slackk

Hi all,

So this information has been gathered on this forum, calling and speaking with Kicker, Ford, Crutchfield, Stage3 Motor, and more.

I am struggling with the options to upgrade the audio on my '17 XLT Screw 302a Special Edition. I have come up with four basic options based around keeping the truck as factory as possible.

1. FORD OEM part#VGL3Z-18808-A $699 So I believe this is totally plug and play, I know there is a hook-up in the B pillar for the sub/amp, but does anyone know if it is in the XLT Screw '17?


2. Kicker SF150SC15 SubStage $699.95

3. Kicker PF150SC15 PowerStage $1249.95
4. Full AftermarketSo these are the options and if you choose to go with option 4, there are limitless options from there. All prices are MSRP and I have found lower prices by calling and talking with companies and even found a low price on FORD for the OEM with an install price for only $75... but this may be an hourly rate it does not say.

I am stuck and was wondering if any 2015-17 owners have been in my situation. I do not want to void any factory warranties as this is a brand new truck.

Okay, hope this is helpful to someone.

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Slackk do a search. There are a lot of people doing what you are doing

slackk

I am pretty sure I have read everything on this forum about this already

slackk

So I have these final decisions:

1. Ford OEM part#VGL3Z-18808-A Kicker Sub w/100 watt ford amp installed by dealer for a final cost of $700. (only charging me $75 to install)

2. Kicker PowerStage bought and installed by local shop: final cost $1,249 + tax (basically free installation)

3. Purchase PowerStage online and install myself. I have found a number of prices online but nothing more than $150 off MSRP

Which would you choose?

SportRanger

iTrader: (1)

I'll throw my .02 out there. I bought the Kicker PowerStage from Amazon (prime shipping to Alaska made it the best price) and it is easily 1,000x better than the stock sound system. Is it as good as a full on custom audio build, no. But for the cost, I think it sounds better than most OEM "premium" systems.

My only complaint is that at high volumes, the OEM speakers in the doors are over-driven so I am going to replace all of the door speakers, tweeters and even the center channel with Infintiy Reference speakers to smooth out the sound at volumes I prefer with my rock music.

white_dc

iTrader: (12)

If you want the OEM part. Search for banner Ford. I think he's got an ad in the vendor section for the OEM kicker sub. He had the best price around before I decided to go aftermarket.

slackk

So I am giving the Kicker VSS PowerStage a whirl.

Just ordered today from Stage3MotorSports, they had a decent price point and are throwing in a free Kicker Headphone which is fun (this promo lasts until March 31st 2017)

I will update with any install tips and my overall experience. I will also write about sound quality.

Wish me luck~!

SportRanger

iTrader: (1)

The installation is fairly straight forward. The worst part for me was the installation of the 4-channel amp under the dash.

Also, just an FYI, I replaced my front door speakers with Infinity REF-9623ix and the rear door speakers with Infinity REF6522IX speakers and those made 1000x improvement just like the Kicker system did to the stock audio. So, now I have speakers that the Kicker amp can drive without blowing them and the sound is much cleaner. The highs are crisp but not harsh and the mid-low range bass has a seamless transition where the 6x9's in the front doors and the subwoofer work in harmony.

So, like I said before, the Kicker system makes the stock system fantastic. But if you want a little more, replacing the door speakers helps. My next step is to finish the system out by replacing the center channel and the tweeters in the A-Pillars. Then I will be done with the audio in my truck.

slackk

Awesome, thank you. I will see how it sounds first, then contemplate those speakers. I appreciate the input.

Unfortunately my shipping was postponed and my original install has come and gone. Now the system will sit in my garage for another 2 weeks before I have the free time

I will update date immediately after the install for those that are curious.

2016BoostedGreyGoose

iTrader: (1)

This is not the case.... To be over driven they would have to have MOE power than they can handle. Its actually the opposite AND the big one, the DSP. As good as some think it is....it causes more distortion than music. At higher volumes, the DSP equalization starts to compress frequencies in a truncated manor that just doesnt sound accurate. yes better that standard oem, but still very oem and very very limited in frequency reproduction.