akrausz
Junior Member
Before this, my last install was in a new '98 Ram, so it's been awhile. Fast forward to today, I considered keeping the factory 5” head unit, but ultimately ditched it. While everybody is increasing their screen size, name brand double-din head units with HD Radio were too expensive for me, so I decided to forego the backup camera and go with a single-din. Here is my inexpensive audio build:
Could not find a radio wiring harness for my truck that had good reviews. Instead, I tapped into the factory wires without cutting them. Ran the head unit ground to the amp ground point. Could not find a dash kit for my truck, so had to go with the older version. Fits perfectly after some surgery to shorten the depth:
The dash speaker mounting location will need some improving:
The amp under the driver’s seat:
Replaced the clutch plate with the firewall boot and mounted the fuse holder:
Crimped a 90-degree ring terminal onto the 4 AWG wire:
The head unit’s 22 watts RMS powers the dash speakers that are high passed at 250Hz. The door speakers are high passed at 40Hz. I was somewhat concerned about the amp’s low signal-to-noise ratio, but I don't think I've heard any noise. Rear speakers in the pillars are disconnected.
So how does it sound so far? It's plenty loud. I chose silk dome tweeters hoping they would be laid back. Well they're not, so I turned the treble down and everything sounds more balanced. On the plus side, I'm hearing details in songs (when the truck is parked) I've never heard before. While the factory door speakers produce decent all-round bass (for cheap speakers in doors), next up is replacing the door speakers and most likely some door treatment as well.
I’m impressed with the sound so far (especially for what I paid), as it is a significant upgrade over the crappy factory sound.
- Head unit: https://www.us.jvc.com/car/indashreceivers/kd_x470bhs/ 3 sets of 5-volt pre-outs and lots of bells and whistles $158
- Class D amp: https://jensenmobile.com/xda92rb.html 2-ohm stable, Bluetooth app control $60
- 6x9 woofers in doors: https://www.mx-designs.com/mx-woofers/mx69bes.php bass enhanced, shallow mount $90
- 3.5” co-axials in dash corners: https://www.skaraudio.com/collections/tx-speaker-series/products/tx35-3-5-inch-coaxial-car-speakers $40
- Coax RCA interconnects: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DI89IQS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $11
- Fuse: https://www.amazon.com/InstallGear-Gauge-Line-Fuse-Holder/dp/B01CT4ZJHS?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 $13
- Dash kit: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120996518B/Metra-99-6518B-Dash-Kit-Black.html $20
- Firewall boot: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K2285E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $13
- Already had the wire but bought closed cell foam tape, heat shrink tubing, PET braided sleeving, ferrules and various connectors $50
- 16 AWG from head unit to dash speakers.
- 16 AWG from amp to factory door speaker wiring.
- 4 AWG (fused) from amp under driver’s seat to battery (overkill, but I already had it).
- 4 AWG (ground) from amp to middle seat attachment bolt in floor. Factory bolt with black coating replaced with stainless steel bolt.
Could not find a radio wiring harness for my truck that had good reviews. Instead, I tapped into the factory wires without cutting them. Ran the head unit ground to the amp ground point. Could not find a dash kit for my truck, so had to go with the older version. Fits perfectly after some surgery to shorten the depth:
The dash speaker mounting location will need some improving:
The amp under the driver’s seat:
Replaced the clutch plate with the firewall boot and mounted the fuse holder:
Crimped a 90-degree ring terminal onto the 4 AWG wire:
The head unit’s 22 watts RMS powers the dash speakers that are high passed at 250Hz. The door speakers are high passed at 40Hz. I was somewhat concerned about the amp’s low signal-to-noise ratio, but I don't think I've heard any noise. Rear speakers in the pillars are disconnected.
So how does it sound so far? It's plenty loud. I chose silk dome tweeters hoping they would be laid back. Well they're not, so I turned the treble down and everything sounds more balanced. On the plus side, I'm hearing details in songs (when the truck is parked) I've never heard before. While the factory door speakers produce decent all-round bass (for cheap speakers in doors), next up is replacing the door speakers and most likely some door treatment as well.
I’m impressed with the sound so far (especially for what I paid), as it is a significant upgrade over the crappy factory sound.
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