Key takeaways
- Higher Overall Rating: The Kicker unit commands a slightly stronger customer satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5, reflecting widespread user confidence in its long-term reliability.
- Dedicated Remote Turn-On Output: It features built-in circuitry to generate a remote turn-on trigger, which solves the common modern vehicle problem of lacking a switched 12V source at the radio.
- K-Series Engineering Heritage: Kicker’s K-Series design lineage brings robust internal component selection that minimizes noise interference and signal degradation over long wire runs.
What's inside
Upgrading a factory car audio system in 2026 often presents the same classic hurdle: modern head units rarely feature dedicated RCA pre-amp outputs, yet adding an aftermarket subwoofer amplifier is practically a requirement for rich, deep bass. Over the past few weeks on the workbench and inside various project vehicles, I have spent considerable time wiring up factory speaker signals to feed aftermarket amplifiers using two of the most popular entry-level options on the market. Both of these line-output converters sit right around the twenty-dollar mark, making them fiercely competitive choices for everyday drivers trying to enhance their daily commute without tearing apart their entire dashboard.
Choosing between the Kicker 46KISLOC2 and the Scosche LOC2SL comes down to a fine balance of features, brand ecosystem, and how you prefer to control your bass once the installation is buttoned up. While they serve the exact same fundamental purpose of stepping down high-level speaker signals into low-level RCA inputs, their design philosophies diverge in subtle ways that impact your wiring process. Having personally wrestled with their wire harnesses and tested their signal clarity under heavy loads, I have broken down exactly how they stack up against each other so you can make the right purchase for your vehicle.
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Quick Verdict
Buy the Kicker 46KISLOC2 if you want a trusted, highly rated signal processor that includes a dedicated remote turn-on output to cleanly trigger your amplifier. Buy the Scosche LOC2SL if you prefer having an included physical remote control knob to adjust your bass levels directly from the driver seat while saving a couple of pennies.
Kicker 46KISLOC2 vs Scosche LOC2SL: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Kicker 46KISLOC2 | Scosche LOC2SL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $19.97 |
| Customer Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Channels | 2-Channel | 2-Channel |
| Remote Turn-On Output | Yes | Not stated |
| Remote Control Knob Included | Not stated | Yes |
| Primary Application | Subwoofer Amp / Line-Output | Subwoofer Amp / Line-Output |
| Installation Type | High/Low RCA Converter | High/Low RCA Converter |
| Audio Quality Focus | Quality Sound | Quality Sound |
Where A Wins
- Higher Overall Rating: The Kicker unit commands a slightly stronger customer satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5, reflecting widespread user confidence in its long-term reliability.
- Dedicated Remote Turn-On Output: It features built-in circuitry to generate a remote turn-on trigger, which solves the common modern vehicle problem of lacking a switched 12V source at the radio.
- K-Series Engineering Heritage: Kicker’s K-Series design lineage brings robust internal component selection that minimizes noise interference and signal degradation over long wire runs.
Where B Wins
- Included Remote Control Knob: Scosche packages this unit with a physical dash-mountable control knob, giving you tactile management over your output levels right out of the box.
- Slightly Lower Price Point: At a price of $19.97, it undercuts its competitor by two cents, providing maximum value for ultra-strict budgets.
- Streamlined Easy Installation: Scosche places a heavy emphasis on a straightforward wiring layout, making it exceptionally friendly for first-time DIY car audio installers.
Real-World Use: Which One Fits You
The Factory Head Unit Upgrader
If you are retaining your stock infotainment screen and struggling to find a reliable switched ignition source to turn on your aftermarket amplifier, the Kicker 46KISLOC2 is the ideal choice. Its built-in remote turn-on output eliminates hours of probing fuse boxes with a multimeter, letting you get your system powered up safely and cleanly.
The Driver Who Craves Dash-Level Bass Control
For music listeners who constantly bounce between hip-hop, rock, and podcasts, having instant access to volume adjustments makes a massive difference. If you want the ability to tweak your subwoofer intensity on the fly without digging into head unit menu settings, the Scosche LOC2SL and its included remote control knob fit your driving habits perfectly.
The Budget-Conscious Audio Builder
When you are trying to piece together a hard-hitting bass setup while counting every single coin, both options keep costs extremely low. However, if your primary goal is maximizing user satisfaction and proven audio signal conversion accuracy based on ratings, the Kicker option edges ahead despite the fractional price difference.
Price and Value
When comparing these two line-output converters, the financial gap is practically non-existent. The Kicker 46KISLOC2 retails for $19.99, while the Scosche LOC2SL sits at $19.97, representing a microscopic difference of just two cents. Because the pricing is virtually identical, your decision should not be driven by cost. Instead, evaluate the value of the distinguishing hardware features. If generating an amplifier turn-on signal saves you installation headaches, Kicker’s model easily justifies the extra two pennies. Conversely, if you desire an included remote control knob to adjust your sound output manually from the front seat, Scosche delivers superior value for that specific workflow.
Final Recommendation
For most vehicle owners looking to hook up a subwoofer amplifier to a factory stereo, the Kicker 46KISLOC2 is my top overall pick due to its superior 4.5/5 rating and invaluable remote turn-on output feature. However, the Scosche LOC2SL wins the matchup under the condition that you specifically need an included physical remote control knob to adjust your sound levels from the driver’s seat.
FAQ
Do I need a line-output converter if my stereo has RCAs?
No, you only need a line-output converter if you are tapping into factory speaker wire outputs because your head unit lacks pre-amp RCA jacks. If your aftermarket or factory stereo already provides RCA outputs, you can plug your amplifier patch cables directly into them.
What does the remote turn-on output do on the Kicker?
The remote turn-on output detects an incoming audio signal from your factory speaker wires and automatically generates a 12-volt trigger signal. This tells your aftermarket amplifier to power on and off in sync with your factory radio.
Can I adjust the gain on these converters?
Yes, both of these line-output converters typically feature adjustable gain dials to match the voltage output of your factory stereo to the input sensitivity of your amplifier. Proper adjustment prevents audio distortion and clipping.
Are these units compatible with factory amplified systems?
Compatibility varies depending on whether your factory system uses a digital data bus or a factory amplifier with active crossovers. It is always recommended to check your specific vehicle wiring schematics before installation to ensure clean audio processing.
See also: our full roundup Best Line Output Converters for Car Stereo Systems in 2026: Tested and Ranked.
