1961-1962 Impala 7 Speaker Stereo Kit

Speakers:

This kit includes the Kicker KS series coaxial speakers.  We chose these speakers because they offer great quality sound and they fit all the vehicles with kick panel applicatoins.  The Kicker KS speakers offer unmatched value when you power them with an amplifier.  The silk dome tweeters produce rich, warm, buttery balanced highs and the speaker cone is heavy enough to produce mid-bass response.  The Kicker KS sound great, they fit, and they sound much more expensive than they actually cost.

Kicker KS 3.5" or 4"

Location

Dash Speaker

Tweeters

Silk Dome (Soft Dome)

Surround

Rubber

Features

⬤ Speaker size, 3.5" or 4" varies by application and whether or not vehicle has A/C

⬤ Great all-around, high quality coaxial speakers

⬤ Mainly used for highs and the tweeters. With 6.5" speakers in the kick panels and 6x9's in the rear, you don't need much mid-bass from the dash.

Kicker KS 6.5"

Location

Kick Panels

Tweeters

Silk Dome (Soft Dome)

Surround

Rubber

Features

⬤ Silk dome tweeter for warm, rich, balanced sound

⬤ Probably the best value out of all of our kick panel speaker options with sound quality versus cost.

⬤ Can handle up to 100W of RMS power. 200W peak power handling

Kicker KS 6x9

Location

Rear Deck

Tweeters

Silk Dome (Soft Dome)

Surround

Rubber

Features

⬤ Same silk dome tweeter as the dash and kick panel speakers

⬤ Great all-around, high quality coaxial speakers

⬤ Can easily handle up to 150 watts of RMS power, making them a perfect match for any amplifier option including the 500W, 2 channel IQ amp

Amplifiers:

With this kit, there are a ton of amplifier options.  We are going to break them down into 3 categories.

• Dual Amps
• Single 8 Channel Amps with built-in DSP
• Dual Amps with built-in DSP

*What is DSP?  In short, think of DSP as a digital equalizer at each speaker.
The dual amp options without the DSP will be the lowest priced options.  If you are an audiphile and you like to tinker and tune your sound, go with one of the DSP options, if not, just stick with a dual amp setup and it will still sound amazing and likely blow away any other car stereo system you have listened to.

Dual Amps:

Kicker KX 800W 5 Ch + 400W 2 Ch.

1200 watts of RMS Kicker power.  The KX series is Kicker's top of the line, regularly available amplifier.  Kicker offers 4 different levels, DS, CS, KX, IQ.  The IQ is exclusive to select Kicker dealers.  Thankfully we are one of them and we offer the IQ stuff.  Generally speaking, the KX is the "go-to" premium amp line from Kicker before you get into the built-in DSP Q Class.  The KX features LED indicators for optimal gain setting and a Bluetooth KXARC remote that allows you to wirelessly adjust the subwoofer and amp level from the driver's seat.  In this setup, the dash speaker and kick panel speakers will get 50W of RMS power, the rear 6x9's will get 100W of RMS power, and the sub will get 400 watts of RMS power.  The KX amps are usually under-rated meaning the actual power output is probably closer to 75 watts of constant power to fronts and 125 to the rear.  We recommend going with one of the Kicker subwoofers with these amps.  If you have Kicker speakers and Kicker amps, you might as well just make it an entire Kicker system.

JL Audio XD600/6 and XD300/1

The XD series amps from JL are truly amazing.  In car audio there are 4 amp levels.  Entry-level, middle, premium, and then ultra-premium.  The JL Audio XD amps are in that premium range where you get unmatched signal processing and tons of good, clean, power that just sounds good.  The XD amps feature many of the same designs as JL's ultra premium VXI, Slash, and HD amps, but at a lower cost and in super compact chassis.  JL Audio amps are known for outperforming the competition and there is a difference between 75 watts and 75 watts of JL power.  The XD amps offer 24db/octave signal processing allowing you to fully dial in each set of speakers.  With this setup, each speaker will receive 75 watts of RMS power while you have 300 watts to go to the subwoofer.  With this setup, you can pick from any of the subwoofer options as the 300 watt mono XD amp will provide sufficient power to any one you choose.

Kicker KX 800W 5 Ch. + 400W 2 Ch.

Power Rating

50Wx4 + 100Wx2 @ 4 Ohms (Speakers)
400Wx1 & 2 Ohms (Sub)

Dimensions

Length: 12.75"(5 Ch.) | 9.56"(2 Ch.)
Width: 8.31"
Height: 1.69"

Features

⬤ KX series in one step below the top of the line Q Class

⬤ LED optimal input indicators for perfect gain settings

⬤ 24dB/octave cross-overs

⬤ KXARC Bluetooth bass knob included

⬤ Rugged, robust, and reliable Kicker power

⬤ Super efficient Class D circuitry

JL Audio XD 600W 6 Ch. + 300W Mono

Power Rating

75Wx6 @ 4 Ohms (Speakers)
300Wx1 @ 2 Ohms (Sub)

Dimensions

Length: 10.23"(6 Ch.) | 6.85"(Mono)
Width: 7.09"
Height: 2.05"

Features

⬤ JL's premium amp line before you get into the super high end stuff

⬤ Unmatched signal quality and processing

⬤ Compact chassis and outstanding thermal protection

⬤ Accepts high and low level inputs

⬤ Powerful and reliable performance you expect from JL Audio

If you don't want to mess with a DSP, both are fantastic options.

8 Channel Amps w/ DSP

For the amplifier, we offer two different models, the Audison Prima Forza 8.9 bit amplifier and the JL Audio VXi 800 watt, 8 channel amplifier.  

Audison Prima Forza 8.9bit:

Audison is known as one of the leaders in DSP for vehicles.  Audison's bit series DSPs and amplifiers have been the gold standard in the industry.  The Forza is one of the newer options and offers more power than the previous AP8.9bit amplifier.  The Audison Forza amp will give you 85 watts a channel to each speaker, which is perfect for the 6.5" speakers in the kick panels and the 6x9's for the rear deck.  For the dash speaker, you will want to turn the level down a little bit to make sure you don't blow the smaller speakers.  For the subwoofer, you will bridge channels 7 and 8 to give you 260 watts at 4 ohms which is perfect for either of the subwoofer options.  Audison's website has detailed information to help you perfectly setup the DSP in this amplifier.

JL Audio VX800/8i:

JL Audio definitely brought a game changer to the market with their VXI amplifiers.  Outside of the Audison bit series, there weren't really any amplifiers on the market with a DSP built in.  JL Audio took their amplifier expertise and their TuN software, and put them in one package to create an ultra-premium amplifier line.  

The JL Audio VX800/8i amplifier will put out 75 watts to each of the 6 speakers at 4 ohms.  Same thing as the Forza with the front speakers, you will probably want to turn the gain down a little bit to ensure that you don't blow them.  The JL amp puts out 200 watts to the subwoofer at 4 ohms bridged and is perfect for the 8" W3 woofer.  JL's TuN software will do most of the heavy lifting with regards to the setup.  What separates the VXI from most other amps is that you can tune it from your cell phone via Bluetooth.  If you download the JL Audio app, you can connect to the amplifier from your phone for easy, quick, on-the go adjustments.

If you are an audiophile, or you like to tinker and adjust with your audio to get it just right, a DSP is a great choice.  The 8 channel options give you a ton of power with just a single amplifier to install..  The Forza amp puts out more RMS power at 4 ohms and it $100 cheaper.  JL Amps are robust as hell.  Pick your poison!

Audison Forza 680W 8 Ch.

Power Rating

85Wx4 + 8 @ 4 Ohms
130Wx8 @ 2 Ohms
260Wx4 @ 4 Ohms Bridged

Dimensions

Length: 9.37"
Width: 6.1"
Height: 1.95"

Features

⬤ Single 8 Channel Amp from THE Leader in DSP

⬤ Unreal 85W of Power @ 4 Ohms

⬤ Super compact design for easy installation

⬤ 6 channels for the speakers. Bridge 7 & 8 for the subwoofer

⬤ Recommended for use with the JL Audio 8" W3v3

JL Audio VXI 800W 8 Ch.

Power Rating

75Wx8 @ 4 Ohms
100Wx8 @ 2 Ohms
200Wx4 @ 4 Ohms Bridged

Dimensions

Length: 11.32"
Width: 6.62"
Height: 2.12"

Features

⬤ JL Audio Power + Built in DSP

⬤ Single Amplifier for Easier Installation

⬤ 6 Channels For Speakers. Bridge 7 & 8 for the Subwoofer

⬤ Super Efficient Class D Circuitry

⬤ JL TuN Software Makes DSP Setting Super Easy.

Both 8 Channel amps are amazing. The Forza has more usable power for the speakers.

Dual Amps w/ DSP

If you want maximum power and maximum control, our dual DSP amp options are the way to go.  You will acutally find that the Kicker IQ setup isn't that much more than the 8 channel options, but you get 1500 watts of RMS power instead of 800.

Kicker IQ1000W 5 Ch + 500W 2 Ch:

This setup is almost too good to be true.  These two amplifiers come from Kicker's exclusive Q Class.  Simply stated, these are the best 5 channel and best 2 channel amps that Kicker offers.  The Kicker IQ amps come with Kicker's DSP software on-board.  You simply connect your laptop to them with a USB cord, and use Kicker's Tweeq software to individually set each speaker's level, cross over point, and time delay.  In addition, the actual power output of these amps goes well beyond their rated power.  Based on rated power, this setup gives you 65 watts of RMS power to the front speakers and 125 watts to the rear 6x9s.  The subwoofer channel puts out 500 watts RMS, allowing you to choose any of the options, you may just want to ensure that you don't have the gain maxed out.  

JL Audio VXI 600/6 + VX600/1:

If you just want the best of the best and you want a DSP, this JL Audio VXI option is the way to go.  As stated above, the VXi is JL's top of the line amplifier offering.  With a built-in DSP that gives you full control over each speaker, 75 watts of JL power for each speaker, and 600 watts for the subwoofer, this setup is on another level.  Use JL's TuN app and connect your phone via Bluetooth to create a concert like experience in your classic car.  This is the best of the best.  Hands down.

Kicker IQ 1000W 5 Ch. + 500W 2 Ch.

Power Rating

65Wx4 + 125Wx2 @ 4 Ohms (Speakers)
500Wx1 @ 2 Ohms (Sub)

Dimensions

Length: 11.94"(5 Ch.) | 9.44"(2 Ch.)
Width: 7.56"
Height: 2.06"

Features

⬤ Built In DSP

⬤ Individually control the level, crossover point, and time delay of each speaker

⬤ Kicker's top of the line amp series

⬤ Compact Chassis

⬤ Actual output will blow away rated power

⬤ Comes with a Kicker EQ Remote Knob

⬤ Great value for the amount of power, price, and a DSP

JL Audio VXI 600W 6 Ch. + 600W Mono

Power Rating

75Wx6 @ 4 Ohms (Speakers)
600Wx1 @ 2 Ohms (Sub)

Dimensions

Length: 9.81"(6 Ch) | 9.02"(Mono)
Width: 6.62"
Height: 2.12"

Features

⬤ Built In DSP

⬤ Individually control the level, crossover point, and time delay of each speaker

⬤ JL's top of the line amplifier series

⬤ Compact Chassis

⬤ JL TuN software for easy tuning and setup

⬤ Super efficient Class D circuitry

⬤ 1200 watts RMS of JL Audio power

Subwoofers:

This kit includes your choice of a loaded subwoofer enclosure. We offer a wide range of options including both low-profile and full size enclosures. Most are low-profile options, but they provide full size output. Which woofer you choose will likely be determined by the amplifier selection. If you select either of the 8 channel amps, you have to bridge channels 7 and 8, making the 8" JL W3v3 your only option. All of the others are either wired to a 2 ohm load, or they would be underpowered. However, do not fear. That little, ported 8" enclosure sounds like a 12". It will blow you away how such a small lilttle box can have that type of output. There really are no bad options with this kit. The Kicker Comp RT and Comp R are both amazing woofers, the Comp RT doesn't have the output of the Comp R, but it is in a much smaller enclosure. The Audison Prima 10" woofer is probably the best 10" enclosure on the market, and it is in a super small box as well. The Rockford Fosgate P3 needs 500-600 watts of RMS power, but depending on the amp you select, if you give it the power, it is going to slam and is a perfect match for the sub channel on the T1000x5ad. Last but not least, the JL Audio 12" TW3, gives you the legendary performance and output of JL Audio in a thin, low profile enclosure. The TW3 has just about the same output as the W3 which is long been considered one of the benchmarks for that middle tier of subwoofers that is above the entry-level and low-cost tier in terms of pricing and performance. If you have a favorite brand, go with it. If not, find the one that best matches the output of the amplifier you selected. If you still don't know, get a subwoofer from the same brand as the amplifiers and you can trust that they will work well together.

Audison Prima 10"

Power Handling

400W RMS
800W Peak

Wired Impedance

2 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 18.58"
Height: 13.15"
Depth: 4.76"
 

Amp Recommendation

Any Dual Amp Option

Features

⬤ Super compact woofer with full-size output

⬤ One of the Best Sounding 10" Enclosures Available

⬤ Compact Design can Fit Anywhere

JL Audio 8" W3v3

Power Handling

250W RMS
 

Wired Impedance

4 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 18-5/8"
Height: 11"
Depth: 5-1/8"
 

Amp Recommendation

Either 8 Ch. Option

Features

⬤ An 8" Woofer that slams and sounds like a 12"

⬤ Low profile, compact enclosure

⬤ One of our most popular JL Audio enclosures

Kicker Comp RT 12"

Power Handling

500W RMS
1000W Peak

Wired Impedance

2 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 27"
Height: 13-1/2"
Top Depth: 3-1/2"
Bottom Depth: 7"

Amp Recommendation

Any Dual Amp Option

Features

⬤ Our best selling enclosure

⬤ Passive radiator gives improved output without port noise

⬤ Low profile woofer with full size output

⬤ This enclosure will give you the right amount of bass, regardless of what type of music you listen to.

All of these woofers are awesome. Pick one based on amp selection.

Kicker Comp R 12"

Power Handling

500W RMS
100W Peak

Wired Impedance

2 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 18-3/8"
Height: 16"
Top Depth: 11-1/4"
Bottom Depth: 14-7/16"

Amp Recommendation

Any Dual Amp Option

Features

⬤ Slot ported enclosure

⬤ 12" will be able to go lower than a 10"

⬤ Designed as an SQL woofer for output and balance vs. just shaking/rattling the car

⬤ If you like your music loud and balanced, this will give you the output you want.

Rockford 12" P3

Power Handling

600W RMS
1200W Peak

Wired Impedance

1 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 19.125"
Height: 15.125"
Top Depth: 15.75"
 

Amp Recommendation

Rockford or Kicker KX

Features

⬤ Slot ported enclosure

⬤ The "go-to" for premium Rockford Fosgate subwoofer

⬤ Get the performance you expect from a legend like Rockford

⬤ This enclosure will hit hard. If you like bass, this is the one to get.

JL Audio 12" TW3

Power Handling

400W RMS
 

Wired Impedance

2 Ohms

Dimensions

Width: 23.75"
Height: 15.625"
Top Depth: 5.0625"
 

Amp Recommendation

Any Dual Amp Option

Features

⬤ Thin woofer with full-size output

⬤ Similar output as a W3 just in a thinner package

⬤ JL Audio is the gold standard in subwoofers.

⬤ Perfect if you want tight, accurate bass that can still hit hard, without a big bulky enclosure.

More about DSPs

If you are saying, "That is great, but what does the DSP do?" Here's your answer. The DSP allows you full control over your vehicle's sound system. The digital processor that is built into this amplifier allows you to plug a laptop into the amp, and you can tune each speaker independently with full equalization and time delay.  This allows you to dial in each speaker individually so that you can have it play the frequencies it was designed for, at the level that sounds correct to you.  The DSP flattens the input signal from the radio, removing any built-in equalization.  Once the input signal is flat, you use the software to configure your front kick panel speakers, configure your dash speaker, configure your rear 6x9 speakers, and then tell the software the subwoofer setup you have, and configure it.  Then, speaker by speaker, you can adjust the frequencies and the amplifier gain for each channel independently.  This allows you to set your front dash speakers to play just the frequencies you want them to, at the level you want them at.  Same thing with your rear speakers.  Same thing with your subwoofer.  You have full control.  Think of a DSP as the soundboard at a concert.  You are the sound man and you get to tune your stereo so that it sounds exactly the way you want it to.  When you go see good live musicians in small, intimate venues, the reason it sounds so good is because DSP's are involved.

For connections, both amps using speaker wire inputs from the radio.  Instead of running your wires to the speakers, you run them into the amplifier.  The amplifier will take that signal and flatten it out so that you can essentially start with a blank slate.  With the DSP, you will adjust each speaker how you want and the amp will output how you set it, regardless of the input channel.  We include a 4 channel amp wiring kit and speaker wire with this package so you should have everything you need for installation. 

Hopefully this gives you a good idea of the components that make this kit different from the rest.  If you are an audiophile, or if you like to tinker, and you have the money, this kit is perfect.  You can completey dial in everything for the ultimate music experience in your 1956 Chevy.