5th Gen Stock Stereo Upgrade Options?

[mch]

Almost donr

How did you get that trim piece off where you installed the Sub gain?

 

[Walski]

How did you get that trim piece off where you installed the Sub gain?

The whole bezel pops off after you remove the to screws in top under the little piece of rubber then I trimmed behind that sction with a dremmel

 

[Gozar]

Kenwood has released a 6x9 mid bass with a 3 1/2 coaxial excelon speaker package that looks very appealing. Just FYI

Five star audio on YouTube just did an install on a 4th gen.

I had excelons coaxials in my old ford and performed very well.


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I am installing these Kenwood Excelon KFC-X6903c component Direct Replacement speakers Saturday along with a pair of Excelon KFC-X694 co-axial 6x9's in the rear doors. I first tried the Kicker 43CSC354 3 1/2 inch in the dash but the metal tweeter is just a little too harsh for my tastes. The Kenwood Excelon 3 1/2 is using a Silk Balanced Dome tweeter. I used to use only Kenwood way back in the day.....like the 1980's kinda days. And I still listen to Rock from back then - Maiden, Priest, Scorps, ZZ Top so I am hoping it sounds good.

 

[kirkelli]

Pac just updated the amppro to work with non amplified systems. I would go this route but I have everything to replace my 5” radio this weekend with an aftermarket kenwood

Interesting,, this is not a bad deal considering you get Harness with package and also sounds like they have the resistors embedded.. Would like to hear from someone trying this out..

 

[KRField]

I am installing these Kenwood Excelon KFC-X6903c component Direct Replacement speakers Saturday along with a pair of Excelon KFC-X694 co-axial 6x9's in the rear doors. I first tried the Kicker 43CSC354 3 1/2 inch in the dash but the metal tweeter is just a little too harsh for my tastes. The Kenwood Excelon 3 1/2 is using a Silk Balanced Dome tweeter. I used to use only Kenwood way back in the day.....like the 1980's kinda days. And I still listen to Rock from back then - Maiden, Priest, Scorps, ZZ Top so I am hoping it sounds good.

Let me know how you like them! I am looking at these or DD Audio 6x9 components with the tweeter in the dash.


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[ghostface]

It definitely will not work. The Alpine/HK systems output flat low-level signals from the radio and use the canbus to control the installed amps for volume/eq/etc. The AP4 essentially duplicates the functionality of the amp and requires flat inputs and canbus input to control it. The base system outputs amplified speaker signals from the radio without the canbus radio controls, the ANC acts as a DSP and adds the noise-cancelling to the signal, and sends to the combined signal to the speakers.

However, what you can do (and what I am about to do today during my subwoofer install) is use the T-harness from the AP4 and splice into it before the ANC module (The ANC module has same connectors as the AMP in the Alpine system) to get a high-level speaker signal. You can output this directly to your amps (if they accept speaker-level inputs) or send those signals to a lineout converter before passing them on to your amps. I'll document my install and post it later.

Did you ever get this working? I got the same harness and wiring everything up, however, the only thing that doesnt work is the front left speaker...... no idea why.

 

[ghostface]

Could someone please point me to which harness is which and which wires are what on the two harnesses going into the what I’m assuming is the ANC box under the drivers seat. I see a black harness and a white harness.

 

[Gozar]

Let me know how you like them! I am looking at these or DD Audio 6x9 components with the tweeter in the dash.


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Well I decided that my budget did not support every upgrade I wanted to do so...I swapped out the Kickers for the Infinity Reference 3032 3.5” and I am very satisfied with the sound now. Great highs (no, I am not in Colorado ) but balanced and sweet, not harsh. I am putting the money into wheels, tires and a leveling kit. Do post whichever speakers you choose and how how you like them.

 

[Soldierguy]

So I haven’t read though this whole thread so I hope that I’m not asking a question/looking for info on this that has already been said but here goes. I was looking at replacing my stock base 6 speaker 8.4 no nav speakers. I got on crutchfield was looking through speakers that would work to replace my speakers and decided to live chat with 1 of their guys about what would work and he said this

Garrett

Gotcha, just so you are aware, Dodge/RAM did no make this easy, they did low impedance speakers for your setup, which we don't have any of that fit, so when you put normal 4 ohm speakers in, be aware you will have to turn up the volume more than previously as the speakers will be quieter in comparison

Garrett

Understood, this is the best option I have for your truck however, I would recommend if you are looking for more sound and bass, adding an amp, even a small one with these will make a huge difference. But these are the best options for speakers in your truck with the factory system, https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rXYEc222/cart/EmailCart.aspx?emKey=2294823

So I guess I’m asking if this guy feed me a line of bs to sale these more expensive speakers plus having to change my front speakers from 6x9 to 5 1/4, i feel that this would be a down grade, he said I have to do this or my front window will not roll down all the way anymore. Which that doesn’t make sense bc 1 they have 6x9 in there now and 2 even the better stock systems have 6x9s. I guess I want to know what I can do. I really would just like to add more sound.

 

[Patsy1099]

So I haven’t read though this whole thread so I hope that I’m not asking a question/looking for info on this that has already been said but here goes. I was looking at replacing my stock base 6 speaker 8.4 no nav speakers. I got on crutchfield was looking through speakers that would work to replace my speakers and decided to live chat with 1 of their guys about what would work and he said this

Garrett

Gotcha, just so you are aware, Dodge/RAM did no make this easy, they did low impedance speakers for your setup, which we don't have any of that fit, so when you put normal 4 ohm speakers in, be aware you will have to turn up the volume more than previously as the speakers will be quieter in comparison

Garrett

Understood, this is the best option I have for your truck however, I would recommend if you are looking for more sound and bass, adding an amp, even a small one with these will make a huge difference. But these are the best options for speakers in your truck with the factory system, https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rXYEc222/cart/EmailCart.aspx?emKey=2294823

So I guess I’m asking if this guy feed me a line of bs to sale these more expensive speakers plus having to change my front speakers from 6x9 to 5 1/4, i feel that this would be a down grade, he said I have to do this or my front window will not roll down all the way anymore. Which that doesn’t make sense bc 1 they have 6x9 in there now and 2 even the better stock systems have 6x9s. I guess I want to know what I can do. I really would just like to add more sound.

don't swap the 6x9 out for 5 1/4. I did Infinity ref 6x9 in the doors and infinity ref 3.5 in the dash. sounds great

 

[Soldierguy]

don't swap the 6x9 out for 5 1/4. I did Infinity ref 6x9 in the doors and infinity ref 3.5 in the dash. sounds great

So what did you with in the front doors, as in model number, and does your windows do just fine or did you have to get anything else to make it work. I guess I’m asking what all did you get to replace your stock speakers.

 

[boom3198]

I swapped all of my stock speakers, minus the tweeters, in my 19 3500 with kicker cs series, 3.5" in the dash and headliner and 6x9s in all 4 doors. The front doors i did have to make 3/4 mdf rings to space the speakers out as they hit the window guide in the door. at 3/4", it still allowed enough clearance to properly refit the door panel and the tweets on the 6x9 dont hit the panel.

I have (had) the HK level 2 factory stereo and it just didnt have anything behind it. Now I am running a PAC AmpPro4 on the 12" screen back to SKAR Audio RP-75.4AB for the 3.5"s, RP-150.4AB to the 6x9s, and a RP1500.1d to a SKAR VVX-12v3 D4, in a custom fiberglass/hybrid box i molded to the cargo spaces below the seat. Everything is even and clear all the way up and this thing will get loud.

 

[Jonathan19Limited]

Has anyone with the HK system replaced the stock 3.5" speakers in the front doors? I found that the Infinity 3032s were about a 1/2" too deep to fit where the stock speakers were. Judging by the depressions in the foam made by the door panel on the stock 3.5"s, it looked like spacing the Infinitys out would interfere with the door panel. The only other option I saw would be to cut the inner door panel out to give enough clearance, but I was hesitant to do that as I didn't know how close the window would be at that point.

 

[Patsy1099]

So what did you with in the front doors, as in model number, and does your windows do just fine or did you have to get anything else to make it work. I guess I’m asking what all did you get to replace your stock speakers.

all the specs are in my signature. I went with infinity reference for doors and dash, see sig for model numbers. Everything fits just fine. you need the metra wiring harness adapters but if you order the speakers from crutchfield they come for free automatically. The windows work just fine. I recommend installing with the windows down so you can see where the glass is when lowered in the door panels. you should zip tie the excess wiring nice and tight against the speaker and door so that it doesnt get snagged when the glass goes up and down. its all very simple. removing the door panel is the biggest pain. Start from the bottom and use your foot for leverage against the door. be careful to go easy so you don't snap all the tabs once the panel "gives way". you might also have anc issues so be prepared to mess with the polarity of the speakers or disconnecting the anc.

 

[Soldierguy]

all the specs are in my signature. I went with infinity reference for doors and dash, see sig for model numbers. Everything fits just fine. you need the metra wiring harness adapters but if you order the speakers from crutchfield they come for free automatically. The windows work just fine. I recommend installing with the windows down so you can see where the glass is when lowered in the door panels. you should zip tie the excess wiring nice and tight against the speaker and door so that it doesnt get snagged when the glass goes up and down. its all very simple. removing the door panel is the biggest pain. Start from the bottom and use your foot for leverage against the door. be careful to go easy so you don't snap all the tabs once the panel "gives way". you might also have anc issues so be prepared to mess with the polarity of the speakers or disconnecting the anc.

Thank you for the info. I know my truck does have anc or at least as far as I know it does. When you say mess with polarity of the speakers what do you mean or what did you have to do?

 

[sjsleuth]

I have the 6-speaker system in my RAM. NEEDED cleaner bass
Went with a smaller footprint.​

My goal was to take up as little room as possible and improve on the current sound stage along with adding a little more bottom.

So far no problems with this setup, NO Phase/Polarity Issues or ANC issues. I have been running this for about two weeks or more… blown away!! (I am an old Certified Car Audio Installer and use to compete in IASAC competitor ….Many many years ago.)

For the dash I went with the Hertz DCX 3.5. Sound is GREAT. Those really livened the front up – they gave the front a solid SOUND Stage.

ALL doors, I installed some mid-bass, CDT 69S 2 ohm – these do well in the mid-base and mid-range up to 7000 hertz. Very accurate mid-bass.

The Subwoofer is powered slim Cerwin Vega Subwoofer VPAS10 10”

Extremely happy with this setup, Night and day over the stock speakers and adding that subwoofer filled in the sound that was missing. The CDT Speakers are amazing… the mid bass is super. This is with a FACTORY Stereo… I cannot imagine what they would sound like with a 50w RMS amp to them… EPIC I would bet…. But for this and for well under $640.00 I am pretty happy with this. Enough Sub and mid bass and remains clean in the higher volume levels… WINNER WINNER… Chicken Dinner.

IF I was to do more in my YOUNGER days, switch the Subwoofer to a JL Audio Dual 10” setup with a great amplifier… that would be about it. This is a great COMBO as it is.

nice

 

[Dramire99]

I swapped all of my stock speakers, minus the tweeters, in my 19 3500 with kicker cs series, 3.5" in the dash and headliner and 6x9s in all 4 doors. The front doors i did have to make 3/4 mdf rings to space the speakers out as they hit the window guide in the door. at 3/4", it still allowed enough clearance to properly refit the door panel and the tweets on the 6x9 dont hit the panel.

I have (had) the HK level 2 factory stereo and it just didnt have anything behind it. Now I am running a PAC AmpPro4 on the 12" screen back to SKAR Audio RP-75.4AB for the 3.5"s, RP-150.4AB to the 6x9s, and a RP1500.1d to a SKAR VVX-12v3 D4, in a custom fiberglass/hybrid box i molded to the cargo spaces below the seat. Everything is even and clear all the way up and this thing will get loud.

You have any pics of the installation? Going a similar route and want to see how your box design was done... thanks

 

[AggieGuy90]

So just to be clear, I cannot use a step down on the rear speaker wire and install an amp? There is way too much info on here and some of it is very contradicting. I guess what I am asking is a cut and dry way to hook up an amp and subwoofers to the factory (non alpine) 6 speaker system with the 8” head unit.

 

[kirkelli]

Hey Ram friends.. I found this manufactor making speaker pods for our Ram Trucks... I've got a pair of the front speaker pods ordered.. Not sure yet if i will adapt to them until i get. if they beland in good i will keep.. Not sure if i will pait to match our wrap them with matching leather .. Will keep you posted. with pics when i get starte.. here are the pods. https://www.customspeakerpods.com/p...lDKSZe4vK4Ku5QIBzGblYRzBz6lUF3fxoC-LYQAvD_BwE

 

[PorBoy]

^^^^. I didn’t see where it indicates those are for the “ DT “ 2019 Ram.