I'm looking at integrating a factory sub with the 6 speaker 8.4 system. What all will be needed to install the sub? I'm not looking for a crazy amount of thump, just something more than the stock speakers provide.
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There is the Kicker SRAMCQ09, an add on sub to the factory system. http://www.kicker.com/SRAMCQ09
I added the Kicker Hideaway sub. It's not going to rattle the windows but it definitely makes the stock system sound better, helps fill in the lower end. http://www.kicker.com/hideaway
If you haven't already, upgrade your front speakers with the 77KICK28ab speakers. They are Plug&Play and make a huge difference.
Are they vastly better than the CS series upgrade? The CS comes with harness adapters making them plug and play. Also, just how much better is the kicker sub than the stock 8". I'm not looking a huge amount of bass to the truck as I'm not overly upset about the stock bass and I'm sure it'll increase with the CS upgrade. I'm just looking to add a little more low end extension to the system. I guess what I'm saying is, I can pick up a stock 8" off eBay for ~$180, is it worth it to pay $700 instead. This is just a daily driver that I want to add a little better sound to. I've got a weekend driving lifted Chevy with a full system in it when I want high quality sound and thumping bass.
I'm not familiar with the CS series, but the 77KICK28 are a drop in component speakers (6X9 w/tweeter) for the factory set up, I would imagine the sound quality is similar.
As far as buying a factory 8" sub off of eBay, you'll need an amplifier to power it too. The amplifier for the factory sub is under the dash and also powers the other 8 speakers in the Alpine speaker system.
The Kicker Hideaway sub has a built in amplifier. Depending on where you tap the speaker inputs at, the kit comes with everything you need to put it behind the rear seat in a crew cab.
I just replaced all my factory speakers with the Kicker CS series (see my review on main page for audio here http://www.ramforum.com/threads/my-review-thoughts-on-kicker-cs-speaker-upgrade.114056/ ) and I can tell you these speakers DESTROY the stock or the kicker drop in speakers you are talking about. Definitely UPGRADE to these and you'll never look back.
I've read nothing but good things about the CS speakers. I think I have a pretty good idea now of what type of system I'm gonna run. I really don't feel like having to run a full amplified system in this truck. So, if the CS series provide more than the stock and with only adding the 150 watts from the Hideaway, it sounds like a pretty good deal for less than $400. I'm not terribly disappointed with the stock speakers, just need a little more low end and with being able to boost the mods and highs so cheap, why not.
I'm not expecting this to match the system I have in my other truck consisting of Infinity Kappa Perfects and 2 Infinity 10's, but just a little better audio experience goes a long way in my book.
I've read nothing but good things about the CS speakers. I think I have a pretty good idea now of what type of system I'm gonna run. I really don't feel like having to run a full amplified system in this truck. So, if the CS series provide more than the stock and with only adding the 150 watts from the Hideaway, it sounds like a pretty good deal for less than $400. I'm not terribly disappointed with the stock speakers, just need a little more low end and with being able to boost the mods and highs so cheap, why not.
I'm not expecting this to match the system I have in my other truck consisting of Infinity Kappa Perfects and 2 Infinity 10's, but just a little better audio experience goes a long way in my book.
oh..one more thing. I thought my truck speakers were "ok" too until I took them out, (you won't believe how cheap they are!), replaced them, and heard these new kickers.
I honestly don't even NEED a sub now...at this point I'm getting very good bass...I just want MORE![]()
In regards to install of the sub and integrating it with the factory head unit, does the remote lead run to all speakers or is it strictly at the head unit?
Got pics of your setup?I added a 8" Pioneer shallow sub to the factory box, filled it with poly fill and add a LC2i to get RCA's for a Rockford 250 watt amp.
Accu Bass FTW !!!
You can usually get the VSS amp and sub for about $450.For some reason I thought you gave me the link for the Kicker VSS and I absolutely refuse to drop that much on a sub system only putting out 200 watts. The hideaway seems perfect for what I am trying to accomplish and I can literally put it anywhere in the cab which is a plus. In regards to the install, how would I go about sending signal and turn to the amp? I've only ever dealt with an aftermarket head unit with dedicated sub and speaker RCA inputs.