Full Audio Upgrade from factory 6 speaker Uconnect 5 8.4 head unit

[bryanb1982]

This is my first time posting, but have been reading these for a long time. I've been doing tons of research on upgrading my sound system.

Current configuration:
- 2022 Ram 1500DT (new body style) Crew Cab Bighorn 4x4
- Stock Uconnect 5 8.4" head unit (would like to keep)
- Base 6 speaker system
- Equipped with ANC

Ideal Upgrade:
- Replace 6 factory speakers
- Add amp to power the 6 speakers
- Add 2x 10s or 2x 8s Sub
- Add amp for Subs
- Sub box i'm looking at (not stuck on sealed): Sealed Sub Box
** I picked this box because it was a mid range price and it fit under my seat without blocking the floor mats or cubbies in the floor.
- Behind seat mounting board for the components Behind Seat Mount

Alternate Upgrade:
- Replace 6 factory speaker
- Add Amp

For both options, I will add dampening matts in the doors.

The factory sound is crap and I would like to upgrade it. I'm not looking to go top of the line. I'm looking for a decent mid range setup. I'm open on price since I don't know what i'm even looking at for total build price on the 2 above options. What should I go with? Its much more complicated upgrading sound now than it was with my older vehicles. Between ANC bypass, DSP, the right ohms on the speakers..... its all a little confusing. I can do all the work myself and am comfortable with anything that is involved in the install. I just need to know what works well together and what harnesses I need.

 

[Rangerman]

I’d start with crutchfield just because their website has a good “what fits” tool.

I’d look at a 7 channel line level converter and then you can run amps for your speakers and amps off that.

Plan out your routings, power routings, and your line level converting and amps, see if you can find some builds on YT or audio forms.

My car stereo experience has always been its way more work than I thought it would be, but rewarding in the end.

 

[805myth1]

This is my first time posting, but have been reading these for a long time. I've been doing tons of research on upgrading my sound system.

Current configuration:
- 2022 Ram 1500DT (new body style) Crew Cab Bighorn 4x4
- Stock Uconnect 5 8.4" head unit (would like to keep)
- Base 6 speaker system
- Equipped with ANC

Ideal Upgrade:
- Replace 6 factory speakers
- Add amp to power the 6 speakers
- Add 2x 10s or 2x 8s Sub
- Add amp for Subs
- Sub box i'm looking at (not stuck on sealed): Sealed Sub Box
** I picked this box because it was a mid range price and it fit under my seat without blocking the floor mats or cubbies in the floor.
- Behind seat mounting board for the components Behind Seat Mount

Alternate Upgrade:
- Replace 6 factory speaker
- Add Amp

For both options, I will add dampening matts in the doors.

The factory sound is crap and I would like to upgrade it. I'm not looking to go top of the line. I'm looking for a decent mid range setup. I'm open on price since I don't know what i'm even looking at for total build price on the 2 above options. What should I go with? Its much more complicated upgrading sound now than it was with my older vehicles. Between ANC bypass, DSP, the right ohms on the speakers..... its all a little confusing. I can do all the work myself and am comfortable with anything that is involved in the install. I just need to know what works well together and what harnesses I need.

I would suggest looking into the idatalink maestro website to look at the different factory integration options they have and see which works best for your budget. I currently have their Rockford Fosgate DSR1. It uses a T harness so there is no need to cut factory wiring or needing to run new wire. But in the near future I will be changing over to their maestro ar2 and using a separate dsp instead of the DSR1. I will still be using the T harness I am using for the DSR1, since it is compatible.

 

[rick619]

See this thread for more options:

Post in thread 'Base 6 speaker upgrade options?'

Dec 27, 2024

So, been awhile but update on my progress. Life got busy. Here's what I've got so far:

D4S JP95T
CT meso 6.5 3-way components
CT meso 6.5 basic for rear doors
CT Hydro 12"
Skar single 12" box
Speaker pods for a-pillar the front 3.5s
Customspeakerpods 1/0 OFC foundation kit

Then I've got odds and ends like 14g OFC for the doors, speaker baffles, ferrules, etc

I'm going to build an amp rack and mount it behind the back seat, drivers side where the Etorque battery would be. And will be running fresh 14g to all new speakers, and 10g to the sub. I've been doing a good bit of reading and...

• Bansheeman6100

• 

I ended up going with an Infinity 5 channel amp and a single 12". The Net Audio equipment seems to be well made, the owner comments a lot on a Ram 1500 audio group on Facebook. Checkout Fox Acoustics for other box options.

I would go with 2 10" over 8".

 

[bryanb1982]

Thank you for the feedback. This helps.

 

[bryanb1982]

I’ll post my final build here once complete.