I just recently got my brand new 2002 F150 XLT Scab before Christmas (present to myself). I love everything about it, except the stock stereo could use a little work. The sound just doesn't have the clarity or punch that I had in my old Accord (8 yr old factory speakers, Pioneer HU).

I think that I am looking at replacing the stock speakers and leaving the HU (single cd) in place, but I need a little reasurance that that will get me where I want to be.

I need some suggestions for a simple, cheap upgrade to get a little better sound out of my truck. I am trying to stay around or below $100. So far I have looked at the Polk's, and Infinity's in the 5.25". I would really like to upgrade without having to add an amp so I will be looking for something that I can push with the factory HU.

Keep in mind, I don't want earth shattering, hear me coming from a mile away sound. I am just looking to gain a little cleaner sound that hits just a little bit.

Also, what would be a good configuration. 5.25" all around? 5.25" up fron and 5X7 in the rear? etc. need a lot of help on this one.

Thanks for any advice.

 

I was in the same boat too. I would go with the Infinity all around
5.25's. I'm not sure if you are going to like that though. I used the factory radio for a while running all the speakers and it still didn't sound good. I had to replace the head unit and add two amps to get it right. I have 5.25's in all the doors and a single 8 under the rear seat. You will have to get a speaker adapter to install 5.25's in the doors, but it not too hard to do. I think if you like real good car audio you might go the same route.


Scott

 

I have heard great things about the Polk DX-7's. I would use 5x7's all the way around. Crutchfield has them on sale for $99.95 a pair. Plus they give you the adapters to hook it up to the factory wiring without splicing, and if you don't like them they have a 30 day money back guarantee. If you do get Infinity's, try to get at least the Kappa series. I have had a bad experience with their reference line, they blew after a month of use. I didn't overdrive them, the tweeters just decided to quit.

 

Dump the head unit. I replaced the head unit with a pioneer 45X4 am/fm/cd after one week. The difference was unbelievable.

I replaced the speakers last week. It was a good improvement, but not as significant as replacing the head unit.

 

I also swapped my HU before changing speakers. Big difference and the stock speakers that came with the Ford "Premium" sound system did a decent job. That would be the cheapest way to go since there are some pretty good HU's out there for less than $200. Do the install yourself with a dash kit and adapter, shouldn't take more than an hour. If you go the speaker route, you won't see as big a difference. The only way to make good aftermarket speakers sound right is to drive them with an amp. A pair of decent speakers plus an amp will cost you more than a mid line HU. The install will also be a lot tougher than a simple HU swap. Hope this helps.

Aloha From Hawaii

 

hello all,

i just took the plunge and replaced all my stock speakers with the dx-7's and there was a huge difference. i love the sound they put out! i still have to factory hu in although i'm not sure if it's the premium or regular. i do have the 6 dic changer, so, according to my owners manual its a premium.