Upgrading Stock Audio

Louie · Jan 5, 2011

First time poster here.

I'm Louie, I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab V8 4.7. Love it.

I've had it a few months now, and I am starting to think that the stock 4 speaker system needs to go.

It has been a few years since I've messed around with audio stuff. I used to have an 01' Ram Standard Cab. I actually shoved 2 12" Elemental Design subs into that truck, and boy do I miss having low end bass.

I'll get to the point. I'm looking for suggestions, banter, criticism...anything you guys can throw at me.

I'll start with the head unit. I've been considering the Alpine CDE-103BT. Anyone have any expedience with it? Anything else I should consider?

I will also need suggestions for the 4 door speakers, and any options I might have for subs. FWIW: sitting in my basement, sad and lonely, is a Hifonics Brutus 1000D mono Sub amplifier, and 2 12" Elemental Design Kv.2's. I would love to be able to use these and not have to buy new subs/amp. I know I would have to get a new custom box.

Obviously I'm rambling a bit here, but anything you guys could share with me would be great.

Silverbullet08 · Jan 5, 2011

ive got a head unit for sale cheap...

welcome to the forum

AWE Daniel · Jan 5, 2011

Get one of these boxes, expensive, but they are the best for our trucks.
http://www.foxacoustics.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DQC-212-S

As for speaker replacement, I like my memphis audio speakers but go somewhere you can hear the speakers you want to buy first, everybody's ears are different. You will need 2 6x9s up front (or 6.5s with a spacer if thats your thing), and you can fit two 6.5s in the rear (the hole is for 5 1/4 but you can fit em, i did)

Welcome to RF bud, get some pics up of your truck!

bigtigga84 · Jan 5, 2011

the conversion to 6.5's got me thinking. i don't have a way to make adapters.... does someone make them. well yes they do. Metra 826901 Universal Speaker Adapter Plates 5-1/4 or 6-1/2 Speakers

bigtigga84 · Jan 5, 2011

Metra 82-6901 (met-826901) - Speaker Adapter Brackets - Sonic Electronix

AWE Daniel · Jan 5, 2011

I would like to hear someone with 6.5s all the way around, im not convinced it would some that much different.

Louie · Jan 5, 2011

I have looked at those fox boxes before. They do look pretty nice. Not sure I'd want to put both 12"s in though.

Attached an image of my truck. Clearly haven't done much as far as mods go. :think:

Most likely do audio first, then a bed cover. From there, who knows...

The Assassin · Jan 5, 2011

AWE Daniel said:
Get one of these boxes, expensive, but they are the best for our trucks.
http://www.foxacoustics.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DQC-212-S

As for speaker replacement, I like my memphis audio speakers but go somewhere you can hear the speakers you want to buy first, everybody's ears are different. You will need 2 6x9s up front (or 6.5s with a spacer if thats your thing), and you can fit two 6.5s in the rear (the hole is for 5 1/4 but you can fit em, i did)

Welcome to RF bud, get some pics up of your truck!

I agree...a Fox Box, is a good upgrade. And, Memphis makes some AWESOME products!

AWE Daniel said:
I would like to hear someone with 6.5s all the way around, im not convinced it would some that much different.

+1...totally agree.

And welcome! Post up in the intro section. With pix...pix of wife, or gf are also expected.

Louie · Jan 6, 2011

Is there a possible way to verify if an amplifier is working without doing a full install? I'm not sure I want to go down the path of putting subs in if I have to buy a new amp.

Louie · Jan 10, 2011

Alpine CDE-103BT + Alpine KTP-445

Hey Guys,

Just an update: I just placed my order for the Alpine CDE-103BT and an Alpine KTP-445 "Power Pack".

Does anyone have any experience installing this Alpine Power Pack? Is there going to be enough room behind the H/U?

0212353 · Jan 10, 2011

if memory serves me right - the 08s have a buttload of room behind them. Been a while since I've been behind the dash on a 08 though!

AF_Hemi · Jan 10, 2011

i've got 6.5's all the way around. what do you want to know?

4X HEMI · Jan 11, 2011

A great place to go to to find out any of your audio needs is Crutchfield. You put in your vehicle information and it brings up everything that will work with your truck.

Here is a link for the power pack at Crutchfield.

Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack Upgrade your Alpine receiver to 45 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com

Louie · Jan 12, 2011

OK, so the new head unit and the 4 X 45 "Amp" is en route.

Now I want to replace the 4 door speakers. I know this a subjective question, but who's got their opinion on speakers?

I don't think I want to go with components (don't feel like custom mounting tweeters/crossovers).

I don't want to spend more than 200 for the 2 pairs. Is it wise to think that I should pay a little more for the front door 6X9's, since the back speakers will just "fill" in?

I was considering the Alpine SPR-69C 6X9 2-ways for the front door...haven't looked too much for the rear speakers.

Thoughts?

Louie · Jan 21, 2011

I hate people who "bump" as much as the next guy but.....

bump

AWE Daniel · Jan 21, 2011

I think each person has their own opinion on what speakers sound good, but 200 for all 4 speakers, you wont be getting too high quality there. Just make sure you buy 6.5 for the rear not 5 1/4, it will fit.

Bigtman07 · Jan 21, 2011

Well since you bumped I'll throw in my 2 cents.

Now I'm not an audio guru like some guys around here. But I have always been a pioneer fan and I am OCD about cross branding. I went onto craigslist and picked up my headunit and 2 200w pioneer 4 way 6x9's for 150 bucks. If you are going for a quality build I would spend a little more on the fronts since that is what you will be hearing. I have heard great things about Infinity. But I will have to say that the sony's in my car sound really good for the price.

AWE Daniel · Jan 21, 2011

Expensive Pioneer stuff is good, cheap pioneer stuff is junk, I have two walmart pioneers in my front doors and they are the weak link of my system.

Bigtman07 · Jan 21, 2011

^^^This is true. Mine came from Best Buy or Circuit City. But still sound good except for the bass which I will take care of this spring/summer

ramhunter9 · Jan 21, 2011

I have had good luck with Polk DB speakers in my doors and Alpine subs in the rear with the kicker amp .

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