Car sound is a complex system where every detail plays a decisive role in creating high-quality sound. Many car owners are faced with the fact that standard speakers are not able to unleash the full potential of a music file. It is in such cases that it comes to the fore component acoustics, which separates frequency ranges to improve detail.
Brand KICKS has established itself in the market as a manufacturer offering a balance between price and quality. Their line of speaker systems is designed to withstand the harsh environments found in engine compartments and door panels. You won't just get loud sound, but a balanced soundstage where instruments and vocals are in their proper positions.
In this article we will look at the design features of the speakers, the nuances of their installation and ways to avoid common mistakes when connecting. You will learn how to choose the right amplifier power and why cone materials are so important to the longevity of the system.
Design features of KICKS speakers
The basis of any high-quality audio system is the physical parameters of the dynamic heads. In the series KICKS engineers paid special attention to the rigidity of the suspension and the quality of the magnetic system. Magnetic system here it is often made of rare earth materials, which ensures a fast and clear response to the signal.
Diffusers are made of composite materials that are resistant to temperature and humidity changes. This is critically important, since the microclimate in the car is constantly changing: from hot sun to frost. Composite diffuser does not lose its properties over time, maintaining linear sound transmission for many years.
Particular attention should be paid to the crossovers that are included in the kit. They act as a filter, splitting a complex audio signal into high-frequency and low-frequency streams. Correctly selected passive crossover protects the tweeter from overload, preventing it from burning out during loud bass playback.
- 🔊 The high sensitivity of the speakers allows you to get loud sound even from the standard radio.
- 🛡️ Enhanced protection against moisture and dust ensures long service life in an aggressive car environment.
- 🎛️ The presence of built-in filters makes it easy to adjust the sound balance without complex external modules.
Comparison of series and models of acoustics
Product range KICKS is quite wide and is divided into several key lines. The choice of a specific model depends on your goals: do you just want to replace the standard speakers or are you going to build a professional audio system with an amplifier. Each series has its own unique characteristics that must be considered before purchasing.
Basic models are aimed at replacing standard equipment without additional equipment. They have a simplified crossover design and are designed to work with the output power of a standard radio. However, even in this segment the manufacturer does not skimp on the quality of suspension materials.
Advanced lines are designed to work with external power amplifiers. It uses more powerful magnets, a larger coil travel and complex filtration circuits. Nominal power Such speakers are much higher, which allows you to reveal the sound at high volumes without distortion.
| Series | Power (RMS), W | Sensitivity, dB | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 45-60 | 90-92 | For operation from a standard radio |
| Pro | 70-100 | 93-95 | Optimal for budget amplifiers |
| Reference | 120-150 | 96-98 | High detail and dynamic range |
| Custom | 200+ | 99+ | For professional tuning and competition |
When choosing a model, pay attention to the rated power. Inflated peak power figures are often a marketing ploy. The actual performance of the system is determined precisely by the average values that the speaker can withstand for a long time without deformation.
- Component 2-way
- Component 3-way
- Coaxial
- Tweeters only (MF/HF)
Nuances of installation and installation in door cards
Installing component speakers is a process that requires care and an understanding of how sound works. Unlike coaxial systems, here tweeters and midbass are installed separately. This optimizes the soundstage, but requires more time to prepare mounting locations.
The first step is to dismantle the door cards and prepare the seats. Often standard holes do not fit in diameter or depth, so you have to use acoustic spacers. These elements not only solve the installation problem, but also create a spacious box behind the speaker, improving bass response.
It is important to remember about tightness. The speaker cone must work in a confined space, otherwise the bass will "fail". Use acoustic sealant or butyl mastic to seal the joints between the spacer and the door. This also prevents the occurrence of extraneous metal vibrations.
Tweeters should be placed at ear level of the driver or passenger to create the correct sound picture. If there is no suitable space in the doors, you can use windshield pillars or armrests. The main thing is to ensure free radiation of high frequencies without shielding by the human body.
☑️ Preparation for installing speakers
Shielding and interference protection
In a modern car, many electronic devices create an electromagnetic background. This can lead to extraneous noise, clicking and humming in the speakers. High-quality shielding is the key to clear sound, especially when using high-power amplifiers.
To protect against interference, shielded cables must be used. Ordinary wires can act as an antenna, picking up a signal from the generator or engine control unit. Shielded cable has a special layer that is grounded and removes interference.
The amplifier must be grounded to a clean metal surface of the body. The contact area must be cleaned to a shine, removing paint and rust. Poor ground contact is one of the most common causes of hum, which cannot be eliminated by adjusting the equalizer.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect the negative terminal of the amplifier to the bolts on the plastic panels or to the standard wiring harnesses. This is guaranteed to produce a strong background and may damage the equipment.
It is also worth paying attention to the laying of power and signal wires. They should be laid on different sides of the car. The intersection of power lines with acoustic wires at right angles is permissible, but parallel laying over long sections is strictly prohibited.
Why is the system phoning?
The hum may occur due to interference from the generator, poor grounding of the amplifier, or the use of low-quality cables. Often the problem is solved by replacing the negative wire with a thicker one and cleaning the point of contact with the body.
Adjusting sound balance and crossovers
After installing the speakers, the setup phase begins. Without proper tuning, even the most expensive acoustics will not reveal their potential. The main task is to equalize the frequency response and adjust the delay time so that the sound is directed towards the listener.
Crossovers built into a component system often have multiple adjustment positions. Typically these are tweeter level switches (0, -3, -6 dB). Level adjustment necessary if you sit close to the speaker and the high frequencies seem too harsh.
If you are using an external processor or amplifier with built-in DSP processing, you can fine-tune the cutoff frequency. It is recommended to set the midbass cutoff slightly below the speaker rating to avoid overloading at low frequencies. This will extend the life of the gimbal and reel.
Don't forget about phasing. If one speaker plays on its own and the other plays on its own, the low frequencies will cancel each other out. Check the polarity of the connection before final assembly. Phase errors are often unnoticeable at low volumes, but at full volume the sound becomes flat and empty.
Correctly setting crossovers avoids overloading the tweeters and makes the sound more natural and detailed.
Common operating errors
Even a high-quality system can fail due to improper use. The most common mistake is trying to squeeze maximum power out of a system without taking into account its capabilities. Speakers have power limits, exceeding which leads to irreversible deformation.
Using an equalizer to compensate for poor acoustics is also a dead end. A sharp rise in frequencies on the equalizer places a huge load on the amplifier and speakers. This can lead to signal clipping, where the amplifier starts producing square waves that burn out the tweeters.
Forgetfulness during maintenance also plays a role. The accumulation of dust and dirt in the diffuser can change its mass and stiffness. Regularly cleaning the speaker systems from dust and checking the fastenings will help avoid problems in the future. Regular Maintenance - the key to stable work.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean diffusers and suspensions. This can destroy the composition of the materials and lead to cracking of the rubber elements.
Another mistake is ignoring environmental conditions. In winter, when the suspension rubber hardens, it is not recommended to immediately turn on loud bass. Allow the system to warm up along with the vehicle interior so that the materials return to their elastic state.
If you hear extraneous sounds (battering) after installation, check whether the wires of the cone or speaker frame are touching. Often the problem is solved by simply fixing the wiring with electrical tape or a zip tie.
Selection results and development prospects
Component acoustics KICKS is a reliable choice for those who want to improve the sound in their car without breaking the bank. The combination of quality materials, thoughtful design and affordable prices makes these systems competitive in the market.
When installed and configured correctly, you'll get clear, detailed sound that can bring out the nuances of your recordings. The main thing is to follow the installation technology and not overload the system. Taking care of details such as shielding and sealing has a direct impact on the end result.
Technology development does not stand still, and acoustics are constantly being improved. New materials for diffusers, more efficient magnets and intelligent tuning systems are emerging. However, the basic principles of selection and installation remain the same.
By investing in quality acoustics, you are investing in your comfort and enjoyment of listening to music. Don't skimp on components that will serve you for years, and the results will exceed all expectations.
⚠️ Attention: Remember that sound quality depends 50% on proper installation and preparation of the installation site, and only 50% of the characteristics of the speaker itself.
What amplifier power should I choose for KICKS acoustics?
It is recommended to select an amplifier with a rated power equal to or 10-20% higher than the rated power of the speakers. This will provide dynamic headroom without the risk of system overload. You should not chase maximum peak power.
Is it possible to install component speakers without crossovers?
Strongly not recommended. The crossover protects the tweeters from low-frequency signals that they cannot physically reproduce. Without it, tweeters will quickly fail due to coil overheating.
How to check the speaker phase before installation?
Use a 1.5V battery. Connect it to the speaker terminals for a couple of seconds. If the diffuser moves outward when connecting plus to plus, the phase is correct. If it retracts, swap the wires.
Do I need to soundproof the door when installing acoustics?
Sound insulation (vibration and noise insulation) is not necessary, but highly desirable. It turns the door panel into a rigid body, improving bass and eliminating extraneous resonances that spoil the sound.