Installed Kicker 43CSC354 3.5” dash speakers

[Cygnus A]

These are for the base or Alpine system (or both) ?

 

[wwalljr]

If you want to improve the sound even more, @rsonedecker found that the front left speaker wires are backwards from the factory, I was able to verify this on my Alpine system as well. This basically causes the front left dash speaker to be 180 degrees out of phase with the rest of the speakers in the truck. The easiest way to do it is to unpin the wires at the factory plug then plug it back into the Metra adapter.

Interesting. Were you able to tell due to markings on the wires? + -

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

Interesting. We’re you able to tell due to markings on the wires? + -

Nope, the wires match the diagram, it was discovered using a phase tester.

 

[Nails]

Interesting....yeah, mine were easy snap in and out and sit flush...odd that it would be that off, good luck!

Order the speakers sooner rather than later, it seems supplies are short and crutchfield has a newer model (that their site says isn’t compatible) and no longer sells these.

Looks like I’ll have to buy 3 right way then

 

[DR.CR]

If you want to improve the sound even more, @rsonedecker found that the front left speaker wires are backwards from the factory, I was able to verify this on my Alpine system as well. This basically causes the front left dash speaker to be 180 degrees out of phase with the rest of the speakers in the truck. The easiest way to do it is to unpin the wires at the factory plug then plug it back into the Metra adapter.

Why would they be backwards? You noticed a difference switching them?

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

Why would they be backwards? You noticed a difference switching them?

Only the drivers side dash is backwards, and it does make a difference in my opinion

 

[DR.CR]

Only the drivers side dash is backwards, and it does make a difference in my opinion

Interesting, I’ll check it out, easy to switch wires?

How do you like the JBLs you put in the doors?

 

[Ickabod]

Nope, the wires match the diagram, it was discovered using a phase tester.

I wonder if this has to do with the noise cancelling through the amp.

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

I wonder if this has to do with the noise cancelling through the amp.

Unlikely, the dash speakers are not used for the noise cancellation, only the doors

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

Interesting, I’ll check it out, easy to switch wires?

How do you like the JBLs you put in the doors?

Yeah the factory plug is actually easier to swap the wires on than the Metra adapters. JBLs are a nice improvement over the stock 6x9s for sure. I'm sure you would have similar results with a set of kickers as well. Just have watch polarity. The doors are wired reverse from the factory and things have to stay that way for the ANC.

 

[Cygnus A]

So Kicker makes some 3.5s that handle more power (50w vs 30w). Would these be a good idea ?

https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-KSC35...ics&sprefix=kicker+3.5,electronics,388&sr=1-3

 

[DR.CR]

So Kicker makes some 3.5s that handle more power (50w vs 30w). Would these be a good idea ?

https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-KSC3504-KSC350-Speakers-tweeters/dp/B01N5NT82V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1EYD4CQ5MU29W&keywords=kicker+3.5+inch+speakers&qid=1553489585&s=electronics&sprefix=kicker+3.5,electronics,388&sr=1-3

If they fit, but not sure if the factory amp can power them appropriately?

 

[Cygnus A]

I ordered the kickers, but now am wondering if I should have gotten the JBLs instead? Has anyone heard them both ? The JBLs are about double the price. Also, does anyone have a spare speaker after upgrading the center one they want to sell me?

 

[Macinsac]

I ordered the kickers, but now am wondering if I should have gotten the JBLs instead? Has anyone heard them both ? The JBLs are about double the price. Also, does anyone have a spare speaker after upgrading the center one they want to sell me?

I just ordered two sets of JBL GX302. So I will have an extra in a few days. My zip is 95672.

 

[DR.CR]

I just ordered two sets of JBL GX302. So I will have an extra in a few days. My zip is 95672.

Curious if they sound $20 better...

 

[Cygnus A]

Curious if they sound $20 better...

I sent the Kickers back in favor of the JBL due to the ohm difference. The kickers are 4 ohm, the JBL are ~2 ohm. The Kickers will be under powered IMO since the stock speakers are 2ohm. Ive seen a few other people complain the kickers are not loud enough.

I just ordered two sets of JBL GX302. So I will have an extra in a few days. My zip is 95672.

How much for your extra one shipped to 85629 ?

 

[DR.CR]

I sent the Kickers back in favor of the JBL due to the ohm difference. The kickers are 4 ohm, the JBL are ~2 ohm. The Kickers will be under powered IMO since the stock speakers are 2ohm. Ive seen a few other people complain the kickers are not loud enough.



How much for your extra one shipped to 85629 ?

Oh ok I see....well I was super impressed with kickers over stocks, but let us know what you think of JBLs!

 

[Cygnus A]

Oh ok I see....well I was super impressed with kickers over stocks, but let us know what you think of JBLs!

The JBL are really clear compared to stock. They are much louder, but I cant turn the knob all the way up without some distortion. I need to investigate this because i recall someone else having this issue. Maybe from the ANC? I didnt disable mine yet.

 

[DR.CR]

The JBL are really clear compared to stock. They are much louder, but I cant turn the knob all the way up without some distortion. I need to investigate this because i recall someone else having this issue. Maybe from the ANC? I didnt disable mine yet.

You have the Alpine?
I get zero distortion with kickers at high volume, I didn’t do anything with ANC.

 

[Cygnus A]

You have the Alpine?
I get zero distortion with kickers at high volume, I didn’t do anything with ANC.

Yes.