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Kicker KS with an amp?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by tacochris24, Jun 22, 2023.

  1. Jun 22, 2023 at 4:07 PM
    #1
    tacochris24

    tacochris24 [OP] New Member

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    Hello all,

    I’m very new to the car sound-system thing, but a huge audio person. I have a 2019 TRD OR with the JBL “premium” sound-system. Everything audio-wise is OEM as of now. My budget isn’t super tight, and I’ve been looking to upgrade the dash tweeters and front door speakers with this bundle:

    https://www.extremeterrain.com/kicker-tacoma-ks-series-6x9-inch-component-speakers.html

    All the reviews of the kicker KS’s say they are much more clear when compared to the stock JBL’s, but I also want my speakers to be able to get loud. I stumbled across this amp, which I’m sure you guys are familiar with, but crutchfield says that it doesn’t fit my taco:

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4TY12/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-TY12-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html

    So I guess my question is that if this amp doesn’t fit, what’s a good option for one that will give me high output with the Kicker KS’s in the dash and front doors? Or, if the amp can fit, what will i need to make it happen.

    Thanks,
    Chris.
     
  2. Jun 22, 2023 at 5:27 PM
    #2
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    Biggest point: that’s not an amp. It’s just an interface to talk to the JBL computer

    Also, when you use an interface like that, you do have to remove the factory amp, which means you are replacing ALL the speakers in the truck. Dash, all 4 doors, and sub
     
  3. Jun 22, 2023 at 6:10 PM
    #3
    tacochris24

    tacochris24 [OP] New Member

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    Ok, noted. Given my circumstance, what would be a good option to only amplify the 4 front speakers?
     
  4. Jun 22, 2023 at 7:05 PM
    #4
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    Is that your only goal, or is that just step one? You’ll take different approaches if you want to build things out more down the road
     
  5. Jun 23, 2023 at 8:02 AM
    #5
    tacochris24

    tacochris24 [OP] New Member

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    Probably just step one, i want to add a sub somewhere down the line but that’s not for a while.
     
  6. Jun 23, 2023 at 11:43 AM
    #6
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    With the JBL system, there’s not a cost effective way to do it in steps. The equipment you’d need for just the fronts is different from the equipment you’d need for fronts and a sub. You’ll be buying stuff and then ripping it out when you get ready for the next step, where you have to buy more expensive stuff
     
    soundman98 likes this.
  7. Jun 23, 2023 at 12:08 PM
    #7
    tacochris24

    tacochris24 [OP] New Member

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    Last edited: Jun 23, 2023
  8. Jun 23, 2023 at 6:37 PM
    #8
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    A speaker set like that will actually lower your volume pretty significantly. The amp can’t handle beefier speakers as well, resulting in decreased output.

    The consensus on the JBL system is to leave it alone until you’re ready to gut it and drop $2-3k into it. And I’m sorry that’s not the answer you want lol
     
    soundman98 likes this.
  9. Jun 24, 2023 at 6:38 AM
    #9
    bkhlrTaco's

    bkhlrTaco's “expletive deleted”

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    The tweeters and 6x9's are already wired in parallel. The rest are series.
    Another way to draw more power is to cut the factory speaker wires on the harness. Wire both front speakers together making them parallel. Same with the back. You just made 4ohm speakers 2ohm. Run your Front plus to Front R+ and the negative to Front L-. Now the parallel speakers are bridged and potentially dropped another ohm of resistance, potentially making your 4ohm speakers 1ohm.
    The down side is L/R balance doesn't work.
     
  10. Jun 24, 2023 at 2:58 PM
    #10
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    He has the JBL system so this isn’t an option
     
    soundman98 likes this.
  11. Jun 24, 2023 at 5:35 PM
    #11
    Jaycen

    Jaycen Well-Known Member

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    I did this upgrade with no effect on volume and a massive increase in sound quality. Tomorrow I have a DSR1 and MB quartz 5 channel going in and everything JBL coming out.
     

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