Trying to figure out how to get my 2001 F-150 Supercrew to sound better.
I have the "premium system". Don't like it. Recently replaced the front speakers with Polk DX7's. Still doesn't sound very well.I am now contemplating moving those speakers to the rear and replacing those with some components.

Is it possible to have a good sound with components in the front with no subwoofer or amp. I thought about replacing the HU with a HU that had more power so that i would not have to have an amp. Is this possible? In other words, Would a new powerful HU with components in the front, Polk DX7's in the rear sound good? I don't want a subwoofer, or an amp. Maybe an amp later but no sub.

Just trying to get a good sound with a HU and components. Appreciate your comments.

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew Oxford White

 

It depends on how much and how deep of bass you want. Many people on this board are happy with the stock setup, and some are happy w/ just replacing the speakers. Putting components in the front will make all the difference in your highs, just by getting that tweeter out from the door.

How come you don't want a sub and amp?

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black 97' x-cab 4x4, 5 speed 4.6, black westin nerf bars, pilot ground searchers, borla SS split rear exhaust, K&N genII, bosch +4 plugs, superchip, flexalite electric fan, v-tech oval side window covers, IAS shocks

premier 720, pioneer 6cd changer, 12 premier sub, premier componets, 2 soso amps

still to come: new spark plug wires, new rims and tires, maybe a supercharger eventually.

 

Captain:

I don't want to sacrifice space in the back of the truck and expense. I would probably do the amp if needed. I am looking for a nice crisp sound. I guess i would not rule out the sub at some later date. Just trying to get a very nice sound on a decent budget (under $500). How do those premier components sound and where are they sold?. I do appreciate your comments. Thanks!

 

I upgraded in steps, and ran component speakers up front and upgraded 5x7 rears off the stock HU - sounded much better than stock speakers. Then Added a Clarion HU (about 17 watts/channel) and got an equally big improvement as the components really want more power than stock.

Then added an amp and 8" sub in a small box -running the amp to the front components and sub, rear speakers off the HU only. The components sound way better with the amp & sub as they are getting more power and no longer being asked to make sound below 100 hz.

This is pretty much a budget system - front speakers about $120, rears about $90, amp $200, wiring $50, sub $120, home made box $30, HU $250 or so. For the limited budget, I'm very happy with the result.



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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, Ford bed liner

Clarion ARX8570z Head Unit, Sony 10 disc CD, Infinity 610cs components & JBL GTO7520 speakers; USAcousitcs 4065 amp and Polk 8" subwoofer

Edelbrock IAS, Energy Suspension anti-sway bar bushings, Steeda Rear Anti-sway bar, 2" rear drop.

Superchip, Airaid FIPK, Flex-a-Lite Black Magic electric fan

 

OK,
How would this sound....

move the Polk DX7's to the rear. Put Polk EX2550 components (2-60 RMS 150 peak power) in the front. Use the Kenwood KDC-315S HU (22 RMS 45 peak power) replacing the Ford HU.

Sound good or like crap or no better than what I have.

 

Ironman, you got the solution. I did a similar deal. Started w/ the Pioneer HU (22 RMS 45 peak power) then added the components in the front and the infinity in the back. Thought it sounded great, then I added speaker baffles all the way around. That improved it noticably.

Got a 12 disc changer commin'.

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• 1999 Super Cab XLT
• 2000 Windsor 5.4 ( slapper replaced)
• 3.55 Ratio L/S
• White/ Grey interior
  MODS
• Pioneer DEH P6000 HU
• Blaupunkt VC-54 component speakers (front)
• Infinity Refrence 5712cd 2-way Speakers (rear)
• Intake Silencer Removed
• LoJack Anti-Theft System
• Bug Deflector
• Aluminum Tool Box
• 2 Bull Ring Retractable Tie Down's
• Bed Mat
• Class III Receiver Hitch
• CCA Redfish Decal
• TTMB Sheepshead Decal

badangler@2coolfishing.com

 

dirt bike dave,
how do you like the 8" sub. ive been lookin into the mtx 6000s and was wondering what you thought. i dont need to wake up the neighbors, but i would like a little more bass.

thanks


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99 4x4 XLT
Ext Cab
4.6L V8
Torreador Red
AM/FM/CD
All Power
K&N Filter

Coming Soon:
Tires and rims (back ordered)
Dual Exhaust
Billet Grill
Upgraded Sound System

 

For me, the single Polk 8" in a 0.42 cubic foot box is enough and plays plenty low, and is well balanced with my system. Not all 8" are created equal, but If I crank the bass up, it will totally overpower the other speakers and pound pretty hard. Not hard like the kid in the riced up Civic with two 12" subs and 1,000 watts, but hard enough to shake your guts, rattle your mirror and ruin your hearing if you choose.

I put a 10" Boston in my wife's car with similar power (150 watts or so) and bigger box and it will hit harder than the 8" in my truck. There are a lot of variables at work here (car vs. truck interior, etc...) and IMO the 10" sounds a little better on bass drum hits, but the 8" is nice and clean on bass guitar and a capable of a lot more bass than your typical 6x8.

Overall, I'm really happy with the improvement. You can learn alot before you buy by surfing around at www.crutchfield.com and www.sounddomain.com

 

Ironman - I got the premier components from my local car audio shop. They sound really good, I wish the mids were a little more, but the highs are just impressive. For headunits I'd go with either Pioneer or Alpine, from what I've seen and heard and others I know those to brands offer some great peices for the prices.

If you want my opinion on a budget to sound good, either get pair of components that sound good w/ low power to accomodate the factory HU, or find a way hook up separate tweeters and use them w/ polks you have now in the front, and that will improve your highs.

Also you may want to look into the powered bazooka tubes, they offer decent bass and can be removed with ease. The thing is if you add a sub you don't have to worry about the speakers producing low frequencies, they can then just be dedicated to mids and highs which will make them sound a little better at louder volumes w/out distorting.

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black 97' x-cab 4x4, 5 speed 4.6, black westin nerf bars, pilot ground searchers, borla SS split rear exhaust, K&N genII, bosch +4 plugs, superchip, flexalite electric fan, v-tech oval side window covers, IAS shocks

premier 720, pioneer 6cd changer, 12 premier sub, premier componets, 2 soso amps

still to come: new spark plug wires, new rims and tires, maybe a supercharger eventually.