Product Spotlight: KICKER KMC5

Going back a few decades, only a handful of car audio manufacturers offered marine-specific source unit options. These were often car radios with oversized front panels with waterproofing features. Now, there are dozens of companies that offer marine source units. One that stands out for its features and performance is the KICKER KMC5, which is the subject of this product spotlight. Let’s check it out!

Features of the KICKER KMC5

The KMC5 is a marine source unit with a face measuring 5.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. The radio mounts through a three-inch hole, so it can replace a small round unit or a large gauge in an instrument cluster. If nothing else, drilling the mounting hole with a hole saw is much easier for your installer than cutting out a rectangle with an air saw. The radio needs about seven inches of clearance behind the mounting surface for the chassis and wire connections. The front panel is IP66 rated, so you don’t have to worry about rain or splashes causing issues. Of course, KICKER’s Real Marine rating means the radio is built with materials that won’t fade, chalk, crack, or corrode when exposed to the sun or saltwater.

The radio features a sunlight-viewable 3.5-inch full-color LCD screen that provides a clear view of what’s playing from a USB thumb drive, SiriusXM satellite radio, or the built-in AM/FM tuner. USB support is compatible with FAT32-formatted thumb drives, and media formats include MP2, MP3, WMA, WAV16, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, and M4A. You can also stream music or a service like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or Apple Music over the Bluetooth A2DP connection. The radio includes Bluetooth AVRCP so you can control your smartphone or media player from the source unit.

While we are on the topic of audio sources, it’s worth noting that the KMC5 includes a Weatherband tuner and an auxiliary input. You can use the input with something like a TV, DVD player or media player if you have a larger boat. Speaking of video, the KMC5 has a video input that can be used with an optional backup camera. There’s an external trigger included, so the rear camera can be activated with a switch at the helm. This would be a great option for backing a boat into a narrow slip at the marina.

If you’ve looked closely at the buttons on the face, then you might have seen the Favorite option. This is a quick-access button to whatever source, radio station or weather information channel you want.

KICKER KMC5 — The front panel of the KMC5 radio features a 3.5-inch color display, making it easy to see what’s playing.

System Features and Specifications

Moving on from source options, we should discuss the outputs from the radio. The KMC5 includes six channels of amplification, each rated to deliver 25 watts into a 4-ohm load and 40 watts into a 2-ohm load. You’ll notice the power wire on the amp harness is larger than the typical 14- or 16-gauge conductor you’d find on a 22-watt x 4 radio. Your installer may need to run a dedicated 10-AWG cable for power and ground to the fuse panel at your point. Hey, if you want an amp, even one in a source unit, to produce power, you need to feed it power properly.

On the preamp side, the radio includes stereo front and rear outputs, a pair of subwoofer outputs and a 2-zone RCA output. The fifth and sixth speaker output connections are assigned to the second audio zone output. So, you could power speakers beside the TV, in the galley or a berth. If you are using the preamp outputs with a separate amplifier, the second audio zone might be ideal for a set of wakeboard tower speakers. This system design would give you separate control of the zone-2 volume. In fact, you can rename this separate zone to Tower, Transom, Cockpit, or Interior in the setup menu. You can also configure the Zone-2 volume to track the main volume or be adjustable on its own.

Audio Features

The KICKER KMC5 includes an adjustable high-pass crossover for the front and rear speaker and preamp outputs. The filter can be set to 50, 80, or 120 hertz to suit the size of the speakers in the system. The radio has two tone-control options. It has conventional bass, midrange and treble adjustability, or it can be switched to Custom EQ mode. The Custom EQ includes Rock, Pop, Jazz and custom options. In the custom menu, you can boost or cut audio at 50, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 3k, and 8k Hz center frequencies to fine-tune the system.

You can expand the KICKER KMC5 with the two-inch KRC12 remote or the KRC55 Digital remote. The KRC55 includes a color display that replicates what’s shown on the main radio screen.

Upgrade Your Boat with the KICKER KMC5 Today!

If you are in the market for a full-featured multimedia radio for your boat, or even a side-by-side or UTV, then drop by a local authorized KICKER retailer today and ask about the KMC5 radio. You can find a KICKER dealer near you by using the locator tool on their website.

Be sure to follow KICKER on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about their impressive car audio, marine, motorcycle, powersport and lifestyle product offerings.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is a marine-grade amplifier with a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) designed to power and tune an entire audio system from a single compact, marine-ready chassis. Combining eight channels of amplification with advanced signal processing, it allows a professionally designed system to deliver clean, controlled sound in boats and other harsh outdoor environments.

Modern marine audio systems face unique challenges. Wind noise, engine noise and open-air listening environments make it difficult to achieve balanced, detailed sound. A DSP amplifier like the VENEZIA V8 DSPx² allows a professional technician to precisely tune the system so music remains clear and dynamic even when conditions are less than ideal.

By combining amplification and signal processing in one product, the VENEZIA V8 DSPx² simplifies system design while providing the flexibility needed for high-performance marine audio systems.

The Technology Behind the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

Close-up of the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine amplifier power and signal connections. — Close-up product details reinforce the amplifier’s purpose-built marine design and professional-grade system integration.

The defining technology in the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is the integration of a high-performance multi-channel amplifier with advanced digital signal processing. This approach allows a professional retailer to power speakers and precisely control how audio signals behave throughout the entire system.

A digital signal processor (DSP) works by analyzing and modifying the audio signal before it reaches the speakers. In a vehicle or marine environment, speaker locations, reflective surfaces and background noise can dramatically affect how music sounds. The DSP allows technicians to correct these issues by adjusting crossover points, equalization, time alignment and output levels so the system performs as a cohesive whole.

In the VENEZIA V8 DSPx², the DSP and amplifier sections are engineered to work together from the start. This integration reduces the need for separate components and allows signal processing adjustments to directly influence amplifier output. The result is more precise control over the system’s tonal balance and dynamics, which is especially important in open-air listening environments where clarity and projection matter.

Another important advantage of this integrated design is system flexibility. An eight-channel amplifier provides multiple configuration options for powering speakers and subwoofers throughout a vessel. The DSP makes it possible to tailor each channel’s response to match the speaker type and its location within the boat, helping create a balanced listening experience across multiple seating areas.

Marine environments also place special demands on electronics. Moisture, vibration and temperature changes can affect performance and reliability. By combining signal processing and amplification within a single purpose-built marine amplifier, Hertz reduces system complexity while maintaining the durability needed for life on the water.

Key Features and Capabilities

Connection panel on the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine DSP amplifier. — The rear panel highlights the amplifier’s integrated connectivity for multi-channel power and advanced system control.

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² includes a range of technologies that support high-performance marine audio systems:

Eight Channels of Amplification: Provides the flexibility to power multiple speaker zones or combine channels for higher output when needed.
Integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Allows professional system tuning including equalization, crossover configuration and time alignment for improved tonal balance.
Marine-Grade Construction: Designed to withstand moisture, salt exposure and vibration common in marine environments.
Compact System Architecture: Combining amplification and DSP processing reduces the number of components required in the system.
System Tuning Flexibility: Multiple output channels allow retailers to create tailored listening zones throughout the vessel.

Design And Construction

Top view of the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine DSP amplifier. — The low-profile chassis and clean industrial design reflect the amplifier’s premium marine-focused engineering.

The VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is engineered specifically for marine use, where durability is as important as performance. Marine electronics must withstand humidity, salt exposure and vibration without compromising reliability or sound quality.

Hertz designed the amplifier with protective materials and sealing strategies that help guard sensitive circuitry from environmental exposure. These measures help maintain consistent performance in challenging conditions often encountered on the water.

Thermal management is also critical in compact marine installations. Efficient amplifier design helps control heat buildup while maintaining stable output performance, even during extended listening sessions.

The result is a component built not only for sound quality but also for long-term reliability in marine environments.

Why This Product Matters for Vehicle Audio Upgrades

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² matters because it allows a professionally designed audio system to deliver clear, balanced sound in environments where traditional systems struggle. By combining amplification and advanced signal processing, it gives system designers the tools needed to optimize every speaker in the system.

In open-air marine environments, music can easily become thin or uneven without proper tuning. A DSP amplifier allows professionals to shape the system’s response, so vocals, instruments and bass remain balanced across different seating areas.

For listeners, the result is a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Music sounds more natural, details become easier to hear and the system performs consistently even when background noise increases.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Help from a Professional

Achieving the best performance from a DSP amplifier requires expert system design and precise tuning. A qualified specialty retailer has the tools and experience to integrate products like the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² into a system that delivers outstanding sound.

Visit the BestCarAudio.com Dealer Locator to find a trusted professional near you. A knowledgeable retailer can recommend the right equipment, design a system tailored to your vehicle and provide the expert calibration needed to bring your music to life.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: ADS iDatalink Maestro APX Kits

In February of 2025, Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) introduced the world to a new way of installing car radios. In their presentation, they discussed how aftermarket source unit installations evolved from under-dash to DIN and, subsequently, 2-DIN shapes. Their iDatalink Maestro APX kits, when combined with radios from JVC and Kenwood, usher in a new philosophy in radio upgrade options. Let’s check out the iDatalink Maestro APX installation kits.

The Basics of Radio Installations

Up until now, if you wanted to replace a factory-installed radio, you had a choice between DIN and 2-DIN radio chassis. An extension of these sizes includes floating-face radios with a large screen mounted on a bracket in front of the dashboard.

ADS spends significant resources cataloging vehicle information as it investigates each platform for remote car starter and vehicle interface solutions. The team noticed that many vehicles share common parts, such as screens. If a radio manufacturer could produce an aftermarket solution, ADS could provide simple installation and integration solutions to allow consumers to dramatically upgrade their cars and trucks in terms of features and performance.

ADS contacted their long-time partners at JVCKENWOOD to ask if they wanted to be the initial source unit partners for the APX Advanced Dash Integration product. ADS and JVCKENWOOD worked together on the initial Maestro RR radio data integration project. The two companies agreed, and work began several years ago on developing the APX kits and compatible radios. As a side note, JVC and Kenwood call their APX-compatible radio family Direct Replacement.

How Does Maestro APX Work?

In a conventional radio upgrade, a mobile enhancement retailer replaces the factory radio and often the trim panel with aftermarket solutions. The new dash kit has an opening for a single-DIN or, more commonly, a 2-DIN multimedia receiver. Some of these dash kits are complicated and expensive, and have to include new displays and interfaces for climate controls. Due to space limitations on the dashboard, many kits relocate the radio to a lower, less convenient location. Another drawback is that the radio display often shrinks from 8 inches to 7 inches or less. However, vehicle owners can now have state-of-the-art audio playback and smartphone integration, ready for connection to signal processors, amplifiers, and high-quality speakers.

The Maestro APX kits include two components – mounting brackets for a screen and a T-harness. The harness handles connections to the factory wiring and to a Maestro RR or RR2 interface. The brackets allow the new screen included with the Kenwood or JVC radio to mount in or in front of the dash. In short, the new radio replaces the factory screen with a premium source unit.

Maestro Floating and Eight-Inch Kits

There are two types of APX kits – APX-FL for floating-face radios and APX-S8 for eight-inch display solutions.

The APX-FL kit, like those for the Jeep Wrangler, allows a radio with a 10.1-inch floating face display to be integrated into the vehicle. Unlike DIN- and 2-DIN floating-face solutions, the radios compatible with the APX-FL kits are a true two-part solution. The radios are designed with a hide-away brain and a screen that attaches with a few harnesses. Depending on the kit, the radio brain may be installed in place of the factory CD mechanism or on the back of the display mounting bracket. Where possible, factory mounting brackets are used, but the Maestro kits include beautifully crafted brackets where needed. Spacer blocks and trim pieces are included so your installer can fit the screen up tight against the dash.

The APX-S8 kits are designed for a two-part radio solution that includes an eight-inch screen that replaces the factory screen. Brackets are provided as needed to ensure the new display fits perfectly into the dash. The result, once the upgrade is complete, is that the dash looks just like it did from the factory. All the radio and climate controls continue to function with the new radio, thanks to the Maestro RR or RR2 integration module. The same goes for the radio control buttons on the steering wheel.

APX Kit Applications

As of now, ADS offers kits for many Ford, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Holden, and Infiniti/Nissan vehicles. You can check the ADS Maestro website to see if there’s a Maestro APX radio upgrade solution for your application. A key benefit of the design is that new kits can be created in the future if a compatible platform emerges.

The ADS marketing team noted that there are almost five million vehicles on the road globally compatible with their Maestro APX kits, opening up new technology-upgrade opportunities for millions of vehicle owners. If you want to upgrade your car or truck, check the ADS Maestro website for a compatible Maestro APX kit, then choose a JVC or Kenwood radio that meets your needs. From there, an authorized dealer for the radio brand can bring your plan to fruition, and you can enjoy all the features of a modern vehicle in your older car, truck or SUV.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER KEYLOC

There are a dozen or so high-quality line output converters available to help your installer integrate an amplifier into a factory-installed audio system. That said, most of them are simple devices that do nothing more than adjust voltage gain and perhaps apply some equalization to the signal. KICKER’s KEYLOC is a unique solution because it features a built-in digital signal processor that undoes equalization, delays, and all-pass filters applied to the factory signal. The goal is to establish a clean signal that you can build on. Let’s check out the outstanding KICKER KEYLOC.

Basic Features of the KICKER KEYLOC

Let’s start with the basics. The KEYLOC is a two-channel line output converter that can accept up to 10 volts of signal in low-level mode and an impressive 40 volts in high-level mode. In low-level mode, the KEYLOC presents a 60-ohm load to the driving amplifier. Many factory-installed source units and amplifiers will go into protection mode without a proper load. External resistors are available from KICKER if needed for high-level operation. The maximum output of the KEYLOC is 10 volts.

The KEYLOC measures 5.5 by 2.75 inches in footprint and is 1.375 inches thick. A Molex connector on the left side includes two speaker input channels, power and ground connections, and remote turn-on and remote output wiring. The remote output activates automatically when the KEYLOC detects a DC offset voltage on the input speaker wires, enabling an aftermarket amplifier to turn on. There are a pair of RCA output jacks on the right side of the chassis to feed your new amplifier.

The top panel of the KEYLOC features two stereo potentiometers and a display with five LEDs. The pots are for adjusting input sensitivity and output voltage. The LEDs indicate power and are part of the signal testing and KEY processing features of the KEYLOC.

KICKER KEYLOC — The LED display on the front panel of the KEYLOC provides your installer with information about frequency response and correction processing.

Audio Analysis Tool

Depending on the design of your factory audio system, it might be difficult to find a full-range signal. The Low, Mid, and High LEDs on top of the KEYLOC can be used with the provided pink-noise test track to determine whether you have a full-range signal. The Low indicator illuminates when there is sufficient audio information in the 20 Hz to 200 Hz range. The Mid indicator monitors 200 Hz to 2 kHz, and the High LED monitors audio above 2 kHz. If you are missing low- or high-frequency information, the KEY processing will not produce a full-bandwidth signal for your new equipment.

The KEY to Audio Excellence

The KEYLOC uses KICKER’s patent-pending KEY algorithm to analyze a special audio test signal. The signal includes sine sweeps, pink noise, and impulses, which reveal frequency response, signal delay, and all-pass filter processing. Once measured, the KEYLOC applies its own signal processing to eliminate these attributes from the audio signal. The result is a flat frequency response signal that will allow new speakers, amplifiers, and processors to sound amazing. The process is fully automated and takes between two and 10 minutes to complete. Your installer can even temporarily bypass the correction to demonstrate how much the system has improved thanks to the KEYLOC.

Why You Need the KICKER KEYLOC

Factory-installed audio systems are typically designed to extract the best possible performance from inexpensive speakers. As such, radios and amplifiers include signal processing such as equalization, delays, and all-pass filters to create an optimized listening experience. Don’t be fooled: this processing is present even in simple “radio-only” systems and isn’t exclusive to premium systems with complex multi-channel amplifiers.

The goal of upgrading a car audio system is, of course, to make it sound better. As such, you are likely to add subwoofers and new speakers to the vehicle. The equalization that worked with the factory speakers is not likely to be ideal for the higher-performance options you’ve chosen. Eliminating factory processing with a product like the KICKER KEYLOC is crucial to achieving great sound in your car, truck, or SUV. The KEYLOC is also great for motorcycles, side-by-sides, and marine applications.

Visit a KICKER Dealer Today

When it’s time to make your vehicle’s stereo sound better, drop by an authorized KICKER retailer to find out whether the KEYLOC is needed to undo the signal processing built into your factory-installed audio system. You can find an authorized KICKER retailer near you using the Dealer Locator on the KICKER website.

Be sure to follow Kicker on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep up with the latest product releases from our friends in Stillwater.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Audison AV 12 D2 II

Subwoofers with minimal mounting depth requirements continue to grow in popularity. To meet that demand, the team at Audison has introduced a larger, more robust option to complement their well-regarded Prima Series. The new Voce II subwoofer line includes ten- and twelve-inch models engineered for higher power handling and increased excursion. In this spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at the 12-inch Audison AV 12 D2 II.

Features of the Voce II Subwoofers

As its name suggests, the AV 12 D2 II is a 12-inch subwoofer. It requires only 3.46 inches of mounting depth, making it an excellent solution for trucks or vehicles where space is at a premium.

The D2 suffix identifies its dual two-ohm voice coil configuration. A dual four-ohm version, designated D4, is also available. Ten-inch Voce II models share the same design principles and construction quality.

Audison rates the AV 12 D2 II at 550 watts continuous and 1100 watts peak power handling. This capability comes from a 1.5-inch six-layer copper-clad aluminum wire voice coil. To help keep the motor assembly cool during extended use, the basket and motor structure incorporate Audison’s Airflow Venting Cooling (A.V.C.) architecture.

The woofer is built on a custom-tooled, cast-aluminum eight-spoke frame. Instead of the traditional vent through the center of the T-yoke, the AV 12 D2 II uses four large vents in the bottom plate below the spider. Combined with the air gaps between the magnet and chassis, these openings form part of the A.V.C. system.

The cone and dust-cap support assembly is a one-piece injection-molded polypropylene structure. The dust-cap face piece is bonded and supported around its perimeter just above the fiberglass voice coil former. This design minimizes unwanted flexing or resonance. Audison refers to this reinforcement method as Radial Reinforced Frameworks (R.R.F.).

A single ferrite magnet serves as the motor structure. The six-layer voice coil is connected via tinsel leads, internally supported by the R.R.F. and externally by large spring-loaded terminals mounted to the chassis. These terminals can accept up to 8-AWG speaker wire for maximum current transfer and include labels for which of the two coils they are connected to. There are wire management tabs built into the terminals as well.

Specifications of the Audison AV 12 D2 II

Digging into performance parameters, the AV 12 D2 II features a resonant frequency (Fs) of 23 Hz, an equivalent compliance (Vas) of 2.225 cubic feet, and a Total Q (Qts) of 0.5. Cone excursion is rated at 16.8 mm, voice coil inductance is 4.3 millihenries, and sensitivity is 85 dB SPL.

We modeled the driver in BassBox Pro using Audison’s recommended 0.957 cubic foot sealed enclosure. The simulation shows an impressive -3 dB point of 38.4 hertz with a system Q (Qtc) of 0.812. The software also predicts solid cone control down to single-digit frequencies at the rated 550-watt continuous input.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System Today with Audison

If you’re shopping for a high-performance subwoofer that delivers excellent output, requires very little mounting depth, and features advanced cooling technologies, the Audison AV 12 D2 II should be on your shortlist. Visit a local authorized Audison retailer to audition the 12-inch model or its 10-inch counterparts. They can help determine the best solution for your vehicle and listening preferences. Find an authorized dealer here.

To learn more about Audison’s Voce II subwoofers and speaker systems, visit their website. Be sure to follow Audison on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date with all their latest product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER KMC5

Features of the KICKER KMC5

System Features and Specifications

Audio Features

Upgrade Your Boat with the KICKER KMC5 Today!

Product Spotlight: Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

The Technology Behind the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

Key Features and Capabilities

Design And Construction

Why This Product Matters for Vehicle Audio Upgrades

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Help from a Professional

Product Spotlight: ADS iDatalink Maestro APX Kits

The Basics of Radio Installations

How Does Maestro APX Work?

Maestro Floating and Eight-Inch Kits

APX Kit Applications

Product Spotlight: KICKER KEYLOC

Basic Features of the KICKER KEYLOC

Audio Analysis Tool

The KEY to Audio Excellence

Why You Need the KICKER KEYLOC

Visit a KICKER Dealer Today

Product Spotlight: Audison AV 12 D2 II

Features of the Voce II Subwoofers

Specifications of the Audison AV 12 D2 II

Upgrade Your Car Audio System Today with Audison

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