2024 Alpine System speaker replacement

[MD Sledhead]

I've had issues with SiriusXM sound quality since day 1 - it is vastly different sound distribution (front loaded) than when listing to music from Carplay (more surround). But in my case, neither was comparable to my 2014 Laramie (Alpine) or my wife's 2016 Jeep GC (Harmon Kardon). It was literally painful to listen to.

After a year of fighting with Stellantis about the poor quality of my system, I finally gave up and ordered from Crutchfield:

Infinity Reference REF307F for the dash corner
Kicker KSC270 for the dash center (said the REF307F wouldn't fit)
Infinity Reference REF697F 2-way for the front doors
Infinity Reference REF697MF 3-way for the rear doors

This came with all the wiring adapters needed and a bought the trim panel tools too.

Install was way easier than I thought (Crutchfield instructions are worth the extra $$ for the equipment). I watched a video online on how to remove the panels, but their instructions included the helpful tidbit about removing the power controls in front door panels first.

The sound improvement exceeded my expectations. No longer is the system front loaded (even with SiriusXM)… In fact, the rear is a bit overpowering. I can still hear the volume/quality difference between the different XM stations, but it's not as pronounced. I'm also hearing a much wider acoustic range. I had to completely change my equalizer settings. As for volume loss - it's almost non-existent.

As many have said on here, the front door speakers are a no-go with the ANC. As soon as I started the truck engine I could tell (when MDS kicks in it would drive you out of the truck). We covered up the microphones in the ceiling and it immediately stopped. So I reinstalled the factory speakers. Not sure what I'll do here. I'd like to keep the ANC if possible.

I almost feel like the ANC is still not quite right - I think I hear more exhaust tone at lower RPM coming from the rear. But I can't be sure.

Facebook group says to get CDT 2-ohm for the front doors and reverse the polarity. I would like to do something because I think the range of these speakers is very poor.

EDIT: I fixed the ANC issue by swapping the polarity on the metra connectors used with the front door Infinity speakers. The metra connector was opposite of the connector on the stock speaker (+ and - were flipped). The REF697F now works perfectly in the front door, with ANC active.

Pictures left to right (or top to bottom)
Factory front dash (china)
Factory rear door
Infinity boxes
Infinity Ref 3-way Rear door installed

Greg

 

[suicideking]

You need to install a ANC bypass if you're installing aftermarket speakers. I'm not sure which one you need because you have the Alpine system and mine was the base 6 speaker system.

For the center up front, the same Infinity 3.5" will fit. Though you don't really need anything in the center, it's not going to sound much different. It's not a 'true' center channel, it's just an extra speaker in the center. I do get that many would want to replace it with another speaker simply because there's one there to begin with.

 

[MD Sledhead]

You need to install a ANC bypass if you're installing aftermarket speakers. I'm not sure which one you need because you have the Alpine system and mine was the base 6 speaker system.

For the center up front, the same Infinity 3.5" will fit. Though you don't really need anything in the center, it's not going to sound much different. It's not a 'true' center channel, it's just an extra speaker in the center. I do get that many would want to replace it with another speaker simply because there's one there to begin with.

I absolutely do not want to disable the ANC... I did that using electrical tape over the microphones in the headliner. Wow the exhaust noise is terrible at various RPMs

 

[suicideking]

I absolutely do not want to disable the ANC... I did that using electrical tape over the microphones in the headliner. Wow the exhaust noise is terrible at various RPMs

I like the exhaust noise!

 

[MD Sledhead]

I like the exhaust noise!

I fixed it!!

Thanks to some old posts I found where folks determined the polarity on the front door speakers was opposite the metra connectors. So I cut the leads on the metra adapters and swapped the ends - BINGO! The Infinity Reference REF697F speakers are working perfectly in the door AND handling the ANC duties.

And yes, I can still hear the exhaust - just not the harsh sounds from the MDS and lower RPM "lug".

 

[MD Sledhead]

Sounds like the ANC may be coming through the rear speakers as well - I suspect a polarity issue here as well. Plan on switching the pins to see how it sounds

 

[Mojo88]

I absolutely do not want to disable the ANC...

Just curious........ Have you even tried the ANC bypass? It looks like a 2-minute job to put it in, and/or take it out.

I have a brand new ANC bypass cable sitting in box. I'm gonna do a subwoofer upgrade on my H/K system and will likely need to use the bypass.

'Sounds' like you've made good progress though, good luck with it!

 

[suicideking]

Just curious........ Have you even tried the ANC bypass? It looks like a 2-minute job to put it in, and/or take it out.

I have a brand new ANC bypass cable sitting in box. I'm gonna do a subwoofer upgrade on my H/K system and will likely need to use the bypass.

'Sounds' like you've made good progress though, good luck with it!

From what I've read, you must install a bypass if using a sub or pretty much any amp for the OEM speaker locations. Many say you don't need the bypass if just replacing the speakers and not adding an amp. Though I've seen it suggested for even just replacing the speakers.

 

[MD Sledhead]

Just curious........ Have you even tried the ANC bypass? It looks like a 2-minute job to put it in, and/or take it out.

I have a brand new ANC bypass cable sitting in box. I'm gonna do a subwoofer upgrade on my H/K system and will likely need to use the bypass.

'Sounds' like you've made good progress though, good luck with it!

No. I do not want to disable the ANC. I had the dealer disable it and did not like the added noise in the cab. It was VERY noticable (I have 3.92 gearing, so it will lug a bit more.

From what I've read, you must install a bypass if using a sub or pretty much any amp for the OEM speaker locations. Many say you don't need the bypass if just replacing the speakers and not adding an amp. Though I've seen it suggested for even just replacing the speakers.

This is NOT true. Mine is working PERFECTLY now that I've swapped the polarity on the rear door speakers as well.

Last night, I pulled the door panels off again (I'm getting really good at this) and swapped the polarity on the rear door speakers. I mentioned above how they were overpowering the front. After doing this, two things happened.

1. The ANC is now functioning perfectly. My truck is quiet as a church mouse inside.
2. The sound quality coming from the rear door speakers is a huge improvement. They are now in phase with the front.

Again, I replaced all front dash speakers and all 4 door speakers with 3 ohm Infinity Reference. For under $500, I got a quality sounding system that's maybe better than my 2014 Alpine.

The other thing... it's like the factory sub has joined the party. I'm not sure why or how, but it is much more prevalent than at any time before (in a very good way).

As for the ANC - my guess on how this works: The microphones simply pick up the sound and replay it through the speakers. Since the polarity is reversed on the speakers, it "cancels out" the sound picked up by the mic.
Even if you use an ANC bypass cable, you still need to reverse the polarity on the door speakers because that's how the amp is transmitting (unless the bypass cable does this). This why my rear door speakers sound way better now (even with the motor off).

This is a cheap and easy fix for the terrible factory sound. Hope this helps someone else.

 

[skates15]

From what I've read, you must install a bypass if using a sub or pretty much any amp for the OEM speaker locations. Many say you don't need the bypass if just replacing the speakers and not adding an amp. Though I've seen it suggested for even just replacing the speakers.

I have a 2023 with 9 speaker Alpine. I've replaced all the speakers several times without the need to disable ANC. If you go with another amp, then Yes, you will need to disable ANC.