Ram Dash Speakers--A Weighty Comparison

[PowrRam]

I leased my 2015 Ram Big Horn with the Alpine 9 speaker system. I replaced the corner dash speakers with Polk Audio DB351 3.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers. My lease was up so I removed the Polk's and replaced them with the dash speakers that came with the Alpine system. After removing the Polk's and before re-installing the stock Alpine speakers I weighed the speakers.

I turned in my 2015 and am now leasing a 2018 Big Horn. Couldn't get the Alpine speaker system (not available as an option on Big Horn's anymore) so I have the stock system. After removing the stock dash speakers and before installing the Polk speakers I weighed the stock speakers.

Here are the results:












As you can see the Polk speakers have the heaviest magnet, the stock speakers the lightest, an expected result. I can say that there is only a slight difference between the sound quality of the Alpine speakers vs. the stock speakers. Since I couldn't do a direct comparison this is based on "listening memory"--by listening to the same couple of songs a day or two apart across all three sets of speakers. ("December" by Collective Soul and "Every Day is a Winding Road" by Sheryl Crow. These songs have excellent stereo separation and a wide dynamic of instrumental sound.)

The Polk's clarity of sound is noticeable, however. This is especially apparent when listening to higher frequency sounds like cymbals. Compared to the Polk's the stock speakers make cymbals sound like they are being routed through a Kazoo filter--the cymbals sound raspy and splattered sounding. The Polk's are sharp and clear. I've found I have to turn down the treble response a tad with the Polk's.

Hope this post is informative to the group.

 

[TomT]

A speaker’s weight can be a little misleading. If it uses a Neodymium magnet then it can be both lighter and smaller, and still handle lots of power.

In this case, the weights match the quality.

1.The stock system speakers are complete crap.

2. The Alpine system speakers are not actually Alpine, only the amp/processor was designed by them as far as I know.

3. The Polks are definitely better but they get additional weight from having the added tweeters. This is also why they (obviously) will have a much better top end than the others.

Definitely a good choice to swap them.

 

[PowrRam]

A speaker’s weight can be a little misleading. If it uses a Neodymium magnet then it can be both lighter and smaller, and still handle lots of power.

In this case, the weights match the quality.

1.The stock system speakers are complete crap.

Yep, pretty much.

2. The Alpine system speakers are not actually Alpine, only the amp/processor was designed by them as far as I know.

I agree. Here's a pic of the backside of the dash speaker that came with the Alpine system.

3. The Polks are definitely better but they get additional weight from having the added tweeters. This is also why they (obviously) will have a much better top end than the others.

Definitely a good choice to swap them.

Probably the cheapest and easiest way to improve your Ram's stereo system is replacing the dash speakers. And they can be removed and the stock ones re-installed when you get rid of your vehicle. (Note: for ease of installation the Polk's required buying a wiring adapter.)

 

[PowrRam]

Q. Do the dash speakers and in-door speakers in the new generation (2019-up) have the same size and mounting holes as the 4th generation? (2009-2018)

In other words, will these dash speakers fit in my new Ram I will lease in three years? If I upgrade the door speakers in my 2018, will they fit in my 2021?

 

[rotwiler]

Whole reason the aftermarket speakers sound better is stock alpine has no tweeter, just full range cheap cone. Here is a stock alpine 3.5 vs jbl gx302.

 

[gofishn]

A speaker’s weight can be a little misleading. If it uses a Neodymium magnet then it can be both lighter and smaller, and still handle lots of power.

In this case, the weights match the quality.

1.The stock system speakers are complete crap.

2. The Alpine system speakers are not actually Alpine, only the amp/processor was designed by them as far as I know.

3. The Polks are definitely better but they get additional weight from having the added tweeters. This is also why they (obviously) will have a much better top end than the others.

Definitely a good choice to swap them.

Agreed. My Aftermarket ALpine SPR-6X9 door speakers have the neodymium magnes, so they are much smaller and lighter than normal 6X9's, reason they can fit in the Ram's limited depth door panels. Yet, they sound phenomenal.

Polk AUdio DB351 are bright. some say too bright, but I think it is simply a matter of proer blending. I have foiund they match up, nicle, with the alpine SPR door speakers. Polks run ofhead unit, doors are amped, so maybe that helps.

 

[ctdodge]

(Note: for ease of installation the Polk's required buying a wiring adapter.)

I'm considering upgrading my speakers - what is the number for the wiring adapter for these? Also, what's involved in doing this upgrade? I've seen videos on older (2015) Rams - is it the same as them - just pry off the screen, unscrew and replace?

 

[Jimmy07]

I'm considering upgrading my speakers - what is the number for the wiring adapter for these? Also, what's involved in doing this upgrade? I've seen videos on older (2015) Rams - is it the same as them - just pry off the screen, unscrew and replace?

Dash speaker wiring adapter- Metra 71-039C

Door speakers wiring adapter- Metra 72-6514

 

[PowrRam]

I'm considering upgrading my speakers - what is the number for the wiring adapter for these?

My Polk dash speakers DB351--Metra 71-039C wiring adapter. The push on spade connectors on the end of the wiring adapter that connect to the speakers are two differing widths. The white wire on the adapter is positive (+) and is wider than the black wire negative (-). I presume that is the standard for all aftermarket Mopar type dash speakers, but I don't know for sure.

Here's a pic I took three years ago. Sorry I don't have a clear shot of the terminals on the end of the wiring harness but you can see the white terminal is wider than the black terminal. If you go with this wiring adapter any replacement speakers you use should have terminals of different widths.

Also, what's involved in doing this upgrade? I've seen videos on older (2015) Rams - is it the same as them - just pry off the screen, unscrew and replace?

Yep, pry off the plastic grille, tilt the front edge upwards and lift out. Ridiculously easy. You will want to use something non-metal to pry the edge of the grille loose. I had some plastic interior trim removal tools which were made for the job. I suppose you could wrap the end of a flat-bladed screwdriver with masking tape and carefully remove the grille without scratching it. Or maybe the long edge of a credit card under the lip of the speaker grille and then pry it up. (Hopefully the credit card won't snap in half!)

The hardest part of the job is getting the little hex head screws out of the dash. I ended up using a very small socket wrench and stood outside the truck with the door open, reaching my arm in from the outside.

Found this:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-ULk29KrSRJs/p_12071039/Metra-71-039C-Speaker-Wiring-Adapters.html

 

[Ram Night]

I am usinh the polk dash speakers and polk 6x9 rear door speaker in my non- alpine system in my 17 sport, and they sound great. I kept the front door speakers stick because the system puts more bass to thrm.

 

[gofishn]

I'm considering upgrading my speakers - what is the number for the wiring adapter for these? Also, what's involved in doing this upgrade? I've seen videos on older (2015) Rams - is it the same as them - just pry off the screen, unscrew and replace?

pretty much.

I used a small phillips bit for a nut driver and then used /4 socket over that to get it screwed down. kinda tight against the glass of the windsheild but not hard with a little thinking.