I have a '99 with the factory CD player. I like the radio, but have always been a fan of aftermarket radios and speakers. Would it be worthwile to upgrade the factory speakers and add tweeters with an aftermarket amp and leave the head unit alone? I also have 2 bass tubes I want to install with amp. Will this be too much on my factory head unit?

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1999 F-250LD 4X4 XLT Supercab SB, 5.4L, AT, 3.73LS, 33"Wrangler ATS, Dual Exhaust, custom air intake, Color: Harvest Gold cc "Ready to Farm"

 

If you get an amp with speaker level inputs you should be fine. I don't know if they make them, but if you could find a crossover with speaker level inputs that would be your best bet. Then you could run a seperate amp for your fullranges(door speaker etc.) and another amp just for you low range subs. This would be your best bet. Otherwise you could try to find a 5 channel amp with speaker level inputs...


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Curt
93 Lightning #4232

 

I've already done EXACTLY what you're describing I've left in the truck the Ford CD/cassette/radio and changed out all speakers, added a sub and an amp to power everything. It sounds FANTASTIC. Even the stereo shop that did the install was surprised at how well the Ford stereo worked. At the time of install, I was debating on getting a new head unit but wanted to first see how the Ford one worked out. My amp is a 5/4/3 channel (able to connect in different combinations of speakers) I'm running the 5 channel. I really like this amp and for me, it puts out plenty of power. 80w x 4 & 230w x 1 If you can find a shop that sells Clarion, check it out. The radio did need 2, line output convertors added. My sig will tell you what's in the truck.

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2000 F250 Crew Cab 4x2 6 speed Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, mud flaps
Trailer tow Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards
rear privacy glass, 265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip

 

Funkster,your head unit has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not your radio can handle it, it's whether or not your speakers can handle the power you provide them. If your happy with the function of your factory head, then keepm it, and you can buy step-down units, which turn your speaker input leads into RCA jacks. You can do that right in the dash for a clean look. And a descent step down only costs about$25.00 to $30.00. The problem with running an amp on speaker leads is, you lose some signal if you run those skinny wires from your head to your amp. Most High quality ampswill only have RCA's anyway. And trust me if you have the right sub/amp combo, you'll only need one. I used to do this for awhile, so if you have any questions, just send an e-mail......also, I'm right now in the process of adding A 5 1/4" JBL GT componet set for the front of my truck (5 1/4" mid and tweet combo) and dual 8" isobaric in a q-logic box that fits quite nice in my std.cab.

 

Tina,

By any chance did your install guys tell you what the power output of your factory head unit is? I have the same model head unit as you, and am contemplating a speaker replacement, but I'd like to augment it with an amp if the head unit is at all wimpy. I really don't mind the sound quality now, the midrange seems acceptable, but I would like to get some more decibels out of it. Thanks if you know,

Dave

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Ninety-niner F-150 XLT, 5.4 Triton (no slap!)
4x4, Class III Tow, Oxford White and sooooo clean. :o)

 

Just had Memphis AR-EN 60 component speakers put in my truck last week. These are 6.5 inch speakers. I bought based on recommendations made by several people on this board who have Memphis speakers, and they are right. Excellent sound, easy on the budget. I have a Kenwood HU sending it's signal. I wanted to get an amp, but right now I am very pleased with what I have, so now I have to find another things to daydream about getting for the Ford

 

Yep, those Memphis are sweet for the $$$.

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99 XLT 5.4L Regular Cab 4x2 120" Wheelbase 4 wheel disc brakes/ABS 5 star larait style wheels Toreador Red/Silver 3.55 gears 255/70/16 OWL Delta toolbox, Ford Running Boards, Ventshades, Bugflector, Bullrings, Donnelly compass mirror, 2" Rear drop.
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers w/tweeters mounted flush in the door panels (excellent sound)powered by a Sherwood 35x2 RMS amp
Kicker ZR360 for the 2 Audiobahn AWC10 subs
regcab54@sc.rr.com

 

bunabayashi: I had to go back 3 times to get your name right No, I've got no idea what the watts are on the factory CD/radio. My amp REALLY makes it sound great though. It sounded OK before the amp, you can really hear the increased power so I would not think the factory one has much power. I know it doesn't have enough for me

Jumpn: I'm really enjoying the Memphis MultiSync AR-MS6.75 that I had installed up front. Very nice clear sounds. Are you going to add any other speakers???

 

Tina, I'm happy with my system for the time being, but I still have that itch to add an amp and some 8" speakers in the rear doors. Have heard good things about a JL audio 8" woofer that may be the answer. Very pleased with the new Memphis The additions may not take place till summer, as money allows!

 

Funkster:

LightninStruck is right on the money.
The factory head unit is relatively good quality, IMO. By adding a Clarion 5-channel 300W amp., subs.(MTX Thunderform) and four(4) Polk Audio 5x7's (DX-7), I've got one of the best sounding systems I've ever owned!
BTW, think about soundproofing during the process. By eliminating external noise, the system sounds that much better.
I've attached a link from the Lightning forum that describes the process with pics.
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/001604.html

Good Luck!

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Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. Super Chip. K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, clear corners, tow package, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost gauge, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX 200w subs. 5-channel 300w Clarion amp., Polk Audio 3-way, 130w DX 7's, Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt/images/Light21.jpg
1999.5 Expedition XLT

 

TampaBayLightning: what is the model # of that 5 channel Clarion amp??? I've got a 5 channel one and it's 550watts. Just wondering if maybe you got the watts mixed up or something???? Your subs look real good, I bet that truck really thumps!!! Did you put the amp under the passenger seat?? Have you looked into adding some tweeters??? You wont believe the difference they make!!!

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2000 F250 Crew Cab 4x2 6 speed Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, mud flaps
Trailer tow Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards
rear privacy glass, 265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip, Stepshields, Ventshields on windows, rubber bed mat
rugged liner bedliner on tailgate

 

I appreciate all your help. I do have one question though. My buddy told me that If I run those Memphis component speakers up front and 2 10" subs in the back, I shouldn't run the back speakers because you won't hear them. He also thinks If I just run an amp on the subs and upgrade my factory speakers, the ohms won't be right for the factory head unit. I may end up overloading it. I would like to run what Tina has, but may be short on money. I'll have to sell my 2 6.5" bass tubes first. Unless Their might be a way the'd fit in the back. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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1999 F-250LD 4X4 XLT Supercab SB, 5.4L, AT, 3.73LS, 33"Wrangler ATS, Dual Exhaust, custom air intake, Color: Harvest Gold cc "Ready to Farm"

 

funkster: I can hear my rear speakers only when I'm sitting in the rear seat!! Upfront, all I can really make out are the fronts/tweeters and of course the sub. I put a cheaper Memphis 5x7 in the rear just for "fill" sound. Plus my amp is pushing 80w into each speaker so I wanted something that would take that and not sound scratchy. Good luck with whatever you end up with. Do invest in a good amp, I know my setup wouldn't sound as good if I didn't have that 5channel amp.

 

Funkster:
I don't know why the back speakers wouldn't be heard. It actually sounds as if the sound is coming from every direction. I put in four quality Polk Audio 130W DX7 3-ways. Even with the subs, you can still get alot of sound with the additional 5x7's.

Tina:
500w amp. The maximum power output is 300w. It's a 4/3/2 5-channel. Model # is APA4203.

Anybody know where I can get a deal on these....

 

TampaBayLighting: thanks for the info on your amp. I found the stats on it but no where does it say 5channel. It's a bridgeable 4, 3, or 2 channel operation (125W x 4). That thing puts out more power than the one I have Mine does have a chanel for the sub though, that pushes 230W x 1. These are nice amps, I'm just very glad I found mine at a clearence sale through Crunchfields, 4 & 5 channel amps are expensive!!!

[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 02-22-2000).]