I want to replace the stock speakers in my F-150. What are the best pair for $100 or less? I want alot more bass and clearer treble. Plus, if i put in different speakers do i have to get an amp or anything? Can i just hook up the new ones or what? Thanks guys

 

For $100 or less = Pioneer, or if you can find polk or infinity or boston acoustics or jl or eclipse on clearance.

 

would i have to get an amp?

 

If you are sticking with the stock head unit, you need to check the efficiency of the speakers that you are thinking about purchasing. If the efficiency is below 90 (and, optimally 92) you should consider some sort of amp. Also, you should check the rated RMS wattage range of the speakers as well. Speakers that have a bottom number of 2 watts tend to work better than speakers with a lower wattage number of 8 or more. (Source: crutchfield, and two local techs).
Some speakers are designed to operate in high wattage systems and need the extra drive to sound good. Others, especially Blaupunkt in my experience, like factory head units due to extreme efficiency ratings (commonly 93 or even 94 in some units). Now, I wouldn't say that Blaupunkt makes the best sounding speakers, but they are better than stock, and can really make a stock head unit sound loud. I have heard nothing but good stuff about Boston Acoustics, and some even work well with the stock head unit.
Something else to consider, if you are replacing the head unit with an aftermarket head unit (such as Pioneer, Sony and even some high end Kenwoods) they offer much more amplification than the stock unit, with RMS numbers in the low to mid 20's and peak wattages up to 55 watts. So, they can "technically" drive speakers that need higher driving forces and some of the more efficient components. However, I would still suggest sticking with efficient speakers for those as well.
As a general rule, use an AMP for components or Subs. Use an amp when you are in competitions and want to wind sound pressure tests. Use efficient replacements without amps.

 

NOLA-FORD-GUY
i have been on this site
for a little while.
I finally found somebody in
my area.
I am also looking to replace
my factory speakers.
any suggestions.I have a
Sony cdx-m620 head unit.

 

Nice head unit there. 22.5RMS/52 Peak watts will power just about anything you want to throw at it (within reason, like no subs w/o amps, etc). I've been investigating getting a set of 4 6X9 speakers installed in my Ext cab. I've been told that you have to reverse the speaker bracket and tap new holes to do it, but, should be simple enough. It will give better mid-bass and make me want the MTX thunderform less. You have to worry about speaker protrusion a bit, so, I'll need to take measurements.

The forum is full of suggestions for replacement 5X7/6X8s, but, they seem to prefer the Polk DX7s around here. I have had good experience with Sony Explode speakers, as well as Pioneer. That head unit won't hurt any of them, and will power them all.

If you do go sub, make sure you have a good amp for it.

 

NOLA-FORD-GUY

Thanks for the sugg..
I was glad you said that you had good sound with the sony speakers'
I think i will load the regular cab with XXXPLOD
___________________________
KEEP ON ROLLING
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If you are going xplode, may I recomend getting the 6 1/2 inch adapters from Crutchfield (or making them yourself) and using the 6 1/2s XS-V1631 or better explodes. They produce a nice, clean mid-bass and can be found for a reasonable price from www.usacaraudio.com . Sony doesn't appear to be too interested in the 5X7/6X8 market, except for a component plate set. That is, unless you are willing to go all out and do what it takes to get the 6X9s in there. You could potentially get away with not having a sub for those if you don't need to annoy your neighbors.

Like I said, for Xplodes, you have two choices, the 6.5s and the 6X9s. Both require a non-trivial amount of install work, but, both reward you with plenty of sound. Just, watch your tweeter protrusion on the 6X9s. Make the protrusion as small as possible to avoid having the grills pressed out.

 

Got the Polks on my L and they sound great. I did just the speakers only in the beginning but in the end I just pulled everything out and redid it again. My new HU is a Sony CDX-C90(still the best from Sony), Xtant 403a amp, Polk DX7, Cerwin Vega 6x8 in the rear, and an A/D/S a12s sub. Took me 2 weeks to do the whole thing but it sounds awesome. Here are pic's of my system:



-----------------------
01 Red Lightning
97 Lariat

 

I have the JL Audio XR series 5x7s, and they sound incredible.
I had Eclipse Point Source speakers before(very nice speakers
as well), but the XRs blow them away. If you are on a budget,
I would check out some Polks. The JL XR series retail for $300 or so a pair.

 

I installed today Memphis Power Reference 5x7 speakers in the rear of my supercab today. I already had Memhis Encore 6.5" speakers in the doors. Both retail for around $100, both are component speakers, not coaxial, and both pairs have aimable tweeters. Adding the 5x7's to the rear finally completes a nice sounding system, for not a whole lot of dough. See my signature for the rest of my system. I put some noise barrier mat over the LARGE holes in the rear doors. I couldn't believe how much open, stupid space there is in the rear doors that rob you of sound and power. I could do much more to sound proof those doors, if I had more time today. A shop in town installed my front door speakers over a year and a half ago, but I now plan on removing the door panel and matting areas in that door that need covered. Check out http://www.http://www.memcaraudio.co...eakers.htm.com for more info.
As for the wiring, it's easy. Cut the Ford connector, strip the two wires. Splice in wire that comes with the speakers, so that the speaker connections match up, plug them onto the speaker tabs, and you are good to go. I wired mine with the orange wire (oem wire) as the positive, spliced it to the red wire of the aftermarket speaker, and the purple wire of the original wire, to the black wire of the aftermarket. I used the Memphis mounting screws without the clips, and screwed them right into the mounting holes.

 

the best pair of 6x8's is a pair of 6x8 to 6 1/2" adapters and a good component set. you can get adapters from www.mjmautoinnovations.com/speakeradapters

 

I agree with pgh on this to a point. But, it depends on WHICH component set might be used. It would take a very, very good component set to be better than the JLAudio top of the line 5x7s. As a matter of fact, they ARE components, no adapter needed. I've heard them and they are awesome with proper amplification. Separate, quality crossovers but, they will not sound optimum with only a HU, in my opinion.

 

I have some Pioneer 5x7's in my truck, with the stock HU, and I havn't blown them yet.

I would get the 6x8 3-ways at walmart for 60$