Audio Upgrade & Modification Basics!

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Slatecreek

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How much of your Factory functions do you lose if you install an aftermarket stereo?


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TomT

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How much of your Factory functions do you lose if you install an aftermarket stereo?


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None if you get the right parts. Sometimes you can even get more than before.
 

dogman1911

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2018
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I just wanted to add a few notes to my speaker upgrade. I was in a time cruch so no tutorial or pics, but for anyone wanting to do a simple speaker swap, here is the route I went.

Vehicle is a 2018 Ram Power Wagon with the 8.4" Uconnect (no Nav) and 6 factory speakers.

I went with the Kenwood Excelon KFC-XP6903C up front (the kit includes 3.5" mid-range speakers for the dash location) and 6x9's for the doors. For the rear, I used the Kenwood Excelon KFC-X694. I used Metra 72-6514 adapters for the front and rear door speakers and 72-7902 adapters for the dash speakers. I also put Dynamat Xtreme (10455) inside the door skins. The 36 sq ft bulk kit is plenty for all 4 doors.

As far as fitment, the front door speakers are pretty much drop in. They just clear the window frame mechanism. I cut strips of Dynamat and used them as a gasket between the speaker and the door panel. It gave just a tad more clearance and provided a good seal. The rear speakers required a 1/4" spacer to clear the rear window mechanism. The X694 set did not come with spacers but the XP6903C did, so I just used those. For the rear, I used a thin bead of epoxy between the speaker and the spacer then I used 1/4" foam weather seal between the spacer and the door skin.

I did the 4 ohm resistor mod for the dash speakers. I soldered the resistor in-line. I ordered the Dayton Audio 4 ohm/10W reistors from Parts Express. I used the foram weather strip for the back of the dask speakers. The hole is too open for a true seal, but it did it to eliminate any chance of rattling. I also wrapped the Metra adapter with the resistor with Tesa wire loom tape - nice stuff.

The speakers themselves sound great over the factory. Deeper base, better mids and highs without being too bright...I'm really impressed with the soundstage and the separation of instruments. I ma very happy with the upgrade.

I would rate the install a 4/5 out of 10 for the difficulty due to the resistor soldering and pulling the inner door panels off to do the Dynamat. If you just wanted to drop in the speakers and crimp the resistors in for the front speakers, it would be an easy 3/10.
 

Morris Till

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Southern New Jersey
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2013
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Unfortunately this doesn't work for my 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. I didn't realise that and I ordered the PAC AP4-CH41 (R.2) only to see in the notes that i can't use it. If i use it i have to amplify all the speakers, not just add a sub. I called PAC and they confirmed this.

I also tried the LLJ customs tee harness LOC kit kit. Unfortunately when i hooked up the tee harness my radios volume range decreased. I emailed and texted LLJ customs and they don't respond.

I dont know what to do now.

This is good news for us without the premium sound system but PAC released this new ampPro that doesnt require a stock amplifier. Was wondering if anyone has used it or the older version of it with the premium system and how the results were? fix the bass rolloff and give you clean signals to work with?

P/N: AP4-CH41 (R.2)

15852300863495379358107241499931.jpg
 
Last edited:

TomT

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I’ve been using the premium version and have had no issues. The sound is as good as you can get without switching to a high end aftermarket head unit.
 

Bogdan_golu

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Denver
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2019
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Hi brothers and sisters. I have a 2018 Ram 1500 with the 8.4 screen and Navigation stock 6 speakers. I was wondering if anyone knows if the models with the Alpine sound only have the Amplifier and speakers different. I assume that the stereo is the same. Thank you.
 

Slatecreek

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Is it worth selling the old stock subwoofer kit ?


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mrugg

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2012
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I'm getting ready to install a aftermarket stereo in my 2012 ram 2500. I bought the mounting kit, antenna adapter, and wiring kit. The wiring kit is missing the reverse wire for the backup camera and it's missing the illumination wire that turns the stereo lights on and off with the headlight switch. I would like to install it tomorrow but I would like to figure out what I can do with connecting these 2 wires?

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2011
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Anyone know the specs on door/headliner speakers? Like how many ohms?

I have a 2011 1500 SLT quad cab with 10 speaker Alpine system. I replaced deck with Pioneer BT via PAC interface. I like the factory sound but appears I have a dash speaker going out so sounds like I will need to replace with 4ohm speaker plus a 4ohm resistor. Anyone get away without needing resistors? I am unable to use fader/balance controls on head unit.
 

jackal98

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Unfortunately this doesn't work for my 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. I didn't realise that and I ordered the PAC AP4-CH41 (R.2) only to see in the notes that i can't use it. If i use it i have to amplify all the speakers, not just add a sub. I called PAC and they confirmed this.

I also tried the LLJ customs tee harness LOC kit kit. Unfortunately when i hooked up the tee harness my radios volume range decreased. I emailed and texted LLJ customs and they don't respond.

I dont know what to do now.



View attachment 199635

You may want to consider making your own t-harness. It’s going to be similar to the wiring adaptor you bought from LL’s. AudioControl makes some modules specifically for Ram/Dodge/Chrysler products. Do you have an AudioControl’s LC7i ?
 
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If you are just upgrading factory speakers you can use the factory wires. Unless you are trying to run a component system then you will need to wire them to an amp. I plan on upgrading mine as well, but just utilizing the power from the factory head unit. Crutchfield gives you the adapters to factory wiring and guides if you buy speakers from them.

For the corner dash speakers there’s a thread on here where you should add a 4 ohm resistor because the factory radio sends 8 ohms to the dash. And most aftermarket are 4 ohms. So to match the factory you add the 4 ohm resistor in line.

How To: 4 Ohm Resistor Upgrade For Aftermarket Dash Speakers
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?share_fid=17770&share_tid=125742&url=https://www.ramforum.com/index.php?threads/How-To:-4-Ohm-Resistor-Upgrade-For-Aftermarket-Dash-Speakers.125742/&share_type=t&link_source=app


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Are all dash speakers 8 ohm? I pulled a couple of mine out and checked with ohm meter as I didn’t see ohms marked on the speakers. Both tested at 2 ohms. I have the 10 speaker Alpine system with amp under dash. Thanks
 

BrazenHaven

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2019
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5.7 with eTorque
Are all dash speakers 8 ohm? I pulled a couple of mine out and checked with ohm meter as I didn’t see ohms marked on the speakers. Both tested at 2 ohms. I have the 10 speaker Alpine system with amp under dash. Thanks

Mine were 2.3 ohms in the dash and 8 in the door.


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Michigan BIGHORN

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Getting ready to install Kicker 6x9' in all 4 doors. Does anybody make an oem to aftermarket speaker plug for these trucks? I have installed dozens of complete systems over my years so this isn't foreign to me but now in my older years I want things to be nice,tidy and neat so I don't want to cut the OEM plugs off of the wiring and hardwire the aftermarket speaker in if it can be avoided not to mention the whole process is a lot easier to reverse when I sell the truck one day. I have scoured the internet and have found such plugs for other vehicles but nothing for our years Rams. Any info?
 

tron67j

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You could unsolder the connectors from the factory speakers and resolder on the Kickers At least it should work, unless they made the plugs part of the frame, I have not been in the Gen 4 doors. Yet. I would like to update the speakers and add a amp, but I have not started reading up on that yet.
 

BrazenHaven

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Getting ready to install Kicker 6x9' in all 4 doors. Does anybody make an oem to aftermarket speaker plug for these trucks? I have installed dozens of complete systems over my years so this isn't foreign to me but now in my older years I want things to be nice,tidy and neat so I don't want to cut the OEM plugs off of the wiring and hardwire the aftermarket speaker in if it can be avoided not to mention the whole process is a lot easier to reverse when I sell the truck one day. I have scoured the internet and have found such plugs for other vehicles but nothing for our years Rams. Any info?

If you order from crutchfield they include the metra harness for plug and play.


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kidmandudebro

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Connecticut
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2016
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5.7 Hemi
Just ordered speaker upgrade for all 6

Kenwood KFC 1666s front doors
Infinity Primus PR9613IS back door
Infinity REF 3032cfx dash corners
All harness too from Crutchfield "Metra"

I'll repost for an update on fit and sound, etc.
 

Gixxer750

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N. Idaho
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2015_2017
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Hemi 5.7
I'm looking for someone that still has at least a door speaker still wired to their factory alpine amp. Could you do me a huge favor and turn on your radio, mute it by pushing the volume button in (source and running or off doesnt matter) and put your ear right up against the door speaker grille? And let me know if you hear an ever so slight pink noise type of static?
 
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