5th Gen Stock Stereo Upgrade Options?

[Bacoviah]

I unplugged and removed the ANC completely. I then just tapped the front/rear speaker wires directly from the radio and routed them into my DSR1. Everything works fine and just like before (bluetooth, Navigation, chimes, alerts, etc.). I have no extra noise from subs from the noise cancellation, but I also don't have the noise cancellation. It's not a big deal. My music is usually loud enough I wouldn't hear that anyways....

You may be able to use a DSP between the radio rear speaker signal and the ANC. Split the signal and send the low pass to the sub and full band to the ANC (don't change anything else). That might work to keep the ANC with an upgraded system. I don't think it would be worth it though.. and may not even work.

Maybe I missed it but where did you end up for the grounds. Any noise issues?

 

[YoAdrian]

What audio package do you have . My alpine package were 2 ohm and the output was crossed over electronic

I have the stock 6 speaker system.

 

[Hackmunch]

I have the stock 6 speaker system.

Ok the 9 speaker alpine were 2 ohm

 

[Bacoviah]

So besides the dsr1 and the 4 plug harness is there anything else needed to delete the factory amp? I don’t need the other maestro module?

 

[WRH]

Maybe I missed it but where did you end up for the grounds. Any noise issues?

My system didn't have the factory sub, and I used that location to mount my Amps and Crossovers. I used one of the threaded bolt locations for the sub that was unused and covered with tape. No noise at all, and I stacked the ground wires from both amps (4 and 10 gauge).

 

[Bacoviah]

My system didn't have the factory sub, and I used that location to mount my Amps and Crossovers. I used one of the threaded bolt locations for the sub that was unused and covered with tape. No noise at all, and I stacked the ground wires from both amps (4 and 10 gauge).

Thanks for the reply.

 

[YoAdrian]

Ok dudes, I received my dash wiring harnesses, installed the JL 3.5s with the bass blockers, and updated my previous install post here. Feel free to read all my details, but in summary... after a little trimming and wiring I am much happier with the sound. 6x9s are next... so has anyone tried fitting JL Audio 6x9s in the doors yet?

 

[Bacoviah]

Ok dudes, I received my dash wiring harnesses, installed the JL 3.5s with the bass blockers, and updated my previous install post here. Feel free to read all my details, but in summary... after a little trimming and wiring I am much happier with the sound. 6x9s are next... so has anyone tried fitting JL Audio 6x9s in the doors yet?

It looks like that location might have a slight angle to them? Kinda hard to tell in the pic.

 

[YoAdrian]

It looks like that location might have a slight angle to them? Kinda hard to tell in the pic.

Maybe a slight list to port? Fixed tweeters though, so not much to do.

Continuing onward from my previous install post on the “simple” speaker swap, I checked the front door for 6x9 space. Looks ok for the model I ordered, but...

Removing the door panels was a bit scary. The little pop panel behind the door handle was TIGHT, second panel easier using nylon pry tools. Three bolts were easy. Bottom trim fasteners tight but manageable to pop out. There are also upper trim fasteners up along the window that are really tight too though, they just pop straight out from the door but man I was afraid I was torqueing plastic at that point. It was dark, here are some not so good photos:

Getting the cable off the handle was difficult too... bring needle nose pliers. You have to first pull the handle out to extend the cable, then grab the cable while it’s extended and pull it outward to line it up with the “escape” slot, then lift it out... all while supporting the door and not letting it get scratched, and you are still not done. Still holding the door, using needle nose pliers gently squeeze the plastic cable fastener to release it from its little port. Then you can pull the cable out and set the door panel safely in the back seat.

More to follow (here) after my 6x9s arrive this week. Tweeters may be too tall.

 

[Bacoviah]

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. The slight angle dash location is a good thing. I was hoping it was. Been following your posts since I’m starting mine next week. Looking good.

 

[YoAdrian]

Continuing onward from my previous install post on the “simple” speaker swap, I checked the front door for 6x9 space. Looks ok for the model I ordered... More to follow after my 6x9s arrive this week. Tweeters may be too tall.

Right up front I'll mention, although I was initially having intermittent ANC problems before I changed speakers, the ANC problem has gotten worse after replacing my 6x9s. Now the ANC is generating loud droning noise in conjunction with specific RPMs (eg 1500, 2500). After test driving it is persistent and unacceptable, so I have deactivated the ANC system using this procedure. I will do without the ANC system until I can have it tested by service. UPDATED 5/31/19: Ram service has a TSB to fix the ANC, worked for my system, now I have upgraded speakers AND no hum/drone.

My JL Audio 6x9s arrived and are now installed.

Install: Overall the install was easy after I figured out the door panels (previous post). The speakers themselves fit fine (see wire harness caution next), and I could fit the bushing/spacers on top of the speaker too (these protect the tweeter). I had to tuck/wrap the cable harnesses carefully to the sides of the speaker because if you don't they will hang down in front of the window mechanism... had a scare when testing window movement, my left speaker went out. Turns out the window had snagged the connector and yanked it off. After opening the door panel up, reconnecting the harness, and tucking it to the side everything seems to fit fine.

Sound: The sound is quite good (according to my ears) for a base system upgrade. I'm only a mild audiophile, so YMMV of course. The volume balance between the dash JL 3.5s and the door JL 6x9s is spot-on perfect! I've been experimenting with equalizer and balance settings... so far I find a perfectly centered balance setting works great. I have set the bass and midrange at +4 and the treble at +2 or +3... sounds nice although it depends on the music type I'm listening to. I like bass and vocals, and usually prefer rounding off the treble. I think the JLs have a nice gentle tweeter which is what drew me to them. Not excessively bright.

My bottom line: If you want to do a speaker swap the JL C2 line is a good one to go with for sound quality, as long as you don't mind trimming the 3.5" speaker a bit, being careful with the 6x9 wire harness routing, and if you are ready to potentially DISABLE the ANC system. For me the sound quality was easily worth the hassle, I am a much happier listener now that those 6 flat lifeless stock speakers are gone.

 

[Bacoviah]

I’m under the impression that using the dsr1 in maestro mode deletes the ANC. I guess this is not the case?

 

[YoAdrian]

I’m under the impression that using the dsr1 in maestro mode deletes the ANC. I guess this is not the case?

I took a more basic upgrade path than @WRH and limited myself to a speaker swap only; no DSP in my system, and my stock amp/ANC is still hooked up. If ANC continues to cause problems I'll likely disconnect the microphones but for now it stays.

 

[YoAdrian]

Updated my post above, my buggy ANC hates the replacement 6x9s, and is generating more low loud hum than before as rpm changes.. I have disconnected it. Sure wish it could be recalibrated.

 

[Bacoviah]

I took a more basic upgrade path than @WRH and limited myself to a speaker swap only; no DSP in my system, and my stock amp/ANC is still hooked up. If ANC continues to cause problems I'll likely disconnect the microphones but for now it stays.

Gotcha. My bad. I probably read that somewhere amd forgot. We will be starting a total stock guy and adding a whole new system Saturday. Wish me luck.

 

[WRH]

I’m under the impression that using the dsr1 in maestro mode deletes the ANC. I guess this is not the case?

The six speaker base cannot use Maestro mode. Hooking up the DSR1 in Maestro mode bypasses the amp and ANC. You will not use it at all. And I'd suggest bypassing the ANC in six speaker mode too, although you can get away with using it (but probably see issues like YoAdrian explained).

 

[YoAdrian]

The six speaker base cannot use Maestro mode. Hooking up the DSR1 in Maestro mode bypasses the amp and ANC. You will not use it at all. And I'd suggest bypassing the ANC in six speaker mode too, although you can get away with using it (but probably see issues like YoAdrian explained).

I am very happy with my base six speaker swap... the JLs sound great, but I had to disconnect the ANC microphones and thus disable that system. I am satisfied with the cabin noise level without noise cancelling... way better than listening to it droning on and off! That ANC system needs a redesign, or at least a calibration procedure. UPDATE: awaiting replacement ANC module, on back order as of 12/5/18.

 

[Bacoviah]

The six speaker base cannot use Maestro mode. Hooking up the DSR1 in Maestro mode bypasses the amp and ANC. You will not use it at all. And I'd suggest bypassing the ANC in six speaker mode too, although you can get away with using it (but probably see issues like YoAdrian explained).

Gotcha. I’m actually going to be deleting the oem amp and the ANC. I have the HK 12” set up. Thanks for he heads up though.

 

[RedRamRedRam]

I found the product I will use to being the upgrade process. This allows you to keep the factory deck, but adds a ton of advanced features we wouldn't have otherwise (like timing). This also explains why upgrading modern systems is so complicated.

For the 2019 Dodge Ram (which is supported... many vendors don't know this yet but I spoke with Maestro directly), we need the ACH4 Harness.

Heck yeah!!!!

 

[Kork]

So, sorry if this is basic or a repost but just want to be sure. I have the 8.4 lcd in a big horn but the basic 6 speaker sounds system (i believe). Can i replace the corner dash speakers with 3.5 speakers and the four doors with 6x9? I believe i have ANC. Do i need anything other than the speakers and a wiring harness for each? I have i thing coming out of the center dash speaker and don’t need to replace anything there, correct? Crutchfield says something about the ohms and that volume will be lower and so, I’ll admit, I’m thoroughly confused here. Any guidance would be very much appreciated!