When I purchased my truck one of the first things to go was the factory speakers. Although I know the best option would have been to go with components, I swapped out all four speakers with Polk EX 587 (mostly for budgetary reasons). The sound difference was extremely noticible -- deeper base, crisper highs and cleaner sound overall. I have had components in my previous trucks and can honestly say that while they were better, it wasn't by much.

About two weeks ago I came across a set of Polk DX7s for a very good price and picked up a pair (thinking that if the EX were that good, the DX7 must be incredible). Well, the interesting thing is that I installed them yesterday and noticed that they actually sounded worse than the Polk EX I previously had installed. The sound was much flatter. If I had to guess, I would assume that this is due to the fact that the factory head unit does not have enough power to sufficiently drive the higher rated DX7s. I put the original Polks back in, and the great sound is back. I kept the DX7s for when I eventually replace the head unit, but for now I am much happier with the cheaper model.

Thought some of you might find this of interest.

Regards...

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2000 F-150 XLT Supercab, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 gears

• Premium AM/FM Radio with CD
• Polk DX7 Speakers (front), EX7 (rear)
• Smittybuilt sure step bars
• Ford (Duraliner) Bedliner
• Class III Tow Package
• Superchip
• Ravin Z-55 SI/SO Exhaust
• K&N Gen II FIPK
• Eaglite Xenon 100/80w headlight bulbs
• GE 9005 Halogen bulbs (fogs)

 

I have Boston Acoustic Rally RC 61 (6.5" + 1" tweeter) components and Boston 5X7 in the back. I had them installed while I had the Pioneer DEH-9200r in my truck. I could not get a face plate made for truck and I was going to take someone out on the town so I swapped the stock deck bach in for appearance purposes and it sounded better?!? Well anyways I can now also use the speed sensitive volume which is trick. I am going to put a Soundstream Rubicon 555 in my truck to amp the components and a 12" Eclipse sub so I will report on results after that. I am very happy with the stock deck and I think I will keep it oh and the bostons are my piece of paradise on the way home.

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2001.5 SuperCrew XLT 4X4
Silver Clearcoat Metallic
Deep Wedgewood Blue (accent)
5.4L V8
Chrome Tubular Step Bars (Ford)
Captains Chairs
Power Moonroof
3.55 LS
6750 GVWR
Class III Towing Pkg

Mods:
Harley Davidson Exhaust
'01 Lightning Head/Tail Lamps
Pioneer DEH-9200r
Boston Acoustic Components & 5X7s
Box Liner (Ford)
Splashguards (Ford)
Bug Defector Doubles as Rock and Sand/Salt Deflector in these snowy Canadian winters

To Come:
17" Rims/Tires
K&N Air Filter