Kicker Key 200.4 amp Disappointing

[Zzoop28]

I did the Kicker Amp 200.4 install with the plugNplay harness. Install was nice and easy with that harness. I have the 7 speaker non-B&O stock setup.

Maybe I'm too picky, but it did not do much for the stock speaker sound in my opinion. Basically I lost all low end range/bass and sound adjustment. The mid/highs do sound a little clearer, better than stock, but you lose so much all around sound that I do not think it was worth it. I will say after re-doing the kicker mic setup routine for the amp a couple times, it got a little better. just my experience, but i expected more from all the other post i read.

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[67BroncoG1]

If you lost low end then you must have a setting wrong.

 

[Zzoop28]

If you lost low end then you must have a setting wrong.

There are not really many settings to that amp. I went off the recommendations here for the dip switch settings. Anything specific you're thinking of?
-Thanks

 

[gdp]

I have the 6 speaker, non lux setup with the kicker 200 amp and I'm very picky about my sound. IMO, the amp is the required 1st step to good sound. I replaced the kick panel speakers and front dash panels after which helped, still not satisfied. Then I did the latest forscan mods reported on this website, plus my own bass/treble mods after the dsp test, and am very happy with the results. Keep at it and you'll be glad.

 

[67BroncoG1]

There are not really many settings to that amp. I went off the recommendations here for the dip switch settings. Anything specific you're thinking of?
-Thanks

Did you go through the DSP setup? It isn't going to make it an audiophile system but it is a huge improvement for a relatively small spend.

 

[83XLT]

I replaced the front speakers first and was disappointed. Then I added the 200.4 and was blown away by the dirrerence. Maybe its worh the $200 for new dash and kick panel speakers. maybe its your settings. Posting my settings for FYI

 

[Brian_B]

Oh if you haven't done new speakers with the amp - that's part of the issue right there. I mean, it shouldn't sound worse, so there's something going on, but it won't sound nearly as good as it could for a relatively small investment in even modest aftermarket speakers - particularly the dash ones.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

As others mentioned, if you only did the amp and have not replaced the stock speakers I don't think you are getting full advantage of the Kicker Key. Speaker brand/model will definitely play a part in the sound you get as well.

 

[Dan-O]

Dip switch pic settings is showing u have the 120 HZ filter set….somebody correct me if I’m wrong? That would explain why you don’t have any low end…..

 

[Zzoop28]

Did you go through the DSP setup? It isn't going to make it an audiophile system but it is a huge improvement for a relatively small spend.

Yes i did the DSP setup multiple times, it did get a little better on the 3rd try.


I was planning to start replacing speakers next as you all mentioned with JL.

 

[Bmadda]

Yes i did the DSP setup multiple times, it did get a little better on the 3rd try.


I was planning to start replacing speakers next as you all mentioned with JL.

Also make sure you have "speed volume" turned off in your audio settings when you do the DSP setup...I forgot this and it really does make a difference!

 

[KillerPenz]

Yes i did the DSP setup multiple times, it did get a little better on the 3rd try.


I was planning to start replacing speakers next as you all mentioned with JL.

Also check the "gain", my speakers (rear) were quiet until I started messing with that. But don't turn it up too much that will cause a crackling sound. I didn't read this entire thread, did you do any of the Forscan changes?

I still say the speaker bar software update is the way to go. Brother in Law did that (as he had speaker bar) and it still sounded better than my set up with the kicker key. Only problem was, 2 years ago not many Ford dealers near me were doing that.

 

[TahoeDog]

Also check the "gain", my speakers (rear) were quiet until I started messing with that. But don't turn it up too much that will cause a crackling sound. I didn't read this entire thread, did you do any of the Forscan changes?

I still say the speaker bar software update is the way to go. Brother in Law did that (as he had speaker bar) and it still sounded better than my set up with the kicker key. Only problem was, 2 years ago not many Ford dealers near me were doing that.

What is the speaker bar update?

 

[swamp2]

EQ on for me has abysmal sound, unlistenable (after successful auto EQ). However, with no EQ is completely transformed my stock system. I'd suggest to not just set no EQ (press mic button until 2 beeps) but rather clear the EQ (hold button for 10 sec until beep). Mine has unexpectedly auto reverted from no EQ to EQ.

 

[FreddieLee]

EQ on for me has abysmal sound, unlistenable (after successful auto EQ). However, with no EQ is completely transformed my stock system. I'd suggest to not just set no EQ (press mic button until 2 beeps) but rather clear the EQ (hold button for 10 sec until beep). Mine has unexpectedly auto reverted from no EQ to EQ.

A simple flip of the EQ dip switch is the correct way to disable the applied EQ settings following auto-tune. Using the mic to toggle reverts back to factory, reduces output, removes speaker time delay / alignment, etc.

IMO, bad suggestion. You're definitely in the minority on this one.

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