Free Shipping*
Lower 48. Orders over $100.
2 Year Warranty
On all our radios.
5-Star Rating!
Kicker features a wide variety of subwoofer collections. Three of their most popular series are the Comp C, Comp R, and the CompVR. Each series is going to differ in price range and quality. The Comp R is going to have the highest prices and give you the best bass, followed by the CompVR at a slightly cheaper price range. The Comp C brings up the rear with a very affordable price range while not being quite as high quality as the CompVR and Comp R. There are a few key differences that we’ll get into about what makes the Comp R the best, the CompVR second best, and Comp C last.
Let’s start with the Comp R. The Comp R features 8 speakers with a price range between $99.95 and $269.95 This series has two 8” models, two 10” models, two 12” models, and two 15”; a total of 8 subwoofers. Each size will have one subwoofer with a 4-Ohm impedance and one subwoofer with a 2-Ohm impedance. These subwoofers are a nicer variation of the CompVR and they are going to be the highest quality of the three series.
The CompVR has two subwoofers at each size that the Comp R except for the 8” models. Similarly to the Comp R, the CompVR has a 2-Ohm impedance model and a 4-Ohm impedance model at each size. These models have a price range between $99.95 and $219.95, so they won’t be quite as expensive.
The Comp C has a price range between $79.95 and $149.95. These subwoofers aren’t going to be as high-quality as the CompVR and Comp R, but they are a great affordable option. This series has two models at all the sizes the Comp R does. However, each model has a 4-Ohm impedance and each size has one single voice coil model and one dual voice coil.
One of the key differences between these three series is cone design. Comp C and Comp R models have flat cones, but CompVR has a “spoked” raised cone. This raised cone will increase distortion slightly and create a “knock”. The Comp R and Comp C take advantage of the flat cone’s ability to limit that knock. Thus, the Comp R and Comp C will have an advantage in this department. However, the Comp C still isn’t quite on the level of the CompVR because of other aspects of their design, and neither is on the same level as the Comp R.
Another feature that impacts the price-point and quality of each series is power handling. This may seem simple or obvious, but it’s important for matters of quality. A subwoofer with higher power handling will give you better bass. For comparison, we will focus on the 15” diameter subwoofers across all series. The Comp R series models have 800 watts RMS power handling, while the CompVR models are at 500 watts RMS. Furthermore, the Comp C comes in at 600 watts RMS for its 15” models. As you can see, the Comp R is the unbeaten champion of power handling here. These subwoofers are going to be able to take that power and turn it into crisp, clean bass that you will love.
On top of power handling, there are a few big differences in the voice coils of each series. The Comp R has two brass voice coils in every single model. The CompVR also features a dual voice coil design, but the Comp C gives you the choice between single and dual voice coil options. The Comp C’s variety gives you a lot of options when it comes to finding the right subwoofer to match your sound system. That variety gives he Comp C an advantage in this department, but the dual voice coil designs of the Comp R and CompVR still give you plenty of wiring options.
The final key difference between the three is the enclosure sizes. For comparison, we will look at the 15”, 4-Ohm impedance, DVC subwoofers. The Comp R has an enclosure volume range of 1.8-3.0 cubic feet for sealed enclosures and 3-5 cubic feet for ported enclosures. The range on the CompVR is 1.8-5.2 cubic feet for sealed enclosures and 3-5 cubic feet for ported enclosures. Finally, the range on the Comp C is 2.25-5 cubic feet for sealed enclosures and 3-4 cubic feet for ported enclosures. For ported enclosures, these three series are going to be pretty much the same across similar models. The difference comes with the sealed enclosures. The Comp R will be able to fit into smaller spaces but will be able to perform at the same time.
At the end of the day, the Comp R is the best series of these three lines. The CompVR and Comp C are both great options, but they don’t have a design that matches up with the quality of the Comp R. In certain situations, the Comp C might be your best option, especially when you want something affordable or with a single voice coil. Along with that, the CompVR has been around for a long time and Kicker has mastered its design because of it. All three series are great options and all three will give you great bass.
