Kicker Speaker Upgrade Kit Worth the Money?

[ramdude916]

I have a base model stock radio and I need more volume and better sound. I would rather not upgrade the stereo to avoid getting my Windows shattered or door ripped apart when I'm parked in isolated areas where I like to fish. I'm from the Sacramento area and it happens often. I'd like better sound and if possible more volume. My hope was to use the buy new speakers, add an amp and use the factory deck but was told by a local car stereo installer that I would need a line out converter that would run me $400 to install an amp. With that amount of money I could buy a new stereo . I've done lots of reading and am reading 50/50 that a Kicker Speaker Upgrade would be a big improvement. My wife isn't happy about the idea of investing money on something that isn't necessary so my budget is very low. I do have a birthday coming up so I can probably justify spending $250 which is what two sets would cost. Is it worth the money? I have a 2013 Ram 1500 with I think the lowest model Uconnect. Basic radio with Satellite radio, no cd player.

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[tommyboi87]

The quality will be better, but their only gonma push what the radio max wattage is. So in order to get better sound, it mostly comes down to tue radio being upgraded.

 

[ramdude916]

Is there a chance I'll lose volume? Or is there truth to a possibility of an increase? Also does it really cost $400 for a 'compatible' converter? Thanks

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[tommyboi87]

You may lose a small amout, but I don't see it being much. I've never installed a $400 doll output line on a factory radio. Sounds like he's trying to get over on you.

 

[tommyboi87]

But honestly dude, if I were you, go on ebay and get yourself a basic pioneer head unit. You aren't going to get the sound you're hoping for out of the factory unit. Even with the added bit for the amp booster kit

 

[cajunhemi]

I had a 500 watt Bazooka amp with built in crossover, ten inch P2 punch woofer installed in my 13' Express reg cab. Retained stock radio and speakers. I had equipment in my last truck. Out the door at my local shop, less than $150.00 for install and wiring. Keep looking around.

 

[Etroze86]

Yeah basic LOC ranges from 10 bucks too 100 bucks so he is getting at least 300 bucks just to install. That's pretty outrageous to me. Local shops need their cut but not ripping a guy off.

 

[tommyboi87]

Some stock radios are good. It all depends on the wattage they allow. If it doesn't have a decent wattage the bass will distort the sound. A basic LOC with install at the shop I used to work at depending on radio removal typically cost 50 bucks. But depending on the range of a stock radio will tell you if it will push your components correctly.

 

[ramdude916]

I think I need to go to a more honest dealer. I watched some videos and a replacement stereo seems pretty easy. That might be my route unless I can get an amp and loc w/ install for a good price. Thanks for the replies


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[cajunhemi]

I retained the factory head unit because I have Sirius XM.. The day I bought it, got a mile down the road in it when I discovered it had no CD player... LOL..

 

[ramdude916]

Ha! Same here I was focused more on the exterior of the truck. Looked everywhere for the DVD player. With Sirius and my Iphone I don't miss it much.

Speaking of which if I replace the head unit I'll need to buy the tuner. My plans to upgrade is looking very dim. :-/. I do have a sub for the boat that I haven't used all year. Adding a 5 channel amp might be the way to go to plan for the future. Does that sound ridiculous to anyone? Unfortunately I have a low budget. There is a recent post on here where it sounded like upgraded speakers didn't do the trick. I'm frustrated. I guess that's what happens when it's Labor Day, car stereo stores are closed and I have nothing to do because my wife has to work all day


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[tommyboi87]

The more advanced the technology gets in these vehicles, the more it's going to cost to upgrade. If you have controls on your steering wheel for the radio, you'll have to get a radio the is compatible for that or an adapter. Unless you can live without steering controls for it. The facory components are usually pretty good in these newer models. So the best bet would be to upgrade the head unit for something that has amp inputs, and go from there. It all depends on what you want though.

 

[ramdude916]

Went to a different shop today. They want 1000 to install a kenwood or pioneer 2dinn headunit with satellite and parts needed.ouch. I can do it myself much cheaper. What does that do with the warranty? I know everyone does it, but I'm not an installer. I am however mechanically inclined. His opinion was the exact opposite of most recommending speakers, then add amp when I can.


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[tommyboi87]

The only way it will void the warranty is if A- you splice the wires to connect the new radio B-if problem can be directly related to aftermarket radio.

 

[Graygoose]

For starters, just upgrade the speakers, thats the biggest improvement you can get. The Mopar/Kicker speakers are drop in, and you dont have much invested at all, and they have the same plugs as the factory speakers. If you can pull a door panel, you can do the install yourself.

 

[ramdude916]

I thinks that's the most realistic option for me. I'm buying it! I guess there's always xmas for the deck . Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I was even driving myself crazy with the undecisiveness


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[chipmaker]

Go cheap aftermarket from Crutchfield, these trucks are so easy to swap speakers and head unit. Blue tooth off your phone or music on USB drive or camera card. BTW: kicker dash speakers, best drop in upgrade!!! Kicker 41KSC354 3-1/2" 2-way speakers at Crutchfield.com

Budget radio: Pioneer FH-X700BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[ramdude916]

Thanks for sharing an option

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[ironhead3fan]

I used the direct Kicker upgrade (77KICK42) and upgraded the 5 front speakers, 3 dash and 2 doors. The sound quality is better, better highs, better lows, and maybe slightly more volume, definitely not less sound. I am pretty happy with the speaker upgrade.

 

[Etroze86]

If it helps I will be buying the kicker drop ins if I ever sell my truck because I know they will preform better than stock and its cheap. These would be going in place of all the little custom work I have done.