KICKER Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer vs KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer: Spec Comparison
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This comparison covers the kicker hideaway 10 powered under seat subwoofer vs comprt 12 thin. Both are Kicker subwoofers designed for compact audio upgrades. The main difference lies in their power source and installation type. The Hideaway 10 is a self-contained, powered unit built for under-seat mounting. The CompRT 12 is a passive driver that requires an external amplifier. You need to decide between an all-in-one solution and a flexible component for your existing system.
Key differences
| Aspect | Kicker Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer | KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Type | Powered | Passive |
| Woofer Size | 10 Inch | 12 Inch |
| Amplifier | 180 Watt built-in | Not listed |
| Impedance | Not listed | DVC, 4 ohms |
| Height | 3.12 inches | 5.6 inches |
| Weight | 14 pounds | 13.1 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kicker Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer if
- You want a complete system with a built-in 180 Watt amplifier.
- You need the lowest possible profile for under-seat installation.
- You prefer a quick-connect Molex plug for easy wiring.
Choose KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer if
- You already have a capable external amplifier.
- You want a larger 12-inch driver for deeper bass output.
- You need dual voice coils for flexible wiring options.
Verdict: The Hideaway 10 is the practical choice for users seeking a simple, all-in-one installation with minimal wiring. The CompRT 12 suits those who already own an amplifier and desire a larger 12-inch driver for greater bass potential.
Hideaway 10 vs CompRT 12 Specs
woofer size
The Kicker Hideaway 10 features a 10-inch woofer. This size offers a balanced approach for compact installations. The Kicker CompRT 12 uses a 12-inch driver. The larger cone area in the CompRT allows for greater air displacement. This typically translates to deeper bass response and more low-frequency output. If you prioritize maximum bass impact from a single driver, the 12-inch unit has a physical advantage. The 10-inch model is sufficient for moderate bass reinforcement in smaller spaces.
amplifier type
The Hideaway 10 is a powered subwoofer. It includes a built-in 180-watt amplifier. This means it has its own power source and does not require an external amp. The CompRT 12 is a passive subwoofer. It has no internal amplifier. You must connect it to an external amplifier to function. The Hideaway offers a simpler, all-in-one installation. The CompRT requires you to source and install separate amplification equipment, adding complexity to the setup.
size
Height is critical for under-seat mounting. The Hideaway 10 stands just 3.12 inches high. This ultra-compact profile fits easily under most car seats. The CompRT 12 is 5.6 inches tall. While still thin for a 12-inch sub, it is significantly taller than the Hideaway. The Hideaway wins for tight vertical clearance. The CompRT requires more space above the mounting surface. Check your seat height carefully if choosing the larger driver.
impedance
The CompRT 12 features dual voice coils with a 4-ohm impedance. This configuration offers installation flexibility. You can wire the coils in series or parallel to match different amplifier outputs. The Hideaway 10 is a self-contained powered unit. Its internal amplifier is matched to the 10-inch driver. It does not list external impedance options for you to configure. The CompRT provides more control over the electrical load for custom amplifier setups.
connectivity
The Hideaway 10 includes a remote bass control. This allows you to adjust the bass level from the driver seat. It also uses a quick-connect Molex plug and harness for easy installation. The CompRT 12 is a passive driver. It connects directly to amplifier speaker terminals. It does not include a remote control or special plug. The Hideaway offers more convenient in-car adjustment and simpler wiring for a complete system.
Which subwoofer fits your car
You need a plug-and-play under-seat upgrade
The Kicker Hideaway 10 is a powered unit with a 180-watt amplifier built directly into the enclosure. Its ultra-compact height of 3.12 inches allows it to fit under most seats. You get a remote bass control included for easy adjustment. The quick-connect Molex plug simplifies installation significantly. This all-in-one design requires no separate amplifier or complex wiring setup.
You want deeper bass from a thin driver
The Kicker CompRT 12 features a 12-inch woofer, which displaces more air than the 10-inch model. Its thin profile, only 5.6 inches long, fits tight spaces. The dual voice coils offer 4-ohm impedance flexibility for various amplifier choices. Advanced heat management with forced-air cooling keeps the driver cooler. This design prioritizes raw output and thermal reliability in a compact form.
You have limited space under the seat
With a height of just 3.12 inches, the Hideaway 10 is exceptionally low. It weighs 14 pounds and includes its own 180-watt amplifier. This eliminates the need for extra rack space for an external amp. The aluminum frame adds durability without adding bulk. You install it under the seat and connect it via the included harness.
You prefer custom amplifier integration
The CompRT 12 is a passive subwoofer, meaning it requires an external amplifier to function. Its dual 4-ohm voice coils allow you to wire it in series or parallel to match your amp's output. This flexibility lets you tune the system to your specific amplifier's capabilities. You gain control over the amplification stage while keeping the driver itself thin and efficient.
The products compared
Kicker Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer
Best for: tight under-seat installations
- Woofer Size
- 10"
- Power Handling
- 180 W
- Enclosure Type
- Low-profile
- Connectivity
- Quick-Connect Molex plug and harness
- Application
- Cars
- Speaker Type
- Powered
View on Amazon: Kicker Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer Affiliate link
The Kicker Hideaway 10 is a powered under-seat subwoofer designed for compact spaces. It features a 10-inch driver and a 180-watt amplifier. The unit measures just over 3 inches high, allowing it to fit under most seats. It includes a remote bass control and uses a quick-connect plug for installation. This model suits buyers needing deep bass without taking up cabin floor space.
Pros
- 180-watt amplifier drives the 10-inch driver
- Ultra-compact height of 3.12 inches
- Includes remote bass control
- Quick-connect Molex plug harness
Cons
- Heavier at 14 pounds compared to smaller models
- Requires under-seat clearance
- Limited to single subwoofer configuration
Good fit if
- You need to save floor space
- You want a compact powered sub
- You prefer easy installation
Skip if
- You need a 12-inch driver
- You lack under-seat height
- You want multiple subs
Verdict: Kicker Hideaway 10 Powered Sub fits buyers who need bass without sacrificing legroom. It delivers solid power in a tiny footprint.
KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer
Best for: slim enclosures with existing amplifiers
- Woofer Size
- 12"
- Impedance
- 4-ohm, DVC
- Dimensions
- 5.6 × 14.3 × 14.3 inches
- Weight
- 13.1 pounds
View on Amazon: KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer Affiliate link
This is a 12-inch passive subwoofer designed for tight spaces. It measures 5.6 inches in depth, allowing for under-seat or slim enclosure installation. The dual 4-ohm voice coils give you wiring flexibility for various amplifier setups. With a solid pole piece and forced-air cooling, it manages heat effectively. You get true subwoofer performance from a thin driver without needing external power.
Pros
- 12-inch woofer size for deep bass
- Thin 5.6-inch depth fits tight spaces
- Dual 4-ohm voice coils for wiring options
- Forced-air cooling reduces heat by 20%
Cons
- Passive design requires an external amplifier
- 13.1 pounds is heavier than compact active units
- No built-in amplifier or power supply
Good fit if
- You have a slim enclosure space under a seat
- You already own a compatible amplifier
- You want dual voice coil wiring flexibility
Skip if
- You need a plug-and-play powered solution
- You have no amplifier to drive the sub
- You prefer a lighter, more compact unit
Verdict: Kicker CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer fits buyers who need deep bass in a thin profile and already have an amplifier. It is a solid choice for custom installations where space is limited but power is available.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kicker Hideaway 10" Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer | KICKER CompRT 12" Thin Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|
| Woofer Size | 10" | 12" |
| Power Handling | 180 W | not stated |
| Enclosure Type | Low-profile | not stated |
| Impedance | not stated | 4-ohm, DVC |
| Connectivity | Quick-Connect Molex plug and harness | not stated |
| Application | Cars | not stated |
| Speaker Type | Powered | not stated |
| Size | 10 Inch | 12 |
| Dimensions | 12.1 × 9.87 × 3.12 inches | 5.6 × 14.3 × 14.3 inches |
| Weight | 14 pounds | 13.1 pounds |
| Model | 46HS10 | 48CWRT124 |
| Color | not stated | black |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kicker Hideaway 10 need an external amplifier?
No, it does not. The Hideaway 10 is a self-contained powered unit. It has a built-in amplifier, so you do not need to buy or install a separate amp. This makes it ideal for tight under-seat spaces where adding extra electronics is difficult.
Is the Kicker CompRT 12 a powered subwoofer?
No, it is not. The CompRT 12 is a passive subwoofer. It requires an external amplifier to function. You should only choose this model if you already have a compatible amplifier installed in your vehicle and need a thin driver for a custom enclosure.
How thick is the Kicker Hideaway 10?
The Hideaway 10 is 3.12 inches high. This low profile allows it to fit under most car seats. The total depth is 12.1 inches, and the width is 9.87 inches. These dimensions help you maximize legroom while still getting solid bass output.
What are the dimensions of the Kicker CompRT 12?
The CompRT 12 measures 5.6 inches in length. Its width and height are both 14.3 inches. This square shape and thin depth make it suitable for slim enclosures. It fits well in custom installations where space is limited but you have power available.
Which subwoofer is lighter?
The Kicker CompRT 12 is slightly lighter. It weighs 13.1 pounds. The Hideaway 10 weighs 14 pounds. The difference is less than one pound. Weight matters less than installation type, since the Hideaway includes an amp and the CompRT does not.
Can I install the CompRT 12 under a seat easily?
It depends on your setup. The CompRT 12 is thin, but it is not a complete unit. You must build or buy an enclosure and connect an external amplifier. The Hideaway 10 is easier for under-seat use because it is a single, plug-and-play powered box.
What impedance does the Kicker CompRT 12 have?
The CompRT 12 has a 4-Ohm impedance. This is a standard rating for many car audio amplifiers. You need to ensure your existing amp can handle a 4-Ohm load. The Hideaway 10 does not list impedance since its amp is internal and matched to the driver.
Which model is better for a quick upgrade?
The Hideaway 10 is better for a quick upgrade. It is a powered unit that requires minimal wiring. You just need power and ground connections. The CompRT 12 requires more work, including an enclosure and an external amp, making it better for custom builds rather than quick fixes.