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Kicker CompRT 43CWRT81 CompRT shallow-mount 8" subwoofer with dual 1-ohm voice coils

Item # 206CWRT81

If you're looking for bass for a tight space, Kicker designed their CompRT subs with compact cars, pickup trucks,...

If you're looking for bass for a tight space, Kicker designed their CompRT subs with compact cars, pickup trucks,...

Item # 206CWRT81

About the Kicker CompRT 43CWRT81

Bob Bihlmayer

A thin sub with fat bass

If you're looking for bass for a tight space, Kicker designed their CompRT subs with compact cars, pickup trucks, and ATVs in mind. The low-profile 43CWRT81 8” subwoofer performs just like a full-size sub, but without killing all your cargo space. This high-performance CompRT sub stands less than 3" tall, so your installation options are wide open.

A thin sub with fat bass

If you're looking for bass for a tight space, Kicker designed their CompRT subs with compact cars, pickup trucks, and ATVs in mind. The low-profile 43CWRT81 8” subwoofer performs just like a full-size sub, but without killing all your cargo space. This high-performance CompRT sub stands less than 3" tall, so your installation options are wide open.

Built with boom in mind

The 43CWRT81 comes equipped with a rigid injection-moulded polypropylene cone that won't flex and cause distortion while you're cranking the bass. Its rubber surround will last through years of heavy use, combining with a special-design back and top plate to give you more excursion (which equals more bass) than other skinny subs.   

Made to work with many systems

This sub handles up to 300 watts RMS so make sure you've got a solid amp to power it. You can wire the dual voice coils for either 2- or 1/2-ohm total impedance, giving you more wiring options when setting up your system. This versatile sub sounds great in sealed or ported enclosures.

Important Note: If you are wiring this DVC sub for extremely low impedance, make sure that your amp is compatible. You can damage or destroy your amp by exceeding recommended minimum impedance.

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Product highlights:

  • 8" subwoofer with dual 1-ohm voice coils
  • injection-molded polypropylene cone
  • rubber surround
  • power handling: 300 watts RMS
  • peak power handling: 600 watts
  • frequency response: 30-500 Hz
  • sensitivity: 81.8 dB
  • top-mount depth: 2-11/16"
  • sealed box volume: .20 - 1.0 cu. ft.
  • ported box volume: .80- 1.2 cu. ft.
  • grille not included
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # 43CWRT81

What's in the box:

  • One 8" Dual 1-ohm voice coil subwoofer
  • Kicker logo sticker
  • 4 Adhesive backed screw covers
  • Manual (English/ Spanish/ German/ French)
  • Template on box

Customer reviews for Kicker CompRT 43CWRT81

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5.0 out of 5 stars
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Features

Dual Voice Coils: This woofer features dual 1Ω voice coils, offering wiring flexibility. When the voice coils are wired in parallel, the woofer presents a 1/2Ω load. When the voice coils are wired in series, the woofer presents a 2Ω load.

Shallow-Mount: Kicker's CompRT series is designed to minimize depth, giving you subwoofer options where standard enclosures don't fit. The vent-less, solid-pole design allows the woofer to be mounted directly against the rear wall of a sealed enclosure.

All-Weather: Although not marine certified, Kicker describes the CompRT series as weatherproof.

Sealed Enclosures: Sealed enclosures provide the most control over a woofer and provide accurate sonic reproduction, making them suitable to all types of music. Kicker recommends sealed enclosures from 0.2 ft³ to 1.0 ft³.

Vented Enclosures: Vented (or ported) enclosures typically provide better overall efficiency than sealed so they are suitable for use with smaller amplifiers, giving you more bass output from less power. Kicker recommends ported enclosures in the following range:

  • Minimum Enclosure Volume: 0.8 ft³ with an 8" x 1-1/2" x 20-3/4" slot port
  • Maximum Enclosure Volume: 1.2 ft³ with an 8" x 2" x 19-1/8" slot port

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Customer Q&A

22 questions already asked

Q
Are there car model specific connectors on the speakers that will match the existing connections in my 2011 Tribute?
mazda  Apr 22, 2021
1 answer
A
We do carry wiring harnesses to adapt the stock speaker wire plug for installing new speakers. We found that the subwoofer wiring didn't end in a specific plug and recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to check what additional wiring parts may be needed to replace it
jason  May 04, 2021 (Staff)
Q
What would be the a good amplifier for this subwoofer?
devon  Jan 14, 2021
1 answer
A
I have my sub set up in 1Ohm form, paired with the Kicker 46CXA400.1T. It's cheap and sounds great!
jon  Jan 18, 2021
Q
Can I use this to replace the rear subwoofer in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner with JBL Audio?
eddie  Jan 01, 2021
1 answer
A
Hey Books, I tried searching based on a 2003 Toyota 4Runner with JBL, but Crustchfield system ask for some other questions regarding your factory audio system. Even tho I search for all of them and it looks like Crutchfield dont recommend this subwoofer as a replacement for the factory one. :( There some other options that come up as a fit, I would try looking at those or calling Crutchfield. Hope this helped.
carlos  Jan 04, 2021
Q
Will this fit the subwoofer box in my 2015 Lincoln MKX with THX audio? The factory speaker has blown twice now and I want something better.
roger  Aug 29, 2020
1 answer
A
You can check to see if this will fit your vehicle by using our Outfit My Car tool: http://www.crutchfield.com/car/carselector.aspx For additional details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.
thomas  Sep 14, 2020 (Staff)
Q
I have a 2007 Ford Escape with a factory sub and amp, Can I replace the the Factory sub without replacing the amp with the Kicker CompRT 43CWRT81?
cooper  Aug 20, 2020
1 answer
A
I replaced my factory sub (JBL) in my '12 FJ Cruiser and it did perfect with my amp and head unit.
stephen  Aug 20, 2020
Q
Will this Kicker 43CWRT81 speaker fit in 2008 Toyota Tundra subwoofer box as a replacement speaker for the JBL that is there now?
scott  Aug 09, 2020
1 answer
A
Works great in my son's 2007 Tacoma. Had to modify mounting holes in speaker box when putting screws in. JBL speaker holes and Kicker subwoofer holes are not positioned the same.
chris  Aug 09, 2020
Q
Can these subs be wired at 2 ohm?
mikeb96  Apr 08, 2020
5 answers
A
If you have one of those subwoofers you would wire it in series to achieve a 2 ohm load.
casey  Apr 25, 2020 (Staff)
A
Yes, I believe if you wire it serially.
jake  Apr 22, 2020
A
Yes they can be if you connect the voice coils in series. This adds the resistance from each voice coil together when it gets presented to the amp. Take the positive speaker connection from your amp to the positive on one of the voice coils. Then take the negative of that same voice coil and connect it to the positive of the second voice coil. The negative from that second voice coil then gets connected to the negative speaker connection of your amp.
fred  Apr 22, 2020
A
Yes! Wired mine at 2ohms. Love this sub. Have installed in a neo-pod sealed enclosure in my Jeep Wrangler. Over-amped with gain set low to match the output to the limited space in the eclosure. (300watts) Even with the doors and tops off I still have very nice bass!
jeremy  Apr 21, 2020
A
i believe it is set up for 2 ohms but by using a crossover wire +to - they become 4 ohms. check with crutchfield, they can help
harry  Apr 21, 2020
Q
Why don't you recommend this subwoofer as a compatible replacement for 2001 Suburban? I ordered & had to return the other Kicker sub a 44CWCD84 before I got the right one from a local dealer. When I spoke with your techs none of them recommend this as replacement. Other than that your team was very helpful.
steve  Mar 23, 2020
1 answer
A
According to our specs the magnet diameter on that Kicker was just too wide to fit without making modifications. We will take a look at it and make any necessary changes. Thanks for the heads up!
casey  Apr 21, 2020 (Staff)
Q
if i wanted to replace my factory 8in sub in my ford would i haft to get a new amp too?
daniel  Feb 04, 2020
3 answers
A
Hi Luke, thank you for your question. Please chat with an Advisor online or by phone at 1-800-324-9695. They will be happy to go over your factory system, and give you solid advice and recommendations for the possibilities of upgrades, or adding additional power.
jessica  Mar 09, 2020 (Staff)
A
Not necessarily. I just unhook my old sub and hooked it right back up and the factory amp worked just fine. If you just want a little more then factory bass the factory amp works just fine. Now if you are looking for some heavy deep bass then you may want to look into getting a different amp.
eddie  Mar 06, 2020
A
No. But to get the most out of this sub, you should upgrade your amp at the very least. Even better would be to add a sound processor to get a cleaner signal out of the factory head unit.
evan  Mar 05, 2020
Q
Will this fit in a 2018 Ram With Alpine STOCK sub enclosure?
tibone  Oct 22, 2019
1 answer
A
You can check to see if this will fit your vehicle by using our Outfit My Car tool: http://www.crutchfield.com/car/carselector.aspx For additional details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.
kristina  Oct 28, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Can this be used as an upgrade for the behind rear seat sub in a Toyota Tacoma Limited 2018?
fernando  Jul 27, 2019
1 answer
A
Any kicker will work when you want a kicker in your ear. Never let any obstacles in the way of the sound of the Kicker sound ????
steven  Jul 27, 2019
Q
Will this replace the existing OEM subwoofer under my rear seat in my 2012 F-150?
parker s.  Jun 22, 2019
1 answer
A
You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.
kristina  Jun 28, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Will this replace my 2011 Toyota Highlander sub?
nbarker116  May 08, 2019
3 answers
A
This is my recommendation: First, you have to decide whether or not you plan to power the sub with the factory amp, if so look into the factory sub and measure the impedance on each coil to see if you need a dual 1ohm sub or something different. This sub might work, but you might need to fabricate an adapter ring so it mates properly to your factory enclosure. One thing to keep in mind is that the dimensions of your factory sub might be completely different than most available aftermarket subs. Therefore, you'll be hard pressed to find a direct fit replacement that doesn't require some sort of bracket or adapter to be fabricated to fit your oem enclosure. Also, this sub requires a good amount of power to sound decent because it has a low sensitivity so even if it fits, it wont sound as loud as your oem sub, but it does have good frequency response and accuracy.
alberto  May 11, 2019
A
Oh, I apologize. Thought quetions was about my kicker component set, well, these are pretty shallow so should probably fit your highlander. Check and measure the depth you have in it, and the sub's required depth in its description details.
francisco  May 09, 2019
A
No. These are a component set. Tweeters, crossovers, and voice speakers, they are not subs.
francisco  May 09, 2019
Q
Will these fit / work in the doors of a 2012 mustang GT with a shaker 500?
todd  Jan 20, 2019
1 answer
A
I'm not certain. The one I used was in a Jeep Wrangler. These are pretty shallow as subs go, so they may fit
derek  Jan 20, 2019
Q
Would this replace the factory sub in my 2011 ram 1500 sport?
michael  Sep 06, 2018
2 answers
A
Honestly, I don't have a clue. I tried to replace the factory sub in my 2013 ford expedition with this sub but I didn't realize that the hole in the factory enclosure was actually bigger! Even though, both of the subs are 8 inch. The lip (where the screws go) around the factory sub was bigger and the screws were spread out farther. Needless to say, it didn't work out for me. Make sure to inspect your factory sub and enclosure before purchasing. It'll save you some trouble. Try measuring the distance between the screws of your factory sub enclosure with an 8 inch sub at a local audio shop! If you can find this particular sub for comparison, even better! Hope this helps!
jaime saenz  Sep 06, 2018
A
I used it to replace the factory one in my 2016 ram sport so I would say yes it will since we have the same truck just different years.
kirk  Sep 06, 2018
Q
I have 2 old mtx ported truck boxes, will these be a good replacement?
william  May 05, 2018
2 answers
A
Haven't gotten a chance too install because of Hurricane Harvey
damon l.  May 05, 2018
A
they should if the box is under 1.5 cubic ft. i have mine in a sealed box and have .33 cubic ft per speaker. they sound great in a down firing box.
enrique mc  May 05, 2018
Q
I'm looking for an amp that would be best suited for this sub. It looks like the Kicker 43CXA300.1 could be a good option. Would you recommend that amp or another that would have an optimum configuration to this sub?
wizzyboom  May 02, 2018
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  May 14, 2018 (Staff)
Q
When the sub is at full excursion, does any part of the surround or cone extend beyond the "beauty ring"? If it does, How much?
schoenknecht  Feb 11, 2018
1 answer
A
I haven't had any issues with them going passed the beauty ring. If they do there is only a 1/2 in gap between the beauty ring and the bottom of my seat and I haven't had any damage to the cone or the surround. So I going to say if you have less then that you might have a problem.
enrique mc  Feb 12, 2018
Q
i have a 2000 eddie bauer expedition, will this sub perform well with just the stock amp?
daniel  Feb 10, 2018
1 answer
A
You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.
kristina  Feb 12, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Can this be used as an upgrade for the under front seat subs in a BMW X5?
john  Nov 19, 2017
2 answers
A
Great sound if it fits
antonio  Nov 19, 2017
A
I'm sure if the depth isn't an issue...for an 8" sub it got plenty of kick!!
james  Nov 19, 2017
Q
Can this be used on the rear deck of a 2012 sonata limited?
erick  Mar 31, 2017
1 answer
A
For additional details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.
kenneth  Mar 31, 2017 (Staff)
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