Kicker L7R

The Kicker L7R subwoofer offers 20% more cone area than a round subwoofer of the same diameter for increased performance in roughly the same amount of linear space. The Kicker L7R subwoofers have returned and are better than ever. The L7R offers affordable, hard-hitting performance that you expect from a Kicker L7, square woofer. The L7R woofers are the same as the L7S except for the basket material.

Kicker L7S

The Kicker L7S subwoofer is based on the groundbreaking original square subwoofer. The massive power handling and more cone area mean that you move more air, and get more bass out of your marine-grade subwoofer. The Kicker L7S subwoofers feature an aluminum basket whereas the L7R subwoofers have a steel basket. The aluminum dissipates heat better than the steel, thus allowing the L7S to handle more RMS power than the L7R.

Sizes

The Kicker L7R series comes in a 10", 12" and 15" model. The Kicker L7S series comes in a 10", 12" and 15" model, but additionally adds an 8" subwoofer to the lineup. This allows all but one of the sizes between the two lines to stack right up against each other.

Voice Coils

Both the Kicker L7R series and the Kicker L7S series come with a dual voice coil in both 2-ohm and 4-ohm configurations. This allows you to maximize the amplifier output regardless of the number of subwoofers you are installing. You have the option to wire to a 1 Ohm, 2 Ohm, or 4 Ohm load.

Power Handling

The Kicker L7R subwoofers handle at 500-900 watts RMS depending on the size of the exact subwoofer. The Kicker L7S series subwoofers handle 450-1000 RMS range across with the 450 watts as the 8". The aluminum basket of the L7S series allow them it to handle more RMS power than the equivalent sized L7R.

Mounting Depth

Kicker's L7R subwoofers feature a top mounting depth that's relatively equivalent between the similar-sized subs with a slightly smaller depth coming from the L7S line. If space-saving options are required in your installation, be sure to check on the exact depth of the L7S models in your selected size when looking to save a bit of space.

Recommended Enclosure Size

When comparing the enclosure size between the two models, Kicker does list a variable enclosure size for both its sealed and ported box volumes. Although the Kicker L7R and L7S recommended enclosure sizes are very similar between same sized subwoofers. The Kicker L7R subwoofers do have a bit smaller starting size recommendation over the L7S series in the sealed enclosure. The recommendation allows you to drop down in the starting size area if needed.

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.

(1) L7R 10"

Amp Recommendation(s):

KEY500.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

CXA400.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

CXA800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

KEY500.1

(1) L7S 10"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

KEY500.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

 

Our Favorite

CXA800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

(2)L7R 10"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

(2) L7S 10"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)
 

Our Favorite

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

(1) L7R 12"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA800.1 4 Ohm DVC)

(1) L7S 12"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA800.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

(2) L7R 12"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA1200.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

(2) L7S 12"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1800.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA1800.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

(1) L7R 15"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA800.1 (2 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA800.1

(1) CompL7S 15"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1200.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA1200.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

(2) L7R 15"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1800.1

Our Favorite

CXA1800.1

(2) L7S 15"

Amp Recommendation(s):

CXA1800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

Our Favorite

CXA1800.1 (4 Ohm DVC)

Price Points

We're not here to say there isn't a decent sized price jump up from the L7R series to the L7S series, but you get what you pay for. If you have the amplifier to power the L7S, the additional power will make a difference. The upgrade in cost is worth it as long as you have enough power.

In Conclusion

The Kicker L7R and L7S are two of Kicker's finest square-shaped subwoofers. The Kicker L7S series comes with an upgraded aluminum basket while the Kicker L7R models feature the more standard steel basket across its lineup of sizes. In addition to that, the additional 8" model and better power handling all make tempting upgrades for your system if you have the available budget. If you have the amplifier or budget to give the L7S the power they want, you will get the additional output. But, if you aren't going to give the L7S all of the power they want, you can save your money and go with the L7R. The L7S subwoofers are better, but you need to make sure to power them appropiately.