Kicker 10" Hideaway sub install

[DC3]

I upgraded my Gladiator's OEM Alpine audio system with the MB Quart. I knew the bass would be lacking from other reviews, but I didn't want to lose my rear seat storage. I removed the factory Alpine subwoofer and installed the Kicker hideaway. I haven't found other installation guides, so I documented mine. I took a practical approach and used a slotted/perforated steel angle for the base mount and an aluminum angle for the top support. I used the factory mounting locations, so there was no drilling or other modification.

The mount isn't the prettiest or engineered, but it does the job.

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[DC3]

How’s the bass?

It's definitely better than the factory Alpine. I am sure a true bass box would sound better but its not worth the storage space loss for me.

 

[ZUUL]

The mount looks good to me - well done!

I'm over here trying to figure out why I like the factory Alpine subwoofer while others don't. I listen to a wide spectrum of music genres - lots of bass driven stuff. ?‍

 

[bagpype]

The mount looks good to me - well done!

I'm over here trying to figure out why I like the factory Alpine subwoofer while others don't. I listen to a wide spectrum of music genres - lots of bass driven stuff. ?‍

I also like my Alpine system. No complaints here!

 

[mx5red]

I caught this on YT yesterday. Insane!

5 alternators?

 

[johnh442]

Factory Apline is garbage IMO.
My 2013 RAM blows it away.
My Son's 2021 JL blows it away.
My 2017 SS destroys it (of course that has 12" sub in the trunk lol.)

Subwoofer is totally weak. Knee speakers don't do much.
Even replacing the Sound Bar and Dash Speakers made it tolerable, but the subwoofer is like sub-subwoofer.

Thank you for this thread looking at adding HS10.

 

[Zachanadandy]

It's definitely better than the factory Alpine. I am sure a true bass box would sound better but its not worth the storage space loss for me.

Why not keep the Alpine sub and add the hideaway on the drivers side? You already had the sub and amp so I'd imagine you'd get more performance at no additional cost? That's effectively what trail seven did in their video.

 

[johnh442]

Did this last weekend.
@DC3 thanks for the pics and the mounting, works great!
Factory trim back on, and it all looks stock, but sounds SO MUCH better. For such a small box the HS10 really kicks!

Why not keep the Alpine sub and add the hideaway on the drivers side? You already had the sub and amp so I'd imagine you'd get more performance at no additional cost?

Two reasons for me:
1. Clean look, and the HS10 in place of factory sub keeps stock look and somewhat protects the sub and wiring
2. More importantly, keeps the lockable space behind the seat (useful when the top is off).

The HS10 would easily drown out the stock POS subwoofer anyway.

 

[DivrGuy]

I just today finished installing this sub, behind the seat on the driver side. I have the stock amplified unit and factory speakers and sub, and added the Kicker as an addition. With the top and doors off, I can't tell a difference going down the road. It's working, in the garage I can hear it and fiddled with the gain, bass control knob, crossover point, etc. But on the road, I can't tell it's there. Just curious of you have tried it out with the top and doors off and what your impression is.

 

[Iinux38]

I got the Kicker 10 sub. Absolutely love it over the factory Alpine sub which is garbage and weak. I put mine under the passenger front seat. Fits perfect there and you hardly notice it when u open the rear passenger

 

[remlemasi]

Just added a Kicker HS10 to my base audio system, along with Infinity Reference 3.5” coaxial dash speakers and poly-fill all around. Pretty happy with it and very likely won’t m be doing anything else.

Can those with the HS10 share their gain and crossover settings?

I started with gain and crossover centered at 12:00 (probably around 80Hz). Headunit EQ at 0/0/0 (high/mid/low). Sub was overpowering, so I’m now at one line/notch below center on gain. Bass boost is at the minimum settingBass is slightly low, so will probably increase it a little Nothing to complain about, but would like to optimize it.

Helpful things to list:
Gain setting
Crossover setting
Bass boost
Base or Alpine
EQ settings (high/mid/low)
List of speaker upgrades
For Alpine: kept stock sub or not?
Other notes

Would be great to see if there is a trend! I’ll start:

Gain: one line/notch below center
Crossover: centered, around 80Hz
Bass Boost: minimum
Base audio system
EQ: 0/0/0 (high/mid/low)
Infinity REF-3032 3.5” coaxial upper dash
Polyfill all enclosures except lower dash

Mids and highs are an amazing upgrade, good and subtle improvement in bass but not 100% happy and will update when I have something I like. Will eventually take some measurements using REW and a miniDSP UMIK to help find the optimal/smoothest transition.

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