What speakers is everyone upgrading to?

[CashSeeAO]

Got any pictures to share? Where did you install the amp?

Sorry I didn’t take pictures. I decided to install the amp under the driver seat with some hook-and-loop fastener to the carpet. There is plenty of grip to secure the amp in place. Some forum members installed their amps in the dash above the glove box. However, installing the amp under the driver seat allows me to tinker with the gain and other adjustments over time without tearing my dash apart to do it.

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[BcP28]

Here's what I did. Obviously a less involved, entry-level upgrade, but works for me ?‍ I have an XLT 302A with the standard sound system. I installed these Kicker CSC67 6.75in Coax speakers in the front doors. I originally ordered them for my wife's Edge Sport with the Sony system, but decided to try them in the Ranger instead.

Ironically, they fit perfectly in the Ranger (despite ordering a kit for a 2015 Edge). Sound improvement is noticeable, and the stock system doesn't seem to have any issues pushing these. Obviously replacing the rear doors and the tweeters, along with adding an amp and sub would further improve things, but I've been very happy with the improvement for $70 and about 2 hours of my time.

I purchase all my audio stuff through Crutchfield, can't beat the customer service, along with the almost guaranteed fit and installation components.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20646CC674/Kicker-46CSC674.html?tp=105

Here's a compare with the stock speaker.

 

[thewhiteranger]

oh no.... here I go again. I love my ranger and the sound is OK..... my last f150 had a ford kicker upgrade that really helped a lot I just want a little more so watching this thread......

 

[thewhiteranger]

Here's what I did. Obviously a less involved, entry-level upgrade, but works for me ?‍ I have an XLT 302A with the standard sound system. I installed these Kicker CSC67 6.75in Coax speakers in the front doors. I originally ordered them for my wife's Edge Sport with the Sony system, but decided to try them in the Ranger instead.

Ironically, they fit perfectly in the Ranger (despite ordering a kit for a 2015 Edge). Sound improvement is noticeable, and the stock system doesn't seem to have any issues pushing these. Obviously replacing the rear doors and the tweeters, along with adding an amp and sub would further improve things, but I've been very happy with the improvement for $70 and about 2 hours of my time.

I purchase all my audio stuff through Crutchfield, can't beat the customer service, along with the almost guaranteed fit and installation components.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20646CC674/Kicker-46CSC674.html?tp=105

Here's a compare with the stock speaker.

sounds pretty easy and those stock speaker are pretty weak looking .... what did you do about the factory tweeters? disconnect or leave in? it looks like those have tweeters built in.

I have a similar truck - 302A pkg sound is ok.

 

[thewhiteranger]

Sorry I didn’t take pictures. I decided to install the amp under the driver seat with some hook-and-loop fastener to the carpet. There is plenty of grip to secure the amp in place. Some forum members installed their amps in the dash above the glove box. However, installing the amp under the driver seat allows me to tinker with the gain and other adjustments over time without tearing my dash apart to do it.

I was looking at those speakers - which amp did you use and how did you connect it to the factory system? where do you get the output for the amp from? and routing of speaker wires? I have a 302a truck and would like to upgrade the sound a bit without going crazy and spending a lot of money --- I wish ford had the kicker drop in upgrade like I got for my f150 several years ago it was easy and used all factory connections so it looked like it belonged there - cause it did

 

[CashSeeAO]

I was looking at those speakers - which amp did you use and how did you connect it to the factory system? where do you get the output for the amp from? and routing of speaker wires? I have a 302a truck and would like to upgrade the sound a bit without going crazy and spending a lot of money --- I wish ford had the kicker drop in upgrade like I got for my f150 several years ago it was easy and used all factory connections so it looked like it belonged there - cause it did

Kicker amp KEY200.4 (50w rms X 4). The key is to use a wiring harness adapter to tap the HU speaker outputs. The HU speaker outputs are connected to the amp and the amp’s speaker outputs are connected to existing speaker wiring behind the HU. Hopefully this makes sense. I used 9-wire “speed cables” to run the wires from the HU to the amp (under seat) and back to the harness behind the HU.
Wires: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085FY6MXW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Harness: https://www.ebay.com/itm/233809168638

 

[thewhiteranger]

Kicker amp KEY200.4 (50w rms X 4). The key is to use a wiring harness adapter to tap the HU speaker outputs. The HU speaker outputs are connected to the amp and the amp’s speaker outputs are connected to existing speaker wiring behind the HU. Hopefully this makes sense. I used 9-wire “speed cables” to run the wires from the HU to the amp (under seat) and back to the harness behind the HU.
Wires: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085FY6MXW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Harness: https://www.ebay.com/itm/233809168638

I think Ive got it: HU to amp with that speed wire then amp back to behind HU with the speed wire as well to connect to factory wires so the amp is basically in between factory harness from truck and the HU (you did not run new speaker wire). -- did you splice factory wires or find a connector kit? I am always hesitant to cut factory wires........

I just found that harness you posted - ended on eBay but has to be avail somewhere else. out of curiosity, did you try the speakers with just the HU before adding the amp?

 

[Jacdschu]

QUOTE="Robisten8, post: 216512, member: 8335"]
Just adding a sub and sub amp did wonders to my non-B&O system. It absolutely jams on 17-21 with my JL 8". I listen to EVERYTHING too! From Bob Marley, old school Tone Loc to new school Country.
[/QUOTE]
Has anyone installed a sub with a built in amp and if so where did you mount it? Brand of sub/amp?
Also wouldn't it be best to get the signal for the sub from the head unit?

 

[CashSeeAO]

I think Ive got it: HU to amp with that speed wire then amp back to behind HU with the speed wire as well to connect to factory wires so the amp is basically in between factory harness from truck and the HU (you did not run new speaker wire). -- did you splice factory wires or find a connector kit? I am always hesitant to cut factory wires........

I just found that harness you posted - ended on eBay but has to be avail somewhere else. out of curiosity, did you try the speakers with just the HU before adding the amp?

Your understanding is correct. Also, I did not run any new speaker wires because that would be a nightmare going through the doors. With the FOR11-CK harness, no factory wires were cut/spliced. FYI, you can purchase the harness on Amazon also.
My intent was to power these new Rockford Fosgates with the Kicker KEY200.4 because of the DSP sound tuning that this unique amp offers. However before connecting the amp, I did power up theses RF speakers with the factory HU. They sounded OK, but the amp w/DSP tuning made a huge difference in the bass and mid high (vocals). Yes, installing the amp took some effort, but it was worth it.

 

[Trigganometry]

Your understanding is correct. Also, I did not run any new speaker wires because that would be a nightmare going through the doors. With the FOR11-CK harness, no factory wires were cut/spliced. FYI, you can purchase the harness on Amazon also.
My intent was to power these new Rockford Fosgates with the Kicker KEY200.4 because of the DSP sound tuning that this unique amp offers. However before connecting the amp, I did power up theses RF speakers with the factory HU. They sounded OK, but the amp w/DSP tuning made a huge difference in the bass and mid high (vocals). Yes, installing the amp took some effort, but it was worth it.

So realistically we’re looking at a $500 upgrade for everything and an afternoon of time. That sound about right?

 

[CashSeeAO]

So realistically we’re looking at a $500 upgrade for everything and an afternoon of time. That sound about right?

Cost is about right. It took me about 2 days to do the speakers and amp. I also did sound deadening on the four doors, and that took an extra 2-3 days. Why be in a hurry? Playing around with the Ranger in the garage is quiet, “therapeutic” time for me.

 

[Robisten8]

Which one did you use?

Doesn’t anyone read signatures anymore? Just giving you a hard time! I’ve used the Audio Control LC2i in my last several audio upgrades.

 

[BcP28]

sounds pretty easy and those stock speaker are pretty weak looking .... what did you do about the factory tweeters? disconnect or leave in? it looks like those have tweeters built in.

I have a similar truck - 302A pkg sound is ok.

I just left them plugged in, doesn't seem to affect anything or make the sound any worse. Definitely not too treble-y for me.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Doesn’t anyone read signatures anymore? Just giving you a hard time! I’ve used the Audio Control LC2i in my last several audio upgrades.

I saw it but didn't know what an Audio Control LC2i was.

It may as well have said the Bazzfazz Dinglehopper LR3

My audio hardware familiarity is severely lacking

Thanks!

 

[FoD]

Any cutting involved in door or panels?

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