Kicker Comp C

The Kicker Comp C subwoofers are the "true entry-level subwoofers" Kicker. Yes, Kicker does offer the Kicker Comp subwoofers, but the price difference, power handling, and installation versatility of the CompC make it the clear favorite over the Comp. In addition, the Comp C has a smoother cone without the pronounced spokes. This cone gives you smoother, more accurate bass response and less distortion. Those spokes are used to reinforce the cone and create a "Knock" when they hit hard at higher volumes. Also, the Kicker Comp C offers more flexibility to get to a 2-ohm load if you are running a single subwoofer as you can wire the dual 4-ohm version in parallel to get more power out of your amplifier.

Kicker Comp R

The Kicker Comp R subwoofers offer hard-hitting bass that is accurate and designed for sound quality. The Kicker Comp R subwoofers are an updated version of the legendary CompVR. The Comp R features a ribbed polypropylene surround. The cone does not feature the raised spokes that the CompVR has. As a result, there is less distortion from the Comp R when it is hitting hard at loud volume, and it does not have the "knock" that the CompVR has. If you are looking for hard-hitting, accurate bass, the Kicker Comp R subwoofer is a great choice because the Comp R has enough power handling to get you the output you expect from a "Step-up" subwoofer.

Sizes

Both the Kicker Comp C series and Comp R series come in an 8", 10", 12" and 15" sizes.

Voice Coils

The Kicker Comp C line offers up 4-ohm coils in both single and dual coil configurations. The Kicker Comp R lines comes with dual voice coils and come they come in both dual 2-ohm and dual 4-ohm impedances. Both product lines give you the flexibility to get down to either 1 or 2 ohms, they just do it differently. With the Comp C subwoofers, you are choosing between a single or dual voice coil, with the Comp R subs, you are choosing between a 2 ohm DVC or a 4 ohm DVC.

Power Handling

Kicker's Comp C line starts at 200 watts RMS for 8 inch, 250 watts RMS for the 10 inch, 300 watts for the 12 inch, and 600 watts for 15 inch sub. The Kicker Comp R series subwoofers range between 300-800 watts depending on the size. For the CompR, the 8 inch handles 300 watts RMS, the 10-inch handles 400 watts RMS, the 12-inch 500 watts, and the massive 15-inch handles 800 watts RMS. With subwoofers, more power means more bass. The Comp R is going to give you more output than the Comp C because it handles more power, but you need to make sure that you have an amp that will give it the power it wants. If you only have 250 watts RMS, the Comp C might be a better choice for a 10 inch subwoofer versus the CompR.

Mounting Depth

Although the mounting depths are very similar between same-sized models, the Kicker Comp C lineup has a mounting depth that's slightly less than the Comp R models. The depth listed on the specifications is very close. You'll want to check your exact model for sizing on this, but either model will have a relatively similar size when selecting between the two for your installation.

Recommended Enclosure Size

Between comparable sized models, the recommended volume for the sealed and ported enclosures varies slightly at all the different sizing of subs. The sizing volume is relatively close between subs of the same size. You'll want to check out the exact specifications of each lineup when factoring what enclosure will work best for your install based on your available space.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

(Qty 1) Comp C 8"

Recommended Model

44CWCD84

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA400.1
Gained Turned Down

(Qty 1) Comp R 8"

Recommended Model

48CWR84

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA400.1

(Qty 2) Comp C 8"

Recommended Model

48CWCS4

Amp Recommendation(s)

CXA400.1

(Qty 2) Comp R 8"

Recommended Model

48CWR82

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1

(Qty 1) Comp C 10"

Recommended Model

44CWCD104

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA400.1

(Qty 1) Comp R 10"

Recommended Model

48CWR102

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA400.1

KEY500.1

(Qty 2) Comp C 10"

Recommended Model

44CWCD104 (1 Ohm)
44CWCS104 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

KEY500.1 @ 1 Ohm

CXA800.1 @ 2 Ohms

(Qty 2) Comp R 10"

Recommended Model

48CWR104 (1 Ohm)
48CWR102 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (1 Ohm)

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohms)

(Qty 1) Comp C 12"

Recommended Model

44CWCS124
 

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA400.1

(Qty 1) Comp R 12"

Recommended Model

48CWR122 (1 Ohm)
48CWR124 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

KEY500.1 (1 Ohm)

CXA400.1 @ 2 Ohms

CXA800.1 @ 2 Ohms

(Qty 2) Comp C 12"

Recommended Model

44CWCS124 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1

(Qty 2) Comp R 12"

Recommended Model

48CWR122 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohms)

(Qty 1) Comp C 15"

Recommended Model

44CWCD154 (2 Ohms)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (2 Ohms)

(Qty 1) Comp R 15"

Recommended Model

48CWR152 (1 Ohm)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (1 Ohm)

(Qty 2) Comp C 15"

Recommended Model

44CWCS154 (4 Ohm SVC)

Factory Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1200.1 @ 2 Ohms)

(Qty 2) Comp R 15"

Recommended Model

48CWR152 (2 Ohm DVC)

Amp Recommendation(s):

CX1800.1 @ 2 Ohms)

Price Points

Although many of the specifications between the two models are relatively the same or at least close to each other, if the money is available for your installation, we'd recommend paying for the upgraded models of the Comp R subs for the improved material quality and better power handling. Both are still relatively close at their respected price point, but you'll end up thanking yourself in the long run with the extra power handling available to you.

In Conclusion

The Kicker Comp C and Comp R models are very similar to each other in many of the categories outlined above. The biggest difference is the power handling. If you have the budget for the Comp R and you can runa good amp that will give them they power they want, the Comp R is going to blow the Comp C away. If you don't have the budget go with the Comp C, otherwise the Comp R is better and you're going to get what you pay for.