2022 Audio Upgrade Sanity Check *Update*

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OP
OP
R

Rob3DR

Junior Member
Military
Joined
Jul 21, 2022
Posts
20
Reaction score
21
Location
NC
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi, of course
Another update. I'm not sure why I even try. I know I cant leave well enough alone so yes, I ended up replacing all speakers. The aforementioned Hertz 3.5's in the dash, no resistor. This brightened up things tremendously. I then installed some Infinity 6x9's in the rear door. Made a little difference. Sounded good. Seemed like I had a fair amount of bass from the front door speakers, but was muddy. Got the ANC bypass in and installed and put Infinity 6x9's in the front door yesterday. I didnt feel like it messed with the soundstage much. Certainly not enough to make me swap back. The bass tightened right up immediately and mids and highs are nice and crisp. I typically have treble maxed, even with amped components, but I didnt feel the need here and have it backed off a few notches. I'll fill in the low end with a Kicker Hideaway 10 when I get a chance to install it.

For anyone newer than me reading, a couple of 'gotchas'
Front dash... no gotchas, just dont drop anything down the dash. Easy upgrade.
Front door... The top trim section used to access the single bolt at the top. Must put your pick toward that corner as that little white clip is a pain. The bottom trim to access the 2 remaining bolts is easy. The door retaining clips need a bit of force to come off and then force again when putting on. I actually thought I broke my door when they first came loose. About crapped myself. Make sure that the holes are lined up when putting back together. The door latch is a bit of a pain to get out, but it will come. The factory spacers that came with the Infinity speakers and the foam helped with clearance for the window. I also had some extra foam that I put around the spacer so everything is nice and tight.
The rear doors are the same except no need for the spacers.

Aside from 'needing' the sub the truck really sounds great. Night and day. I have done similar in other vehicles with replacing factory speakers and never was satisfied with the sound until I amped them. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I really dont see a need to amp this. It sounds better now than my last several vehicles did even after adding a small amp...or maybe I'm just in the honeymoon phase with them and I'll end up amping later... but for now, all good!
Appreciate all the advice and thoughts from the group. Seems the very first response nailed it, despite me trying to fight it!
 

woojyee

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Posts
305
Reaction score
86
Location
Nebraska
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7 eTorque
Sounds like the factory Alpine system would have been what you needed. I too enjoy aftermarket systems but in the 2022 Ram 1500, it came with a unconnect 5 which had different plugs. My PAC AMPpro wouldn't work and I was waiting for the updated harness for my install. My truck came with the Alpine system, and I found it decent enough that I wasn't too upset I had to wait.
 

SwitcherLP

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2022
Posts
49
Reaction score
38
Location
Little Rock
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Sounds like the factory Alpine system would have been what you needed. I too enjoy aftermarket systems but in the 2022 Ram 1500, it came with a unconnect 5 which had different plugs. My PAC AMPpro wouldn't work and I was waiting for the updated harness for my install. My truck came with the Alpine system, and I found it decent enough that I wasn't too upset I had to wait.
Is THIS the harness you are waiting for? I am going to upgrade mine and want to double check it is correct for our trucks.
 

woojyee

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Posts
305
Reaction score
86
Location
Nebraska
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7 eTorque
Is THIS the harness you are waiting for? I am going to upgrade mine and want to double check it is correct for our trucks.
No, you will need that harness if you have the Alpine or HK systems to access the factory speaker wiring. For the interface you will need this https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-Amplifier-Integration-Interface-AP4CH41R2/p/139510.html and https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-AP4-E...Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM-APHCH42/p/182060.html. You will need to use the expansion harness instead of the one that comes with the AMPPro. They will be releasing an updated AMPPro for uConnect5 radios at some point. If you're not in a rush, I'd wait so you are not wasting $$$$
 
OP
OP
R

Rob3DR

Junior Member
Military
Joined
Jul 21, 2022
Posts
20
Reaction score
21
Location
NC
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi, of course
Glad to see this tread helping out a few folks. The knowledge sharing on this site is great. My final update for my truck. I added the 10 inch Kicker hideaway sub. I've got a Duha underseat storage bin under the rear seats and this sub looks like it was made for that. I needed a small wooden section cut for a brace, but it fits perfectly. The bass knob ensures that I can tailor the sound how I want to. I think there is plenty of volume and everything is nice and crisp. Bass is sufficient out of the hideaway. Much better than a JBL Basslink SL that I have, but not quite up to par with a dedicated 10 in a box and separate amp (but also doesnt leave the footprint).
 

SwitcherLP

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2022
Posts
49
Reaction score
38
Location
Little Rock
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7
No, you will need that harness if you have the Alpine or HK systems to access the factory speaker wiring. For the interface you will need this https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-Amplifier-Integration-Interface-AP4CH41R2/p/139510.html and https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-AP4-E...Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM-APHCH42/p/182060.html. You will need to use the expansion harness instead of the one that comes with the AMPPro. They will be releasing an updated AMPPro for uConnect5 radios at some point. If you're not in a rush, I'd wait so you are not wasting $$$$
Thanks for the info, that is definitely not for the faint of heart. I do want to upgrade my system, but will wait for a more sensible price and kit, so just might tap in for adding a sub temporarily as the bass is sorely lacking, I think I saw a harness to bypass the ANC for just about $10, and will look into phone-level equalization to see if that makes a positive difference in the meantime.
 

woojyee

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Posts
305
Reaction score
86
Location
Nebraska
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7 eTorque
Thanks for the info, that is definitely not for the faint of heart. I do want to upgrade my system, but will wait for a more sensible price and kit, so just might tap in for adding a sub temporarily as the bass is sorely lacking, I think I saw a harness to bypass the ANC for just about $10, and will look into phone-level equalization to see if that makes a positive difference in the meantime.
It's not so bad really. It is essentially plug and play and BAM!, you have 6 channels of clean RCA outputs or Toslink output for DSP and amps. You then have access to the factory wiring under the driver's seat with Alpine and HK systems. If you have the base system, you have access to the factory wiring under the seat at the ANC but the dash speakers are tapped off the front door speaker in the kick panels. I just run new wire back to the amp or crossovers in that case.

Just do a nice AMP rack on the back wall of the cab. If you have an eTorque it has to be on the passenger side. I will start my install in about a month, should be nice and cool by then :D
 

SwitcherLP

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2022
Posts
49
Reaction score
38
Location
Little Rock
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7
It's not so bad really. It is essentially plug and play and BAM!, you have 6 channels of clean RCA outputs or Toslink output for DSP and amps. You then have access to the factory wiring under the driver's seat with Alpine and HK systems. If you have the base system, you have access to the factory wiring under the seat at the ANC but the dash speakers are tapped off the front door speaker in the kick panels. I just run new wire back to the amp or crossovers in that case.

Just do a nice AMP rack on the back wall of the cab. If you have an eTorque it has to be on the passenger side. I will start my install in about a month, should be nice and cool by then :D
Thanks again for the info. I am not so worried about the work, just am not feeling the $353 tag on the stuff. I am still up in the air if I am going to recycle an old bass tube lying around and outfit it with a Skar 6.5" or get the Mojo truck dual 6.5" 1 Ohm box, and just bolt that bad boy up to where the storage shelf thing goes that is under the back seat. The amp will likely as you said go against the back wall.

BTW, I have the HK system.
 

brocker1234567

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Posts
14
Reaction score
8
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Etorque
Kind of sounds like you are making it too complicated. If your goal is just a little more volume and clarity, the simple solution is to simply swap out the cheap OEM speakers for some Infinity Refs. You will be amazed at what a difference just putting in quality speakers will make. I did that on my Gen4 6-speaker system and was blown away. I did the same with my current Gen5 Alpine 9-speaker system but only with the rear doors and dash speakers. Again, massive improvement. Just doing that and you might find you don't even need a sub on your 6-speaker system.
I’m thinking of doing exactly what you did and replacing the corner speakers and back door speakers w the infinity’s u listed. However, Crutchfield says I’ll lose volume. One rep. Says as much as a 1/4 volume loss. Did u experience volume loss? TIA
 
OP
OP
R

Rob3DR

Junior Member
Military
Joined
Jul 21, 2022
Posts
20
Reaction score
21
Location
NC
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi, of course
I did not. I replaced all speakers, I used no resistors and I added a 10 inch Kicker hideaway sub. It sounds great. I had put in a Duha underseat storage bin and found that the Hideaway was able to be mounted perfectly inside using some wood supports. I found no decrease in volume nor any 'overpowering' by the front stage after replacing the dash speakers. I had purchased some resistors in case, but found that I didnt need them.
 

brian42

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Posts
646
Reaction score
666
Location
San Diego, CA
No loss of volume here either. Straight swap with speakers and adapter plugs:

faitalPRO 3.5" x 2 in the dash (8 ohm) with external bass blockers x2
Infinity Reference REF-9632ix x 4 in all the doors (3 ohm)
Pac Audio ANC-CH01 (ANC Bypass)

I am very happy with the outcome. Definite improvement in sound with no loss of volume. I just had to fidget with the 3 EQ setting for awhile until I got to where I was happy.

I'd like to add a Kicker Hideaway like Rob3DR has but it's not in the budget right now.
 

brocker1234567

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Posts
14
Reaction score
8
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Etorque
I did not. I replaced all speakers, I used no resistors and I added a 10 inch Kicker hideaway sub. It sounds great. I had put in a Duha underseat storage bin and found that the Hideaway was able to be mounted perfectly inside using some wood supports. I found no decrease in volume nor any 'overpowering' by the front stage after replacing the dash speakers. I had purchased some resistors in case, but found that I didnt need them.
Thank you !!
 

CanuckRam1313

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2022
Posts
1,036
Reaction score
2,084
Location
Ontario Canada
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7
I've a 2019 Ram Express with the 6-speaker system.
I replaced all my stock speakers with Focal and the improvement was night and day.
There was zero required in replacing them, except, replacing them.
The only additional thing I had done was get the installer to put high quality sound-mat inside the doors in the usual spots so there was no rattling and it enhanced the sound quality too.
IMPO, if you are only looking to get clear, detailed, and higher quality music quality with higher volume output and some great thump too, then consider Focal.
Here is my response to another Member's thread - (page 2) https://www.ramforum.com/threads/19-speaker-harman-kardon®-premium-sound.192534/page-2#post-2712958
 

FL-RAM

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2020
Posts
376
Reaction score
422
Location
PENSACOLA, FL
Ram Year
2022 Bighorn Night Edition
Engine
V8
I’m thinking of doing exactly what you did and replacing the corner speakers and back door speakers w the infinity’s u listed. However, Crutchfield says I’ll lose volume. One rep. Says as much as a 1/4 volume loss. Did u experience volume loss? TIA
No. None at all. It got a little louder and a much better sound.
 

FL-RAM

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2020
Posts
376
Reaction score
422
Location
PENSACOLA, FL
Ram Year
2022 Bighorn Night Edition
Engine
V8
I've a 2019 Ram Express with the 6-speaker system.
I replaced all my stock speakers with Focal and the improvement was night and day.
There was zero required in replacing them, except, replacing them.
The only additional thing I had done was get the installer to put high quality sound-mat inside the doors in the usual spots so there was no rattling and it enhanced the sound quality too.
IMPO, if you are only looking to get clear, detailed, and higher quality music quality with higher volume output and some great thump too, then consider Focal.
Here is my response to another Member's thread - (page 2) https://www.ramforum.com/threads/19-speaker-harman-kardon®-premium-sound.192534/page-2#post-2712958
On my old 4Gen with the 6 speaker system I went with Kenwood Excelons. Man, what a massive difference. i think any quality aftermarket speakers will be better than the cheap, generic speakers that come in these. Even the "Alpine" speakers are cheap and generic.
 

brocker1234567

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Posts
14
Reaction score
8
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Etorque
Another update. I'm not sure why I even try. I know I cant leave well enough alone so yes, I ended up replacing all speakers. The aforementioned Hertz 3.5's in the dash, no resistor. This brightened up things tremendously. I then installed some Infinity 6x9's in the rear door. Made a little difference. Sounded good. Seemed like I had a fair amount of bass from the front door speakers, but was muddy. Got the ANC bypass in and installed and put Infinity 6x9's in the front door yesterday. I didnt feel like it messed with the soundstage much. Certainly not enough to make me swap back. The bass tightened right up immediately and mids and highs are nice and crisp. I typically have treble maxed, even with amped components, but I didnt feel the need here and have it backed off a few notches. I'll fill in the low end with a Kicker Hideaway 10 when I get a chance to install it.

For anyone newer than me reading, a couple of 'gotchas'
Front dash... no gotchas, just dont drop anything down the dash. Easy upgrade.
Front door... The top trim section used to access the single bolt at the top. Must put your pick toward that corner as that little white clip is a pain. The bottom trim to access the 2 remaining bolts is easy. The door retaining clips need a bit of force to come off and then force again when putting on. I actually thought I broke my door when they first came loose. About crapped myself. Make sure that the holes are lined up when putting back together. The door latch is a bit of a pain to get out, but it will come. The factory spacers that came with the Infinity speakers and the foam helped with clearance for the window. I also had some extra foam that I put around the spacer so everything is nice and tight.
The rear doors are the same except no need for the spacers.

Aside from 'needing' the sub the truck really sounds great. Night and day. I have done similar in other vehicles with replacing factory speakers and never was satisfied with the sound until I amped them. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I really dont see a need to amp this. It sounds better now than my last several vehicles did even after adding a small amp...or maybe I'm just in the honeymoon phase with them and I'll end up amping later... but for now, all good!
Appreciate all the advice and thoughts from the group. Seems the very first response nailed it, despite me trying to fight it!
What model infinity’s did you use for the front and back door speakers ??
 

brocker1234567

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Posts
14
Reaction score
8
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Etorque
Allow me to add a bit more confusion. I liked your original idea of only replacing the dash speakers. The dash speakers set up your soundstage. High frequencies are very directional and their placement determines if our ears hear the vocals properly. Closing your eyes with music playing you should be able to place the horns, cymbals, a guitarist moving across the stage as the music plays. So here is my point. The OEM setup splits the front channels with a passive crossover using frequency blocking capacitors. Your dash speakers get the highs and the front doors get the lows. When we upgrade the speakers people typically go with better multiway speakers without caps. Essentially you’ve now just added a second soundstage by putting speakers with tweeters in the front doors. You have the dash speakers creating the intended soundstage and now door speakers creating a new soundstage down around your ankles. Search this forum for folks asking why their new speaker upgrades sound muddy and lack clarity. The original OEM setup used the front door speakers as woofers and the dash as the tweeters like something found in a component system but using cheap paper cone speakers. IMHO it’s a mistake to use multi way speakers in the front doors. I’d go with a mid/woofer or a full range with a cap on it to block the highs. I know many people will disagree with me as we all have our own tastes and preferences. Just more food for thought.
Novice here !!! What do you mean by “ a cap on it to block the highs”. I’m thinking if using infinity 6x9 two ways in the front door. Can I physically “ cap” the tweeters on these if they’re too high after install???
 

Atcer2018

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Aug 10, 2019
Posts
951
Reaction score
1,191
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6
Novice here !!! What do you mean by “ a cap on it to block the highs”. I’m thinking if using infinity 6x9 two ways in the front door. Can I physically “ cap” the tweeters on these if they’re too high after install???
A frequency blocking capacitor. You can find them on Amazon, Crutchfield and eBay.
You wouldn’t “cap” the tweeters on a two way or three way speaker, you would “cap” the entire speaker with a frequency limiting capacitor. Typically added to the + positive speaker lead the capacitor rolls off frequencies above or below a specific frequency range.
 

brocker1234567

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Posts
14
Reaction score
8
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2021
Engine
5.7 Etorque
A frequency blocking capacitor. You can find them on Amazon, Crutchfield and eBay.
You wouldn’t “cap” the tweeters on a two way or three way speaker, you would “cap” the entire speaker with a frequency limiting capacitor. Typically added to the + positive speaker lead the capacitor rolls off frequencies above or below a specific frequency range.
Thank you !!! I understand now.
 

Kevin Thurber

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2018
Posts
11
Reaction score
4
Location
GB
Ram Year
2022
Engine
5.7 etorque
No, you will need that harness if you have the Alpine or HK systems to access the factory speaker wiring. For the interface you will need this https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-Amplifier-Integration-Interface-AP4CH41R2/p/139510.html and https://www.abt.com/PAC-Audio-AP4-E...Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM-APHCH42/p/182060.html. You will need to use the expansion harness instead of the one that comes with the AMPPro. They will be releasing an updated AMPPro for uConnect5 radios at some point. If you're not in a rush, I'd wait so you are not wasting $$$$
Will that APH-CH03 harness work with the black amp/ANC under the drivers seat? i have the alpine system and i want to add an amp and sub. The factory sub just doesnt cut it. If i use that harness and a regular LOC, that should work, right? and that harness bypasses the anc too, right?
 
Last edited:
Top