Kicker speaker kit review/ slight rant

[GSD4EVR]

Update us with what it costs. I'd like a small amp but I don't want to cut anything. I saw a wiring harness that plugs into the ford harness but it's over $300 without an amp.

The amp that was shown to me was a Sony XM-S400D (~$149.99). I'm just looking to power the four Kickers. Not looking for anything more. I'll go with that since it was recommended and I don't know much about car audio tech.

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[TappinKeg]

I bought the same kicker kit. I also was not impressed. So I then bought an amp and still wasn't impress. Long story short i ended up changing all speakers to jbl and jl audio sub. Even though i do like it more now, I don't think it was worth it for the actual use of it.

 

[GSD4EVR]

I bought the same kicker kit. I also was not impressed. So I then bought an amp and still wasn't impress. Long story short i ended up changing all speakers to jbl and jl audio sub. Even though i do like it more now, I don't think it was worth it for the actual use of it.

I appreciate your input. Modern technology is wonderful in some aspects, but it's made it really difficult for aftermarket upgrades. Not like the "old days" anyways. I'd rather just replace the head unit and speakers and be done with it. Instead, I end up spending more money experimenting with combinations because the radio unit is often in symbiosis with the very sheet metal of the vehicle itself. lol

Reminds me of a 2016 Challenger V6 I had. I wanted to change the exhaust note. I knew I wasn't going to make it sound like a V8, but just wanted something more aggressive. I watched so many videos of exhaust mods with this system and that system. Then, when I thought I had it nailed, I bought what I thought was best and it sounded like droning schitt. Then I spent more money until I got it right. Then I sold it. Ughhhh...LOL

 

[BuzKilington]

Aftermarket speakers will never sound as “loud” as the stock speakers unless they are using the recommended power. The stock speakers are meant to have the most output with minimal power usage. Add a amp to those speakers and I bet you will be happier.

 

[Joeiconic]

The thing about aftermarket heads is that some idiot always wants to steal it. I had two vehicles broken into years ago, so now I have a nice system at home and just live with whatever comes in the vehicle. But, I actually think the stock system sounds pretty good.

 

[wickkid]

My 21 Tremor XLT has the base radio and I was planning to upgrade speakers, amp, sub.
Decided as a first step to treat all the doors fully with Dynamat. This made a huge difference, especially in lower frequencies.

 

[Fordanatic]

I bought the Kicker hideaway sub, and was NOT impressed... sold it on FB marketplace and took a DIY approach. Lost some underneath seat storage, but it was worth it. Little 8 inch sub kicks harder than my F150 B&O system.

 

[Zaph]

Did you disconnect the front OEM tweeters? if not you are running two tweeters per side in the front, and it will cause huge tonal, soundstaging and frequency response problems.

Putting coaxial speakers up front is in general a bad idea, but it can be done. Separates are recommended.

 

[GSD4EVR]

UPDATE:

I hate when threads die without resolution so I'm posting an update.

I had planned on putting an amp in but decided to sideline this whole project for now. Things are getting really expensive and uncertain these days in reference to the national economy so I've needed to re-prioritize my spending. The speaker upgrade just isn't anywhere near the top of my list right now.

My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to / followed this thread!!!

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