SBID:e259f4b3d5
Kicker CompRT vs Rockford Fosgate T1S Subwoofer

Kicker CompRT vs Rockford Fosgate T1S Subwoofer


Kicker CompRT

The Kicker CompRT is Kicker's best performing, thin-profile subwoofer and one of our favorites. The shallow mounting depth of the Kicker CompRT is perfect for installations in tight spaces or installs that need to work within small volume enclosures. Many thin, or low-profile, woofers on the market sound like shallow mount subwoofers. The CompRT is one of the few exceptions. These subwoofers offer full-size bass in a low-profile, compact package.

Rockford Fosgate T1S

For decades, subwoofer makers have strived to have the biggest and most powerful subs. But in a market dominated by smaller cars and trucks, the focus has shifted to building high-performance subs that are small enough to fit in today's vehicles. Rockford Fosgate understands the need for great bass, and their Power Series T1 slim subwoofers deliver jaw-dropping performance without taking up a lot of space.

Sizes

The Kicker CompRT comes with sizes in the 6.75", 8", 10", and 12" diameters. The Rockford Fosgate T1S subwoofers come in just two options, a 10" and 12" model. The Kicker CompRT lineup offers a much wider variety of installation options here in terms of available sizing. Therefore, planning your sizing out early may be your best bet to start with when beginning your installation plan.

Voice Coils

Kicker's CompRT lineup comes in dual 1-ohm or dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration. For the T1S series, Rockford Fosgate has kept the lineup as a single coil construction and features both 1-ohm or 2-ohm models at each size. There's a wide variety of choices here between ohms and sub sizing. There's plenty of options between both lineups when you're planning your installation.

Power Handling

Depending on the size, the Kicker CompRT lineup has RMS power handling in the 150-watt to 500-watt performance based on the size of the subwoofer selected. In the T1S lineup from Rockford Fosgate, the 10" models feature 500 watt RMS power handling while the 12" are slightly higher at 600 watts. Between comparable sizing, you'll see that the Rockford Fosgate offers slightly higher RMS power handling over the Kicker CompRT lineup options at comparable sizing.

Mounting Depth

With both lineups being thin-line subwoofers, both lineups feature very shallow mounting depths. The T1S lineup from Rockford Fosgate does offer a slightly slimmer mounting depth over the Kicker CompRT lineup at comparable sizing. If you're looking to save as much installation room as possible, be sure to start your search with the T1S lineup's slightly shallower mounting depths.

Recommended Enclosure Size

Rockford Fosgate does not recommend it's T1S lineup for ported enclosure installations, but the Kicker CompRT lineup will feature a recommended installation volume for ported enclosures based on subwoofer sizing. Both lineups do feature a recommended sealed enclosure size, with a slightly smaller volume going to the Rockford Fosgate T1S lineup at comparable sizing. If maximizing your space is a prime plan for your sealed enclosure, make sure to begin your search with the slightly smaller T1S lineup of subwoofers.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models and brands. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

Sub: (Qty 1) Kicker CompRT 10"

  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 1 or 2-ohm CXA400.1. OR KXA400.1 or KEY500.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA400.1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Rockford Fosgate T1S 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Single 1 ohm T750x1bd or T500-1. Single 2-ohm with the same amps but you could also use a P1000x1bd instead
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) Kicker CompRT 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): CXA800.1 or KXA800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA800.1

    Sub: (Qty 2) Rockford Fosgate T1S 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): T750x1bd, P1000x1bd, or T1000-1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd or T1000-1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Kicker CompRT 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): 2-ohm DVC KEY500.1, CXA400.1, or KXA400.1. OR 4-ohm DVC CXA800.1 or KXA800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA400.1

    Sub: (Qty 1) Rockford Fosgate T1S 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Single 1 ohm T750x1bd or T500-1. Single 2-ohm with the same amps but you could also use a P1000x1bd instead
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T750x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) Kicker CompRT 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): CXA800.1, CX1200.1, or KX800.1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: CXA800.1

    Sub: (Qty 2) Rockford Fosgate T1S 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): T750x1bd, P1000x1bd, or T1000-1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: T1000-1

    Price Points

    Rockford Fosgate's T1S subs are part of its best Power line up subwoofers and are priced accordingly with their upgraded materials and technologies that are featured in the subs. Because of this, there is a substantial price increase over the Kicker CompRT subs of the same size. The upgrades in power handling in the T1S lineup are also apparent, and if you do have the money set aside for subs of this caliber, the Rockford Fosgate lineup is a great choice for your installation.

    In Conclusion

    The Kicker CompRT series features great versatility when it comes to subwoofer diameter for thin-line installations. Rockford Fosgate's T1S lineup is a premium offering from the company and carries the price tag to go along with those upgrades in materials and technology. The RMS power handling in the units is very similar at comparable sizing with a slight edge going to the T1S subwoofers. This decision will likely come down to the budget between the two selections. With the available budget, we'd recommend planning your installation with the T1S lineup. For customers looking for a great thin-line subwoofer for the budget, the Kicker CompRT series is a great selection as well.

  • Need more info? We'd be happy to help.
    ChatChecking Status...
    Email1 Business Day
    PhoneChecking Status...
    Feel free to contact us by email at support@classiccarstereos.com or use the contact form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
    Between 8am - 5pm PST, you can reach us toll-free at 888-789-7297 or our local number 760-477-8525

    Support Issue

    Additional Comments

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.