screwing around with the Kicker speaker kit from Stage 3. In short, I'm not impressed and a bit pissed that I wasted my time and money.

The adapter plate must be mounted inverted ("bowl" facing toward you) or else the door panel will just not quite fit back in place in the 3 and 6 o'clock positions from the speaker location. Leaves a 1/4 inch gap on the door panel that isn't going flush. This, however, is the ideal mount because you can use the factory screws to put the adapter onto the door. Then, properly use the speaker screws that came with the kit to secure the speakers to the adapter.

But now the factory screws aren't long enough to hold the adapter to the door. So I used the speaker screws. But...I have no speaker scews for the new speaker unless I use the factory screws. The factory screws "work" but aren't reasonably long enough so when snugged down, most of them stripped.

I've read good things about this kit, but the sound was weak to say the least. Volume had to be increased to about 75% to get the level where the factory speakers were at about 30%. There was little to no bass. Seriously. Even after fiddling with the EQ, there was almost no real change or improvement. They might have been brighter but that might be because there was no bass, I dunno.

Just wish I could return them but some parts are now "used" so that ain't happening.

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[EJH]

but the sound was weak to say the least. Volume had to be increased to about 75% to get the level where the factory speakers were at about 30%. There was little to no bass. Seriously. Even after fiddling with the EQ, there was almost no real change or improvement. They might have been brighter but that might be because there was no bass, I dunno.

What you describe in the above quote has been my experience on every single vehicle stereo I have replaced the speakers on without also adding an amplifier, especially the lack of low end. I have upgraded at least 4 vehicle stereos. Note that I always add an amp, but usually try to see how it sounds without the amp first.

The reason for this is most/all factory speakers are very thin and low resistance (impedance). That allows the factory speakers to be driven from a weak (lower cost) factory head unit.

Your Kicker speakers are probably great sounding, but they need more power to move them. I suggest adding an amp. If you get one that takes speaker level inputs, install will be easier.

 

[Joeiconic]

Figure out the screws you need and go to Home Depot. Better than settling for screws that don‘t fit well and maybe the sound will improve when everything attaches better.

 

[GSD4EVR]

What you describe in the above quote has been my experience on every single vehicle stereo I have replaced the speakers on without also adding an amplifier, especially the lack of low end. I have upgraded at least 4 vehicle stereos. Note that I always add an amp, but usually try to see how it sounds without the amp first.

The reason for this is most/all factory speakers are very thin and low resistance (impedance). That allows the factory speakers to be driven from a weak (lower cost) factory head unit.

Your Kicker speakers are probably great sounding, but they need more power to move them. I suggest adding an amp. If you get one that takes speaker level inputs, install will be easier.

Thank you! I admit I'm not too terribly stereo savvy so I'll take your info to a car stereo shop and see about getting an amp in order to salvage the speaker purchase. Have them do the work, too. Just upset that this kit was advertised as performing at a level it really is not. I had more confidence in Stage3.

 

[T Bone]

Thank you! I admit I'm not too terribly stereo savvy so I'll take your info to a car stereo shop and see about getting an amp in order to salvage the speaker purchase. Have them do the work, too. Just upset that this kit was advertised as performing at a level it really is not. I had more confidence in Stage3.

Have you talked to stage3? just wondering, not confronting.

 

[GSD4EVR]

Have you talked to stage3? just wondering, not confronting.

No, I haven't. I opened and installed some of the kit so according to their return policy I'm pretty much stuck.

My biggest complaint is that this kit really doesn't improve the stock speakers in quite an obvious and significant way. Their claims of ease of installation and sound quality, I believe, are exaggerated. It's all very subjective and I'm not going to hold them to, or even suggest "false" claims in the description. I did, however, have a bit more confidence in ordering from Stage 3 based on their expertise and otherwise knowledgeable use of their own product lines.

 

[the5Gmartian]

Do you have the B&O system with the factory amp?

 

[JDowns]

I’m not familiar with the kickers, but went with the Focal iS kit instead. But we’re the rings that were supplied the same thickness? On the Focals (and stock) the ring is a part of the speaker but the rears are noticeably thicker then the fronts.

 

[Langwilliams]

I don't know if Ford uses 2 ohm speakers or not. Harley does, they respond better to lower levels of power. If they do an you put 4 ohm speakers in it could explain part of the problem.

Looking at the specs those speakers have 90 db of sensitivity which is a measurement of the volume at a setting 1 foot from the speaker. 90 isn't bad. I put a set of Hertz in my ranger with a 93 rating an they sound good. For any aftermarket speaker to shine you need to add an amp.

 

[GSD4EVR]

Do you have the B&O system with the factory amp?

No, it's the basic system. Not sure what you call it but def not B&O. It has the small center infotainment screen and the "Oregon Trail" graphics in the dashboard info screen.

 

[GSD4EVR]

I’m not familiar with the kickers, but went with the Focal iS kit instead. But we’re the rings that were supplied the same thickness? On the Focals (and stock) the ring is a part of the speaker but the rears are noticeably thicker then the fronts.

Good question. I can work around the install problems I had if it was worth getting better sound in the end, though.

 

[GSD4EVR]

UPDATE:

Went into a local car audio shop today and explained my problem. The guy started nodding his head up and down, reached into the display case counter we were at and put a compact amp in front of me saying: "This is what you need." He seemed to be rather familiar with the complaint.

It'll be a couple weeks before I purchase it and have them install it. But I'll update when I have more info.

Thanks for everyone's responses up to this point!!!

 

[Langwilliams]

UPDATE:

Went into a local car audio shop today and explained my problem. The guy started nodding his head up and down, reached into the display case counter we were at and put a compact amp in front of me saying: "This is what you need." He seemed to be rather familiar with the complaint.

It'll be a couple weeks before I purchase it and have them install it. But I'll update when I have more info.

Thanks for everyone's responses up to this point!!!

Update us with what it costs. I'd like a small amp but I don't want to cut anything. I saw a wiring harness that plugs into the ford harness but it's over $300 without an amp.

 

[got3fords]

Kicker makes awesome stuff based on my limited experience. Brought an old '97 Escort to life big time. I am confident you can get this worked out.

 

[GSD4EVR]

Kicker makes awesome stuff based on my limited experience. Brought an old '97 Escort to life big time. I am confident you can get this worked out.

Yeah, the salesperson/tech was adamant that the Kickers were great and that the problem was that the factory radio just didn't have the juice to power them to their full potential.

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