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Kicker Car Stereo Company Overview


If you’ve been a car audio enthusiast for awhile, you probably know Kicker pretty well. I dug up some intriguing historical facts about the company that you might find enjoyable to read. Who knows, maybe you might even grow to like them because of their legacy.

The Beginning

It all started in 1973 with Stillwater Designs, a 2-man operation specializing in the development and installation of professional audio systems including loudspeakers and PA systems for events, businesses, and churches; and what began as a hobby turned into a growing business within the course of a decade. By 1980, the start of car audio zeal, current president and founder Steve Irby developed the first Kicker product: a full-range speaker enclosure designed specifically for cars.

Solo-Baric

As the years went on, Kicker evolved into one of the best (if not the best) in car audio technology and development. In 1986, Kicker developed their first Free-air Subwoofers, specialized in producing extremely low-frequency sound that is often referred to as the “boom” and with it they also designed enclosures specifically for small spaces. Let’s not forget their signature square-shaped subwoofers. You thought they were developed within the last 5 years right? Think again, try 1992! The first L5 Solo-Baric subwoofer was produced in the early 90s, boasting the slogan “All the bass - half the space!”

2nd Generation Solo-Baric and OEM Upgrades

The one you are probably using now in your vehicle is the Solo-Baric L7 Subwoofer, first produced in the year 2000. These are the second-generation Solo-Baric subwoofers in some sense, featuring a 20% increase in cone area. By the year 2005, some automobile like Kia began introducing OEM Kicker audio system which includes in-dash receivers tuned by Kicker as well as speakers, subwoofer, and amplifier made by Kicker. In addition, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge have already implemented Kicker audio products with their available upgrades through their parts department, MOPAR (Motor PARts).

The Future

No doubt that Kicker will grow increasingly advanced in innovations and technology, giving them a huge step ahead of other car audio companies. Known for their reliability, performance, and style, Kicker products will be known for years as the best car audio equipment. Customers of Kicker will also be comforted to know that there are over 1500 authorized Kicker dealers in the U.S. Don’t miss out on the Kicker experience and be sure to look for the latest 2008 Kicker subwoofers, speakers, and amplifiers at an authorized dealer!

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