Kicker system woes

[GNSCOTT]

OK, maybe I am/was spoiled with the Bose system in my CTS-V and my Silverado, but now that I have really had a chance to listen to the system along with the one in my Silverado, I have to confess that the Kicker system just outright sucks.

First it sounds like most of the sound is coming from the tiny front speakers. Its like I cannot hear the backs no matter how much I play with the controls. It sounds like the music is coming from a tin can. It is impossible to get any base unless you have it cranked or you fold the rear seat down.

I guess it all depends on what you are used to listening to, but even Bose isn't the best in the world.

On a side note..is there any way to keep the info on the nav screen for the music. It sucks having to press the button every time to find out who the artists and songs are.

[sjz]

Originally Posted by GNSCOTT

OK, maybe I am/was spoiled with the Bose system in my CTS-V and my Silverado, but now that I have really had a chance to listen to the system along with the one in my Silverado, I have to confess that the Kicker system just outright sucks.

First it sounds like most of the sound is coming from the tiny front speakers. Its like I cannot hear the backs no matter how much I play with the controls. It sounds like the music is coming from a tin can. It is impossible to get any base unless you have it cranked or you fold the rear seat down.

I guess it all depends on what you are used to listening to, but even Bose isn't the best in the world.

On a side note..is there any way to keep the info on the nav screen for the music. It sucks having to press the button every time to find out who the artists and songs are.

If you've adjusted the balance, fader, bass, etc with no luck, you may have a problem with your system. I'm very happy with the audio the Kicker gives.
As far as the song info, you probably have "large clock display" selected, which will only display song info only when you punch the info button.
Push the nav button, then / settings / audio display / and select the small clock icon display. I'm assuming you have the NAV.
Now, whatever info you choose to display when you toggle the "info" button will stay.
HTHs
-Steve

[nepaica]

Originally Posted by GNSCOTT

OK, maybe I am/was spoiled with the Bose system in my CTS-V and my Silverado, but now that I have really had a chance to listen to the system along with the one in my Silverado, I have to confess that the Kicker system just outright sucks.

First it sounds like most of the sound is coming from the tiny front speakers. Its like I cannot hear the backs no matter how much I play with the controls. It sounds like the music is coming from a tin can. It is impossible to get any base unless you have it cranked or you fold the rear seat down.

I guess it all depends on what you are used to listening to, but even Bose isn't the best in the world.

On a side note..is there any way to keep the info on the nav screen for the music. It sucks having to press the button every time to find out who the artists and songs are.

I think you have a problem with your system. Mine sounds great and I have had experience with the GM bose systems which I was never impressed with.

[GTS LEE]

The mental picture of you dropping the seats to get good sound is just too much. There is something wrong with your system. I've owned more high end systems than I can count, this one is really good.

[SRTEight]

I guess I have a problem with my kicker also, because it is LAME. I have JL Audio in my eXcursion, and it sounds great. The SRT system doesn't even come close. I really have laid the back seat down just to see if it was working. It does, but weak. I have the bass all the way up and even the fader back two or three notches.
But the kicker does make some sound, so what is the dealer going to say? I think i'm SOL.

[Driven2WIN]

Originally Posted by SRTEight

I guess I have a problem with my kicker also, because it is LAME. I have JL Audio in my eXcursion, and it sounds great. The SRT system doesn't even come close. I really have laid the back seat down just to see if it was working. It does, but weak. I have the bass all the way up and even the fader back two or three notches.
But the kicker does make some sound, so what is the dealer going to say? I think i'm SOL.

wow! I'll bet the Kicker subwoofer is wired up backwards. If it is you will get some base but not much. Definitely have the dealer look at it.

I think that the sound is good with the 13 speaker Kicker system.

My only wish is that the separation was better defined for the driver and the passenger. I think that the best definition is sitting right on the center console. When they were setting up the system, the engineers must have had a tuning microphone sitting right at the center console.

[dlyle]

The Kicker in my Charger sounds bad too. I have the same tin can sound. The bass is fine, it just seems like bass in the back of the car and tin can in the front. It doesn't matter how much I fiddle with the fader it sounds bad. Does yours sound worse with Sirius? Mine is at its worst with Sirius.

I have a 2000 Dakota with the stock Infinity stereo and it sounds much better....and I have a Daytona Charger with Sound Group II (Boston Acoustics) and it sounds better too.

[arnoldw]

check this thread just posted the other day

Disapointing Kicker sub problem fixed...

[Ken Lally]

Here is what I noticed, the sub works waaaaay better w/ the FM radio than the satelite radio. W/ satelite, you barely hear it-

Try it you'll see, I have no clue why.

[Dan SS2471]

This is interesting. While not completely disappointed in the sound quality of the Kicker, I wasn't blown away. I have a pretty nice aftermarket system in my truck (Alpine head unit, 6 x 9s in all four doors, Stealthbox in the rear console and amp) and I was surprised at how much better it sounds than the Kicker. I thought maybe the Kicker was 'more refined' and left it at that.

But this is definitely worth a look.

Is KCustom still around? He was the 'man' back in the Spring when all of the rumors and info was flying around about the system. He should have some answers.