This is the stereo review for the premium F150 setup off of Edmunds:

http://www.edmunds.com/roadtests/com...ce1stereo.html

Will better speakers really make that big of a difference? Is the amp really that great?

Personally, I think there is pretty good, clean power for a stock system. I am thinking about getting some new speakers, but have been too satisfied to do anything quite yet. Your opinions?

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Model: '99 F150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 SS Mechs: 5.4L, 3.73 Diff (9.75" LSD Rear, 8.8" Front)
ORP: Skid Plates, LT265/70R17 GY Wrang. AT/S
Group III towing: HD Electrical/Cooling, GVWR 6500# (Extra leaf spring).
Stuff: Step Bars, 4W Disc ABS, K&N filter, 0W-30 Series 2k Amsoil @ 8200 miles, Herculiner
Stock Items That Differ Across F150s: Steel Driveshaft, Oil filter bolted to engine w/ drip guard, 4R70W transmission.

 

Any aftermarket 6x8 speakers will sound better then the stock speakers. Pioneer has 6x8 that they market as 'as for fords' speakers which fit well. Also if you feel creative you can make a mounting plate that will hold either 5.25 or 6.5 speakers. I made one for a pair of 5 1/4 components.

 

Well, I was pretty darned satisfied with my system until Edmunds told me it sounded like crap.

I guess I'll just have to leave it turned off now.

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Y2K™ Jim

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

MICHAEL,

You will be amazed at the difference good speakers will make, especially components. One thing with ford radios though. Even though the amp in the radio is really good and clean, it isn't high power. If you get new speakers that require high power to sound really good, they will sound like ***** attached to the factory ford radio.

If you do get new speakers, make sure what you get doesn't require a lot of power to perform well. Pioneer is a good example. They are great speakers to be powered by any radio amp. Focal, on the other hand, even though they are just about the best speakers made right now, will sound like crap on just a radio amp. Any stereo shop with a good reputation will be able to help you out.

 

I had my 5x7's changed in all 4 doors this morning. [SCrew] It made a big difference. I went with two way speakers and although there is still not a lot of bass, the sound is much more pure. I can almost go full volume without distortion. Better highs and lows. It would probably not satisfy an audiofile, but compared to factory,,, big difference. Also had the Viper alarm and starter installed, after reading how easy anyone can get into our trucks.

 

Michael:
Boss96Hog has helped me on a couple of audio issues - - he knows his stuff!
I am not an audiophile, so the following is info I've picked up from this board and audio electronics sites.
The speaker's "efficiency" is a major issue in whether an amp is REQUIRED.. Go to Crutchfields site @ http://sony.crutchfield.com/S-JHO63T79BTE/shopindx.html
You'll see min-max RMS power ranges for speakers, e.g. 2-50 watts or 20-150 watts. The premium Ford stereo puts out approx 20 watts per channel while the standard unit has approx 6 watts per channel. The 20-150 watt speaker in the example above is relatively INefficient - - it takes 20 watts to get it moving, while the other speaker only takes 2 watts - - it's more efficient (takes less power to produce sound). In general, the better, more expensive speakers are inefficient and require an amp to operate at their peak. I installed the Fosgate FNP-1614F, 6 1/2 in component system. It's RMS power range is 8-50 watts. The premium oem Ford stereo provides enough power (20watts rms) to power the speakers. If I had installed a set with min power reqm't of 20 watts, I wouldn't have enough power. With that said, I have lot's of unused "potential" in my new speakers.

I'm certain I have crudely over-simplified the issue. There's lots of expertise and info available in the speakers/ amps/ subwoofers boards.

BTW, The Polk EX2560 component system appears to be very efficient, 2-50 watts rms. They were my first choice. They run approx $200 at Circuit City/ Crutchfields.

After installing the components, and new rear speakers, I broke down and installed a small subwoofer and amp. My (adult) sons love it - - my wife isn't as impressed with the bass ... but it really does complement the system (used in moderation).
If you get a chance, sit in an F-150 with upgraded speakers - - the difference is very noticable.
Hope this helps.....

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Fog Lights with parking lights .... how does he do it ?
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000552.html

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1023393&a=8790857&p=28542295&Sequence=1" TARGET=_blank> </A> <A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1023393&a=8790857&p=28542675&Sequence=2" TARGET=_blank> </A>

2001 F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4x4
5.4 engine; Chestnut w/ gold trim; Captain's Chairs; Ford/ Duraliner bed insert; Six disc CD changer (in center console); Fosgate FNP1614 component speakers (front); Pioneer TS-A6855 speakers (rear); 8 inch MTX sub in custom built, center console, sealed enclosure; ZAPCO AG150 amplifier; Moon roof; 98/99 Expedition center console; Bed extender; Class 3 trailer hitch


[This message has been edited by FedExPilot (edited 09-16-2000).]

[This message has been edited by FedExPilot (edited 09-16-2000).]

 

Thanks, Fed. My friend's Dad is a pilot for FedEx, last name of Janes, do you know him?

When the funds become available, I'll have to try an upgrade.

 

Mike,
Don't think I know your friend's dad ... it's a big company ... best of luck with your system.