Testing the Kicker Key, 7 Speaker XLT

[Magician]

Okay so I was not imagining things. 1 did seem much better to me. I guess that is another thing I need to test today. Thanks!!!

Shoot I really hope I am happy with the key, I really do not want this rabbit hole to keep getting more expensive.

In my experience at age 62 once you get bit by the audio bug the itch lasts lang and the cost is high. I have an entire storage bin with used speakers, amps. Cable, harnesses, adaptors and you name it. Some for my autos and some for other toys. It seems to never end for me.

I also believe that going back to EQ 1 greatly improved the overall sound quality keeping in mind my current hardware. The Alpines seem to have much better volume and the entire system is not so bright. I also added leather seats and I believe that changed sound quality ever so slightly. Could be my hearing also?
Good luck on your upcoming adventures in F-150 audio.

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[Entropy710]

What microphone did you go with? I'm about to go down nearly the same route. I've got some Infinity Reference 6.5s ready to install front and rear, the Key200.4 and HS10 are en-route.

I've got a 2024 (base system), so I'm not sure if the ACM settings for Forscan are known (the spreadsheet says 21-23 ACM).

 

[Allted]

I ended up getting these three, https://amzn.to/3ZzHVxH phantom power, cable https://amzn.to/3OASgTZ, mic https://amzn.to/4ifOvRt.

Not sure if that mic is available in a USB only, that would make things easier for sure.

From there I Bluetooth into the headunit for the signal for testing. I tune the key with the kicker provided file direct from the USB.

Work is looking a bit light today, so I should be able to test a couple of things this evening.

 

[Graygoose2021]

Yes tune it with volume about 3/4, and be in a quite environment. It works on stock speakers, but lets say a Lexus probably has better OEM speakers than a Focus.
I used the KEY in my Grand Cherokee, but added the Kicker KSS69, 6x9 midbass with separate tweeter in stock location. HUGE upgrade. You can also "trick" the KEY, when you lay in on the headrest, grab a small towel if you like more volume, and lay rag over mic. It will tweak to get a better high freq range.
Be sure everything is flat in the settings before you tune as well, no AC on, no rearfill or bass. JUST the speakers you want tuned up front.
Pics of Jeep install.

 

[Allted]

JUST the speakers you want tuned up front.

I have the front and rear hooked up.

 

[Allted]

My google-fu is not working so well for "Extended Range AC Speaker" Should this be enabled now that there is an amp involved? Dang, so many tests to run. I better hook up a battery charger.

 

[Graygoose2021]

I have the front and rear hooked up.

then your not using the DSP? Your just running as a 4 channel amp then.

 

[Je1279]

I'm interested to see what the graph looks like with aftermarket speakers both for the flat EQ setting as well as EQ #1.

 

[Entropy710]

then your not using the DSP? Your just running as a 4 channel amp then.

The KEY200.4 will act as a DSP whether you use it as a 4-channel amp or "Bi-Amp" only 2-channels.

https://www.kicker.com/app/manuals/47KEY2004.pdf

 

[Allted]

I need to correct the first post, my EQ was set to one, I just changed it to flat.

then your not using the DSP? Your just running as a 4 channel amp then.

The KEY200.4 will act as a DSP whether you use it as a 4-channel amp or "Bi-Amp" only 2-channels.

Am I not reading the manual correctly, page 9? Standard full range wiring is all 4 channels front and back?
Bi amp is shown as tweeters and woofers, as in doors and pillars and not what this is really designed for? If I am wrong about this, I will return it.

The DSP is definitely doing something.

I'm interested to see what the graph looks like with aftermarket speakers both for the flat EQ setting as well as EQ #1.

Purple is flat, green is eq1 bot with the key on. The low end of flat looks better and the high end of eq1 might be a bit better.

Check this out though.

Turning the tuned settings off on EQ flat look pretty good, maybe bring down the mids and raise the treble a touch and off honestly looks better.
So maybe you guys are right about the bi amp thing?? With the Key on the graph is kinda all over the place. Way to high and way too low. With the key off it is way more steady/average.

 

[Allted]

So here is eq1 vs flat with the key off. Blue is flat Green is EQ1.

 

[Allted]

then your not using the DSP? Your just running as a 4 channel amp then.

Page 9 shows the diagram and page 12 explains it. I am using 4 channel mode as expected (front and rear left and right). Bi- amp is only if you are just trying to power components with no crossovers (front door and pillar).

 

[Allted]

Okay, sorry for the spam posting.

It honestly looks like these speakers are missing (bad at) 170 to 350 hz. the rest can be tuned in.
Well that and the lower lows but the hs10 fills those in perfectly.

 

[Jbcaindo]

This is the final tuning of a 7 speaker oem location ford truck (minus center) with some underseat subs.

This is a very modest level system. 65wfor tweets, 160w for front 6.5s, 65w for rear coax, 900w for 2 shallow subs.

This is after shooting target with a mic system and then adjusting to customer's ear. Hence the random pushes and pulls throughout.

 

[Allted]

Hoping I can get even remotely close to that! That seems insanely perfect, I did not think it could get that good in a car/truck.

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