Box Building Tips

The material of choice for building a strong box is 3/4" MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Cross bracing is a good idea to help reduce panel vibration. Strips of 3/4" by 2" wood work well for tying the panels together. HDF (High Density Fiberboard) is also good as is a really good grade of plywood (such as marine grade 7 or 13 ply). Regular particle board is not very good for speaker enclosures. It is flexible and will crumble when you try to screw the woofer in.

A good grade of wood glue is recommended for joining two pieces of wood together along with 1-1/4 to 1 1/2" drywall screws or 1-1/2" staples. A fastener placed about every 3" will hold the box together good enough until the glue dries. After assembling the box and allowing the glue to set up, use silicone seal- er to make absolutely sure the corners are perfectly sealed.

Hint: When assembling the enclosure, build the whole enclosure except for the rear baffle opposite the woofer cutout. This way you can easily reach inside to apply the silicone sealer. Once this is done, put the rear panel on and seal it by reaching through the woofer cutout.

A common source of air leaks is the connecting wire for the woofers. Terminal cups are commonly available and are recommended. They provide an airtight means for bringing the wire into the enclosure and allow for easy wiring changes. An alternative is to drill a hole slightly larger than the wire and seal carefully with silicone sealer. Do not disturb the silicone until it has set up. Moving the wire before the silicone has set up will usually cause an air leak.

If you carpet the enclosure it is important to cut the carpet around the woofer opening. It is hard to get a good seal if you have both the gasket and the carpet between the woofer and the wood.

On a sealed enclosure it is easy to test the seal of the box. Push the cone in all the way and let it go. If the seal is good, the cone should take at least five sec- onds to return to the center position. If the cone spring back faster that that you have a leak somewhere in the enclosure. Sometimes you can hear air escap- ing around the woofer or at one of the joints in the enclosure. If the box itself leaks take the woofer out and check the silicone seal all around the inside. If the air is leaking out around the woofer try adding a flexible sealer like plumber's putty or rope caulk. Don't use silicone sealers around the woofer.

For more information and additional box plans, see the KICKER Comp Technical Brief on kicker.com or call the Technical Services Line at (405)624-8583.

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Kicker 10TC104 manual Box Building Tips
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10TC104 specifications

The Kicker 10TC104 is a high-performance subwoofer designed for those who seek deep bass and rich sound quality in their audio systems. This powerful 10-inch subwoofer is a part of Kicker's CompT series, which is known for delivering excellent audio performance while being user-friendly and easily integrable into a variety of setups.

One of the standout features of the Kicker 10TC104 is its dual voice coil design, which allows for greater flexibility in wiring configurations. Each voice coil is rated at 4 ohms, enabling users to create multiple impedance configurations that can match their amplifier for improved efficiency and performance. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced audio enthusiasts.

The 10TC104 is built with a heavy-duty injection-molded polypropylene cone that not only enhances sound clarity but also ensures durability. This material is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy bass while preventing deformation and distortion. For added protection and longevity, the subwoofer also includes a robust rubber surround, which provides excellent linear movement and enhances the overall bass response.

Another notable aspect of the Kicker 10TC104 is its power handling capabilities. It features a peak power rating of 1,200 watts and a continuous RMS rating of 300 watts. This makes it capable of delivering powerful, heart-thumping bass without compromising on sound quality, even at higher volumes. The subwoofer also boasts a frequency response range of 28 Hz to 500 Hz, allowing it to reproduce deep lows effectively while maintaining clarity in the midrange frequencies.

Installation is made easier with the Kicker 10TC104 thanks to its standard mounting depth and size. This subwoofer can fit into a variety of enclosures, making it suitable for trunk installs, and is compatible with both sealed and vented box designs. The product also features spring-loaded terminals that ensure a secure and reliable connection to the amplifier.

In conclusion, the Kicker 10TC104 is a versatile and powerful subwoofer that excels in delivering exceptional bass performance. With its durable construction, flexible wiring options, and impressive power handling, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their car audio system or home theater setup. Whether you are listening to music, watching movies, or experiencing the latest games, the Kicker 10TC104 is sure to elevate your audio experience to the next level.
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