Speaker Replacement
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Speaker Replacement
Greetings all:
For my 2005 F250 crew cab, just replaced the substandard Ford OEM 6" x 8" speakers with Infinity Kappa series 2 way coaxial speakers, front and rear. Model No. 682.7cf. KEPT THE FACTORY head unit in the dash, you do not need to replace the factory stereo unit. No attention drawn to the upgraded system other than your own ears.
Also, added Planet Audio VX2004 4 channel amplifier--bolted to the rear wall right behind the back seat. In the center, right next to the rear sliding window power modulator. Just a small cutout in the factory acoustic material accomodated it perfectly. Highly recommend a professional audio shop installation, not the "home of the $1 install" chain audio shops.
What can I say? The difference is startling. The Ford factory speakers are 25 watts per channel, 4 ohm, cheap tweeter & dome material construction and very "muddy" sounding. Infinity Kappas are 100 watts, 2 ohm, high end construction materials and absolutely crystal clear. You'll never believe what your ears have been missing; nothing short of incredible.
Bullfrog
For my 2005 F250 crew cab, just replaced the substandard Ford OEM 6" x 8" speakers with Infinity Kappa series 2 way coaxial speakers, front and rear. Model No. 682.7cf. KEPT THE FACTORY head unit in the dash, you do not need to replace the factory stereo unit. No attention drawn to the upgraded system other than your own ears.
Also, added Planet Audio VX2004 4 channel amplifier--bolted to the rear wall right behind the back seat. In the center, right next to the rear sliding window power modulator. Just a small cutout in the factory acoustic material accomodated it perfectly. Highly recommend a professional audio shop installation, not the "home of the $1 install" chain audio shops.
What can I say? The difference is startling. The Ford factory speakers are 25 watts per channel, 4 ohm, cheap tweeter & dome material construction and very "muddy" sounding. Infinity Kappas are 100 watts, 2 ohm, high end construction materials and absolutely crystal clear. You'll never believe what your ears have been missing; nothing short of incredible.
Bullfrog
Last edited by bullfrog; Aug 22, 2005 at 12:21 PM.
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From: Jacksonville, Fl
Congrats on the upgrade bullfrog. I too am thinking of doing a speaker upgrade, but can't decide which ones I want and which amp to go with it. Don't really want the big "BOOM" you hear in those little rice burning cars. But then again Tim McGraw and Toby Keith sound great with a little extra bass...
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Speaker replacement (cont'd)
Hyway Bo & Azam:
An amplifier is needed to power the upgraded speakers; really can't get around that addition. The factory head unit puts out about 6 watts per channel to the 4 speakers. The amplifier effectively bypasses the head unit and this Planet Audio amp, puts out 100 watts per channel. Planet Audio makes an excellent amp. They're made in America, hand tested, and come with a 5 year warranty.
Tim McGraw and Toby Keith will sound perfect with the Infinity Kappas. You will hear crystal clear lyrics that you couldn't make out before. Example: "I Love This Bar"--you can now actually recognize the words " I like a movie now and then", in that song. With the factory speakers, it was just mumbo jumbo. The bass is excellent, down to 40hz, more than enough without adding a subwoofer.
Bullfrog
An amplifier is needed to power the upgraded speakers; really can't get around that addition. The factory head unit puts out about 6 watts per channel to the 4 speakers. The amplifier effectively bypasses the head unit and this Planet Audio amp, puts out 100 watts per channel. Planet Audio makes an excellent amp. They're made in America, hand tested, and come with a 5 year warranty.
Tim McGraw and Toby Keith will sound perfect with the Infinity Kappas. You will hear crystal clear lyrics that you couldn't make out before. Example: "I Love This Bar"--you can now actually recognize the words " I like a movie now and then", in that song. With the factory speakers, it was just mumbo jumbo. The bass is excellent, down to 40hz, more than enough without adding a subwoofer.
Bullfrog
Last edited by bullfrog; Aug 22, 2005 at 12:22 PM.
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Bullfrog-
Where did you come out of the factory radio to drive your amplifier? Are there preamp outputs available somewhere?
I'm with you - the stock head unit is fine, but it has a typical crappy amplifier stage and bad speakers.
Where did you come out of the factory radio to drive your amplifier? Are there preamp outputs available somewhere?
I'm with you - the stock head unit is fine, but it has a typical crappy amplifier stage and bad speakers.
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Great question, I don't know. My system was professionally installed. Speakers aren't that difficult to install, if you're comfortable with door panel removal, etc. Back speakers are little more challenging, locationwise. But the amp, not a chance I'd attempt myself. The location must be perfect, cab acoustic material cutting must be just right, and amplifier itself screws through back wall of cab--all in all, a tricky job.
At about $20-$25 labor per pair of installed speakers, I just let the professionals take care of that along with the amp installation.
At about $20-$25 labor per pair of installed speakers, I just let the professionals take care of that along with the amp installation.
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bullrfog, do you think it would be onevkill by using 3way speakers instead of 2way? Or possubly using 3way in front and 2way in the rear, I have an '05 supercab. Thanks in advance.
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Monty, it's really not a matter of "overkill" in 4 way vs 3 way vs 2 way speakers. It's the quality of the materials used in their construction. I.E. paper cones/domes, or polypropylene, silk tweeter construction, etc.
Listen to a soundboard at Best Buy or Circuit City or your local audio shop to make an informed decision. Personally, I listened to Pioneer 3 ways, Sony 4 ways, Alpine 2 way and 3 way, Rockord 2 ways, etc. Infinity Reference and Kappa series had the fullest, most clear sound to my ear. Kappa 2 way coaxials, front & rear. (check out crutchfield.com for what fits your truck) Little higher end than the Reference series, were what I went with. No need for 3 ways or component speakers, these beauties slip right in where the factory speaker comes out and you don't have to find another "spot" to put component speaker separate tweeter(s). With the added amplifier, the Kappas put out phenomenal clarity at loud volumes...Plus, if you sell your truck, take the speakers with you. Component speakers are more difficult to remove without having to "cover" a hole in the door or A pillar that was drilled to accomodate the extra tweeter. If you decide to go with 3 ways, listen to a few different ones as there is vast difference in sound quality from the different manufacturers.
Good luck.
Listen to a soundboard at Best Buy or Circuit City or your local audio shop to make an informed decision. Personally, I listened to Pioneer 3 ways, Sony 4 ways, Alpine 2 way and 3 way, Rockord 2 ways, etc. Infinity Reference and Kappa series had the fullest, most clear sound to my ear. Kappa 2 way coaxials, front & rear. (check out crutchfield.com for what fits your truck) Little higher end than the Reference series, were what I went with. No need for 3 ways or component speakers, these beauties slip right in where the factory speaker comes out and you don't have to find another "spot" to put component speaker separate tweeter(s). With the added amplifier, the Kappas put out phenomenal clarity at loud volumes...Plus, if you sell your truck, take the speakers with you. Component speakers are more difficult to remove without having to "cover" a hole in the door or A pillar that was drilled to accomodate the extra tweeter. If you decide to go with 3 ways, listen to a few different ones as there is vast difference in sound quality from the different manufacturers.
Good luck.
Last edited by bullfrog; Aug 22, 2005 at 03:42 PM.
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Bullfrog, Thanks for your reply. Keep up the good work. Going this weekend to do a little listening. Have two local pro shop's that I will be stopping by, and try to narrow my search. What did you pay for your amp as in my area no one close sells these. Thought to possibly purchase through the snail mail. Thanks again.
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Monty,
As part of a package deal that included speakers, amp and auto alarm system, all installed at shop, paid $210 for Planet Audio VX2004. If you can get it through snail mail, your shop should be able to install it for you. Perhaps purchase your speakers from the shop, so they get a little somethin' on their product sales end and you get recourse on your speakers if they falter. They may work with you a bit on labor cost for amp install.
As part of a package deal that included speakers, amp and auto alarm system, all installed at shop, paid $210 for Planet Audio VX2004. If you can get it through snail mail, your shop should be able to install it for you. Perhaps purchase your speakers from the shop, so they get a little somethin' on their product sales end and you get recourse on your speakers if they falter. They may work with you a bit on labor cost for amp install.
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i upgraded (did it myself) with an alpine deck, and 4 rockfords 5x7 (ive got the 04 thats what they have) i wanted to get eclipses but couldnt find them around where i live so i got these, anyways the best thing that i did was put that dynomatt stuff in the doors
you wouldnt believe the difference got rid of the rattles and humms, it was as much of a upgrade imo as the new speakers were
the door panels are easy to take off once youve done it once its just that first time that kind of sucks next tiume i do it ill take a photo tour of the job and post it
you wouldnt believe the difference got rid of the rattles and humms, it was as much of a upgrade imo as the new speakers were
the door panels are easy to take off once youve done it once its just that first time that kind of sucks next tiume i do it ill take a photo tour of the job and post it
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