2014 Ram Express Audio Upgrades?

[Kotta390]

New to RamForum, and I have been doing some research trying not to be that guy who doesn't know how to use the search function lol. I just picked up a 2014 Ram Express, nothing fancy and definitely do not have the premium sound. The stock speakers sound ok but I was wondering if the best option was to try and use the premium sound speakers as an upgrade (manufacturer?) OR would it be better to just put in whatever component speakers I feel like? Will the stock radio still be enough power to power aftermarket speaker or even the premium speakers? BTW it has the uconnect 5.0 radio.

 

[jbr]

New to RamForum, and I have been doing some research trying not to be that guy who doesn't know how to use the search function lol. I just picked up a 2014 Ram Express, nothing fancy and definitely do not have the premium sound. The stock speakers sound ok but I was wondering if the best option was to try and use the premium sound speakers as an upgrade (manufacturer?) OR would it be better to just put in whatever component speakers I feel like? Will the stock radio still be enough power to power aftermarket speaker or even the premium speakers? BTW it has the uconnect 5.0 radio.

Fyi. I just bought these with my 5.0 uConnect.
http://www.ramforum.com/showthread.php?t=70259

 

[Kotta390]

Those look good! I just want something a little better than stock and Kicker has nice stuff. I was more worried about the head unit being under powered to not take advantage of aftermarket speakers.

 

[SitKneelBend]

You are actually in a good position starting with the base audio it's more difficult to upgrade if you have the factory premium Alpine system. If you are budget minded and not an audiophile, go with the Mopar Kicker upgrade speakers for the dash and doors. They give you great sound, are plugs and play (1 hour to install all 6), and affordable.

Then, check out the DIY section of the 4th Gen Forum. The 5.0 to 8.4 upgrade is worth it, especially if you through a lockpick in.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Kotta390]

You are actually in a good position starting with the base audio it's more difficult to upgrade if you have the factory premium Alpine system. If you are budget minded and not an audiophile, go with the Mopar Kicker upgrade speakers for the dash and doors. They give you great sound, are plugs and play (1 hour to install all 6), and affordable.

Then, check out the DIY section of the 4th Gen Forum. The 5.0 to 8.4 upgrade is worth it, especially if you through a lockpick in.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Where is the best place to get the Mopar Kicker upgrade system?

 

[WadXpress]

Crutchfield has all the wiring adapters and speaker adapters included with the kickers

 

[Kotta390]

Crutchfield has all the wiring adapters and speaker adapters included with the kickers

I was talking about the Mopar direct speakers where they are plug and play?

 

[WadXpress]

Yea the adapters you get are plug and play they come with the speakers and so do the 6.5" speaker adapters if you choose to put those 7n the door instead of 6x9s

 

[Kotta390]

Yea the adapters you get are plug and play they come with the speakers and so do the 6.5" speaker adapters if you choose to put those 7n the door instead of 6x9s

Oh ok. I would figure 6x9s would be better?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Where is the best place to get the Mopar Kicker upgrade system?

Amazon is where I purchased the speakers. I think I paid something like $230 for all 6 speakers which come in 2 sets (1) is front and dash (2) is rear.

If you buy the Ram Kicker upgrade speakers there are NOT any harnesses needed. The come with factory plugs that fit without modifying.

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[BLKMAGIC]

I was going to do the kicker, ended up going with a nice set of components up front and an amp, so glad I did. I left the factory headunit (I had the 3.0, not the 5.0) and ran everything through a Soundstream iCQ.4 Line Out Converter. Sounded 1000x better. I have since upgraded to a double din, but the LOC with Amp made a huge difference over just dropping speakers in to be powered by the OEM headunit.

 

[Kotta390]

Amazon is where I purchased the speakers. I think I paid something like $230 for all 6 speakers which come in 2 sets (1) is front and dash (2) is rear.

If you buy the Ram Kicker upgrade speakers there are NOT any harnesses needed. The come with factory plugs that fit without modifying.

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Could you provide a link to the 2014 Kicker speakers? Every time I google the speakers for the ram I get up to 2012, apparently in 2013-2014 there is something different.

 

[jbr]

Could you provide a link to the 2014 Kicker speakers? Every time I google the speakers for the ram I get up to 2012, apparently in 2013-2014 there is something different.

You might find some more info..
http://www.ramforum.com/f51/kicker_upgrade-27104/

 

[SitKneelBend]

Could you provide a link to the 2014 Kicker speakers? Every time I google the speakers for the ram I get up to 2012, apparently in 2013-2014 there is something different.

Front
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006GR0CH2/ref=ya_aw_ohs_i_title

Rear
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00838335A/ref=ya_aw_ohs_i_title

This is exactly what I ordered. I also installed the Kicker 10" Ram subwoofer kit from here:

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/...e-Ram-Crew-Quad-Cab-Vehicles-KIC13-SRAMCQ09-N

Click make an offer and enter $418. This is the lowest offer they will accept...

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[Kotta390]

Front
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006GR0CH2/ref=ya_aw_ohs_i_title

Rear
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00838335A/ref=ya_aw_ohs_i_title

This is exactly what I ordered. I also installed the Kicker 10" Ram subwoofer kit from here:

Kicker Car Audio Soundgate SubStage SRAMCQ09 Custom-fit Powered Subwoofer for 2009-Up Dodge Ram Crew and Quad Cab...

Click make an offer and enter $418. This is the lowest offer they will accept...

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That Sub is for the 4 door trucks correct?

Also the first link says to 2012, there hasnt been any change to 2014, it should all be plug and play still?

 

[SitKneelBend]

That Sub is for the 4 door trucks correct?

Also the first link says to 2012, there hasnt been any change to 2014, it should all be plug and play still?

Yes , the sub is for quad and crew cab only. All of the items I listed were plug and play for my 2014 express with the 6 speaker base audio system. Nothing additional is needed for install.

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[autokraftgt]

I was going to do the kicker, ended up going with a nice set of components up front and an amp, so glad I did. I left the factory headunit (I had the 3.0, not the 5.0) and ran everything through a Soundstream iCQ.4 Line Out Converter. Sounded 1000x better. I have since upgraded to a double din, but the LOC with Amp made a huge difference over just dropping speakers in to be powered by the OEM headunit.

Go this route over Kicker upgrades

 

[Kotta390]

Yes , the sub is for quad and crew cab only. All of the items I listed were plug and play for my 2014 express with the 6 speaker base audio system. Nothing additional is needed for install.

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Ok sounds good, just didn't want to order anything and then find it it's not plug and play lol.

Go this route over Kicker upgrades

Explain? I am not an audio expert so I have no clue what any of that means lol!

 

[SitKneelBend]

No problem, you won't be disappointed if you go this route. Eventually (maybe?) Kicker is supposed to make the plug and play harness for the upgrade amp to power the base audio.

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[Graygoose]

Explain? I am not an audio expert so I have no clue what any of that means lol!

He means spend more money

The plug and play system is not for everyone. The VSS system is a simple upgrade that has an amp for the front with built in DSP and a powered sub, that is literally plug and play. If you had to compare to buying aftermarket, you need two amps, wiring, a LOC, speaker wire, RCA, custom sub box made, buy a DSP, etc.

But for your regular cab, we don't make a VSS system. Its for QC and CC Rams.

So for your system, it would be best to purchase aftermarket amp and components.