Finally Upgrades !

[Caldwell]

After really thinking about what goals I want to accomplish this year on the truck. Here is one portion of the overall build...


This will be " Stage 1 " of my audio build. I already like the amount of bass punch from the OEM system, but I would'nt mind cleaning it up a bit. I like the storage under the rear seats, so I dont really want to put a sub in the truck. from what I have read from other members that doing a simple speaker upgrade makes the OEM system sound leaps and bounds better...

speakers will be installed on Thursday, and cant wait !


Dash - 3.5'' Rockford Fosgate P132

Doors - ( 4 ) 6x9'' Alpine SPE-6090

Doors - ( 4 ) Dynamat 12x12'' speaker sheets


Just looking to improve the SQ a little over OEM. hopefully this will satisfy my audio needs for a little while.

 

[Graygoose]

Changing speakers alone will really help. try that, and if you still want more, you can always add a small 4 channel amp.

 

[kkreit01]

What did you start with? If you have the 430/730 Alpine system, you do not have a full-range signal going to the front doors. Thus, you will probably be disappointed in your RF 6x9s up there. Mounting depth is also limited in front.

 

[arod412]

I always drool when someone starts to work on the audio of their ram. Only because i have no funds to start my projects. I love all of the custom on either 6x9 or component speakers on the doors. Speakers will definately help in the beginning, but i see alot of people replacing their head units first.

 

[Caldwell]

I have the base stereo ( RES ) on the HU I believe. there is nothing on my build sheet stating any factory upgrades.

In my previous 05' Explorer, I had the following set up.

Pioneer 8200HD Head Unit ( at the time, it was on the upper mid range HU )
Kenwood Excelon 6x8's F/R Doors ( Dynamat speaker locations )
Kenwood Excelon XR-4S 4 Ch Amp @ 4 Ohms
Kenwood Excelon XR-1S 1 Ch Amp @ 2 Ohms
RE SXX10D2 10'' Ported Sub
Appropriate wiring through out.

IMO that system was nuts and it had really good SQ, but could rock the **** out of the explorer.


Now being on a stock platform again, im actually fairly impressed by the oem base sound system. it has acceptable bass punch for me, and clarity wise its not god awful, but it can use a clean up job. as i posted earlier i really dont want to put a sub in the truck, cause i like the under seat storage.


Now if I want to amp the speakers later, are you guys only amping the door speakers ?? and I thought when you amp the speakers it only makes them sound really clear, but have no bass response what so ever. I would love to amp the speakers, but i still want to maintain decent bass punch. thats why im only starting with speakers.

 

[Caldwell]

update.

picked up the truck about an hour ago from the shop. Installer advised the doors were no trouble, and the dash needed a slight modification to fit the Rockford's.

First impressions - the forum does not lie folks. the speakers are a significant upgrade, even without having to add the use of a amp, or sub. the truck sounds overall much clearer, and not quite as scratchy. the bass response sounds much more controlled, and giving a much cleaner hit.

so far im very happy with the investment, i cant wait for the speakers to break in a bit