Alpine audio speaker upgrade ?

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EagleChief

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I searched for the threads to add my question to it, but couldn't seem to find it. Mods, if you want to add this to one of them, please do.

2014 Big Horn w/ OEM Alpine stereo.

I currently have 2 sets of speaker upgrades on my Amazon wish list. The Mopar Kicker upgrades, and the Infinity Reference Series. From what I read, people seem to lean toward the Infinity's, but many have been happy with the Kicker's also. Originally, I was full on Kicker, as they are local to me and I like to support local. but I think I'm starting to sway more toward the Infinity's, just from reading on here, and then looking at the prices, I think I can save a little bit of money (with current Amazon prices - about $50).

I know sound is all relative to each individual person, but what is the consensus between the 2?

Secondly, for those with the Alpine system... when replacing the dash speakers, is it really necessary to replace all 3? Or, would the 2 outside/corner speakers overpower the center dash speaker and make it unnecessary to swap out the center speaker? Looking at these: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01E4JW...olid=3U0Y0WYHTRCZG&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I think I will start with the dash, then go to the doors. I know I'd like to replace the front doors, as I'm already developing a rattle in the passenger side door whenever the bass hits that speaker. I do not want to add an amp, or get into too much audio stuff. Just wanting to do a direct swap of the speakers on an extremely tight budget.
 

ilovemyramlaremie

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I replaced just the two corners 3.5 with the JL C2 Amazing sounding. I don't see the need to replace the center speaker, I'm thinking about disconnecting it.
 

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I myself am seriously thinking about replacing the 2 corners with the Infinity Ref & leaving the center so called Alpine alone.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_145781_Infinity-REF-3032cfx.html

As well as replacing the 4 doors with the 6x9 Infinity Ref.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_112229_Infinity-REF-9622ix.html


Then replacing the (paper) factory sub with the low profile Pioneer.
I want to keep everything as close to 2 ohms as possible.

I’m not looking/wanting the ridiculous loud thunder thumping sound.
Just better Clean/Clear sound which the stock Alpine really struggles to deliver.

The stock roof surround speaker will remain as well.
 
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EagleChief

EagleChief

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I replaced just the two corners 3.5 with the JL C2 Amazing sounding. I don't see the need to replace the center speaker, I'm thinking about disconnecting it.

That's what I was thinking would happen - that the 2 outer speakers would basically make the center disappear.
 
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EagleChief

EagleChief

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I myself am seriously thinking about replacing the 2 corners with the Infinity Ref & leaving the center so called Alpine alone.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_145781_Infinity-REF-3032cfx.html

As well as replacing the 4 doors with the 6x9 Infinity Ref.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_112229_Infinity-REF-9622ix.html


Then replacing the (paper) factory sub with the low profile Pioneer.
I want to keep everything as close to 2 ohms as possible.

I’m not looking/wanting the ridiculous loud thunder thumping sound.
Just better Clean/Clear sound which the stock Alpine really struggles to deliver.

The stock roof surround speaker will remain as well.

Sounds like the same thing I'd eventually like to do. Thanks for the feedback and the links!
 
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Outbreak

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I noticed that, too. The difference is the model number. REF-3022 vs. REF-3032... The 3032 are the newer models that are replacing the 3022's.

My bad, I didn't notice that.
 

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I have the base audio system but I just bought kicker ks series components and ran the tweeter in a bracket to replace the 3.5 speakers. Sounds so much better and don't even have them amped yet. Plus only buying one set of speakers and not having to deal with the 3.5 speakers being 8ohm20180318_174732.jpg
 

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Secondly, for those with the Alpine system... when replacing the dash speakers, is it really necessary to replace all 3? Or, would the 2 outside/corner speakers overpower the center dash speaker and make it unnecessary to swap out the center speaker? Looking at these: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01E4JW...olid=3U0Y0WYHTRCZG&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
In my opinion, I was worth replacing all three dash speakers because number one, unlike the 3rd gen Infinity’s, all three dash speakers are the same and second, if you go with like a 3 ohm Infinity Reference like I did, it wouldn’t pull as much power on the factory amp, triggering the built-in protection as easy; I found this out on my old 3rd gen after I unplugged the factory center speaker because it just didn’t sound right with the new ones. I didn’t replace it because Crutchfield didn’t have an aftermarket replacement.

You’d have to buy two pairs of speakers and then try to sell the extra on here like I did, or hopefully you’d get lucky and find your matching third one in the site’s classifieds area.





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SyN

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Sounds like the same thing I'd eventually like to do. Thanks for the feedback and the links!

I haven’t checked yet but the 6x9 infinitys for the front doors might have to have the 1/4” spacer. Due to mounting depth issues.

6x9" Speaker Spacers Depth Extender Extending Rings - 1/4" thick - SSK69 - Stackable - 1 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4Y00KC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UW0XAbHE0P470


I think anything between 3”-3 1/8” your ok. Otherwise you will need the 1/4” spacer.

They will fit perfectly in the rear doors.

These might even be a better fit for the doors.
They are 2ohms.
They also have a bit higher sensitivity rating 96db.

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/ite...PPA-93IX.html?nosto=nosto-product-prod-mobile

If $$$ is no issue these might be my choice. But I don’t know if they are totally necessary.
I might add these in the front doors & the lower cost Kappas in the rear doors!
Always something to think about.

These are 2.7 ohms with a 96db sensitivity rating.

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_143563_Infinity-KAPPA-93IX.html?nosto=nosto-product-prod-mobile

I honestly don’t know.
Maybe the Reference brand are a bit higher quality.
My dilemma is I only want to do this once and I do not want to have any regrets.
 
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Dodge This

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I myself am seriously thinking about replacing the 2 corners with the Infinity Ref & leaving the center so called Alpine alone.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_145781_Infinity-REF-3032cfx.html

As well as replacing the 4 doors with the 6x9 Infinity Ref.
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_112229_Infinity-REF-9622ix.html


Then replacing the (paper) factory sub with the low profile Pioneer.
I want to keep everything as close to 2 ohms as possible.

I’m not looking/wanting the ridiculous loud thunder thumping sound.
Just better Clean/Clear sound which the stock Alpine really struggles to deliver.

The stock roof surround speaker will remain as well.

The front door speakers on an Alpine system are tuned for midbass/bass, so you won't get much noticeable clarity from swapping those out. If you're just looking to clean up the muddy sound of the system, then I would recommend swapping all the speakers like you're planning, but skip the fronts, because they sound fine.
 
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SyN

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Thank you for the advice and recommendation.

I do have a question though I as the driver can’t even hear the back speakers.
Are those something that really need to be swapped out as well? I very rarely have any passengers in the backseat.

I don’t mind spending $115 on a good pair of 6 x 9‘s for the rear doors but I was just saying I can’t even hear anything coming from that direction.

Or do I just really need to spend the extra $$ on the front – for some high-quality 3.5 inch speakers?

I will for sure replace the paper (stock) sub with the pioneer low profile.

Or like I first said:
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_145781_Infinity-REF-3032cfx.html
These in the Dash!

These in All 4 doors:
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_112229_Infinity-REF-9622ix.html

Along with the Pioneer (low Profile Sub)
& be done with it!
 
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corneileous

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I went ahead and replaced my rear 6x9s with some infinity reference and was pretty happy with the results. They were a tad on the bright side but they sure sound good. I replaced my rear roof speakers but after I stuffed the Infinity’s in the rear doors, you can’t really hear the JB Club 750’s I put in the ceiling.

I’m not sure which Pioneer shallow-mount sub you’re lookin at but I tried one of these and wasn’t impressed. Apparently it needs to be broken in but I wasn’t wasting time with it. lol. I figured it would be money better spent on a real aftermarket system that replaces that cheesy little factory sub.


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SyN

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After watching three or four YouTube videos of installing the sub in the stock ram box.
It fits perfectly using the same holes and pattern.

The reviews were somewhat good. The sound is not nearly as muddy but about the same amount of base comes out as the stock sub.
Some owners review seems to share a somewhat different opinion but most are similar.
I have No Plans or desire to add a different style of sub or box! I dont need any thunder base.

BA78156E-E292-4D4D-9239-7B18F141084D.jpeg

From what I’ve seen on YouTube and read many owners say don’t even mess with the speakers in the roof. I honestly had no plans on even touching them.
 
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corneileous

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I’m my opinion the bass was indeed a little more clear and crisp but it was just way too quiet. Quieter than what was in there. You had to crank the radio up damn near full blast to even feel the new sub. Lol. Was no better than the factory sub. It was like all the sudden I had a subwoofer volume control setting in the factory radio that had gotten turned way down and you couldn’t turn it back up. Wasn’t worth it to me but you may like it.


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rotwiler

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Do infinity in front or jbl and 2 ohm. I did the infinity in each corner and a jbl in center. Only place I found you can get the harness to make it easy is crutchfield. Just those 3 front speakers wake up the system and makes a huge difference. Not too bright, louder and very crisp sound quality. After doing the front 3, I asked wife, friends etc, does it sound better in surround sound or not. All liked the 3 up front sound better. The JBL speakers are very similar to the infinity, sound is almost identical, so can't go wrong with either. I bought mine open box, was a lot cheaper. I also found some jbl power series component 3 way 6x9s open box for around $39 shipped and are 2 ohm and they fit and sound great in rear doors(retail new was like $150). But think they discontinued them. Sounds now like I added a new amp, at full volume sounds excellent. My neighbor keeps commenting on how my truck sounds like a studio and he is a musician. I wanted a budget system, but I like excellent sound, my other vehicles have all aftermarket and impressed with the Ram sound quality for just minor upgrades. I would leave front door speakers alone, no highs in front doors. I just bought box of noico butyl sound deadening, covered doors, then bought some sheets of closed cell foam to place in strategic areas to stop rattle(mainly above door handle). I did remove stock sub, bought a 2ohm dvc bazooka replacement sub to put in same oem sub box, did get a little better bass, but now going with 2 12s and amp. Bought a custom fiberglass box off a member here, then today bought a 1,000 watt rms amp and 2 12s. Might be overkill, but cost about $450 for everything including install kit, the sub box etc, so trying to do a ok budget system for under $1,000. So far I am right at $1,000 but that include a 2015 8.4AN radio I bought off ebay to replace my 8.4a non nav radio, so can still sell it and rear fold flat floor and have about $500 total into the trucks system.
 

rotwiler

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I used the infinity 3022s in each corner and jbl gx302(they are 2.2 ohm) in center. Both the infinitys and jbl are same price on amazon at $49 a set now. Reason the front 3.5s and rear door speakers sound so bad, they don't have a tweeter. They are just crappy full range.
 
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SyN

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Thank You Rotwiler

1 more question: Crutchfield gives us many options for the doors.

For more rich/clean sound which size would a fella choose?
Same Brand & Series of speakers.

5 1/4” 2-way or 6x9 2-way?
 
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rotwiler

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For sure 6x9, gives more mid bass. 2 ohm would be best for back doors to even out the louder sound from front speakers when you add them. Stock is 6x9, when you see the speaker you will know why the system sounds so flat with muffled highs. Is really odd that they didn't put tweeters in front dash or rear doors, adding that, coukd have made the alpine system so much better sounding for very little cost. You can buy the 6x9s on Amazon too and harness, unless is cheaper on crutchfield. I am all about saving money, so always search for best deals. Jbl gto939 6x9s are 2ohm, $83 a pair on amazon, very similar to the jbl power series I have. Most the infinity reference 6x9s I see are 3ohm which may be ok. Jbl and infinity are owned by same company Harmon. When I did my rear door speakers I reversed the plastic trim ring that comes with speaker so it sticks out like a 1/4 inch. Stock 6x9, can't remember but think a small hole needs covered on one side since its odd shape, but install is very easy. Do the fronts, then decide, may be good enough. Infinity kappa 693.11I are also 2 ohm and about $104 a set.
 
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