Noob question about speakers

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usaf2006

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Hey guys,

I've never ventured into this part of the forum before, and I have zero audio experience. My truck is an 06 regular cab, and I find the stock speakers really suck. I was wondering, beside the door speakers, are there any others in the truck?

Also, Will replacing the speakers alone give me better sound quality? My '14 grand caravan can jam harder than my truck can, and sounds way better.

Thanks!
 

stimpy433

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Not 100% sure on your truck but I know when I just replaced the speakers in my SRT4 and my Challenger it made a pretty big difference in sound quality.
 

JPT

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Hey guys,

I've never ventured into this part of the forum before, and I have zero audio experience. My truck is an 06 regular cab, and I find the stock speakers really suck. I was wondering, beside the door speakers, are there any others in the truck?

Also, Will replacing the speakers alone give me better sound quality? My '14 grand caravan can jam harder than my truck can, and sounds way better.

Thanks!

My regular cab has speakers behind the seat in the B pillars. There are 4 (2 in each door, and 2 in the B pillar). I have a base truck regular cab long bed.

I have all 4 changed, and an old 10" bazooka tube (from the 90's) with a 200W amp feeding it. I also have a Pioneer NEX-4100 head unit (with Apple CarPlay). The sound in my truck is not show quality, but it is one of the best I've ever had.

The problem I have with a short cab is, there just isn't that much volume in there (it could be my setup), the sound is WAY better with the windows open.
 

MADDOG

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The stock headunit can be a factor here in sound quality. But, to answer your question, an upgrade is indicated. I've seen OEM speakers from quite a few MOPAR products and I have to say each one of those speaker sizes and types, regardless of the brand name of the system they say they are using (Alpine, Boston Acoustics, etc...), the speakers were made under contract to factory spec and I bet they cost FCA all of 0.25 each to buy.

Crutchfield has what you need and can tell you what size speakers go in each location of the cab if you want to start there for basic info. Then, if you have an audio shop nearby, I'd highly recommend you go listen to different speakers.

Lastly, I suspect your speakers are rated at 2 ohms so you'll want to keep that in mind while shopping.

Good luck!

ps: a good amp and upgraded head unit would be indicated but you don't need to spend that kind of money right now for an improvement in SQ.
 

Bullitt5339

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One other thing to keep in mind:

I've seen a lot of people buy really badass speakers only to be disappointed with the sound when running them off the stock headunit. A lot of the issues have to do with power requirements. Most stock headunits put out about 7 watts of power. Most good speakers are rated at around 50 watts continuous power. With only 7 watts, you're not putting out nearly enough power to move the heavier components inside a 50 watt speaker, so it will sound horrible compared to a cheaper speaker that was designed to run off of lower power.
 

MADDOG

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One other thing to keep in mind:

I've seen a lot of people buy really badass speakers only to be disappointed with the sound when running them off the stock headunit. A lot of the issues have to do with power requirements. Most stock headunits put out about 7 watts of power. Most good speakers are rated at around 50 watts continuous power. With only 7 watts, you're not putting out nearly enough power to move the heavier components inside a 50 watt speaker, so it will sound horrible compared to a cheaper speaker that was designed to run off of lower power.

I've seen this mistake made a LOT.
 
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usaf2006

usaf2006

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Thanks for all the info guys! I'll certainly be back with more questions once I figure out exactly I want to do. So far I think I might just upgrade the stock speakers a bit, but I sure would like get a new unit, pref with Navigation and what not. We'll see tho!
 

Bullitt5339

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I really want to start upgrading the audio in the truck. I have a room full of trophies that I won when I was in the business, so it's sad to have all stock audio, but I know that once I start on the audio it will consume my resources which have been all going into the suspension. I want to get the suspension 100% done in the truck before I start on it and I really want Android Auto in there, so that'll be a major expense from the get-go.
 

Core-Lokt

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Stock front 6X9s on left, new Kickers on right.

IMG_0669_zpsswqq13vy.jpg

Like others mentioned, you replace any one component and you get better results. And then you find it limiting. I'm going to install an amp in the new year.
 

JPT

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Thanks for all the info guys! I'll certainly be back with more questions once I figure out exactly I want to do. So far I think I might just upgrade the stock speakers a bit, but I sure would like get a new unit, pref with Navigation and what not. We'll see tho!

When you do decide to look for a head unit, consider the newer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto units like mine. It uses the phone's gps while charging the phone. Build in GPS units are old news now. You have to pay for updated maps, some you even have to pay for traffic. Being able to use the phones Siri (voice activation) is also a nice touch.

My NEX 4100 has it's quirks, since it is a very new thing, but I wouldn't pay any extra for a build in GPS unit. I would buy my head unit if given the choice again.

A2943A52-EB7A-4959-B162-3A1C6C26AF4F_zpsrjzvemc0.jpg
 

Bullitt5339

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I hope they fixed those quirks in the 4200, since that's what I'm supposedly getting for XMas from my oldest son.
 

Lil_Ram

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The rears are 5.25" speakers and they require removing the bucket and pillars to get too super big pain but they sound better since they're right next to you


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JPT

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I hope they fixed those quirks in the 4200, since that's what I'm supposedly getting for XMas from my oldest son.

Even if they didn't, you wont be upset at all. Every once in a while you have to disconnect your phone and reconnect it. I'm 100% glad I got it, even with the quirks. I use mine daily as I commute 26 miles each way to work. GPS and Podcasts apps are my go to, and my phone is always fully charged!
 
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usaf2006

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I use Straight Talk so i have unlimited Data, which would make it nice. I'll be updating my phone in a few months too.. Maybe it'd be a good time to do it all at once. How hard is the install?
 

JPT

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I use Straight Talk so i have unlimited Data, which would make it nice. I'll be updating my phone in a few months too.. Maybe it'd be a good time to do it all at once. How hard is the install?

I went to PC Richards (like a best buy), they have free installs. I brought in the metra trim piece so they had it for the install (I got mine on Amazon, but crutchfield sells it much cheaper).

I'm not sure how difficult the job is, but I know there is some cutting of the dash.

If you may change phones, you might want to consider a unit like mine that has Android Auto & Apple CarPlay not just one or the other. This way if you switch platforms you are good to go.
 

Bullitt5339

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Even if they didn't, you wont be upset at all. Every once in a while you have to disconnect your phone and reconnect it. I'm 100% glad I got it, even with the quirks. I use mine daily as I commute 26 miles each way to work. GPS and Podcasts apps are my go to, and my phone is always fully charged!

Your commute is the exact same mileage as mine.
 
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usaf2006

usaf2006

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I went to PC Richards (like a best buy), they have free installs. I brought in the metra trim piece so they had it for the install (I got mine on Amazon, but crutchfield sells it much cheaper).

I'm not sure how difficult the job is, but I know there is some cutting of the dash.

If you may change phones, you might want to consider a unit like mine that has Android Auto & Apple CarPlay not just one or the other. This way if you switch platforms you are good to go.

Thanks for the info man, I appreciate it.
 

Core-Lokt

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I use Straight Talk so i have unlimited Data, which would make it nice. I'll be updating my phone in a few months too.. Maybe it'd be a good time to do it all at once. How hard is the install?
The basic install isn't especially difficult. As JPT mentioned, you have to cut out the back pf the inner plastic dash liner to accommodate the depth of a double-DIN. The Metra bezel requires popping off the center dash cover, removing the plastic welds retaining the stock bezel and screwing the new bezel (with included spacers) to the center dash cover. Additionally, there might need to be some relieving of the HU opening if the dimensions are slightly oversize, as I had to. None of this requires power tools.

It gets a little more difficult if trying to integrate some factory options into a new HU. It *might* necessitate interface modules to make stuff work. And if your intended HU has features like navigation/camera/DVR, you'll need to wire for all that. You can see some of the stuff in my thread about Android HUs.

Data? I have an Android HU, which is far more capable, if tedious. I've never used more than 2 GB of data, even with watching TV. I can't say what apps Android Auto/CarPlay have, but some streaming radio apps have selectable bitrate playback; good for data management or when signal is spotty. IIRC, I've got TuneIn on 128 KB and PC Radio on 64 KB.

But yeah, it's definitely within DIY means if you want to. Even if you get someone to install it, you'll love the multimedia capabilities.
 
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usaf2006

usaf2006

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That's exactly what I want I'm the end. Thanks! I'll be sure to check out your thread.
 

JPT

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To add to Core-Lokt stated. The Pioneer units like mine have a detachable face, which adds an extra layer of complexity with the fitting. Because the Metra trim piece fits almost perfectly with the face of the HU, and the 4100 or newer 4200 have a motorized screen angle (if you use it, mine is set to flat), removing and reinstalling the face plate requires the HU placement to be just right. I did have to bring it back to my installer to get him to adjust it as it was impossible for me to put the face plate back on in the initial position.

After he adjusted it, the fit is tight (removal and reinstall of the face plate), but works.
 
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