Kicker DS7130 User Manual

DS

DS3-WAYSPEAKER

DS7130

©2007 Stillwater Designs

Your DS 3-Way speaker was specially designed for “Livin’ Loud” out in the harsh automotive
environment. They are made of advanced materials and construction techniques to maintain
optimal performance for years to come.

Application

The Kicker DS 3-Way speaker was specifically designed for mounting in free-air applications.
The speakers do not require a sealed enclosure for optimum performance. It is important to
isolate the sound coming off the front of the driver from the sound radiating from the back of
the driver. This isolation is usually accomplished by using the driver in a factory speaker
location, or in a location with a semi-isolated rear chamber. See Figure 1.

Location

The sound produced by the DS 3-Way is directional. Find the best location for stereophonic
sound. If necessary, add more DS coaxial speakers to the system to help distribute and
balance the sound. After determining the best mounting locations, carefully check the areas
where the mounting hardware will be placed. See Figure 2.

INSTALLATION

Congratulations on your

KICKER purchase

Please record your purchase

information and keep your sales

receipt for validation of warranty.

Authorized Kicker Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Speaker Model Number:

_________________________

_________________________

_________________________

Please allow two weeks of break-in time for the speaker to reach optimum performance.

2

INSTALLATION

DS3-WaySpeaker

Owner’sManual

DS7130

Model:

Mounting

If you are replacing factory speakers in their original locations, you may have to enlarge the
speaker cut-outs and pre-drill new screw holes using a 7/64” (2.5mm) bit. Custom mounting
locations will require more preparation and work. The speakers are supplied with a 6” x 9”
(160 x 230cm) mounting adapter. The supplied mounting adapter can be placed between
the speaker and the mounting baffle in the bottom mounting application as shown in Figure
1, and in the front mounting application, as shown in Figure 2. In either case, make sure the
speaker will not interfere with any trunk or door opening and closing mechanisms, and the
enclosed screws will not puncture the fuel tank, wiring, or interfere with any other
mechanical parts on either side of the mounting surface. Cycle the windows all the way
down and up to check for obstructions.

If the speaker cut-out locations require you to cut metal, avoid structural metal and braces.
If the door body and panel cannot support the weight of the speaker, an optional reinforcing
ring (thin piece of wood or Medium Density Fiberboard) may be sandwiched between the
panels. Mount the speaker to the vehicle as outlined in Figure 2. If factory speaker wiring is
not available in your desired location, it may be necessary to run the supplied wire through
the door jamb. The speaker wire should be kept away from sharp edges and avoid the
possibility of getting pinched by the door. An
existing grommet in the door jamb is the ideal
place to run the speaker wire. If the factory
hole and grommet do not exist or are
inaccessible, you must drill a hole to run the
speaker wire through the door jam. Be careful
not to drill into other wiring or exiting door
mechanisms. Any time a wire is run through a
hole, it is necessary to insert a rubber or
plastic grommet to protect the wire from
damage as outlined in Figure 3.

If the supplied hardware is not applicable to
your installation, some other means of
securely attaching the speakers to the vehicle
must be used.

Figure 1

DS3-WAYSPEAKER

Rear Seat

Trunk / Storage Space

Rear Sound

Waves

Front Sound

Waves

Figure 2

Door Panel

Place Speaker Grille over the 3-Way Driver and

mount with the enclosed Scre ws

Door Body

Reinforcing Ring

(Optional)

3-Way

Driver

Speaker Grille

Screws

Stagger the holes for the wiring and use a rubber or

plastic grommet to protect the wire from damage

Speaker

cut-out

Speaker

cut-out

Figure 3

Front Door

Body

Front Dash

Kick Panel

Speaker

cut-out

To the amplifier or

source unit

3

6” x 9” (160 x 230mm) mounting adapter can

be inserted between speaker cutout and 3-Way

driver for front mounting

6” x 9” (160 x 230cm) adapter can be

placed between baffle and speaker

in bottom mounting aplications

DS7130