If you are like me you want to hear your music while riding. Again, if you’re like me you have a limited budget
on which to spend. That’s where the Kicker KMT6
long-range tower system comes into play.
What is it you ask? The KMT6 system consists of 2
ABS plastic enclosures each containing a pair of 6.5” mid-range drivers and one exponential-horn-loaded 20mm titanium tweeter and billet aluminum mounting brackets with plastic inserts to mount on 1.625” thru 2.5” tubing diameters. Specs on them are 25-150W RMS and 300W peak with 4 ohm impedance.
This set peaked my interest because they were inexpensive ($499.99 retail, but I bought mine off eBay.com for $266 to the door) horn-loaded drivers. Compared to the other options available out there it was too hard to pass up. I’ve been running a set of
6.5” 2-way speakers (50W RMS and 150W peak) in some generic cans I had powder coated for a few
years now. I was always disappointed because I could never quite hear the music behind the boat while riding. If I added another set of similar speakers and cans they would have equaled what I paid for the Kickers. Once I received them I was pleased at the quality. The enclosures had a nice aerodynamic shape to them instead of being a brick hanging in the air, the
brackets were well machined, and everything was
black (except for the brackets which I will eventually powdercoat).
Including removing the old speakers and cans, the installation went pretty quick. In all I think I spent 2 hours. I already had the wiring in the tower from my previous speakers so it was basically out with the old and in with the new. I’m powering them with one channel of a Kicker KX700.5 running at 4 ohms
stereo in high passive mode. (the same amp as the
old speakers) Even though they are somewhat underpowered they sound great behind the boat.
I can now hear exactly what is being played anywhere behind the boat riding an 85’ rope length. Of course, since the horns are directional the loudest sound
comes from directly behind, but even all the way out
to the side music can easily be heard. Inside the boat
is not too loud since they are pointed out above the passengers. The sound is clear and crisp.
Another benefit I’ve noticed is the weight. They didn’t seem to add but a few extra pounds to the tower from what I already had. Compared to other towers I’ve helped lift into place where you need 2-3 guys cause the tower weighs so much. Overall, I would highly recommend the Kicker KMT6 system if your on a budget looking for tower speakers. Sure, they are no Wetsounds, but they also don’t cost $1200-$1700 either!
To see what Kicker has to say go here: http://www.kicker.com/06/kicker_home.html |
