The Kicker CompVT Subwoofer is designed to deliver powerful and clear bass in various audio systems, suitable for both sealed and vented enclosure applications. This owner's manual provides comprehensive details for installation, specifications, and enclosure recommendations for the CVT10 and CVT12 models.
Function Description
The CompVT subwoofers are high-performance audio transducers specifically engineered to reproduce low-frequency sounds (bass) with accuracy and impact. They are designed to be integrated into custom-built enclosures, which are crucial for optimizing their acoustic performance. The manual provides detailed instructions and specifications for building both sealed and vented enclosures, allowing users to tailor the subwoofer's output to their specific preferences and vehicle acoustics. The subwoofers are capable of handling significant continuous power, ensuring robust and reliable performance.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides detailed specifications for both the CVT10 and CVT12 models.
CVT10 Specifications:
- Rated Impedance: 2 or 4 Ω
- Fs (Hz): 32.7
- Continuous Power Handling (Watts RMS): 350
- Sensitivity (1W, 1m): 87.2
- Qts: .440
- Qms: 9.56
- Qes: .461
- Re (Ω): 2.13
- Vas (ft³, L): 1.30 [37.14]
- Xmax (Linear Excursion) [mm]: 10.5
- Outer Frame Dimension [in, cm]: 10-11/16 [27.1]
- Mounting Depth [in, cm]: 4-1/4 [10.8]
- Mounting Cutout [in, cm]: 9-3/16 [23.3]
- Frequency Response [Hz]: 25–500
CVT12 Specifications:
- Rated Impedance: 2 or 4 Ω
- Fs (Hz): 32.7
- Continuous Power Handling (Watts RMS): 350
- Sensitivity (1W, 1m): 87.1
- Qts: .518
- Qms: 10.16
- Qes: .546
- Re (Ω): 2.16
- Vas (ft³, L): 2.15 [61]
- Xmax (Linear Excursion) [mm]: 10.5
- Outer Frame Dimension [in, cm]: 12-5/8 [32]
- Mounting Depth [in, cm]: 4-3/8 [11.1]
- Mounting Cutout [in, cm]: 11 [28.1]
- Frequency Response [Hz]: 25–500
Sealed Enclosure Applications:
For sealed enclosures, the manual recommends specific volumes and power handling capabilities:
- CVT10: Minimum volume of 0.8 ft³ [22.7 L] with 350W RMS power handling; Maximum volume of 3 ft³ [85 L] with 300W RMS power handling.
- CVT12: Minimum volume of 1 ft³ [28.3 L] with 350W RMS power handling; Maximum volume of 4.6 ft³ [130 L] with 300W RMS power handling.
Vented Enclosure Applications:
For vented enclosures, the manual provides specifications for both "Vented Minimum" and "Vented Maximum" designs. These designs are optimized for different frequency responses and sound characteristics.
CVT10 Vented Minimum:
- Box Volume: 1.25 ft³ [35.4 L]
- Port Opening: 2x10.5 [5.1x26.7] in x cm
- Port Length: 20 [50.8] in
- Power Handling: 200 RMS
CVT12 Vented Minimum:
- Box Volume: 1.75 ft³ [49.6 L]
- Port Opening: 2.5x12.5 [6.4x31.8] in x cm
- Port Length: 20 [50.8] in
- Power Handling: 300 RMS
CVT10 Vented Maximum:
- Box Volume: 1.75 ft³ [49.6 L]
- Port Opening: 2.5x10.5 [6.4x26.7] in x cm
- Port Length: 20 [50.8] in
- Power Handling: 200 RMS
CVT12 Vented Maximum:
- Box Volume: 2.25 ft³ [63.7 L]
- Port Opening: 3x12.5 [7.6x31.8] in x cm
- Port Length: 20.5 [52.1] in
- Power Handling: 300 RMS
The manual also specifies the use of 3/4" (1.9cm) thick MDF (medium density fiberboard) for enclosure construction and recommends the use of polyester-fill (poly-fil) stuffing for sealed enclosures to simulate a larger airspace and improve performance.
Usage Features
Wiring Options:
The CompVT subwoofers support both parallel and series wiring configurations, allowing flexibility in matching the subwoofer's impedance to the amplifier's output.
- Parallel Wiring: Two 2Ω woofers result in a 1Ω load; Two 4Ω woofers result in a 2Ω load.
- Series Wiring: Two 2Ω woofers result in a 4Ω load; Two 4Ω woofers result in an 8Ω load.
Enclosure Design:
The manual emphasizes the importance of proper enclosure design for optimal performance.
- Sealed Enclosures: These provide tight, accurate bass with good transient response. The manual provides dimensions for the front, back, and side panels for both CVT10 and CVT12 models, ensuring precise construction. It also details how to create a clearance plate for the subwoofer to sit recessed within the box, ensuring a flush mount and preventing air leaks.
- Vented Enclosures: These offer higher output and extended low-frequency response compared to sealed enclosures. The manual provides specific dimensions for port openings and lengths, which are critical for tuning the enclosure to the desired frequency. It also includes recommendations for internal bracing to minimize panel resonance and improve sound quality.
Installation Considerations:
- Port Design: For vented enclosures, the manual advises against installing a port opening against a solid surface like a back seat or trunk wall, as this can restrict airflow and create unwanted turbulence.
- Polyester-Fill: For ultra-smooth bass response, especially in sealed enclosures, using poly-fill stuffing is recommended. This helps to simulate a larger enclosure volume, leading to deeper bass and extended low-frequency output.
- Speaker Placement: The manual suggests experimenting with speaker placement within the vehicle to find the optimal position that minimizes standing waves and maximizes bass response.
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance:
- The manual does not explicitly detail routine maintenance for the subwoofer itself, implying that once properly installed in a well-constructed enclosure, the device requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
- It is crucial to ensure that the enclosure remains sealed and free of air leaks, as this can degrade performance. Periodically checking the integrity of the enclosure and the subwoofer's mounting is advisable.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a "Sound Check" section to help users diagnose common issues:
- No output or low output: Check speaker connections and amplifier settings.
- Distorted bass: Verify that the subwoofer is not overdriven and that the amplifier gain is set correctly.
- Poor bass response: Check the system phasing and review the positive/negative speaker connections. If the bass improves when the subwoofer is out of phase, it indicates a wiring issue.
Warranty and Service:
- Kicker provides a warranty for its products, covering defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. This period can be extended to three years if the product is installed by an Authorized Kicker Dealer.
- For warranty service, customers are advised to contact their Authorized Kicker Dealer or the Kicker Customer Service Department.
- The manual lists conditions that void the warranty, such as damage due to improper installation, exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, abuse, negligence, misuse, accident, or unauthorized repair.
- It also specifies what is not covered under warranty, including freight damage, products purchased from an unauthorized dealer, and products with tampered or missing serial numbers.
Customer Support:
- For additional information on Kicker products, users can visit www.kicker.com.
- Technical support and customer service are available via phone and email.
- The manual encourages users to register their subwoofer at www.kicker.com to receive updates and information.
Overall, the Kicker CompVT Subwoofer manual is a comprehensive guide designed to assist users in achieving optimal bass performance from their audio systems through careful installation and enclosure construction.
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