My audio upgrade 2014 Ram Big Horn Crew Cab

woojyee · Jan 20, 2015

First off I want to thank everyone for your posts and suggestions. I initially was going to get the Kicker SubStage system but after reading and lots of research, I decided to go a different direction.

My equipment list (revised)

JL Audio 10w3v3-2 Sub in StealthBox
JL Audio C2-350x in Dash
JL Audio C3-600 Component sets
JL Audio XD 700/5v2 Amplifier
JL Audio CL441dsp CleanSweep

C3-600 1" silk dome tweeter in the sails

The c3-600 6" Mid with decorative ring. Door panel fits but the JL Audio Badge rubs against the door panel so I decided not to use it

The Crossover for the front door (Driver side)

The C3-600 in coaxial mode for the rear doors

Crossover and C3-600 rear door (driver side)

StealthBox with 10w3v3-2 Subwoofer under passenger side rear seat

The CleanSweep under the driver side seat.

Modifying The space under the center console seat for the AMP

Sounds great! Just thinking on adding a EQ!

Etroze86 · Jan 20, 2015

looks pretty good.

troutspinner · Jan 20, 2015

Love the look of that amp. Very clean, nice job with the grommets.

woojyee · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks, I like the way it turned out myself... Sounds great too but at the upper volumes the amp is getting too much signal and the bass is getting distorted... Looks like I will need to get a DSP. I was looking at the JL Audio CL441 DSP.... I wouldn't be playing it this loud under normal conditions anyway so I am gonna drive around with it a few weeks before I make a final decision.

wsutard1 · Jan 20, 2015

I experienced the same issues with the signal from the headunit. It pumps the high end up to compensate for the crappy speakers in the truck. Or at leas that is my theory.

Originally I had a standard LOC running to my Amps but that was still horrible since it does nothing to the signal.

The clean sweep is a good option however you then need to pair it with an EQ to get any kind of sound curve since the clean sweeps only job is to produce a flat signal.

I went with the LCQ-1 from Audio Controls since it has a built in EQ. It doesn't automatically adjust the signal but the manual EQ adjustments still do the trick. Additionally, it has a feature called Accubass that seems to solve the bass drop off and distortion from the headunit. I believe that DavidRam is still trying to sell his LCQ-1. I just bought his three way components and amp so I can vouch for the quality of his stuff.

http://www.ramforum.com/f21/hertz_hsk163_3way_hi-energy_comps_2_helix_p12_subwoofers_more-59112/

Your other option is to go with Active DSP but there are others more qualified to talk about that on here.

woojyee · Jan 21, 2015

I am new to this keeping the factory radio stuff... My last truck was a 02 Chevy Silverado and back then, it was a new HU, a wall of Rockford fosgate amps, active electronic x-overs, JL audio speakers all around with a sub. Believe it or not, I haven't sold the truck yet and other than having to replace the foam surround on the sub a few years ago, everything I installed in 2002 still works flawlessly today.

I will definitely need to do some more research on DSPs.

wsutard1 · Jan 21, 2015

I would love to incorporate an active DSP but baby steps...

autokraftgt · Jan 21, 2015

I love this install....great use of that compartment up front
A DSP would be a good investment offering you 100% control of everything

VPRPWRD · Jan 21, 2015

Nice, looks like a clean install. I'm not a fan of the posi lock connectors, I prefer to solder all of my electrical connections.

woojyee · Jan 21, 2015

VPRPWRD said:
Nice, looks like a clean install. I'm not a fan of the posi lock connectors, I prefer to solder all of my electrical connections.

HAHA, I only used a soldering iron a handful of times in my lifetime so I am not to good with them... I can only imagine the disaster of me with a burning hot tool in the interior of a new truck :roflsquared:

VPRPWRD · Jan 21, 2015

woojyee said:
HAHA, I only used a soldering iron a handful of times in my lifetime so I am not to good with them... I can only imagine the disaster of me with a burning hot tool in the interior of a new truck

I understand. It took some time for me to get comfortable doing it around things I could damage.

troutspinner · Jan 21, 2015

VPRPWRD said:
Nice, looks like a clean install. I'm not a fan of the posi lock connectors, I prefer to solder all of my electrical connections.

I'm a solder guy myself....until I did the build on my truck. Give the posi-lock connectors a try, you might change your mind....especially in those hard to reach places.

troutspinner · Jan 21, 2015

whyojee, I had the same issue with my 8.4a radio with the signal feeding too much power to the amp. I ended up going DSP and it solved that issue as well as gave me all of the control I needed to take the sound to a whole other level.

woojyee · Jan 21, 2015

troutspinner said:
whyojee, I had the same issue with my 8.4a radio with the signal feeding too much power to the amp. I ended up going DSP and it solved that issue as well as gave me all of the control I needed to take the sound to a whole other level.

Yes, I drove around some more today and while I think the amp I bought does a great job, the bass gets flabby and distorted at the upper volume levels. I wouldn't be driving around at those levels day in and day out mind you but I would know that it would happen if I wanted to show off the system or just felt like cranking it.

So a DSP it is!

Except, these are not budget builds anymore.... I was authorized the amount for the Kicker SubStage (which was my first plan if action) which I am well over atm.. lol

Etroze86 · Jan 21, 2015

Lol damn budgets

DavidRam · Jan 21, 2015

The only reason we set budgets is to make ourselves feel like responsible adults. When we start busting those budgets is when the fun really begins! :naughty:

Edit: ^^^ That ended up sounding a little more philosophical than i had planned.

wsutard1 · Jan 21, 2015

I'm just going to add again that you don't need a DSP to correct the signal from the headunit. While a DSP is great, a passive equalizer like that on the LSQ-1 or others works just as good once set. Just an fyi.

woojyee · Jan 22, 2015

DavidRam said:
The only reason we set budgets is to make ourselves feel like responsible adults. When we start busting those budgets is when the fun really begins!

Edit: ^^^ That ended up sounding a little more philosophical than i had planned.

What part is the fun "part"? Money flying out of the account or the ensuing fight with the woman? :favorites13:

DavidRam · Jan 22, 2015

woojyee said:
What part is the fun "part"? Money flying out of the account or the ensuing fight with the woman?

Uuuum, good question... Lol! :favorites13:

woojyee · Jan 22, 2015

wsutard1 said:
I'm just going to add again that you don't need a DSP to correct the signal from the headunit. While a DSP is great, a passive equalizer like that on the LSQ-1 or others works just as good once set. Just an fyi.

Yeah, I just need something to provide line level inputs to the amp... I think the system sounds great as is except the upper volume distortion. Going to research some gear this weekend.

My audio upgrade 2014 Ram Big Horn Crew Cab

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