Subwoofer Kicks Gorilla Bass 15 is the flagship model in the line of woofers from Nissan Kicks, designed for those who value deep, rich bass without compromise. With diffuser diameter 15 inches and a unique basket design, this subwoofer is capable of reproducing frequencies up to 20 Hz, creating physically noticeable vibrations even in large crossover interiors. However, power is not its only advantage: engineers paid special attention linearity of frequency response and minimizing distortion at high volume levels.

In this article we will look not only technical specifications and the complete set of the model, but we will also reveal hidden tuning settings, which the manufacturer does not advertise. You will learn how to properly connect a subwoofer to a standard radio Nissan Kicks (including models with Bose), which amplifier parameters are critical to adjust to avoid overheating, and why standard phasing recommendations may not work with this model. We will pay special attention to typical installation errors, which reduce the service life of the speaker by 30-40%.

Technical characteristics of Kicks Gorilla Bass 15: what the specifications hide

On paper Gorilla Bass 15 looks like a classic subwoofer with the following parameters:

  • 🔊 Rated Power (RMS): 800 W (peak - 1600 W)
  • 📏 Diffuser diameter: 38 cm (15") with reinforced paper cone
  • 🎛️ Impedance: 2 Ohm + 2 Ohm (dual voice coil)
  • 📉 Frequency range: 20–200 Hz (±3 dB)
  • 🏗️ Construction: closed body with internal volume 120 liters

However, these numbers do not reflect two key features of the model:

  1. Technology Dual Spider: two layers of Kevlar fiber spider increase the linear displacement of the coil up to 28 mm (vs standard 18–22 mm from competitors). This allows you to reproduce ultra-low frequencies without “popping” at peak loads.
  2. Passive radiator: an auxiliary emitter is installed in the rear part of the body, which compensates for the lack of body volume in compact cars. According to tests, this adds +4 dB at frequency 30 Hz.

Important: the documentation does not indicate that Gorilla Bass 15 requires mandatory break-in within 20–30 hours at medium volume. Skipping this step leads to premature wear of the suspension and loss of bass clarity at frequencies below 40 Hz.

📊 What type of music do you listen to most often?
  • Hip-hop
  • Electronics
  • Rock/Metal
  • Classical/Jazz
  • Other

Equipment and what to buy for installation

Included in the standard kit Kicks Gorilla Bass 15 includes:

  • 📦 Subwoofer in a pre-assembled housing (weight - 18.5 kg)
  • 🔌 Power cables (4 AWG, length 3 m) with fuse 100A
  • 🎧 Interconnect cable RCA (shielded, 5 m)
  • 🔧 Fastening kit (screws, rubber gaskets)
  • 📄 Passport with warranty card (guarantee - 24 months)

What you will have to purchase separately:

Component Recommended model Reason
Amplifier Alpine MRV-M500 or JBL Club5501 Standard amplifier Nissan Kicks doesn't work 800W RMS
Capacitor Stinger SPV32 (3.2 Farad) Prevents voltage sag during bass
Soundproofing StP Gold (6 mm) Eliminates trunk panel rattling
RCA splitter Scosche LC2M Needed to connect to standard Bose-system
⚠️ Attention: Do not use cheap Chinese amplifiers from AliExpress! In 70% of cases they produce inflated characteristics (for example, 1000 W instead of real ones 300 W), which leads to overheating and failure of the subwoofer. Check real tests on YouTube before purchasing.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Nissan Kicks

Installation Gorilla Bass 15 in Nissan Kicks (2020–2026 onwards) has nuances due to the characteristics of standard acoustics. Follow this algorithm:

  1. Disconnect the battery (remove terminal "−"on 10 minutes) to reset settings Bose-processor.
  2. Lay the power cable from the battery to the trunk through the technological hole under the dashboard (use plastic corrugation).
  3. Connect RCA:
    • For radios without Bose: use outputs Sub Out on the back panel.
    • For Bose systems: connect via LINE OUT CONVERTER (For example, AudioControl LC2i) to the rear speakers.
  • Set up your amplifier: 
    Gain: 50% от максимума

    Low-Pass Filter: 80 Гц
    

    Subsonic Filter: 25 Гц
    

    Phase: 180° (если сабвуфер в багажнике)

    • Connection polarity (+ to +, − to −)|Gain level is not higher than 50%|100A fuse is installed|The interconnect cable is not laid next to the power one-->

    Critical: Once connected do not turn on the music at full volume right away. First 2–3 hours play test signals (for example, 30 Hz sinusoid) to 30% volumeso that the subwoofer suspension adapts.

    What happens if the phase is reversed?

    If the phasing is incorrect (for example, 0° instead of 180°) the bass will be “smeared”, and the front speakers will begin to work out of phase with the subwoofer. This creates a "hole" effect in the mid frequencies (100–200 Hz) and tires the ear. You can check the phase with a simple test: turn on the music, approach the car from behind and listen - the bass should “push” the air outward, and not “pull in”.

    Optimal amplifier settings for different genres of music

    Universal settings for Gorilla Bass 15 does not exist - the parameters depend on the genre and interior acoustics. Here are the tested presets:

    Genre Low-Pass (Hz) Subsonic (Hz) Gain (%) Bass Boost (dB)
    Hip-hop/R&B 70 20 60 +6
    Electronics (EDM) 80 25 55 +3
    Rock/Metal 90 30 50 0
    Classical / Jazz 100 35 40 −3

    Secret trick: For tracks with deep bass (such as Skrillex or Excision) temporarily disable Subsonic Filter. This will add +2–3 dB at frequencies 20–25 Hz, but you risk overheating the coil during prolonged listening.

    💡

    Use the app Term-Lab (Android) or AudioTools (iOS) for fine tuning frequencies. Turn on the mode RT60 and ensure that the decay time of the bass in the cabin does not exceed 300 ms is the perfect balance between power and clarity.

    Body tuning: how to improve sound without replacing the subwoofer

    Standard case Gorilla Bass 15 Designed for a universal installation, but can be modified for better sound:

    • 🔨 Volume increase: If the subwoofer sounds boomy, add a 10–15 liters volume (for example, expand the back wall). This will shift the resonant frequency down.
    • 🧲 Damping: Cover the inner walls of the case bitumen vibration insulation (2–3 mm). This will eliminate parasitic resonances on 120–150 Hz.
    • 🕳️ Port tuning: Drill a hole with a diameter 75 mm and insert a PVC pipe length 20 cm (adjustable to 35 Hz). This will add "punch" to the bass.

    Warning: Do not use mineral wool for soundproofing the housing! Over time, its fibers fall off onto the subwoofer coil, which leads to a short circuit. Better take it polyester padding polyester density 25 kg/m³.

    💡

    Modification of the housing can increase the volume by up to +5 dB at key frequencies, but requires precise calculations. Use a calculator WinISD to model changes.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced installers make mistakes with Gorilla Bass 15. Here are the top 5 problems and their solutions:

    1. Amplifier overheating:

      Symptoms: the subwoofer “chokes” at high volumes, a burning smell appears.

      Cause: Insufficient ventilation or low on-board voltage (<12.5V).

      Solution: Install an additional fan SilenX 80mm near the amplifier and check the battery charge.

    2. Rattling trunk panel:

      Symptoms: Extraneous noise at frequencies 40–60 Hz.

      Cause: Resonance of metal parts.

      Solution: Cover the panel vibroplast and add a layer splenia.

    3. Uneven bass:

      Symptoms: Bass disappears and appears when moving.

      Cause: Incorrect phasing or air leakage from the housing.

      Solution: Check the tightness of the housing with silicone sealant and switch the phase to 180°.

    ⚠️ Attention: If after installing the subwoofer problems with ESP or ABS (lights on the dashboard come on), check the amplifier's grounding immediately! Poor contact with the body creates interference in the vehicle's CAN bus.

    Comparison with competitors: why Gorilla Bass 15 wins

    In its price segment (25 000–30 000 ₽) Gorilla Bass 15 competes with models:

    • 🔥 JBL GT5-15: cheaper by 20%, but has a smaller linear displacement (20 mm against 28 mm).
    • 💥 Pioneer TS-WX130DA: more compact, but loses in bass depth (lower limit - 28 Hz).
    • 🎵 Alpine S-W15D4: comparable power, but requires a housing for 150 liters (not suitable for Kicks).

    Benefits Gorilla Bass 15:

    • ✅ Adaptive gimbal: Automatically adjusts to load, reducing distortion.
    • ✅ Anti-clipping: Built-in limiter prevents damage on peak signals.
    • ✅ Bose compatible: correctly integrated into the standard system without loss of quality.

    Disadvantages:

    • ❌ Weight: 18.5 kg - heavier than competitors 20–30%.
    • ❌ Price: more expensive than analogs 10–15%, but justified by technology.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect Gorilla Bass 15 to a stock radio without an amplifier?

    No. Head unit Nissan Kicks gives maximum 20 W per channel - this is not enough even for minimal subwoofer operation. You definitely need an external amplifier with a power of 500W RMS.

    What kind of battery is needed for stable operation of the subwoofer?

    Minimum requirements: 70 Ah and starting current 600 A. For prolonged listening at high volume, we recommend AGM batteries (For example, Optima YellowTop). They withstand deep discharges and recover faster.

    Why does the subwoofer start to "wheeze" at high volumes?

    The reasons may be different:

    1. Insufficient amplifier power (signal clipping).
    2. Low on-board voltage (<12V).
    3. Damage to the diffuser (cracks or peeling paper).

    Check the voltage at the amplifier terminals with a voltmeter at maximum volume - if it drops below 11.5V, the electrics need modification (installation of a capacitor or a second battery).

    How to properly break in a subwoofer?

    Break-in takes 20–30 hours and takes place in 3 stages:

    1. First 5 hours: Play pink noise on 20% volume (you can use YouTube video).
    2. Next 10 hours: play a playlist with bass on 40% volume (for example, tracks Bass Boosted).
    3. Last 10 hours: Gradually increase the volume to 70%, avoiding clipping.

    After running in, check the suspension - it should return freely to its original position without jamming.

    Can Gorilla Bass 15 be installed in the front door?

    Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Problems:

    • There is not enough depth for the body (15" subwoofer requires minimum 18 cm free space).
    • Vibrations from the bass will be transmitted to the steering wheel, which is dangerous when driving.
    • The acoustics of the cabin will be disrupted - the bass will “beat” only on one side.

    The optimal place is the trunk or rear parcel shelf (if space allows).