Last Updated on June 4, 2025
KICKER Redefines Marine Audio with "Real Marine" M-Class Series
KICKER, a long-standing innovator in audio products since 1973, has unveiled its new M-Class Premium Series marine speakers, designed to overcome the challenges of aquatic environments. This new line embodies KICKER's "Real Marine" philosophy, ensuring durability, superior sound quality, and seamless integration with marine vessels.
The "Real Marine" Philosophy
KICKER's "Real Marine" initiative is a comprehensive approach to marine audio design, focusing on durability, performance, and integration. It addresses the common issues of corrosion, breakage, and poor sound quality often found in marine stereos not originally designed for the harsh marine environment.
- Integrated Design: M-Class speakers are engineered to be an integral part of the boat, not just an add-on. They comply with ISO 12216 watertightness standards, the same as a boat's doors and windows.
- Industry Compliance: KICKER has been a member of ABYC and NMMA for over 20 years, and NMEA for a decade, ensuring their products meet stringent safety and compliance standards.
Uncompromising Sound Quality and Durability
The M-Class series prioritizes luxurious sound quality while ensuring long-term survival in marine conditions. This is achieved through meticulous material selection and construction techniques.
- Speaker Models:
- Coaxial MSC Speakers: Available in 6.5-inch and 8-inch models for discreet installations and easy replacement.
- Component Systems (MS models): Feature separate tweeters for enhanced sonic accuracy.
- Subwoofers: 10-inch and 12-inch models, including enclosure-style (MWE) for custom enclosures and Free-air style (MWF) for large sealed areas. The MWLE104 is a compact bass-reflex subwoofer enclosure.
- Advanced Materials:
- Midrange Cones: Carbon-fiber-infused polycarbonate for strength and sound reproduction.
- Tweeter Domes: Tetoron textile for performance, hydrophobicity, and UV resistance.
- Hardware: Stainless steel is used wherever possible to prevent corrosion.
- Innovative Construction:
- Grills: Proprietary molded pigment with a single-stage paint finish prevents UV deterioration and color fading.
- Speaker Baskets: Glass-filled nylon formulation resists heat deformation and corrosion, unlike traditional stamped metal or thermoformed plastic.
- Internal Components: Sealed internal crossovers and gasketed, watertight, quick-disconnect Amphenol connectors.
- Rigorous Testing: Speakers undergo ASTM B117 (salt-spray corrosion resistance) and G154 (UV weathering) testing to guarantee long-term marine durability.
A Commitment to Excellence
Phil White, KICKER's Director of Marine Audio, emphasizes the company's dedication to creating marine gear that lasts. The "Real Marine" philosophy was developed to elevate internal standards, ensuring products withstand the marine environment without issues like rust streaks or water retention. This commitment means eliminating ferrous metals where possible and fully protecting essential metal components.
With the M-Class series, KICKER aims to provide boaters with reliable, high-quality audio that truly enhances their on-water experience, ensuring cool, crisp tunes every time they cast off.
