Owners Nissan Kicks The 2023 model year (13th model year) often faces a common problem: the stock audio system leaves much to be desired. Even in top trim levels sound quality rarely meets the expectations of music lovers. The reasons lie in budget speakers, poor sound insulation of the cabin and suboptimal radio settings. But the situation can be improved - with the right approach Kicks capable of delivering rich bass, clear highs and detailed mids.

This article will help you understand the nuances of a standard audio system, choose speaker replacement taking into account the acoustic characteristics of the interior, as well as avoiding typical installation errors. We analyzed owner reviews, independent expert tests and technical specifications Nissan Kicks 13th year to collect the most useful information. It doesn't matter if you plan complete replacement of the audio system or spot improvement of the front speakers - here you will find answers to key questions.

Characteristics of the standard audio system Nissan Kicks 2023

Basic equipment Nissan Kicks The 13th year is equipped with an audio system with four speakers: two front (13 cm) in the doors and two rear (10 cm) on the rear parcel shelf. In versions with Bose Personal Plus a subwoofer and additional tweeters have been added, but even this does not guarantee perfect sound. The amplifier power in a standard radio rarely exceeds 20–25 W per channel, which is not enough to reproduce low frequencies without distortion.

The main problems of the standard system:

  • 🔊 Weak bass - 10–13 cm speakers are physically unable to reproduce frequencies below 80 Hz.
  • 🎵 Heaped high — the absence of tweeters in basic versions leads to “dull” sound.
  • 🚗 Body resonance — plastic panels and thin metal increase vibrations at medium frequencies.
  • 🔌 Poor wiring quality — standard wires often have insufficient cross-section, which affects the power.

Interesting fact: in Nissan Kicks Different speakers are used for the US and European markets. European versions are equipped with speakers Clarion, and American - Panasonic. The latter are considered more durable, but less detailed at high frequencies. You can check the model of your speakers by the markings on the magnetic system (visible after removing the grille).

📊 What audio system do you want to install in Kicks?
  • Standard with speaker upgrade
  • Complete replacement with subwoofer
  • Bose system
  • Other

How to choose replacement speakers: key parameters

When choosing new speakers for Nissan Kicks 13th year there are three factors to consider: size, sensitivity And impedance. Standard seats:

  • 🚪 Front doors - 13 cm (5.25 inches) or 16 cm (6.5 inches) with adapters.
  • 🚗 Rear shelf — 10 cm (4 inches) or 13 cm (5.25 inches) depending on the configuration.

Optimal characteristics for replacement:

Parameter Front speakers Rear speakers Twitter
Sensitivity (dB) 90–93 88–91 92+
Impedance (Ohm) 4 4 4
Power RMS (W) 50–80 30–50 20–30
Frequency range (Hz) 50–22 000 80–20 000 3 000–25 000

Recommended for front speakers coaxial speakers with a separate twitter (for example, Focal Performance PS 165 or Morel Tempo Ultra 602). They provide a wide soundstage and clear frequency separation. For the rear, budget options like Pioneer TS-A1306C — their task is to complement the front sound, and not to compete with it.

⚠️ Attention: When installing speakers with RMS power greater than 60 W, you will need external amplifier. Head unit Nissan Kicks unable to provide sufficient current, resulting in distortion at high volumes.

Top 5 speakers for Nissan Kicks 2023 in terms of price/quality ratio

Based on tests and reviews from owners, we have compiled a rating of the best speakers for Kicks 13th year. All models have been tested for compatibility with vehicle seats and electrical systems.

  1. Focal Performance PS 165 (16 cm, coaxial)

    💰 Price: ~12,000 rub./pair

    ⭐ Pros: aramid fiber for the membrane, separate tweeter, powerful magnet.

    ⚠️ Cons: require an installation depth of 65 mm (door modification may be required).

  2. Morel Tempo Ultra 602 (16 cm, component)

    💰 Price: ~18,000 rub./set

    ⭐ Pros: perfect detailing, lightweight aluminum diffuser, external crossover.

    ⚠️ Cons: high price, difficult to install for beginners.

  3. Pioneer TS-A6990F (16 cm, coaxial)

    💰 Price: ~7,500 RUR/pair

    ⭐ Pros: high efficiency (92 dB), moisture resistance, easy installation.

    ⚠️ Cons: The bass booms a little at maximum volume.

  4. Alpine S-S65C (16 cm, component)

    💰 Price: ~15,000 rub./set

    ⭐ Pros: balanced sound, compact tweeters, suitable for installation in standard places.

    ⚠️ Cons: require a high-quality amplifier to unlock their potential.

  5. JBL Club 6520 (16 cm, coaxial)

    💰 Price: ~6,000 rub./pair

    ⭐ Pros: budget price, good bass for its class, durable construction.

    ⚠️ Cons: High frequencies are a bit "harsh" without EQ adjustments.

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Before purchasing, check the compatibility of the speakers with your configuration Kicks. In versions with Bose Additional adapters may be required for connection.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing speakers in a Nissan Kicks

Installing new speakers in Nissan Kicks 2023 does not require special skills, but will require accuracy and tools. The complete process will take 3-4 hours for all four columns.

Required tools:

  • 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat, Torx T20).
  • 🔨 Plastic spatulas for removing trim.
  • 📏 Caliper or ruler for measurements.
  • 🔌 Soldering iron or crimp terminals for wires.
  • 🧲 Torque wrench (for tightening bolts with a force of 1.5–2 N m).

Procedure for front speakers:

Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal)|Remove the plastic door trim (starting from the bottom corner)|Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the speaker (Torx T20)|Disconnect the original connector and connect the new speaker via the adapter|Install the speaker in its original place using a gasket for sealing|Check operation before assembling the door-->

For rear speakers, the process is simpler: just remove the rear shelf trim (it is secured with latches) and unscrew 2 bolts. However, there is a nuance here: in some trim levels Kicks the rear shelf has acoustic holesthat need to be covered with a vibration absorber (for example, StP Aero) to avoid resonance.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting new speakers do not use twisted wires - this leads to oxidation and deterioration of sound. The best option: crimp sleeves or soldering with heat shrink. Also check the polarity: the “+” on the speaker must match the “+” on the wire, otherwise the bass will be “smeared”.

Adjusting the sound after installing new speakers

Even the most expensive speakers will sound mediocre without the right setup. B Nissan Kicks 2023 has a built-in equalizer, but its capabilities are often insufficient. We recommend using one of two solutions:

  1. Software setup via radio

    Go to Settings → Sound → Equalizer and set the following parameters for balanced sound:

    60 Гц: +2 дБ

    150 Гц: 0 дБ
    

    1 кГц: -1 дБ
    

    5 кГц: +1 дБ
    

    12 кГц: +2 дБ

    Turn off all effects like "Bass Boost" or "3D Sound" - they only spoil the sound.

  2. Hardware tuning with DSP

    For perfect sound, set digital processor (For example, Dayton Audio DSP-408). It will allow:

    • 🎛️ Fine-tune crossovers for each speaker.
    • 🔊 Compensate for the acoustic features of the cabin.
    • 📉 Remove frequency peaks that cause resonance.

Don't forget about sound insulation. Even budget treatment of doors and rear parcel shelf Bitoplast or Vibroplast will improve the sound significantly. The best option for Kicks:

  • 🚪 Doors: 2 layers Vibroplast Silver (thickness 2 mm) + 1 layer Splen.
  • 🚗 Back shelf: 1 layer Bitoplast 4 mm + closing technological holes.
How to check the phasing of speakers?

To ensure that all speakers are in phase, follow these steps:

1. Play music with clear bass (for example, a track with a frequency of 80 Hz).

2. Move around the cabin - if the bass “disappears” at certain points, the phasing is broken.

3. Swap the “+” and “-” on one of the speakers and repeat the test.

4. Optimal result: the bass is heard equally in all parts of the cabin.

Common mistakes when upgrading an audio system and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan Kicks make the same mistakes, which nullify all efforts to improve the sound. Here are the most common ones:

  1. Ignoring polarity

    If you confuse “+” and “-” when connecting, the speakers will work in antiphase. This leads to "smeared" bass and lack of scene. Always check the polarity with a multimeter or by markings on the wires (in Kicks the positive wire usually has white with black stripe).

  2. Saving on wires

    Standard wiring in Nissan Kicks often has a cross-section of less than 1 mm², which is not sufficient for high-power speakers. Use oxygen free copper cable cross-section of at least 1.5 mm² for front speakers and 2.5 mm² for the subwoofer.

  3. Lack of sound insulation

    Without treating the doors and rear shelf, up to 50% of the speaker energy is spent on metal vibration. Minimum set: vibration absorber + noise absorber (for example, Accent Premium).

  4. Wrong amplifier selection

    The amplifier must be impedance compatible with speakers. For example, if the speakers are 4 ohms, the amplifier must support a 4 ohm load per channel. Also pay attention to amplifier class: for Kicks optimal class D (compact and energy efficient).

Another common problem is incompatibility of the radio with external amplifiers. In standard head units Nissan Line outputs (RCA) are often missing. Solution: use high level converter (For example, AudioControl LC2i), which converts the signal from the speakers to linear.

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Before purchasing components, always check their compatibility with your electrical system. Kicks. For example, speakers with an impedance of 2 ohms can destroy a standard radio designed for 4 ohms.

Additional enhancements: subwoofer, amplifiers and DSP

If you want to receive full sound with deep bass, standard speakers will not be enough. Let's consider three upgrade levels:

Upgrade level Components Budget (rub.) Effect
Basic Replacement of front speakers + noise insulation 15 000–25 000 Clear highs and mids, weak bass
Medium Component system + 4-channel amplifier 40 000–70 000 Balanced sound with good bass
Premium DSP, subwoofer, component system, noise insulation 100 000–150 000 Concert hall interior, deep bass without distortion

To install the subwoofer in Nissan Kicks there are two options:

  • 🚗 Ready box under the seat - compact (for example, JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3), does not take up space in the trunk.
  • 📦 Individual box in the trunk - more volume, better bass (for example, Alpine S-W12D4 30–35 liters in a box).

When choosing a subwoofer, pay attention to box type:

  • 🔊 Closed box — precise bass, suitable for classical music.
  • 🔊 Bass reflex - loud bass, but less controlled (good for rap and electronic music).
  • 🔊 Bandpass — maximum volume in a narrow range (for competitions).

To set up a system with a subwoofer, be sure to use crossover (built into the amplifier or external). Recommended settings:

  • 🎛️ Subwoofer cutoff frequency: 80–100 Hz.
  • 🎛️ Front speaker cutoff frequency: 80 Hz (high-pass).
  • 🎛️ Subwoofer level: 2-3 dB below the front speakers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about speakers in Nissan Kicks 2023

Is it possible to install 16 cm speakers instead of the standard 13 cm ones?

Yes, but it will be required modification of the seat. In most cases, it is enough to widen the hole with a file or cutter. For Nissan Kicks adapters fit Metra 82-7310, which allow the installation of 16 cm speakers without major modifications to the door. Please note seat depth — in some trim levels it is limited (maximum 60 mm).

Which amplifier should I choose for my stock radio?

The best option is 4-channel Class D amplifier with a power of 75–100 W per channel (RMS). Good models:

  • Alpine KTA-450 — compact, connects to the standard radio without RCA.
  • JBL Club A4050 - a budget but high-quality option with a good price/power ratio.
  • Focal FPA 4.320 - premium class for audiophiles.

If you are planning a subwoofer, take 5 channel amplifier (For example, Pioneer GM-D9705).

Do I need to change the rear speakers if I improved the front ones?

Not required, but recommended. Rear speakers in Kicks are responsible for filling the cabin with sound and creating a volume effect. If you leave the standard ones, the sound stage will be “flattened”. The best budget option for the rear is Pioneer TS-G1320F (13 cm, coaxial). They do not require modifications to the seat and will significantly improve the overall sound.

How to prevent speakers from whistling at high volumes?

Whistle (or clipping) arises due to:

  1. Insufficient amplifier power (speakers are “locked”).
  2. Incorrect crossover setting (too high frequencies to the subwoofer).
  3. Poor grounding of the amplifier.

Solutions:

  • Turn down the volume on the amplifier (not the radio!).
  • Check gain — it must be configured so that the signal is not distorted even at maximum volume.
  • Use capacitor (For example, Stinger SPC1000) to stabilize the power supply.
Is it possible to connect speakers directly to the stock radio without an amplifier?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • ✅ Speaker power should not exceed 50W RMS (otherwise the radio will distort the sound).
  • ✅ Impedance must be 4 ohm (the standard radio is not designed for 2-ohm loads).
  • ❌ It is not recommended to connect component systems - the standard radio does not have built-in crossovers.

Best option for direct connection: Focal Access 165 A1 (sensitivity 92 dB, power 40 W RMS).