A beaten to death question I am sure...

[smurfs_of_war]

2015 Ram 2500 Limited 8.4AN and the full speaker compliment.

I have been trying to piece together a speaker replacement solution. I like the 8.4AN for what it is. My hearing is bad enough now that high quality and mediocre quality sound about the same to me. What I need is clarity, so I want to replace my speakers and sub.

So... does anybody have a list of what I need? Do I need an interface between the 8.4 and new speakers? Amp? Sub type and size? Additional harnesses?

I haven't messed with car audio for about 15 years, so I am officially lost. I should add that I want to keep all of my exisisting speaker locations, just guve them a better piece of hardware.

Thanks for any pointers in advance.

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[PowrRam]

I presume you have the Alpine 9 speaker system?

First and best thing you could do is replace the corner dash speakers. This will have the greatest effect on clarity, IMO.

I had a 2015 Big Horn with the Alpine system. I replaced the corner dash speakers and it made a noticeable difference in clarity and high frequency response. I disconnected the center dash speaker because I felt it gave better stereo R/L channel separation. However, in your case you might want to leave it connected or even replace it. (But this requires you to buy four aftermarket dash speakers since they are sold in pairs, but only using three of them.)

This is an easy thing to accomplish--just swap the old speakers out for the new ones.

In order to make the installation of these speakers easy, you will need to buy wiring harness adapters. Otherwise you will be using with a soldering iron with the speaker sitting on your dashboard. Accidents can happen.

You will need:
* Your choice of replacement 3.5" speakers
* Metra 71-039C Speaker Wiring Adapters (one adapter per speaker, come in pairs)
* Automotive interior panel removal tools (optional. Cheap and makes easy work of prying off the speaker grills.)
* 1/4" drive socket wrench and sockets (I think it is a 5/16" socket) also a small box wrench of same size is helpful

 

[smurfs_of_war]

Awesome advice. Thanks. Yes it's the Alpine 9 speaker. Wondering about the sub and door speakers too? I had thought of running a different sub as well. Did you change yours?

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[PowrRam]

Awesome advice. Thanks. Yes it's the Alpine 9 speaker. Wondering about the sub and door speakers too? I had thought of running a different sub as well. Did you change yours?

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I did not change my sub or my door speakers. The vehicle was leased so I didn't want to make extensive modifications to it.

I know a popular swap is to put an 8" Pioneer sub in the factory box. Opinions are mixed on whether or not it was worth it. Do a search on Alpine subwoofer Pioneer to find threads about this.

I think if you have the Alpine system the head unit has a frequency crossover system that only sends the front door speakers a portion of the full spectrum of sound. If I remember correctly the rear door speakers get the full spectrum. I would take this into consideration if you decide to change front door speakers. I guess I'm saying you might not gain much by replacing the front door speakers in the Alpine system. Maybe the thing to do is to replace the rear door speakers. Perhaps someone else will come along with more info.

 

[88ROOK]

there are so many options out there. what you really need to know is the mounting depth and go from there. obviously any 3.5 is going to fit in the dash, but doors you can go 6x9,5x7,6.5,5.25, seperates. cruthfield has good deal on some focal 6x9 for 120 regular over 200

 

[TomT]

If you wanted to bypass the small factory amp and go fully aftermarket, then something like the AmpPRO from PAC Audio is the best way to go. It will give you front, rear, and sub RCA outputs with an option for Toslink if you are going into a DSP.

 

[Spud2388]

It all depends on how much you want to spend and how in depth you want to go. The best solution is go aftermarket on everything; amp(s), speakers, sub(s). This will definitely give you the clarity you're looking for but does require some basic car audio knowledge and install skills (kinda, these trucks are a breeze to disassemble). IMO, the hardest part is running wires. Just tedious and time consuming.

 

[RamBum]

I presume you have the Alpine 9 speaker system?

First and best thing you could do is replace the corner dash speakers. This will have the greatest effect on clarity, IMO.

I had a 2015 Big Horn with the Alpine system. I replaced the corner dash speakers and it made a noticeable difference in clarity and high frequency response. I disconnected the center dash speaker because I felt it gave better stereo R/L channel separation. However, in your case you might want to leave it connected or even replace it. (But this requires you to buy four aftermarket dash speakers since they are sold in pairs, but only using three of them.)

This is an easy thing to accomplish--just swap the old speakers out for the new ones.

In order to make the installation of these speakers easy, you will need to buy wiring harness adapters. Otherwise you will be using with a soldering iron with the speaker sitting on your dashboard. Accidents can happen.

You will need:
* Your choice of replacement 3.5" speakers
* Metra 71-039C Speaker Wiring Adapters (one adapter per speaker, come in pairs)
* Automotive interior panel removal tools (optional. Cheap and makes easy work of prying off the speaker grills.)
* 1/4" drive socket wrench and sockets (I think it is a 5/16" socket) also a small box wrench of same size is helpful

I did something similar, but also replaced the center speaker. Replacing the center speaker actually made the most improvement to my old, tired ears! I used JBL's from Crutchfield, but whatever sound good to your ears will work. I was surprised at the poor quality of the factory speakers, especially since the were supposedly "high end" Alpine system.

 

[smurfs_of_war]

I am absorbing all of this and I will start doing some digging. Install shouldn't be an issue. I am not one to shy away from that. I did tons of them up until the last couple trucks- I just haven't kept up with the technology lately.

Looks like I am going to be spending some money hahaha!

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[88ROOK]

and if you want something plug n play look into the fosgate DSR1, with the harness since you have factory amp they make it super simple to add aftermarket stuff

 

[SyN]

I (Had) the imitation Alpine system.
I replaced the corner dash speakers & rear door speakers with JBL Clubs = Very Clear/Clean - Much noticeable difference.

I left the center dash speaker in place as well as the front door 6x9s.
No really decent replacement 6x9 mid-range speakers in my price range - (That will fit properly due to depth issues).

I did turn off my surround sound - I like this much better.
I guess If I ever figure out how to watch movies on my 8.4 unit I will turn it back on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------:

Haven’t decided whether or not to replace the poor quality cheap A$$ 8” paper sub.

{Maybe in time} another company will produce a much better quality 8" Shallow mount sub that will fit without modification to the stock sub box. (Direct Drop in Fitment).
I just haven't heard enough really positive feedback from the 8" Pioneer to pull the trigger.

I don’t listen to loud thunder thumping music so I really don't feel the rush to do this.
{I do though still like a decent amount of some mild clean sounding bass}.

I will be honest I listen to mostly XM/Sirius & my 8.4 unit normally stays around the 15-20 level.
(I am a bit on the old fashion side & still like me some Holiday Traditional Christmas Music).
My Main listening Genre is Hair Nation-Classic Rewind- Once in a while -->Octane!

I'm 54 an still have good hearing so I like to keep it for as long as I can.

 

[Rbohno]

It all depends on how much you want to spend and how in depth you want to go. The best solution is go aftermarket on everything; amp(s), speakers, sub(s). This will definitely give you the clarity you're looking for but does require some basic car audio knowledge and install skills (kinda, these trucks are a breeze to disassemble). IMO, the hardest part is running wires. Just tedious and time consuming.

Warning..... Stupidity Alert on my part

I replaced all the speakers myself except front doors and all were a breeze EXCEPT REAR DOORS.
I got rear panels off and speakers swapped out so all is good UNTIL time to put panels back on. I was trying to get passenger side on and it slipped out of my hand and it catches on the door handle and breaks off the the ear that holds the door handle.
That ear that broke is part of the entire black inner panel and wholesale price on that was almost $500. Not to mention broke the window switch as well in the drop but that was $35 or $40.
So by the time I was done it cost close to $600 ( not counting cost of speakers) to change out back two speakers.

I was livid because I have the tools, knowledge, am familiar with the can-bus systems and got in a hurry.

 

[Chris T]

2015 Ram 2500 Limited 8.4AN and the full speaker compliment.

I have been trying to piece together a speaker replacement solution. I like the 8.4AN for what it is. My hearing is bad enough now that high quality and mediocre quality sound about the same to me. What I need is clarity, so I want to replace my speakers and sub.

So... does anybody have a list of what I need? Do I need an interface between the 8.4 and new speakers? Amp? Sub type and size? Additional harnesses?

I haven't messed with car audio for about 15 years, so I am officially lost. I should add that I want to keep all of my exisisting speaker locations, just guve them a better piece of hardware.

Thanks for any pointers in advance.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk