Kicker Subwoofers

Harley Stanton
11 min readMar 21, 2024

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Are you a music enthusiast looking to upgrade your audio experience? Look no further! In this roundup, we explore a variety of Kicker subwoofers designed to boost depth and power to your favorite tunes. From compact models to more heavy-duty options, Kicker has got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and tune into our selection of top-notch subwoofers that are sure to enhance your listening experience.

The Top 7 Best Kicker Subwoofers

  1. Kicker Compact Tube Subwoofer Enclosure — Unleash powerful, compact bass with Kicker’s 46CWTB102 weatherproof subwoofer, incorporating a 10" 2-ohm subwoofer, durable ABS tube construction, and flexible mounting options for seamless integration into your vehicle.
  2. Dual 12" Kicker CompQ Subwoofer with 850 Watts RMS and 1700 Watts Peak — The Kicker 42CWQ124 CompQ 12" Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer delivers high-caliber bass, tremendous power handling, and prodigious magnets for high SPL performance, perfect for a powerful and immersive listening experience.
  3. Compact Down-Firing Subwoofer Enclosure for Kicker 10" and 12" Subs — Experience powerful, compact sound with the KICKER 48CDF124 Comp 12" Subwoofer in a Down Firing Enclosure, perfectly combining affordability, high-impact performance, and ease of setup. 4.5/5 stars in 20 reviews.
  4. Kicker 48CWR122 CompR 12-Inch Subwoofer — The Kicker 12in CompR 2 Ohm Subwoofer 48CWR122 delivers powerful, distortion-free bass with its advanced SoloKon technology and forced air cooling system, making it a reliable and attractive choice for enhancing your car’s audio system.
  5. Kicker 10" Solo-Baric L7S 2 Ohm Square Subwoofer — The Kicker 10in Solo-Baric L7S 2 Ohm Subwoofer offers powerful performance, impressive build quality, and stunning visual appeal, making it a perfect addition to enhance your car audio experience.
  6. Kicker 50th Anniversary 12" Competition Gold Subwoofer — Experience stunningly powerful bass and reliable performance with the Kicker 50th Anniversary 12" Competition Gold Subwoofer — expertly engineered for high-output and durability, this iconic edition is perfect for any music enthusiast.
  7. KICKER 42CWQ124–12" CompQ Series Subwoofer, Dual 4 Ohm — Experience pure, high-caliber sound with Kicker 42CWQ124 CompQ Series Subwoofer — a 12" dual voice coil masterpiece for incredible power handling, efficiency, and superior alignment.

Reviews

Kicker Compact Tube Subwoofer Enclosure

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I recently had the opportunity to try out Kicker’s 46CWTB102 weatherproof subwoofer, and I must say, it’s been quite a ride. This compact yet powerful bass cannon has truly surprised me with its performance.

The first thing that caught my attention was the sturdy ABS tube construction. It gives the enclosure a sleek appearance and provides durability for those bumpy rides. The flexibility to mount it either vertically or horizontally means I could easily find the perfect spot to tuck it away in my car. And let’s not forget the spring-loaded speaker terminals, which made connecting my amp hassle-free.

But how does it sound? Well, this little beast packs a mighty punch! The 10" CompR subwoofer combined with the passive radiator delivers impressive low-frequency response, making my music sound fuller and more immersive. Plus, the 2-ohm impedance ensures maximum power output from my mono amp.

However, there are some cons to this product as well. Some users have reported that the subwoofer may not be as loud as they expected, but considering its compact size and the fact that it’s a weatherproof design, it’s understandable.

Overall, the Kicker Weatherproof Subwoofer 10" 600W — 2 Ohm 46CWTB102 has been a delightful addition to my car audio setup. Its powerful, compact design along with its durable construction makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their driving experience with high-quality bass.

Dual 12" Kicker CompQ Subwoofer with 850 Watts RMS and 1700 Watts Peak

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I’ve been using the Kicker 42CWQ124 CompQ 12" Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer for a few months now, and I have to say, it’s been an absolute game changer for my music listening experience. This subwoofer truly lives up to its name — it provides high-caliber bass no matter the genre of music, making every listening session a joy.

The first thing that stood out to me was its incredible power handling capabilities. With a peak of 1700 watts and RMS of 850 watts, this subwoofer can handle some serious power, ensuring that you’ll never miss a beat. The dual 4 ohm impedance also allows for greater flexibility in your audio setup, making it easy to customize to your specific needs.

Another feature that I absolutely love is the Solokon Cone System. This innovative design ensures that the cone remains stable and responsive even during extreme excursion, providing accurate and powerful bass without any distortion. The large-roll Santoprene surround also helps to increase control at high excursion, ensuring that your music always sounds its best.

As for the installation process, the high-capacity, dual voice-coil push terminals make it incredibly easy to set up, even for those who aren’t familiar with car audio systems. The screw-hole covers also help to keep everything looking clean and polished, adding a professional touch to your installation.

However, there is one minor con that I’ve noticed while using this subwoofer. The bass can sometimes be a little too powerful for certain types of music, making it difficult to enjoy gentler genres like jazz or classical. But, for anyone who loves their music loud and heavy, this is definitely a minor issue that can be easily overlooked.

In conclusion, the Kicker 42CWQ124 CompQ 12" Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their car audio system. The incredible power handling capabilities, innovative cone design, and easy installation make it a must-have for music enthusiasts everywhere. So if you’re in the market for a new subwoofer, I highly recommend giving this one a try — you won’t be disappointed.

Compact Down-Firing Subwoofer Enclosure for Kicker 10" and 12" Subs

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I’ve had the pleasure of using the Kicker 48CDF124 for a while now, and what a difference it’s made to my sound system! The first thing that caught my attention was its compact size — it fits perfectly in my trunk without taking up too much space. It’s like having a powerful subwoofer but without the bulky size.

A standout feature for me has been the down-firing enclosure. Not only does it look sleek but it also performs remarkably well, producing deep, impactful bass. Pairing it with a recommended amp power of 150, the result is a rich, full sound that can fill up any room or vehicle.

However, one minor complaint I had was during the initial setup. While it wasn’t too difficult, I did wish there was a bit more guidance provided in the product manual. But once everything was connected and set, the performance of this subwoofer truly shined.

Overall, the Kicker 48CDF124 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-quality subwoofer that offers powerful performance in a compact package. Its deep bass sound and tough down-firing enclosure make it a smart addition to any sound system, whether at home or in your car.

Kicker 48CWR122 CompR 12-Inch Subwoofer

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I recently installed the Kicker 12in CompR 2 Ohm Subwoofer 48CWR122 in my car, and I’m blown away by its performance. The subwoofer has a sleek, blacked-out look that complements my vehicle’s interior perfectly. Its advanced suspension and heat management system keep the bass powerful, deep, and consistent, making every ride more enjoyable.

One of the standout features of this subwoofer is its Ribbed Santoprene Surround, which provides large excursion and distortion-free bass. The Rigid SoloKon Cone System with 360 Degree Bracing also enhances the sound quality by eliminating distortion. Additionally, the stitched surround and sturdy, spring-loaded wire terminals contribute to the subwoofer’s reliability and easy installation.

Another highlight is the Double Stacked Magnet and Full Coverage Steel Basket, which further improve the subwoofer’s performance. The 2021 model is now even more efficient, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.

However, there are a few cons to consider. Some users report that the subwoofer may not deliver super deep lows, making it unsuitable for those seeking chest-rattling bass. Additionally, one reviewer found that the Kicker Comp R 12" needed a specific enclosure size to function optimally, which may require additional research or modifications to your setup.

Overall, the Kicker 12in CompR 2 Ohm Subwoofer 48CWR122 is a high-quality, reliable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their car’s audio system. With its advanced features and sleek design, this subwoofer provides powerful, distortion-free bass that will enhance any ride. Just ensure that you have the correct enclosure and amp to get the most out of your investment.

Kicker 10" Solo-Baric L7S 2 Ohm Square Subwoofer

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My experience with the Kicker L7S Solo Baric 10 inch Subwoofer was nothing short of thrilling. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it has been an absolute game-changer for my car’s audio system. The first thing that grabbed my attention was its unique square design, which not only looks cool but also offers more cone area, air displacement, and overall volume.

In terms of power handling, this subwoofer packs a punch with 600 watts of RMS power. It also boasts a dual 2 ohm voice coil, a sensitivity of 86.8 dB, and a frequency response of 24 100 Hz. However, what really made me fall in love with this product is its sound quality. The injection-molded polypropylene cone, patented corner ribs to minimize distortion, and 360-degree SoloKon back bracing all contribute to producing a clean, crisp, and powerful bass that perfectly complements my music playlist.

One issue I encountered was the size of the subwoofer. As someone who prefers compact systems, I found it slightly bulky, but this was a minor inconvenience compared to the incredible sound performance it delivers.

Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the Kicker L7S Solo Baric 10 inch Subwoofer. It’s powerful, offers great sound quality, and has a visually appealing design. If you’re looking to enhance your car’s audio experience, I highly recommend giving this product a try.

Kicker 50th Anniversary 12" Competition Gold Subwoofer

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Once upon a time, I had the chance to use the Kicker 50th Anniversary 12" Competition Gold Subwoofer to power up my car’s audio system. The moment I plugged it in, I knew I had made the right choice. The subwoofer’s high-excursion design was a game-changer, providing deep, booming bass that brought every song to life.

One standout feature that really caught my eye was the Forced-Air Cooling system, which ensured that the sub kept performing at its peak no matter how hard I pushed it. And, of course, the oversized, gold push terminals allowed for maximum signal transfer, making every note crisp and clear.

However, as they say, no product is perfect. The Kicker Subwoofer, while offering world-class reliability and performance, did come with a hefty price tag, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Additionally, the installation process can be quite challenging, requiring a bit of elbow grease and some patience.

All in all, the Kicker 50th Anniversary 12" Competition Gold Subwoofer was a solid addition to my car’s audio setup, making every drive feel like a concert. Despite its high price and the learning curve involved in installation, the subwoofer’s exceptional performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers who value clarity and power.

KICKER 42CWQ124–12" CompQ Series Subwoofer, Dual 4 Ohm

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As an avid music listener, I’ve been using this impressive Kicker 12" CompQ Series Subwoofer in my car for the past few months. I must say, this little powerhouse has revolutionized my in-car sound experience. From heavy basslines to crisp highs, this subwoofer delivers an exceptional performance that truly leaves me wanting for nothing. I especially love its immense power handling capacity — it can handle a peak of 1700 watts and an RMS of 850 watts, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The dual 4 ohms impedance adds to its unmatched performance.

One of the standout features of this subwoofer is its patented Solokon Cone System. This innovative system provides not only a solid construction but also ensures that the voice coils remain under control even at extreme excursion points. It also ensures the subwoofer can handle high power without any distortion, keeping the bass sharp and precise.

However, it’s not entirely perfect. The size of the subwoofer may be a limitation for some users who don’t have enough space in their cars. This could be a downside for those who prefer compact audio systems.

On the whole, I am thoroughly impressed with the Kicker 12" CompQ Series Subwoofer. Its performance is second to none, making it an absolute must-have for any serious audiophile. Though the size might be a concern for some, it’s a small price to pay for the unmatchable sound quality it delivers. If you’re looking for a subwoofer that packs a mighty punch, look no further — this is it!

Buyer’s Guide

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FAQ

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What are Kicker Subwoofers?

Kicker Subwoofers are high-performance audio devices designed to enhance bass frequencies in the sound system, providing a rich, immersive sound experience.

How do Kicker Subwoofers improve audio quality?

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Kicker Subwoofers improve audio quality by amplifying low-frequency sounds, ensuring a vibrant and powerful bass that enriches the overall listening experience.

What types of vehicles are compatible with Kicker Subwoofers?

Most vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, can accommodate Kicker Subwoofers depending on the specific make and model. Ensure that the size and power requirements of the subwoofer are compatible with your vehicle’s audio system.

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Do I need an amplifier for my Kicker Subwoofer?

While it is possible to use a subwoofer without an amplifier, using an amplifier optimizes and enhances its performance, resulting in a louder and better-quality bass sound. It is recommended to use a compatible amplifier to maximize your Kicker Subwoofer’s performance.

How do I install a Kicker Subwoofer in my vehicle?

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  1. Choose the correct location and size for your subwoofer enclosure.
  2. Remove the existing car stereo and accessories if necessary, and disconnect the battery as a safety precaution.
  3. Run the power, ground, and speaker wires from the subwoofer to the battery and the head unit.
  4. Connect the speaker wires to the subwoofer and the power wires to the amplifier.
  5. Reconnect the battery and test the system, making sure all connections are secure and functioning properly.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with Kicker Subwoofers?

Common issues include distortion, no sound, or an overpowered system. To troubleshoot, first, ensure that all connections are secure and that the power supply is sufficient. Additionally, check the subwoofer’s settings and adjust them accordingly to optimize performance. If persistent issues arise, consult the Kicker Subwoofer’s manual or seek professional assistance.

How can I prevent damage to my Kicker Subwoofer?

To prevent damage, avoid overpowering the subwoofer by ensuring that it is appropriately matched with your amplifier. Additionally, maintain proper ventilation to prevent overheating, and avoid exposing the subwoofer to excessive moisture or debris.

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