btownguy

I just bought a 2014 F150 SCREW XLT with the 4.2" screen. Not with the Sony with the subwoofer. The audio is disappointing so I want to go with the Kicker/Soundgate OEM solution. I have seen several variations on this and need to know what would be best for my situation. Assume cost isn't really the deciding factor - out of the options below I just want the best sound and the most OEM / factory look.

Option 1: Direct from Ford. $1200.
Includes 10" sub/amp, four 6x8" coaxial door speakers, 4.1 DSP.
http://accessories.ford.com/speaker-asy-10579.html

Option 2: From a third party. $950.
Includes 10" sub/amp, four 6x8" coaxial door speakers, 4.1 DSP.
http://www.levittownfordsupercenter....ay-p-1821.html
I assume this is the exact same thing as Option 1.

Option 3: From Kicker. $1250.
Includes 10" sub/amp, 4.1 DSP (you use the factory paper door speakers)
http://www.kicker.com/content/PF150C13

Option 4: From Crutchfield or similar. $1250.
Includes 10" sub/amp, 4.1 DSP (you use the factory paper door speakers)
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_206F150....html?tp=61674
I assume this is the exact same thing as Option 3.


I'm really wondering what the main difference between option 1/2 is with option 3/4. In option 1/2, is the DSP tuned for the new door speakers while option 3/4 has the DSP tuned for the factory door speakers? Which option would be best?

jpadg

Option 1,2,3 and 4 (price notwithstanding) are all the same except for one key difference----1 and 2 include a set of kicker 6x8's (Fords standard size) and come as a genuine Ford part.

The problem with option 1 and 2 is the DSP is tuned for the factory paper speakers so adding the DSP and using the kicker 6x8's provides less than favorable results. Not sure why Ford includes them, but I was going to buy the Levittown Ford kit and sell the 6x8's to recover the cost.

I considered this system, but ended up replacing the door speakers with 4 Pioneer 6x8's and added 2 Kicker 10's running off of a JL Audio amp and the factory deck. The total cost including install was $700 and it sounds amazing!!

btownguy

What would you recommend as far as the best place to get this kit installed? Buy the kit from the Ford dealership and just tell them to not install the door speakers? I don't really care to do it myself and want whoever installs it to know what they're doing.

btownguy

I took a look at the installation guide and it is a little far from "plug and play" in my opinion.

ftownkev

iTrader: (1)

I purchased the Kicker Soundgate system and also replaced all my door speakers with the Kicker 6x8 component speakers that have the separate tweeters. I did this for my front and back speaker I am very impressed with the sound and very happy with the fit, finish and looks.

JMiracle

Why don't you find a place like "car toys" or some type of audio shop and go from there? I'm sure you could find a quality place to get you a sub/amp and some new door speakers. I'm sure they could get you something equal or better than the kicker systems you are talking about, and then instead of some "package", you could pick out specific components that you will be happy with.

I used to be big into car audio and did my own installs, so i would just buy the parts. This is just my opinion especially, since it looks like you are not trying to do a cheap option.