I've got $$$$ to spend...

[FF in MN]

...on an upgraded audio system. $1500-$2000 is what I am willing to spend. I will be getting a 2014 2500 Longhorn CC in approx 8-10 wks. I am not a DIYer at all when it comes to car electronics (and very basic car audio knowledge in general) so this will have to be done by a shop. If this was my beater truck, I'd give it a shot but I'm dropping a lot of cash just to buy it so I want it done right. Going to meet with a few places to get ideas, but I wanted to go in somewhat "armed" so I know what I am talking about, what I want/don't want, not get screwed, etc. I don't want a bumping ghetto blaster, but I do want a kick ass, great sounding system with a little thump to it. CD player not necessary. I'm assuming I can keep the Uconnect and associated features (USB, Bluetooth, etc).

So fellas, if you had $1500-$2000 to spend,what would you recommend? Any advice/info/recommendations you guys can send my way is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gymkata]

From what I have read, I would suggest just getting the Kicker Stage III upgrade through Mopar. I am planning on doing that myself at some point. It seems to be the best bang for the buck, especially since it is specifically fitted to the Ram.

...Wait, I just read your post again and saw you are getting a 2500. I think the Kicker stereo upgrade is just for the 1500s, but I may be wrong.

 

[BossHogg]

From what I have read, I would suggest just getting the Kicker Stage III upgrade through Mopar.

I never could find the part number for the Mopar Kicker, seems they are only listed up to MY09.

I did find these two;
SoundGate DODGE | KICKER

 

[autokraftgt]

Nice budget and this is what I would run in your 2500 ( I have a 2500 too)
JBL MS-8 or Audison bit10 processor
Image Dynamics XS65 component set...6.5" midbass in front doors, tweeters in sail panels
Arc Audio KS300.4 amp powering front components
Custom center console subwoofer box with two Image Dynamics IDQ10's firing down in a sealed box.
Nice 2 channel amp with atleast 400-500 watts to each sub

No rear speakers
You will be very happy with a set up like this
It will be very musical, very dynamic, have a lot of output for "windows down" applications, and will cause new wrinkles from smiling

 

[baum]

For starters since you plan on this upgrade dont pay the extra for the alpine system.

If it was me i would run a good 4 channel amp. 2 channels going to a set of components up front, the other 2 channels bridged to a single or dual subs.

i would leave the rears hooked up to the stock deck power. they will be there for just a little rear fill and thats it. i have ran this exact same setup since about '02 and its always sounded great.

As for brands on a forum you will get many opinions. what i recommend is to find an audio shop near you and go and listen to what they have. what may sound good to me may sound like crap to you.

for 2k you can get a great sounding stereo.

 

[kkreit01]

Nice budget and this is what I would run in your 2500 ( I have a 2500 too)
JBL MS-8 or Audison bit10 processor
Image Dynamics XS65 component set...6.5" midbass in front doors, tweeters in sail panels
Arc Audio KS300.4 amp powering front components
Custom center console subwoofer box with two Image Dynamics IDQ10's firing down in a sealed box.
Nice 2 channel amp with atleast 400-500 watts to each sub

No rear speakers
You will be very happy with a set up like this
It will be very musical, very dynamic, have a lot of output for "windows down" applications, and will cause new wrinkles from smiling

This would sound 10x better than any "Kicker upgrade". However, there's no way all of that could be installed under budget. If OP wants to make a significant difference, I'd start with DSP (MS-8, RF 360.3, etc.), 5-ch amp, comps up front, and 1-2 subs in a custom box under rear seats. Even that will be tough do do under $2K of you don't DIY. Install is going to be a lot, and these are a major PITA to upgrade. You could go with AudioControl LC6i or LCQ-1 instead of the DSP. Unhook all the dash speakers, and leave the rears stock for now. You can always spend the $100-200 to upgrade them later. (You may want to leave the center dash speaker for Uconnect and Navi Voice commands.)

 

[Heywood]

I'm not sure about your budget, but you have to hear the Focal line of speakers.

Just had a stereo done in my wife's Jeep Wrangler.

Focal components up front, Focal co axle in the sound bar and Focal 12" sub in the back. Unbelievable. The component ones are hand made. Not Korean.

 

[FF in MN]

Thanks fellas, great inputs so far and a lot to digest.

 

[baum]

+1 for focal also..

 

[autokraftgt]

This would sound 10x better than any "Kicker upgrade". However, there's no way all of that could be installed under budget. If OP wants to make a significant difference, I'd start with DSP (MS-8, RF 360.3, etc.), 5-ch amp, comps up front, and 1-2 subs in a custom box under rear seats. Even that will be tough do do under $2K of you don't DIY. Install is going to be a lot, and these are a major PITA to upgrade. You could go with AudioControl LC6i or LCQ-1 instead of the DSP. Unhook all the dash speakers, and leave the rears stock for now. You can always spend the $100-200 to upgrade them later. (You may want to leave the center dash speaker for Uconnect and Navi Voice commands.)

Install would be over budget? lol
I guess my retail labor is a bit off since Iam a DIYer
Saves me money for better gear lol

 

[FF in MN]

Yeah...I could attempt to do all of this, but I want it done right the first time. Granted I pay more and I realize it limits "better" gear, but it saves me a lot of stress. I'm guessing I can still get a fairly decent system for $2k and having a shop do it for me?

 

[Graygoose]

From what I have read, I would suggest just getting the Kicker Stage III upgrade through Mopar. I am planning on doing that myself at some point. It seems to be the best bang for the buck, especially since it is specifically fitted to the Ram.

...Wait, I just read your post again and saw you are getting a 2500. I think the Kicker stereo upgrade is just for the 1500s, but I may be wrong.

It's for the 1500, not 2500.

But sure it won't compare to an over budget aftermarket system, it is a plug and play and will have just as much added enthusiasm than any custom system, yet retain all factory steering controls, and not harm warranty.

 

[man n black]

Honestly I am an OLD audiophile and car audio geek...I have the Alpine setup in my truck and it's not as bad as ppl say....I would like a little more bass though and someone recently did a DIY thread for the Kicker 10" subwoofer and that looked easy and a quality upgrade (600 bucks). You could slso throw some sound deadening on the doors for improved performance.

Personally this is what I plan on. I would then spend my savings on other things...say a nice progressive spring level and Bilstiens..or HID's

Ch

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Power247]

Since you are getting the Longhorn you are probably getting the factory "Alpine" system anyway. It is not THAT bad but the mini sub does leave a lot to desire. Your local shop will show you what is in your budget. You can probably count on $1200 - $1500 for 2 subs and an amp installed. I got this quote for my 2500 yesterday from a local shop. I like to get a baseline cost but will be doing the install myself. Anyway, this still leaves you some budget left to replace the front speakers with some quality components and leave the rears as is. Paying someone to install really digs into the budget...

 

[FF in MN]

^^yeah it really does eat into the budget unfortunately. If it was my old Silvy I'm trading in, I'd be a little more adventurous in trying to do it myself. With a brand new Longhorn...not so much!

 

[FF in MN]

Two weeks of research and after talking to a few shops, this is what I think I am getting, and within my budget. Thoughts?
Doors
JL Audio C2 Component System w/ 6" Woofer and 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter
Rears
JL Audio C2 5.25" Coaxial Speakers
Amp
JL Audio XD1000/5v2 100x4 and 600x1 five channel amplifier
Subs
JL Audio Dual Ported 8W3v3-4 Enclosure 2 ohm load

 

[Power247]

Two weeks of research and after talking to a few shops, this is what I think I am getting, and within my budget. Thoughts?
Doors
JL Audio C2 Component System w/ 6" Woofer and 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter
Rears
JL Audio C2 5.25" Coaxial Speakers
Amp
JL Audio XD1000/5v2 100x4 and 600x1 five channel amplifier
Subs
JL Audio Dual Ported 8W3v3-4 Enclosure 2 ohm load

Should sound very good. You do not have the 'Alpine' system do you?

 

[autokraftgt]

Two weeks of research and after talking to a few shops, this is what I think I am getting, and within my budget. Thoughts?
Doors
JL Audio C2 Component System w/ 6" Woofer and 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter
Rears
JL Audio C2 5.25" Coaxial Speakers
Amp
JL Audio XD1000/5v2 100x4 and 600x1 five channel amplifier
Subs
JL Audio Dual Ported 8W3v3-4 Enclosure 2 ohm load

If you dropped the c2 coaxial in the rear doors and invested that money towards higher end JL C5 components up in the front doors, you would be a much happier guy!
C2 components are good, C5 components are a big jump up in quality.

 

[Etroze86]

^^^^^^ this all the way the C5's are really that much better.

 

[baum]

i have to agree with what they are saying just leave the stock in the rear.

on a side note. i would look into a 10 or 12. an 8 in the large cab will not be too much more than your stock.

on a side note where in MN are you? i have a buddy that owns a show in the richfield area.