KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosures User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosures. These enclosures are designed to house 8-inch (200mm) marine-grade speakers, providing a durable and acoustically optimized housing for various marine and powersport applications. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and retain it for future reference.

2. Safety Information

• Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, during installation.
• Ensure the mounting surface is structurally sound and can support the weight of the enclosures and speakers.
• Disconnect the vehicle's battery before beginning any electrical work to prevent short circuits.
• Use correct gauge wiring for speaker connections to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.
• Avoid mounting the enclosures in locations that obstruct visibility or interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Do not overtighten mounting hardware, as this can damage the enclosures or mounting surface.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosures (Pair)
• Mounting Hardware (clamps, bolts, washers)
• Polyfill material
• Mounting Tube Adapters (for 2-1/4, 2-3/8, 2-1/2, 2-5/8 inch tube sizes)

Image 3.1: A pair of KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosures, black finish, shown from the front-side angle, highlighting the speaker opening and the integrated mounting clamp.

Image 3.2: A set of black rubber mounting tube adapters, arranged in two rows, used to secure the enclosures to various bar diameters.

4. Specifications

Image 4.1: A KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosure with its approximate dimensions (11.63" height, 19.25" width, 19.75" depth) indicated by arrows.

5. Installation and Setup

5.1 Speaker Installation into Enclosures

1. Prepare the Enclosure: Remove the front grille or trim ring from the enclosure if applicable.
2. Insert Polyfill: Carefully place the provided polyfill material inside the enclosure. This helps optimize the acoustic performance of the speaker.
3. Connect Speaker Wires: Connect the speaker wires from your 8-inch driver to the terminals located on the enclosure. Ensure correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).
4. Mount the Speaker: Carefully insert your 8-inch speaker into the enclosure opening. Align the speaker's mounting holes with those on the enclosure. Secure the speaker using appropriate screws (not included with enclosures, typically supplied with speakers). Do not overtighten.
5. Reattach Grille/Trim: If removed, reattach the speaker grille or trim ring.

Image 5.1: A side view of a single KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosure, showing the KICKER logo on the rear and the speaker wire terminals near the mounting clamp.

5.2 Enclosure Mounting to Vehicle/Vessel

1. Select Mounting Location: Choose a secure and stable location on your boat or powersport vehicle. Ensure the chosen bar or tube diameter is compatible with the provided mounting hardware (2-1/4, 2-3/8, 2-1/2, 2-5/8 inches).
2. Install Tube Adapters: Select the correct size rubber adapter sleeves for your mounting tube diameter. Insert these into the mounting clamps on the enclosure.
3. Position Enclosure: Place the enclosure's mounting clamp around the chosen bar.
4. Secure Clamps: Use the provided bolts and washers to tighten the mounting clamps securely. Ensure the enclosure is firmly attached and does not rotate or vibrate excessively. Adjust the angle for optimal sound projection before final tightening.
5. Route Wiring: Carefully route the speaker wires from the enclosures to your amplifier or head unit. Ensure wires are protected from sharp edges, heat, and moving parts. Use marine-grade wiring for outdoor applications.

Image 5.2: A front-facing view of a single KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosure, showcasing the KICKER logo on the rear cap and the speaker terminals.

6. Operation

Once your speakers are installed in the KMTES8 enclosures and properly wired to your audio system, operation is straightforward. The enclosures themselves are passive components; their function is to provide a protective and acoustically tuned housing for your speakers. Ensure your amplifier is correctly configured for the connected speakers and that all wiring connections are secure to prevent signal loss or damage.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the exterior of the enclosures with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the finish.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect all mounting hardware for tightness. Vibrations from vehicle operation can loosen bolts over time.
• Wiring: Check speaker wire connections for corrosion, especially in marine environments. Ensure all connections remain secure.
• Environmental Protection: While designed for outdoor use, prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions (e.g., direct sunlight, heavy rain) can affect longevity. Consider covers when the vehicle is not in use.

8. Troubleshooting

• No Sound from Enclosure:
  • Check speaker wire connections at both the enclosure and the amplifier for proper contact and polarity.
  • Verify the speaker itself is functioning correctly by testing it with another known good audio source if possible.
  • Ensure the amplifier is powered on and receiving a signal.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Check for loose speaker mounting screws within the enclosure.
  • Ensure the speaker is correctly seated and sealed within the enclosure.
  • Verify that the amplifier gain settings are not too high, causing clipping.
• Enclosure Vibrates Excessively:
  • Tighten all mounting clamp bolts.
  • Ensure the mounting surface is rigid and not contributing to vibrations.

9. Warranty and Support

KICKER KMTES8 Tower Enclosures come with a Limited Warranty. For specific warranty terms, conditions, and duration, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KICKER website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact KICKER customer service directly.

KICKER Official Website: www.kicker.com