Replacing 8.4 in DT 2021 Ram.

[rotwiler]

My 21 Ram DT with the think its uam radio, non nav has a odd kind of hiss on certain songs, (tried flac on usb, mp3, xm, android auto etc)or a faint static type sound. Only in the middle to upper feq, a rap song with deeper vocals and bass I don't hear it. But many rock and songs with higher vocals it sounds bad. I bypassed anc, manually updated my radio through USB and removed fuse F44, left it out 15 mins, nothing helps. Even replaced all 6 speakers jbl 3 way in back, kenwood 6x9 3.5 component set front, no changes in the odd sound. Random it will sound good, but sounds bad 80% of time. If anyone ran into this, could you let me know a possible fix. I even added a infinity dsp amp, same issue. The firmware for the 2021 radio I have was different than the 19-20 DTs. I may need to get a radio off Ebay. If I do need to go another 8.4 route, will any work from 19-21 DTs or stick with 21. Or will nav model work, seen some cheaper than non nav before, I dont care about nav?, I use Google anyway. Would all in need is unlock code? Want to make sure my trailer steering, trailer tpms etc all work. Thanks in advance. If I decided to go uconnect 5, would I just need the Ram 8.4 radio, harness kit and radio code? Never know with Ram if needs something added to recognize it. I just want to keep fuctions. Only had truck 2 months and that odd static or hiss is driving me crazy. I had a 13 Ram before and replaced non nav with a 2015 nav radio, it always sounded good, never this odd sound like I am hearing with this radio

 

[kellgp]

Yes, a 8.4" non-nav from a 19-21 new body style will be plug and play. Just need the theft code to unlock the new radio. If you get a non-nav 8.4 from a 22+ it is UConnect 5. You need the unlock code from a dealer, a adapter harness for the main connection, adapter for USB, and one of the Fakra connections. The 3 adapters are available on eBay for $125.

If you go with a Uconnect 5 unit you will likely lose your zoom function on the back up camera. And you lose USB media hub control. You phone will still charge, but the radio doesn't recognize it is plugged in. Not a big deal as the unit has wireless CarPlay and Bluetooth to connect to the phone.

The Navigation units have a separate screen and radio module.

 

[rotwiler]

Appreciate the response, I found a 8.4 radio from a 21 Ram with under 20k Miles on lkq for under $200, got unlock code from ebay for $3. Works/looks perfect. I still get a static sound in high freq on only certain songs, so I don't think radio is the issue. I also installed a key 200.4 amp. I found my Samsung s25 ultra, is eq in sound settings is enabled it affects sound in android auto, also if atmos is enabled, also changes sound or those settings for certain ages to make sound better during calls, but affects AA audio also. Much better once I set phones eq flat and turned off all the extra stuff.

 

[rotwiler]

I found that songs with certain vocals have odd static sound, many 80s rock, newer stuff like Teddy Swims, benson boone etc. Techno sounds fantastic like listening in big $ system in truck, gets really loud and bass is fantastic on the 6x9s. Frustrating, the kicker key 200.4 90% rap, all techno, EDM music, most country is clear, great bass, then rock music is just ugh, not very loud, certain vocals sound bad. I had a infinity dsp before the kicker, same issue, replaced 8.4 radio, same issue. Is making me frustrated. Anc is not connected. My last hope is possibly getting a 3.5 up front with no dedicated tweeter to possibly help with that odd sound, I kind of want to upgrade the key 200.4 to a 100w x 4 or 5 channel to add a sub, but not if it will amplify the odd sound. Wondering also if key loc might help. Had alpine system in last Ram and loved the sound with Infinity speakers added and 2 12s.