Hey everyone,
I've decided it is time to do something about the way my 05 sounds. I have the 6 disc and have a few q's.
I am thinking of replacing at least my front speakers with some components, and maybe adding an amp. Most of the newer amps I see have "speaker level inputs". Is it worth it to keep the stock radio and use those, or would sound quality be better with an aftermarket unit? I ask about keeping the stock unit because I like the way it fits in the dash. If I had to go aftermarket, I guess I would get a double din touchscreen, because it,to me, looks better.
My second question is sort of related to the answer of the first. I really want to use my ipod in the truck. I am debating whether to buy one of the PAC/PIE units, or upgrade the head unit. I guess what I am asking is is it possible to make a decent "use what you have already (stock radio)" system, or start over from scratch? I don't have a huge budget and would most likely do this in steps. Don't need to be heard a mile a way, just want it to sound better. Thanks in advance.

 

Problem with the factory cd is that it is prone to failure.

 

Buy an OEM Audiophile system and you will achieve that. I am surprised how nice this little OEM sub sounds.

 

Fm modulater for the Ipod on the antena lead works pretty good on the wifes truck. If money is tite wait till the factory unit fails. Then get the good one with the Ipod interface like a good kenwood. Kenwood has alot of user friendly options and sounds great. 5 Volt preouts for amps is a huge plus too. Polk DX 2 ways in the doors. Add tweets in the little trangular area where the mirror mounts. our trucks are notorious for loosing crisp highs. Start going down the freeway with the windows down and you lose damn near all of it. whatever you do don't settle now for something better later. Do what it takes to get the Ipod working and dont use one of those B.S. transmitter types. they are very prone to interference. I have installed more stereo's than I shake a stick at and found that people will tell you anything to make the sale. Some stereo's have to much or to little stereo separation and give you that hollow sound that we cant stand. Dynamic head room make all the difference in a head unit. Always get amp with 30 to 40% more power than you need. they will sound better ( less THD) and last longer and you will be much happier in the end.

 

x2. My brother's '04 Lariat SuperCrew with the OEM Audiophile setup blows my '08 OEM Single-Disc outta the water, hands down.

 

I have an 05 with 6disc no audiophile. Check out USA SPEC. It's the ford pa-1 or something to that effect. Got mine for $109.XX shipped from carstereosforless.com It adds the iPod, plus let's you control it from the steering wheel/head unit or directly on the iPod. Cool thing is it also adds an RCA input that you can easily make into a universal 3.5mm headphone jack to play anything that would take headphones through your stereo too. I installed mine in 10 minutes. Easy easy easy.