Kicker designed the Hideaway subwoofer to fit pretty much anywhere.
Often, when we think of car subs, we picture a large enclosure that takes up an entire trunk. By the same token, most models of this size don’t produce the type of bass buyers are looking for.
Kicker has somehow managed to create a sub that may be small, but it produces the type of bass most car audio enthusiasts are looking for.
Our Verdict
This sub by Kicker features a one hundred and fifty RMS sound rating.
For some systems, this won’t be enough bass to carry their whole system, especially if they primarily listen to bass heavy tracks. For others, this level of bass is just what they need to achieve a well-rounded sound for their existing audio system.
The compact design allows for a variety of mounting possibilities and makes this model perfect for the car owner whose interior is already tight on space.
This sub may not have the type of RMS rating that some buyers are looking for, but if you’re in need of a small, compact powered sub, and one that can add plenty of value to your existing stock sound system, then look no further than the Hideaway.
Table of Contents
Kicker Hideaway Review: Overview and Features
Most sub setups can easily take up your entire trunk or swallow plenty of precious interior space. But the Hideaway’s design is what makes it so unique compared to other models in this price range.
Big sound and a compact design are what makes this sub a best-seller.
The sub measures in at just three inches tall and is designed to fit under any car seat or a tight spot that you normally wouldn’t expect to install a sub. Aside from the smaller design and high-quality sound, the sub is also priced for the car owner on a budget. Installation and use also make this model beginner-friendly.
Product Rating:
- Compact design
- Quick release harness
- Low price
- Powered sub
- Remote
Sound Quality
This sub features a one hundred and fifty RMS rating, which is decent for a sub of this size. In terms of sound quality, it delivers a strong, deep bass sound that will add just the right amount of punch and depth to any track.
It’s able to hit those lower notes that can really enhance the performance and sound of your standard speakers.
Controls
The Hideaway comes with a remote that controls the bass and allows users to adjust the level on a track by track basis.
Mounting
This model comes with Velcro and nylon straps, and all the hardware you’ll need to mount the sub. In this package, you’ll also find power and signal wiring and a quick disconnect harness.
While the sub can handle preamp level signals, during installation, you’ll need to connect the preamp signal adapter to the sub’s signal harness, which will allow you to connect the sub to a receiver’s preamp outputs.
Amp
This is a powered sub. It includes amplification and room correction, EQ controls, crossover, and a driver, all inside its compact enclosure.
The measurement mics and DPS engine allow the sub to tune itself based on the needs of your existing system. Because of this, you won’t need to tweak your system much, instead, the sub will handle all the heavy work.
And the result? Rich deep bass without any vibrations or distortion.
Pros
- Compact design
- Quick release harness
- Low price
- Powered sub
- Remote
Cons
- One hundred and fifty RMS rating
Related Questions
How Can This Sub Make My Other Speakers Sound Better?
This bass may not pack the type of boom that will have your whole car vibrating, but it can capture the lower frequency sounds that your other speakers are missing. This will have a huge impact on your system’s audio quality.
Basically, once you set it up and switch it on, it’ll sound like a whole new system. To learn more about car sound systems, click here to read our article on how to improve car sound.
I Need a Sub with a Higher RMS Rating, What Do You Recommend?
If you listen to plenty of hip hop, R&B, or EDM, then you may need more bass than what this sub can provide.
Typically, powered subs don’t feature a high RMS rating, which is why some car owners choose passive subs, despite the fact that they’re usually more expensive. However, there are active subs out there that can provide that punchy sound you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a powerful active sub, we recommend a multi-sub setup, which can provide a comparable performance to that of a top of the line passive sub, but without the high price tag, we recommend the Pyramid Dual Car Subwoofers and Amp Kit.
The Pyramid package comes with everything including the sub, hardware, and an amp. It also comes with two subs, each of which has an RMS rating of two hundred and fifty, for a total of five hundred RMS. Basically, this set includes more than enough bass to blast your favorite bass-heavy tracks.
Where Should I Install This Sub to Get the Best Sound?
This will depend on the type of space you have to work with in your vehicle, and even the make and model of your car because a car’s acoustics can affect the sound quality of your audio system.
If you’re not sure where you should install your new sub or how to install it, visit our Car subwoofer buyer’s guide, where you’ll find plenty of tips and information that will help you get the most out of your existing audio system.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating:
The Hideaway may not be big, but it offers the type of sound you need for an existing audio system that falls flat.
The included remote will allow you to switch up the bass per track, while the quick release harness and other hardware allow you to install this sub anywhere in your car’s interior, including under a low car seat.
The sub’s smaller design may mean that it’s unable to provide the type of bass some buyer’s need, but it’s powerful enough to enhance the performance of any standard speaker in your system. We gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.