5th Gen Stock Stereo Upgrade Options?

[Patsy1099]

On the back wall, there are a number of metal standoffs where wire clips plug in - they sit about 1/2" from the back wall. With some careful measurements you can screw your amp rack to these standoffs - this is the route I took, seemed to work well. Pics related

Feel free to message me if you have other questions, and good luck!

@RichInMN what happened to your 5,000 watt write-up thread? It’s gone!

 

[RichInMN]

@RichInMN what happened to your 5,000 watt write-up thread? It’s gone!

It went sideways - like internet troll sideways... I deleted it. I'll just stalk people who need help and offer assistance that way instead

 

[Turbo1895]

On the back wall, there are a number of metal standoffs where wire clips plug in - they sit about 1/2" from the back wall. With some careful measurements you can screw your amp rack to these standoffs - this is the route I took, seemed to work well. Pics related

Feel free to message me if you have other questions, and good luck!

This is straight up stereo porn especially the last photo. You did exactly what i was think of doing. Looks like you used to separate power caps on the passenger side after the power distribution block. I was thinking of doing 1 large cap prior to the block but this is a better set-up for sure. What size cable did you run from the battery to the distribution block, I was planning on using 1/0 cable. Also how much room is there from the back of the seat to the rear wall. Did you end up reinstalling the rear carpet on the back wall or did you leave the sound mat exposed.

Sorry for all the questions but you already completed the project, exactly how I want to do mine. Thanks for posting

 

[Turbo1895]

It went sideways - like internet troll sideways... I deleted it. I'll just stalk people who need help and offer assistance that way instead

Stalk away, I appreciate all the help. When you start tearing into a month old truck it can be a little unnerving. Seeing how someone else completed their system and hearing about what worked and what didn't, is extremely helpful!

 

[RichInMN]

This is straight up stereo porn especially the last photo. You did exactly what i was think of doing. Looks like you used to separate power caps on the passenger side after the power distribution block. I was thinking of doing 1 large cap prior to the block but this is a better set-up for sure. What size cable did you run from the battery to the distribution block, I was planning on using 1/0 cable. Also how much room is there from the back of the seat to the rear wall. Did you end up reinstalling the rear carpet on the back wall or did you leave the sound mat exposed.

Sorry for all the questions but you already completed the project, exactly how I want to do mine. Thanks for posting

Here, I'll send you a write-up and a bunch of pictures in a DM. I took measurements for someone else on the clearance back there, I'll go find that and send it your way too.

 

[Patsy1099]

It went sideways - like internet troll sideways... I deleted it. I'll just stalk people who need help and offer assistance that way instead

Wow what a shame. That was such a great thread and write-up. I went looking for it to cross reference it here for a few people in this thread. You took a lot of time with that. Glad you’re still here helping though!

 

[RichInMN]

Wow what a shame. That was such a great thread and write-up. I went looking for it to cross reference it here for a few people in this thread. You took a lot of time with that. Glad you’re still here helping though!

You've been helping a lot of folks too - I see you out there

 

[Patsy1099]

You've been helping a lot of folks too - I see you out there

just trying to pay it forward brother

 

[merdon1332000]

Completely finished with my install and here's my thoughts -
Started with a 2019 Ram 1500 base 6 speaker system
step 1 - Replaced all the speakers with JBL, specs are close to the C2 everyone is going with, No issues with ANC, 6x9 fit in all doors without spacers
step 2 - Installed cable from Netaudio - I can't say enough about Paul and his crew at netaudio, he has help with every question I had
step 3 - Installed LC6i, 5 Channel amp - Routing the wires was a PITA!! Removing all seats, and storage bucket helped,
step 4 - installed sub box from Fox and 2 10" kicker subs
Sound a 1000% better then stock and booms like crazy for 10" subs

Lesson learned -
1. Sound proofing hurts, I'd recommend removing the plastic cover and disconnecting the window to do the entire door, I will need to go back in the spring. Also recommend do the entire rear cab
2. Road kill foam is a waste of money
3. Don't over think it, the base 6 speaker system is super simple to upgrade, I really got my self worked up and honestly it was easier then replacing the HU
4. The rear seat folding mod worked like a champ

I'll post pictures when it gets warm again, in the mean time any questions feel free to ask while it's fresh in my head. Next up is lifting this thing and bigger tires

 

[sman301]

Completely finished with my install and here's my thoughts -
Started with a 2019 Ram 1500 base 6 speaker system
step 1 - Replaced all the speakers with JBL, specs are close to the C2 everyone is going with, No issues with ANC, 6x9 fit in all doors without spacers
step 2 - Installed cable from Netaudio - I can't say enough about Paul and his crew at netaudio, he has help with every question I had
step 3 - Installed LC6i, 5 Channel amp - Routing the wires was a PITA!! Removing all seats, and storage bucket helped,
step 4 - installed sub box from Fox and 2 10" kicker subs
Sound a 1000% better then stock and booms like crazy for 10" subs

Lesson learned -
1. Sound proofing hurts, I'd recommend removing the plastic cover and disconnecting the window to do the entire door, I will need to go back in the spring. Also recommend do the entire rear cab
2. Road kill foam is a waste of money
3. Don't over think it, the base 6 speaker system is super simple to upgrade, I really got my self worked up and honestly it was easier then replacing the HU
4. The rear seat folding mod worked like a champ

I'll post pictures when it gets warm again, in the mean time any questions feel free to ask while it's fresh in my head. Next up is lifting this thing and bigger tires

What jbl speaker did you go with?

sman301 sman301 sman301

 

[Turbo1895]

Completely finished with my install and here's my thoughts -
Started with a 2019 Ram 1500 base 6 speaker system
step 1 - Replaced all the speakers with JBL, specs are close to the C2 everyone is going with, No issues with ANC, 6x9 fit in all doors without spacers
step 2 - Installed cable from Netaudio - I can't say enough about Paul and his crew at netaudio, he has help with every question I had
step 3 - Installed LC6i, 5 Channel amp - Routing the wires was a PITA!! Removing all seats, and storage bucket helped,
step 4 - installed sub box from Fox and 2 10" kicker subs
Sound a 1000% better then stock and booms like crazy for 10" subs

Lesson learned -
1. Sound proofing hurts, I'd recommend removing the plastic cover and disconnecting the window to do the entire door, I will need to go back in the spring. Also recommend do the entire rear cab
2. Road kill foam is a waste of money
3. Don't over think it, the base 6 speaker system is super simple to upgrade, I really got my self worked up and honestly it was easier then replacing the HU
4. The rear seat folding mod worked like a champ

I'll post pictures when it gets warm again, in the mean time any questions feel free to ask while it's fresh in my head. Next up is lifting this thing and bigger tires

Congrats on finishing, Which fox box did you go with? Trying to decide which one I want and leaning towards the dual downward firing box they make.

 

[ksn240]

Congrats on finishing, Which fox box did you go with? Trying to decide which one I want and leaning towards the dual downward firing box they make.

I went with the ported box for 2 10” subs. Mine arrived yesterday. Will get it installed in the next few weeks.

 

[Turbo1895]

I went with the ported box for 2 10” subs. Mine arrived yesterday. Will get it installed in the next few weeks.

Just Ordered the same box yesterday, as well as (2) JL Audio W1v3-4 subs powered by a JL Audio JX500/1D amp. Ordered the netaudio 2 channel subwoofer harness to get the signal and remote turn on for the amp as well. I am going to leave all of the (already installed) JL Audio C2's speakers powered by the head unit for the time being and see how it all sounds installed together. If it doesn't sound the way I think & hope it should, I will purchase the PAC Amppro AP-4 CH41r.2 wiring harness and run everything off a JL Audio XD10005v2 amp and add an EQ.

Right now, I am just Hoping everything comes in this week and I can spend next weekend working on the install of the system. Below is a link to the harness I ordered from Netaudio. BTW, those guys are awesome, when I called to ask them some questions about the harness they ended up spending 40 minutes on the phone with me going every every detail and question that I had. There level of customer service was simply awesome and should be commended.

Dodge Ram Subwoofer Install Subwoofer Harness Converter

dodge ram radio t-harness, dodge ram radio harness, dodge ram harness, dodge ram radio t-harness, dodge ram radio harness, dodge ram harness

www.netaudiowf.com

 

[steve1982]

I used to work in a stereo shop. I installed window tint and custom stereo systems including impedance matching amplifiers, speakers, and head units for the best sound for the money. Even with that experience, this is the most confusing stereo system I've ever messed with. For everybody else looking for a TLDR, here you go:

I upgraded my four 6 x 9 speakers in my doors. I intentionally did not upgrade the speakers in the dash because I've read about the phase matching issues others have had.
I wired all four 6 x 9 speakers in accordance with the factory wiring diagram (+ to +, - to -). I had a horrible drone sound in the cab caused by the ANC as others have discussed (and they just sounded like **** overall). All 4 were OUT of phase (+ showed up on screen) with the dash speakers when checked with the "Speaker Pop" app (best $5 you could spend for this IMO).
The 3.5" dash speakers were both inverted in phase (- shows up on screen). I have to assume they knew what they were doing from the factory which is why they were wired inverted/reversed.
I wired all 6 speakers inverted/reversed and then verified they were all in phase with each other using the Speaker Pop app (all speakers showed "-" on the screen). After doing this, all drone issues caused by the ANC went away and the speakers sounded nice and clear with the amount of bass I was expecting.

Why they would produce a diagram indicating "positive" but want you to hook it to the "negative" will never make sense to me. Engineers just gotta engineer sometimes.

I'm just sharing my experience in hopes it will save somebody else some time.

 

[rah6887]

I used to work in a stereo shop. I installed window tint and custom stereo systems including impedance matching amplifiers, speakers, and head units for the best sound for the money. Even with that experience, this is the most confusing stereo system I've ever messed with. For everybody else looking for a TLDR, here you go:

I upgraded my four 6 x 9 speakers in my doors. I intentionally did not upgrade the speakers in the dash because I've read about the phase matching issues others have had.
I wired all four 6 x 9 speakers in accordance with the factory wiring diagram (+ to +, - to -). I had a horrible drone sound in the cab caused by the ANC as others have discussed (and they just sounded like **** overall). All 4 were OUT of phase (+ showed up on screen) with the dash speakers when checked with the "Speaker Pop" app (best $5 you could spend for this IMO).
The 3.5" dash speakers were both inverted in phase (- shows up on screen). I have to assume they knew what they were doing from the factory which is why they were wired inverted/reversed.
I wired all 6 speakers inverted/reversed and then verified they were all in phase with each other using the Speaker Pop app (all speakers showed "-" on the screen). After doing this, all drone issues caused by the ANC went away and the speakers sounded nice and clear with the amount of bass I was expecting.

Why they would produce a diagram indicating "positive" but want you to hook it to the "negative" will never make sense to me. Engineers just gotta engineer sometimes.

I'm just sharing my experience in hopes it will save somebody else some time.

Do you have the base 6 speaker system?
I've considered updating my door speakers to aftermarket, but the old school in me thinks it won't be worth it if I'm not going to power them with an amp.

 

[steve1982]

Do you have the base 6 speaker system?
I've considered updating my door speakers to aftermarket, but the old school in me thinks it won't be worth it if I'm not going to power them with an amp.

Yes, just the base 6 speaker system with the 8.4" deck. I bought some Kicker 3-way 6 x 9s and threw in there. They sound WAY better than the stock speakers. Those were garbage.
Also, don't always believe everything you read on Crutchfield about speakers fitting. I've had 2 of these Rams recently, 2017 and 2019, and I put speakers that "wouldn't fit" in both without issue. (I love Crutchfield, but they are airing on the side of caution in most cases)
Next up is Kicker 3.5" replacements for the dash. All 6 speakers are very easy to swap out.

 

[rah6887]

Yes, just the base 6 speaker system with the 8.4" deck. I bought some Kicker 3-way 6 x 9s and threw in there. They sound WAY better than the stock speakers. Those were garbage.
Also, don't always believe everything you read on Crutchfield about speakers fitting. I've had 2 of these Rams recently, 2017 and 2019, and I put speakers that "wouldn't fit" in both without issue. (I love Crutchfield, but they are airing on the side of caution in most cases)
Next up is Kicker 3.5" replacements for the dash. All 6 speakers are very easy to swap out.

Good to know, I may change them out then.
I've already done the dash speakers, huge improvement no doubt.
I just dread prying off door panels on a truck with less than 1k miles lol.
I was planning on adding a sub and amp, recently purchased an ANC bypass, but I'm torn about messing with the ANC.
Maybe after the new wears off I won't be so hesitant about all of the things I want to get done.

 

[steve1982]

Good to know, I may change them out then.
I've already done the dash speakers, huge improvement no doubt.
I just dread prying off door panels on a truck with less than 1k miles lol.
I was planning on adding a sub and amp, recently purchased an ANC bypass, but I'm torn about messing with the ANC.
Maybe after the new wears off I won't be so hesitant about all of the things I want to get done.

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. I'm just shy of 3k miles now so it's time to start tinkering.
The ANC system itself can be quite beneficial. I think a lot of folks have been getting screwed by Ram's weird wiring and ended up with speakers out of phase causing the ANC drone issues. Down the road, I'll probably add some subs too, but this will suffice for now.
As for the door panels, these are really easy. 2 little plastic covers you pop off, then 3 x 10mm bolts. Work around the edge and pop the plastic push-pins out. Then I just grab it by the handle and give it a firm pull to pop the last 4 up top. Disconnect the door lock and wire harness and you'll have plenty of room to work.

 

[rah6887]

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. I'm just shy of 3k miles now so it's time to start tinkering.
The ANC system itself can be quite beneficial. I think a lot of folks have been getting screwed by Ram's weird wiring and ended up with speakers out of phase causing the ANC drone issues. Down the road, I'll probably add some subs too, but this will suffice for now.
As for the door panels, these are really easy. 2 little plastic covers you pop off, then 3 x 10mm bolts. Work around the edge and pop the plastic push-pins out. Then I just grab it by the handle and give it a firm pull to pop the last 4 up top. Disconnect the door lock and wire harness and you'll have plenty of room to work.

I'm sold, will be purchasing speakers in the morning.
Did you get the same speakers for front & rear doors?
I've noticed some going 2 way in the front, and 3 way in the rear.
And you reversed the polarity on the doors, or did whatever to have all 6 speakers in phase, correct?

 

[steve1982]

I'm sold, will be purchasing speakers in the morning.
Did you get the same speakers for front & rear doors?
I've noticed some going 2 way in the front, and 3 way in the rear.
And you reversed the polarity on the doors, or did whatever to have all 6 speakers in phase, correct?

Yeah, I did the same speakers front and rear. For me, the 4 door speakers ended up being wired backwards, all 4. But that's what worked for me and may not totally be the same for you unfortunately. That "Speaker Pop" app at least got them to all be the same. Maybe check them with the app before you pull them out and let us know? I didn't have a chance to do that on mine.