Kicker Powerstage Subwoofer Install - Kick Up The Bass

The manufacturers are really stepping up to the plate with the factory audio systems. Even the base model trucks have built-in Bluetooth and USB hookups, so there really isn't a reason to swap out the deck of your vehicle. Most phones have built-in navigation, so those head units aren't even needed. But what if you want a little more bass or you want better sound without having to pull your doors apart to get to the speakers? Luckily, Stillwater, Oklahoma–based Kicker Audio has a solution for your dilemma. Kicker's SoundGate line of products upgrades the factory speakers without modifying the trucks existing electrical system or swapping out the head unit. There are two systems under the SoundGate category. The first is called the SubStage and is strictly for bass enhancement. The other system, which we show installed in this article, is called the PowerStage system. The PowerStage comes with an amp that increases the quality of sound in the factory speakers. It also has crossovers built in to pull the bass out of the smaller speakers and send it to the subwoofer. Said subwoofer, which is included in the PowerStage system, is a 10-inch powered sub in an enclosure. This kit comes with fully terminated harnesses so installation is a breeze and takes about a half hour. After the parts arrived, we pulled the truck into our tech center in Irvine, California, and got to work.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•