Alpine System?

[tgunn]

I just recently traded my 2010 Ram in on a 2016 Bighorn but I am unsure of what system I have in it, Alpine or regular stock. The original window sticker says "6 speakers". Nothing about an Alpine system so I am guessing it is just stock. Can anyone tell me how to know for sure? Also if it's stock what is the best way to upgrade a non-Alpine system? Whole new head unit also or will the stock head unit provide enough performance to add upgrades to?

 

[Ramitiner]

New head unit for sure. You'd have to tap speaker wires for any upgrades with the stock unit. I did that at first... Trust me, go with the new head unit

 

[TomT]

If you had the Alpine, there would be a center speaker. It’s possible to build off of the factory head unit. You would start with a LOC (line out converter) and build from there.

A new head unit would get you things like CarPlay and Android Auto and very likely better sound. It would definitely make it easier to build a full system.

 

[Graygoose]

Like Tom mentioned, in center of dash would say Alpine, bet you have base audio.
Some amps you don't need an LOC, you can use hi speaker levels straight out.

 

[tgunn]

Thank you, it does not say Alpine so it definitely is the base system. Has anyone replaced the stock head unit? Wondering which ones fit and still will work with the steering wheel controls.

 

[TomT]

Most any double DIN should fit with minor modifications. You could go to Crutchfield and enter your truck info. There are literally 100 different ones to choose from so any recommendations by us would need a lot more info.

Have you checked out any shops in your area? Look for the ones that sell Focal, Dynaudio, Sinfoni, Mosconi, Helix, etc. Those are higher end brands and shops that sell them are normally better than the fly by night places that only sell Kenwood, Rockville, etc.

The better shops will almost always have more normal stuff like Alpine, JL, Kicker, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc. So you're mainly using the higher end brands as a shop benchmark since most of those brands are picky about who sells their stuff.

 

[tgunn]

I will check out Crutchfield. i forgot all about checking them out. Thanks!