Just got an 09 FX4. Great truck, terrible stock stereo. I have already put Infinity Reference 6822cf in the doors. It sounds better, but the stock head unit really lacks power.

I would like to keep the stock head unit add a signal summing line out converter (I was looking at the Audio Control LC6i) and amp. Would it be a total waste of time to use an amp that accepts high level input until I can get the rest of the system together? I was looking at an MTX TC4004 amp. It looks like it would be fairly easy to integrate other components down the road.

 

That's what I did. I got an amp that accepts high level inputs and low level inputs. I later added a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.2 and used the RCA inputs on the amp.

 

Windsor - Was there a noticeable improvement in sound quality after you added the 3sixty.2?

 

Dude, I totally agree! My 09 FX4 is about a month old and I can't stand the stereo. I had a 97 F150 I traded in (C.A.R.S. program) and I took out my old 5 channel amp. I'm going to hook that one up to the existing speakers and see if that helps.

I'm not looking forward to this project though. Back in 98 I took an entire day to hook up my amp and speakers.

Do you have a wiring schematic to use?

I'm seriously thinking of farming this project out to someone else.

 

Absolutely, the range of adjustment in EQ, balance, timing and crossover from the 3sixty is pretty incredible. The unit isn't cheap, but I like retaining the stock factory look.