Need help tuning Kicker setup, 2-door non B&O, 7 speaker.

[PearlJamFanLV]

I have a 2024 Ford Bronco 2 door with the factory 7 speaker non B&O system. I have installed the Kicker Key 200.4 and the Kicker 500.1. I replaced the factory 6.75 sub with a Kicker 48CWRT CompRT 8" inside the factory enclosure. I also installed 2 51KSC6504 in the rear pods and 2 more in the front lower kick panel. Lastly I installed 2 51KSC04 in the upper dash, Both amps are wired direct to the battery using the DC offset option.

I have now spent what I feel is too much time tuning this system. I run the correct lab grade pink noise from Kicker on the standard speakers, with the sub unplugged. I turn the radio to volume 20 with the gain on the amp at 0. Once I get the happy tone I go to adjust gain and with the radio still at 20 I can move it maybe 1/6th to 1/8th of a turn and the clipping light will come on, turn it back a little until it goes out. So I feel I am set there. Also, I have compression on, Kicker EQ on, and the pass at 60hz.

Now I move to the sub and turn everything to the small dot or "0" for better reference. I start the gain match -5db file, radio still at 20, and same thing, I can turn at a hair or 2 and the clip light comes one. I then run the Sweep -5db file and let it do its thing.

I think I'm done, but no, of course not. The sounds pretty good at full volume, unless I go past 20, maybe to 23, and the 200.4 will cut out. No biggie, I turn it down it comes back on.

The problem is during regular volume it sound pretty flat all round, like vocals seem muddled and the highs just not as clear. The bass is still have decent, it's the main speakers that don't sound good. Yet, turn it all the way up and it sounds pretty good.

Is there something I am missing? I have made the correct changes in FORscan to make sure all speakers are setup as Speaker/Tweeter and Speaker/Tweeter/Sub and the factory EQ is off.

Any guesses or tips?

Also, what hz are people setting the sub amp at? LPF and HPF?

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[Ft. Worth Rob]

For the 200.4 cutting out, make sure the radio detect button is pressed in. When in the “on” position it is flush with the amp case. It needs to be pushed in to be off. Also, I found turning the gain down all the way worked best for me. The gain control is used to match the output voltage of the head unit. It isn’t for volume.

For the 500.1, I’d highly recommend adding the ARC knob so you can adjust sub volume from the driver’s seat.

 

[RlsTheBracken]

+1 for making sure the button is pushed in. I had muddy sound until I did that. Also, on Forscan, I believe you want the rear speakers to be speaker/sub - not speaker/tweeter sub. I followed the video from @RagnarKon and I’ve got good sound now.

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