Replacing Kicker KMC1

[CherokeeBoater]

Our 2017 23RCW has the original Kicker KMC1 (that’s the round one) and it is now dead. I’ve checked ground and power to the unit, both are fine. So, replacement time. We just listen to the radio or stream some music, not looking for a super duper audiophile experience, especially given the ambient noise levels on the boat/water.

I’m thinking of the Kicker 42KMC2 because it might be plug and play using the existing connections. Does anyone know if it is (I’ve put the question to Kicker as well)?

If it isn’t, I will consider the Wet Sounds or JBL - any input/experience/feedback appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Jack M]

If you are the original owner, it might still be under warranty.
Others will chime in as far as changing it . Since it's a summer weekend, it may not be today.

 

[CherokeeBoater]

Not the original owner but did have the warranty transferred. However I’m 90 minutes (by car, longer with the trailer) from the nearest Bennington dealer and 3+ hours from the one that originally sold the boat. So unless it is going in for other things, I’ll eat this.

 

[Jack M]

Unfortunately if you're not the original owner, it's probably not covered.

 

[CherokeeBoater]

I went ahead and bought the Kicker KMC2. Their reps said it was just one pin that might have to be moved. So I assumed I could handle that.
Unfortunately there are numerous differences. The basic pin layout is identical but the newer unit has two wires that are not present in the KMC1 (“illumination” and “amp power”). Since I didn’t need either of those I taped them off.
The difference that really matters is the pin sizes are different. The harness on the boat has larger pins that match the KMC1 but not the KMC2, which has smaller pins. So I pulled all the pins from the harness and used butt connectors to wire in the new. Colors are the same so easy to get them right.
So definitely not plug-and-play but easy enough. It is enough effort that there is no advantage to staying with Kicker for the upgrade if there are features or whatever that someone prefers.