New Stereo Upgrade
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
I did almost the same install on Thursday. I did the 6.5 components up front, 5 1/4 (I think) in the rears and did the JL micro sub.... All I can say is wow! I’m beyond happy. Install took me maybe 4 hours (ran all new speaker wire) and probably a good hour of tuning all the EQs in the amp.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
Cool. Looks like the maestro is on the bottom? Does the Kenwood share the same mounting points as the stock amp? Or did they drill the cab?
I wonder if the amp and maestro alone are worth the upgrade while saving the speaker upgrade for alter. I think the worst part of the system is the terrible Sony processing and ineffective EQ. I was streaming some music from Amazon the other day, and even with the bass EQ'ed all the way down, it was still a bassy bloated mess, as if the bass was turned up. I wonder if he factory sub is not affected by EQ settings....
I wonder if the amp and maestro alone are worth the upgrade while saving the speaker upgrade for alter. I think the worst part of the system is the terrible Sony processing and ineffective EQ. I was streaming some music from Amazon the other day, and even with the bass EQ'ed all the way down, it was still a bassy bloated mess, as if the bass was turned up. I wonder if he factory sub is not affected by EQ settings....
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Cool. Looks like the maestro is on the bottom? Does the Kenwood share the same mounting points as the stock amp? Or did they drill the cab?
I wonder if the amp and maestro alone are worth the upgrade while saving the speaker upgrade for alter. I think the worst part of the system is the terrible Sony processing and ineffective EQ. I was streaming some music from Amazon the other day, and even with the bass EQ'ed all the way down, it was still a bassy bloated mess, as if the bass was turned up. I wonder if he factory sub is not affected by EQ settings....
I wonder if the amp and maestro alone are worth the upgrade while saving the speaker upgrade for alter. I think the worst part of the system is the terrible Sony processing and ineffective EQ. I was streaming some music from Amazon the other day, and even with the bass EQ'ed all the way down, it was still a bassy bloated mess, as if the bass was turned up. I wonder if he factory sub is not affected by EQ settings....
All of my wires are actually hidden behind the plastic on the side walls (I pulled them out to check something).
I had to drill holes to make the amp fit onto the rack. The stock amp removes easily with a few screws and bolts.
The stock speakers are CRAP! I would change the speakers over the amp if you are thinking of only doing one.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 6
Looks like the JL Sub speaker grill got crushed by the seat? Otherwise looks good. Thats one thing i miss on my Mega cab Ram lots of room for subs and amps.. Cheers
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 682
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
Full functionality??
All of my wires are actually hidden behind the plastic on the side walls (I pulled them out to check something).
I had to drill holes to make the amp fit onto the rack. The stock amp removes easily with a few screws and bolts.
The stock speakers are CRAP! I would change the speakers over the amp if you are thinking of only doing one.
I had to drill holes to make the amp fit onto the rack. The stock amp removes easily with a few screws and bolts.
The stock speakers are CRAP! I would change the speakers over the amp if you are thinking of only doing one.
I want to do this but not willing to give up any function
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Has anyone tried just changing out speakers? Surely the stock amp isn't bad enough to warrant and entire system swap. I came from a Denali HD and I do have to admit the Bose system in my Denali puts Ford's Sony system to shame. I've halfway contemplated swapping stock speakers out for Bose speakers from a Denali if they are similar in size.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
I would pass the Bose speakers. They probably aren't even really Bose speakers, and Bose speakers don't exactly have a good reputation among the audio crowd for good reason. I would start with the speakers the OP listed. Those should sound nice.
I am torn between going full system, or initially speakers only or amp/maestro only. Both speakers and amp can have such a huge influence on sound for various reasons. I am not sure what the weakest link is in this situation.
I have listened to high end headphones that sound like crap unless driven by a high quality amp with a high quality music source, and I have listened to less expensive headphones that sound great played straight from a phone. All depends on the build, sound signature, etc.
I am torn between going full system, or initially speakers only or amp/maestro only. Both speakers and amp can have such a huge influence on sound for various reasons. I am not sure what the weakest link is in this situation.
I have listened to high end headphones that sound like crap unless driven by a high quality amp with a high quality music source, and I have listened to less expensive headphones that sound great played straight from a phone. All depends on the build, sound signature, etc.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
I would pass the Bose speakers. They probably aren't even really Bose speakers, and Bose speakers don't exactly have a good reputation among the audio crowd for good reason. I would start with the speakers the OP listed. Those should sound nice.
I am torn between going full system, or initially speakers only or amp/maestro only. Both speakers and amp can have such a huge influence on sound for various reasons. I am not sure what the weakest link is in this situation.
I have listened to high end headphones that sound like crap unless driven by a high quality amp with a high quality music source, and I have listened to less expensive headphones that sound great played straight from a phone. All depends on the build, sound signature, etc.
I am torn between going full system, or initially speakers only or amp/maestro only. Both speakers and amp can have such a huge influence on sound for various reasons. I am not sure what the weakest link is in this situation.
I have listened to high end headphones that sound like crap unless driven by a high quality amp with a high quality music source, and I have listened to less expensive headphones that sound great played straight from a phone. All depends on the build, sound signature, etc.
It's easier for us guys without the Sony. We can just tap the speaker wires for high level input and we get a shenanigan-free signal. 4 channel amp for the doors and monoblock for the sub, and Bob's your uncle.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
Yeah that's what I figured.... oh well... if it is going to be that much effort to get this thing to sound decent I will wait and see what other new solutions pop up over the next year or so. I hear RF is coming out with a new maestro soultion as well...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
It did crush the grill, but the grill is there to protect the sub, so it is doing the job well.