Kicker C104 10-inch 300W Comp 4-Ohm Car Audio Subwoofers Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This instruction manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Kicker C104 10-inch Comp Series Car Audio Subwoofers. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation or use to ensure optimal performance and to prevent damage to the product or your vehicle's audio system. Retain this manual for future reference.

2. Product Overview

The Kicker C104 Comp Series Subwoofers are designed to deliver powerful and clear bass reproduction for your car audio system. These 10-inch subwoofers feature a robust construction for durability and consistent performance.

Key Features:

• Size: 10 inches (25.0 cm)
• Impedance: 4 ohms Single Voice Coil (SVC)
• Power Handling: 300 Watts Peak, 150 Watts RMS (Recommended power range: 50 - 150 watts RMS)
• Cone Material: Injection molded SoloKon cone for rigidity
• Surround: Optimized Polyfoam Ribbed Surround
• Durability: Double-stitched surround and 360-degree back bracing to eliminate distortion
• Voice Coil: Single high-temperature voice coil
• Magnet Structure: 45oz. Magnet
• Tinsel Leads: Woven into the spider with Kicker's Spiralead technology

What's in the Box:

• 2 x Kicker C104 10" Subwoofers

Image: Front view of two Kicker C104 10-inch subwoofers, showcasing the Kicker logo and 'Comp' branding on the cone.

3. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your subwoofers. It is highly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified professional car audio installer.

Mounting Considerations:

• Mounting Depth: 5-1/16 inches (12.8 cm)
• Mounting Cutout: 9-1/8 inches (23.1 cm)

Ensure adequate clearance behind the subwoofer for proper ventilation and excursion. The mounting surface must be rigid and secure to prevent vibrations and ensure optimal sound quality.

Image: Side profile of the Kicker C104 subwoofer, illustrating its depth for mounting considerations.

Enclosure Requirements:

The Kicker C104 subwoofers can be used in both sealed and vented enclosures. Refer to the specifications for recommended enclosure volumes:

• Min Sealed Box Volume: 1.0 cu. ft (28.3 L)
• Max Sealed Box Volume: 2.4 cu. ft (68 L)
• Min Vented Box Volume: 1.25 cu. ft (35.4 L)
• Max Vented Box Volume: 1.75 cu. ft (49.6 L)

Wiring and Amplifier Matching:

These subwoofers feature a single 4-ohm voice coil. Ensure your amplifier is stable at a 4-ohm load per channel or when wired in parallel/series for multiple subwoofers to achieve the desired impedance. The recommended RMS power range is 50-150 watts per subwoofer. Overpowering or underpowering can lead to damage.

Image: Rear view of the Kicker C104 subwoofer, displaying the model number, impedance, and wiring terminals.

Image: Close-up view of a Kicker C104 subwoofer terminal, highlighting the connection point for speaker wire.

4. Operating Instructions

Once installed, proper tuning of your amplifier and head unit is essential for optimal sound quality and to prevent damage to your subwoofers.

• Gain Setting: Set the amplifier gain according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically by matching it to the output voltage of your head unit. Avoid setting the gain too high, as this can introduce distortion and damage the subwoofers.
• Crossover Settings: Use the low-pass filter (LPF) on your amplifier or head unit to send only low frequencies to the subwoofers. A common starting point is 80-100 Hz.
• Bass Boost: Use bass boost sparingly, if at all. Excessive bass boost can lead to clipping and damage.
• Break-in Period: Allow a break-in period of several hours of moderate listening before playing at high volumes. This allows the subwoofer's suspension to loosen up, improving performance.

5. Maintenance

Your Kicker C104 subwoofers require minimal maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the subwoofer cone and surround. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the subwoofer for any signs of damage to the cone, surround, or terminals. Ensure all wiring connections remain secure.
• Environmental Factors: Protect the subwoofers from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.

6. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your subwoofers, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all wiring connections from the amplifier to the subwoofer and from the head unit to the amplifier.
  • Verify the amplifier is powered on and not in protection mode.
  • Ensure the head unit's subwoofer output is enabled and volume is up.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the amplifier gain setting.
  • Check for proper crossover settings; ensure only low frequencies are sent to the subwoofer.
  • Verify the subwoofer is not over-excursing (moving too far in and out).
  • Inspect the subwoofer cone and surround for physical damage.
• Weak Bass:
  • Ensure the subwoofer is wired correctly for the amplifier's impedance load.
  • Check the phase setting on your amplifier or head unit.
  • Verify the enclosure volume matches the recommended specifications.

If problems persist after following these steps, consult a professional car audio technician.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Kicker provides a Full Warranty for this product. For specific warranty terms, conditions, and to register your product, please refer to the official Kicker website or contact Kicker customer support.

For additional support, product information, or to explore other Kicker products, visit the official Kicker brand store:

Visit the KICKER Store