Kicker Key Amp 200.4 Install DIY Video - Do this first!

[Chirico]

I finally received a new microphone from Kicker the other day.
(Muddy mid with auto DSP. One of possible causes was the mic. Thank you again @Billnchristy)

I will try DSP setup again over the weekend along with some other changes.

Here are a few questions to make sure no dumb newbie mistakes.

Q1. I found the space below the dash speaker is quite crazy.
Should I try to seal it as much as possible? Some Dynamat or even with some Poly-fil? And somewhat separate it from the space below?

Q2. Planning to apply some Dynamat (or similar sound deadening) to the kick panels : Contacting surface, behind the speakers, and some patches here and there to seal off some holes.
Some Poly-fill could be good here?

Q3. Poly-fill is safe material? Especially under the dash speakers during hot summer?

Regards,

Just to report a quick update (for anyone out there who might be suffering from the same problem)

Tried the new microphone sent by Kicker.
Yes! finally acceptable sound!
No more weirdly enhanced mid bass.
Sound clarity is much much better.
(Even though it is still not like what I was expecting. But I guess, it is what it is from the Kicker speakers)

But it is acceptable, and I think I can live with it for a while;

Spent some time with the small sub with many different songs.
Setting a sub seems to be much more trial and error than I was initially expecting.
Works well with some songs but does not work at all with some others.
Another piece of puzzle to solve...

Big appreciation to all 6G members who helped me out with my first journey in this bottomless audio world.

+ One thing to add.
After the fog of muddy sound is cleared, I actually hear more hiss.
Noise floor of Kicker Key is somewhat high?
Or gain setting can cause more background noise?

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[Billnchristy]

Gain will add noise. I think the SN ratio is 95 for this amp, not stellar but not garbage either.

 

[Billnchristy]

Got everything in last night but I used a janky pink noise and it makes everything super bright. I'll be running it again tonight with the proper file. DOH!

 

[Jjt24]

Picked it up today!

 

[DaveInSA]

Just a FYI. I sold my bronco but pulled the kicker amp and plugnplay harness out before. It's up for sale in the sale forums if anyone is looking to add one.

 

[FellowM3]

Anyone in NJ that can help with install lol.

Will pay in beer and food

 

[FreddieLee]

Does the Kicker Key supply power to the dash, kick panel, and rear pod (all 6) speakers?

 

[Lurker B6G]

Does the Kicker Key supply power to the dash, kick panel, and rear pod (all 6) speakers?

The Kicker Key is a 4 channel amplifier.

If you wire it in the "normal way" and use one of the PnP harnesses that everyone is talking about, then it will power the front and back speakers (all 6). Keep in mind that the front speakers are a combination of the kick and dash on each side, so 4 front and 2 back.

It can be wired to ANY four channels, so some people wire the kicks and dash seperately (bi-amped), and do not amplify the backs (run directly from the head unit). But this requires an understanding of how to tap the kicks and dash speakers seperately.

 

[FellowM3]

The Kicker Key is a 4 channel amplifier.

If you wire it in the "normal way" and use one of the PnP harnesses that everyone is talking about, then it will power the front and back speakers (all 6). Keep in mind that the front speakers are a combination of the kick and dash on each side, so 4 front and 2 back.

It can be wired to ANY four channels, so some people wire the kicks and dash seperately (bi-amped), and do not amplify the backs (run directly from the head unit). But this requires an understanding of how to tap the kicks and dash speakers seperately.

Why would someone do the tap method, rather than the PnP kit then?

It controlling all 6 speakers, isnt that a win?

 

[Lurker B6G]

Short answer is $155 plus shipping.

Long answer is that some set-ups will need it (e.g. bi-amp).

Using a pre-made harness is by far the simple approach.

 

[skipole70]

does anyone know what install of the 200.4 would be like without the harness? Just splicing into a few speaker wires and running power to the battery? Trying to understand what the $100 harness provides. I’m struggling to understand their website

Warranty. It provides a factory warranty
If something breaks, unplug it, put it back together stock, and take it to the dealer. Plus not everyone is an electrical engineer. I’ve seen some massive boo boos in my days as an installer……. And that was before all this computerized crap and air bags. I’ve won several trophies in regional competitions, many moons ago….. and I’m here to tell you, this looks like the easy way to go. All it takes is one bad connection and the dealer will void your electrical warranty in a heart beat. I’m glad I came across this post. Thank you @67BroncoG1

 

[Hossfire]

The Kicker Key is a 4 channel amplifier.

If you wire it in the "normal way" and use one of the PnP harnesses that everyone is talking about, then it will power the front and back speakers (all 6). Keep in mind that the front speakers are a combination of the kick and dash on each side, so 4 front and 2 back.

It can be wired to ANY four channels, so some people wire the kicks and dash seperately (bi-amped), and do not amplify the backs (run directly from the head unit). But this requires an understanding of how to tap the kicks and dash speakers seperately.

The Key 4 channel is kind of a waste to use on the rear channel. Better to run new wires to the dash and power the kicks and dash separately with that amp. If you follow the 5 Star guys, that's all they use the Key amp for --- it's an easy way to get a fully active front stage tuned in.

If you follow the Kicker YouTube channel, they are talking about introducing more amps to the Key line in the future. A six channel amp would be incredible --- you could do an amazing three way active system up front.

 

[Rimrattle]

OK so I want to get rid of the rear pods completely. I have removed the rear seats in my two door and don't need or want speakers back there. So should I run new wires from the amp to the front speakers like in the previous post or is there a simpler/better way?

 

[Bearcat1]

I have had my kicker key 200.4 installed for about 6 months now using Plgnplay harness. I ordered the additional power harness to run power directly from the amp to the battery. Just installed over the weekend, makes a big difference!! I would gues 20-30% more volume without the amp clipping. Highly recommend adding this harness and running the power wire to the battery.
Here is the link for power adapter.

 

[dangerfoot]

I have had my kicker key 200.4 installed for about 6 months now using Plgnplay harness. I ordered the additional power harness to run power directly from the amp to the battery. Just installed over the weekend, makes a big difference!! I would gues 20-30% more volume without the amp clipping. Highly recommend adding this harness and running the power wire to the battery.
Here is the link for power adapter.

It is the $10 part? Going to look into this as yeah....clipping happens.

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