Newbie Question
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Newbie Question
Hi Everyone,
A ‘newbie’ here with a week old 03’ SuperCrew XLT and am looking to upgrade/build upon the factory installed system.
I am thinking about having all four door speakers replaced first and then later down the road adding an amp or two and a decent subwoofer.
My knowledge of car audio is very limited so please bear with me.
Would any of you be so kind as to provide me brand names and/or models of quality speakers in the 'medium price range' and also in the 'top of the line range' (as if money were no issue)?
I went to BestBuy over the weekend just to look around and get and idea of prices and they had at least a half a dozen different brands.
I keep reading/hearing that JL Audio speakers are top of the line but have know idea?
School me please.
A ‘newbie’ here with a week old 03’ SuperCrew XLT and am looking to upgrade/build upon the factory installed system.
I am thinking about having all four door speakers replaced first and then later down the road adding an amp or two and a decent subwoofer.
My knowledge of car audio is very limited so please bear with me.
Would any of you be so kind as to provide me brand names and/or models of quality speakers in the 'medium price range' and also in the 'top of the line range' (as if money were no issue)?
I went to BestBuy over the weekend just to look around and get and idea of prices and they had at least a half a dozen different brands.
I keep reading/hearing that JL Audio speakers are top of the line but have know idea?
School me please.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,558
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From: Eastern TN
MrTude -
Congrats on the new 'Screw.
First thing I'd say is ask about audio and you'll get as many opinions about speakers as there are speaker manufacturers.
I'll give you my preferences:
1. Mid-range dollars: Polk Audio 6 1/2" component system.
2. Upper mid-range: Focal components.
3. No holds barred: MB Quart components.
IMO, don't bother with 6"x 8" or 5"x 7" if you are planning all the other upgrades. You will just end up replacing them anyway.
6 1/2" drivers will fit without any cutting of the doors and will sound way better than any 5"x 7" or 6"x 8" speaker there is.
JL Audio makes good stuff. Boston Acoustics has just released some new components that were awesome. So was the price tag... $1,000 a pair.
I spent about $900 for all four doors on my 'Screw. Should last as long as the truck and I personally enjoy the sound of MB Quart over any other speaker I've heard. Good thing is, everyone hears differently so what you like may cost you a lot less!
Don't go by what you hear at Best Buy or a place like that. Go to a quality auto hi-fi store and listen to speakers installed in the salesperson's vehicles. If they don't have equipment in their own vehicle that they want you to audition, be wary. If they have nothing in their vehicle, talk to someone else...
Be sure to bring several CD's with music you like and know. Listen at levels that are realistic; then crank 'em up to see how they work when you wanna' blast 'em.
The oldest trick in the audio book to make a particular speaker sound better than another is to apply more power to it. The human ear is especially sensitive to volume, and MOST people perceive a louder speaker to sound better than a quiter speaker, all other factors being equal or close to equal (distortion, noise, etc.)
Last but not least, don't spend $200 on a pair of speakers you kinda' like if they have a pair you love for $300. Save the time and aggravation and just buy the one's you love. You'll never regret it...
Good luck and let us know what you do.
Congrats on the new 'Screw.
First thing I'd say is ask about audio and you'll get as many opinions about speakers as there are speaker manufacturers.
I'll give you my preferences:
1. Mid-range dollars: Polk Audio 6 1/2" component system.
2. Upper mid-range: Focal components.
3. No holds barred: MB Quart components.
IMO, don't bother with 6"x 8" or 5"x 7" if you are planning all the other upgrades. You will just end up replacing them anyway.
6 1/2" drivers will fit without any cutting of the doors and will sound way better than any 5"x 7" or 6"x 8" speaker there is.
JL Audio makes good stuff. Boston Acoustics has just released some new components that were awesome. So was the price tag... $1,000 a pair.
I spent about $900 for all four doors on my 'Screw. Should last as long as the truck and I personally enjoy the sound of MB Quart over any other speaker I've heard. Good thing is, everyone hears differently so what you like may cost you a lot less!
Don't go by what you hear at Best Buy or a place like that. Go to a quality auto hi-fi store and listen to speakers installed in the salesperson's vehicles. If they don't have equipment in their own vehicle that they want you to audition, be wary. If they have nothing in their vehicle, talk to someone else...
Be sure to bring several CD's with music you like and know. Listen at levels that are realistic; then crank 'em up to see how they work when you wanna' blast 'em.
The oldest trick in the audio book to make a particular speaker sound better than another is to apply more power to it. The human ear is especially sensitive to volume, and MOST people perceive a louder speaker to sound better than a quiter speaker, all other factors being equal or close to equal (distortion, noise, etc.)
Last but not least, don't spend $200 on a pair of speakers you kinda' like if they have a pair you love for $300. Save the time and aggravation and just buy the one's you love. You'll never regret it...
Good luck and let us know what you do.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Los Angeles
I agree with the post before this....If your going to build/put together a system do it right the first time. Dont buy something that is cheap just because you have the money now, wait and get what you really want. As far as speakers go...
High end: Focal Utopias, Dyn Audio, Rainbow and the comp Mb quarts.
As mid range priced: Polk, kicker, Jl, Rockford fosgate, Diamond audio
If your going to build a system the first thing to start with is a good headunit, make sure it has the sub output for later when you want to add a sub to the mix. Your system is only as good as your headunit! For pricing or purchasing, find out what you like in local car stereo shops(avoid best buy and circuit city type places) and listen to what they have. Find out their prices and then look online at either a reputable ebay seller or online seller.
The major disadvantage to buying online is if something happends to your component and the seller isnt a authorized dealer your S.O.L But if they are a authorized seller it could take some time to send out the product, have it fixed, have it shipped back and so on. The last thing you want to do is wait for your system to be back "online"
Lastly, make sure you have someone knowledgable install your equipment. Check out their photo albums and so on....and so you dont get to surprised, if you have a shop install it, thats where your gonna spend another good chunk of money!
High end: Focal Utopias, Dyn Audio, Rainbow and the comp Mb quarts.
As mid range priced: Polk, kicker, Jl, Rockford fosgate, Diamond audio
If your going to build a system the first thing to start with is a good headunit, make sure it has the sub output for later when you want to add a sub to the mix. Your system is only as good as your headunit! For pricing or purchasing, find out what you like in local car stereo shops(avoid best buy and circuit city type places) and listen to what they have. Find out their prices and then look online at either a reputable ebay seller or online seller.
The major disadvantage to buying online is if something happends to your component and the seller isnt a authorized dealer your S.O.L But if they are a authorized seller it could take some time to send out the product, have it fixed, have it shipped back and so on. The last thing you want to do is wait for your system to be back "online"
Lastly, make sure you have someone knowledgable install your equipment. Check out their photo albums and so on....and so you dont get to surprised, if you have a shop install it, thats where your gonna spend another good chunk of money!
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Hey Guys,
Thanks for the feedback and educating me a little on car audio.
After work today I stopped by this place named ‘Car Fidelity’ in North Hollywood.
Perhaps you may have heard of this place Cdiddy4224, as they have done a lot of work for the folks at Power 106?
Anyways the sales guy their seemed very knowledgeable and took a lot of time explaining different things to me, letting me hear different systems, and finally giving me a written estimate.
He said unfortunately he knows of know sub-box that can be installed under the rear seat of a SuperCrew and recommended I go with a 6” Bazooka, or JL Audio has a Stealth-Box that drops in the center console (this box is $550)
http://www.jlaudio.com/stealthbox/f150_CTR3.html
Anyways, here is what he quoted me ~ please tell me what you think.
Sorry but he did not write down nor did I get the exact models of speakers/amp.
4, 5”x7” Eclipse speakers = $500
1, Alpine 5 channel amp = $250
1, 6” Bazooka Sub = $100
Miscellaneous parts = $100
Labor = $200
Thanks for the feedback and educating me a little on car audio.
After work today I stopped by this place named ‘Car Fidelity’ in North Hollywood.
Perhaps you may have heard of this place Cdiddy4224, as they have done a lot of work for the folks at Power 106?
Anyways the sales guy their seemed very knowledgeable and took a lot of time explaining different things to me, letting me hear different systems, and finally giving me a written estimate.
He said unfortunately he knows of know sub-box that can be installed under the rear seat of a SuperCrew and recommended I go with a 6” Bazooka, or JL Audio has a Stealth-Box that drops in the center console (this box is $550)
http://www.jlaudio.com/stealthbox/f150_CTR3.html
Anyways, here is what he quoted me ~ please tell me what you think.
Sorry but he did not write down nor did I get the exact models of speakers/amp.
4, 5”x7” Eclipse speakers = $500
1, Alpine 5 channel amp = $250
1, 6” Bazooka Sub = $100
Miscellaneous parts = $100
Labor = $200
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Los Angeles
MrTude....
I havent heard of that place, but north hollywood isnt that far from me. How much are you looking to spend?
As far as the speakers, the 5x7's i think you would be happier with a component set of speakers. I think you would get better highs and a bit more bass up front. Then maybe add a pair of 5x7's to the back doors for rear fill. You wont really hear the back speakers to much so they arent as important as the fronts.
Alpine makes good amps and that would be fine, but why a 5 channel amp? Bazookas normally have built in internal amps to power themselves, which is why you wouldnt need that 5th channel on the amp.
As far as the Bazooka goes it depends on what kind of bass your looking for. Have you checked out www.subbox.net ? They make an encloser that slides under your back seat and can fit a 10" sub back there, then you can make use of your 5th channel on the amp. The box goes for about 140 including shipping. I plan on buying this box in about a month. The box doesnt take up any footspace either!
Just to give you an idea here is what i have(waiting for money to get everything installed):
Headunit: Alpine cva 1003
Speakers: Focal 165ks & RF 5x7's in rear doors
Amps: Orion 800.4 & Orion 500.2
Sub: Elemental Designs 10"
Goodies: accelle dvd player, audiovox 8" overhead tv
I havent heard of that place, but north hollywood isnt that far from me. How much are you looking to spend?
As far as the speakers, the 5x7's i think you would be happier with a component set of speakers. I think you would get better highs and a bit more bass up front. Then maybe add a pair of 5x7's to the back doors for rear fill. You wont really hear the back speakers to much so they arent as important as the fronts.
Alpine makes good amps and that would be fine, but why a 5 channel amp? Bazookas normally have built in internal amps to power themselves, which is why you wouldnt need that 5th channel on the amp.
As far as the Bazooka goes it depends on what kind of bass your looking for. Have you checked out www.subbox.net ? They make an encloser that slides under your back seat and can fit a 10" sub back there, then you can make use of your 5th channel on the amp. The box goes for about 140 including shipping. I plan on buying this box in about a month. The box doesnt take up any footspace either!
Just to give you an idea here is what i have(waiting for money to get everything installed):
Headunit: Alpine cva 1003
Speakers: Focal 165ks & RF 5x7's in rear doors
Amps: Orion 800.4 & Orion 500.2
Sub: Elemental Designs 10"
Goodies: accelle dvd player, audiovox 8" overhead tv
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Cdiddy4224,
To be honest I am really not looking to spend a whole lot on this system upgrade, as I just bought this truck last week and have already spent 4K on the suspension kit/wheels & tires.
I am simply looking for some quality sound with power when needed ~ not really looking for the window-rattling, cab-shaking, annoying bass-thud.
FYI: my music varies from RAP, R&B, Classic Rock, Alternative, etc, etc…
Again my knowledge on car audio is very limited so please excuse me.
When you refer to ‘component set of speakers’ do you mean ones with separate tweeters?
The Eclipse speakers that this guy was showing me/recommending I go with were a new design he said was the ‘hot ticket’, as they had the tweeter built into the center of the cone ~ but separate in it’s own way.
Am I making any sense in trying to explain this?
Anyways, so all Bazookas’ have built in internal amps?
So would I really only need a 4-channel amp if I went with the Bazooka?
If so, is there that much difference in price between a 4 and 5 channel amp?
Yes I have seen the enclosure from Subbox ~ you are referring to the one below?
http://www.subbox.net/store/product39.html
If I opted to go with this box as opposed to the Bazooka then I would need the 5-channel right?
Finally what are your thoughts/opinions in the stealth enclosure from JL Audio ~ the one below?
http://www.jlaudio.com/stealthbox/f150_CTR3.html
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for taking the time to reply/educate me.
To be honest I am really not looking to spend a whole lot on this system upgrade, as I just bought this truck last week and have already spent 4K on the suspension kit/wheels & tires.
I am simply looking for some quality sound with power when needed ~ not really looking for the window-rattling, cab-shaking, annoying bass-thud.
FYI: my music varies from RAP, R&B, Classic Rock, Alternative, etc, etc…
Again my knowledge on car audio is very limited so please excuse me.
When you refer to ‘component set of speakers’ do you mean ones with separate tweeters?
The Eclipse speakers that this guy was showing me/recommending I go with were a new design he said was the ‘hot ticket’, as they had the tweeter built into the center of the cone ~ but separate in it’s own way.
Am I making any sense in trying to explain this?
Anyways, so all Bazookas’ have built in internal amps?
So would I really only need a 4-channel amp if I went with the Bazooka?
If so, is there that much difference in price between a 4 and 5 channel amp?
Yes I have seen the enclosure from Subbox ~ you are referring to the one below?
http://www.subbox.net/store/product39.html
If I opted to go with this box as opposed to the Bazooka then I would need the 5-channel right?
Finally what are your thoughts/opinions in the stealth enclosure from JL Audio ~ the one below?
http://www.jlaudio.com/stealthbox/f150_CTR3.html
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for taking the time to reply/educate me.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Los Angeles
When refering to component speakers i am talking about the ones with seperate tweaters and all that good stuff! If your going for good sound then the speakers you are talking about should do the job just fine! I have heard of having the tweater in the middle of the speaker before and for good sound in your truck i think those speakers will def. do a good job.
Im not sure about all bazookas having their own built in amp but i know most do, i havent researched their subs enough to know. Give me the model number of the bazooka your contemplating and i can tell you. If the bazooka has a built in amp you dont need a 5 channel, opt for the 4 channel. The price should be a bit less but i wouldnt expect it to be a whole bunch less. It wouldnt be a bad idea to purchase the 5 channel amp though, in case you ever decide that you dont like the bazooka over time and then you can throw in a seperate sub.
Now if you opted to go with sub box from subbox.net you would def. need the 5 channel amp. Then again, your going to spend 140 or so on the box and figure about 120 or so for the sub. So if your not looking to spend much, the box may be a bit more than you plan on spending.
I have heard good things about the stealth box form JL, although i havent heard it or seen it in person before. So i would be going off what other people have said. I did at one time have a bazooka sub that put out decent bass in a car trunk, so inside a truck cabin it should sound pretty good.
Did you plan on keeping your stock headunit or upgrading that?
What kind of suspension did u buy, raised or lowered? Throw me some pics if you have any, id like to see it!
Im not sure about all bazookas having their own built in amp but i know most do, i havent researched their subs enough to know. Give me the model number of the bazooka your contemplating and i can tell you. If the bazooka has a built in amp you dont need a 5 channel, opt for the 4 channel. The price should be a bit less but i wouldnt expect it to be a whole bunch less. It wouldnt be a bad idea to purchase the 5 channel amp though, in case you ever decide that you dont like the bazooka over time and then you can throw in a seperate sub.
Now if you opted to go with sub box from subbox.net you would def. need the 5 channel amp. Then again, your going to spend 140 or so on the box and figure about 120 or so for the sub. So if your not looking to spend much, the box may be a bit more than you plan on spending.
I have heard good things about the stealth box form JL, although i havent heard it or seen it in person before. So i would be going off what other people have said. I did at one time have a bazooka sub that put out decent bass in a car trunk, so inside a truck cabin it should sound pretty good.
Did you plan on keeping your stock headunit or upgrading that?
What kind of suspension did u buy, raised or lowered? Throw me some pics if you have any, id like to see it!
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cdiddy4224, thanks again for all your feedback and explaining things to me.
I had the 6" RCD suspension kit, Weld Racing 'Outbacks', and 33" BFG Mud Terrians installed by ORU in Burbank.
They did a great job and the truck looks awesome!
I just had it done yesterday and it's been raining all day so hopefully this weekend I can take some pix and post them for all to see.
I had the 6" RCD suspension kit, Weld Racing 'Outbacks', and 33" BFG Mud Terrians installed by ORU in Burbank.
They did a great job and the truck looks awesome!
I just had it done yesterday and it's been raining all day so hopefully this weekend I can take some pix and post them for all to see.
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Cdiddy4224,
Took some pix this afternoon so when you have a moment check them out at 'MrTude's Gallery' at the url below.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...y.cfm?gnum=2443
Talk to you later,
MrTude
p.s. Regarding your question from your previous post, I plan to keep the factory in-dash 6 CD Head Unit ~ just to build on that.
Took some pix this afternoon so when you have a moment check them out at 'MrTude's Gallery' at the url below.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...y.cfm?gnum=2443
Talk to you later,
MrTude
p.s. Regarding your question from your previous post, I plan to keep the factory in-dash 6 CD Head Unit ~ just to build on that.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Los Angeles
Wow, i swear im seing double. My truck is almost the same. I have a 4x4 on 33's with centerline wheels. I plan on getting budnik tillers in the future though! How much did that RCD lift cost you without tires and wheels? Im guessing about 1500 installed?
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No ****, do you have any pix of your truck?
Do you have a online gallery?
Excuse my ignorance but what is 'budnik tillers'?
The 6" RCD kit was $1300, installation of it and the mounting/balancing of the tires and alignment was another $500
Do you have a online gallery?
Excuse my ignorance but what is 'budnik tillers'?
The 6" RCD kit was $1300, installation of it and the mounting/balancing of the tires and alignment was another $500
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Los Angeles
budnik tillers are the name of the rims that i want.
As far as your install goes where did u get it done? That doesnt seem like a bad price at all and i have a friend looking to get his 250 done, i plan on lifting mine in the future but im concentrating on my stereo right now. Oh yah one more question, is ur truck a 4x4?
I do have a online gallery, just look under my screen name on here and ull find me
As far as your install goes where did u get it done? That doesnt seem like a bad price at all and i have a friend looking to get his 250 done, i plan on lifting mine in the future but im concentrating on my stereo right now. Oh yah one more question, is ur truck a 4x4?
I do have a online gallery, just look under my screen name on here and ull find me
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Dallas, TX
Mr. Tude,
Just my $.02
I bought a Clarion Camo subbox that goes between the center console and the dash. Look at Crutchfield for it. It only has 1 8" sub and amp but for the money it is a great addition. I also like having something else to sit my glasses on.
Willderness
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yWSx4W9...0&I=020FF150LG
PS. It will work on a 2001-2003 Screw
Just my $.02
I bought a Clarion Camo subbox that goes between the center console and the dash. Look at Crutchfield for it. It only has 1 8" sub and amp but for the money it is a great addition. I also like having something else to sit my glasses on.
Willderness
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yWSx4W9...0&I=020FF150LG
PS. It will work on a 2001-2003 Screw