Hello, this is my first post, but I've spent hours on this forum since I discovered it, and I've learned a lot. So I thought I would try to solicite some opinions.

I would like to upgrade the stereo system in my "New to Me" 2004 Super Crew.

I don't know if I should start with the speakers or the head unit, I don't want to spend a fortune, but I don't mind spending a couple hundred now, and a couple hundred later.

I am by no means an audiophile, but I do appreciate decent clear sound, and crisp bass(I don't need to rattle the roof I would like to have an aux input, so I can play mp3 off of my phone, and maybe Pandora(I know I can buy an aux input adapter), i would also like to have text for radio, CD and MP-3. I can't believe the stock radio doesn't even show song and artist info for radio!

Most of all I don't want a cheesy looking install, i want something that will fit correctly with out hacking the dash up, and not look tacky.

I know I need a Double Din unit, and although I would love to have all the bells and whistles like navigation, and dvd, it's not really in the budget, and i'm not willing to sacrifice sound for all the frills.

So, I would love to hear opinions on name brands, of speakers and head units, I'm not real up to date on brands, but I am thinking Kenwood or Alphine??

I may look into a small amp and sub sometime down the line, but I'd rather keep it simple, and not clutter the floor with sub enclosures.

Looking forward to all opinions, advice, and critisism.

Thanks in advance!!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Need more info on the truck... F150? 250? Which radio/speakers are in it now?

You can use Crutchfield to find out what will fit your truck with their "outfit my car" feature. They are a great resource for research, however I don't recommend buying from them because their prices are too high. I use Sonic Electronix or Online Car Stereo for actual purchases.

Pioneer and JVC would be a couple others to consider for head units. Speaker wise I'd suggest JL, Pioneer, Polk, or Infinity for budget friendly choices.

 

Kenwood Alpine & Pioneer make good double din units. You only have to trim your 04 a tiny amount to fit a dd unit. I have a 04 F250 with a single din unit right now. I may get a Alpine DD unit later.

 

I am not sure what the stereo is, the truck is an 04 f 150 supercrew lariat.
The stereo is a single cd, does not support mp3, and definately not an audiophile.

Would you start with the head unit, or the speakers? it has 4 speakers, one in each door.

I could always get an adapter for mp3, though i'm not sure that would work, being that it won't even read an mp3 CD.

By the way does anyone know who makes the headunits and speakers for Ford?

Thanks again

 

Start with a good head unit & at least the front speakers. If you want really good sound plan on buying a 4 or 5 channel amp to drive your speakers. A head unit just doesn't have the power to do it. I really like the Massive Audio 5 channel amp. With it you can run 4 door speakers & a sub.

 

I think I am going to start with Infinity Kappa 6829CF in all 4 doors,
I can get them online for about $80./pair.

Seems like thats where I'll get the most bang for my buck. Then i can take my time figuring out exactly what kind of head unit, and how much to spend.

Do I need to install the protective baffles, and the sound deadening material(dynamat) and if so where do I put it? Do I use a spray adhesive, and put it on the entire inside of the door?

sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never used the stuff before.

 

Forget the Dynamat. Expensive and not worth just doing the doors. I would, however, get the foam baffles. They will help to keep water from getting to the speakers through the window well.

 

Thanks, that's good to know, I was thinking I was going to have to remove the entire door panel, but after looking thru my Haynes Manual, I see that I can just remove the speaker covers. So I should be able to get the foam baffles in thru the speaker cutout.

 

You may have to pull the panel out a bit but you should be able to get them in there. Be sure the hole for the wires is at the bottom.

 

I have the pioneer avic f700 in the for sale section..i had this in my 04 and it was great. The only thing it does not do is play dvd's.

 

I'll check it out, when I get home this evening. How much are you asking for it.

 

$400...here is the link.