Cheap Kicker soundstage upgrade alternative 2
03-14-2015, 05:14 PM
#21
Senior Member
According to the eBay seller's page, the 8" is 12.4" by 11" and the 10" is 12.4" by 13.4" so it looks like it would just be 2.4" taller when mounted with the amp wiring connections to the top. You can't really tell from the OP's video because of lack of lighting by the sub but it looks like there should be enough room to fit the 10".
03-16-2015, 09:10 AM
#22
Member
Hey guys, I wanted to offer a cheaper alternative to the Kicker soundstage upgrade. I know a lot of guys are opting to purchase the complete kicker soundstage system for around $600 or just the kicker sub for around $300.
Please note - this is my opinion and in no way suggesting that this alternative is better than the Kicker soundstage (though I did use the same Kicker speakers in the soundstage system), but I believe it's another alternative for achieving better sound over the Sony.
I feel that the Sony system is somewhat decent for what it is, but I knew that it needed enhancement with the overall sound, both in bass and clarity. My task was to get better clarity and bass without sacrificing the HU or my wallet.
This was done on my 2013 FX4 with Sony Nav system.
Components used:
1. Kicker Speakers CS68 - for all four doors $69.99 pair x 2 = $139.98
Amazon.com : Kicker 40CS684 6"x8" 2-way Car Speakers : Vehicle Speakers : Electronics
2. Audio Control LC21 - for clean conversion of high speaker signal to low signal.
$69.99
High to Low 2 Channel Line Output Converter AudioControl LC2I with Accubass New | eBay
3. Rockville RW8ca powered sub with Amp kit $99.99
Rockville RW8CA 8" 600 Watt Under Seat Slim Amplified Car Subwoofer Wire Kit | eBay
Total price $309.96 for the complete upgrade.
Obviously, you can choose different door speakers or a different powered sub, but this is what I choose based on reviews and my budget goal of $300.
The installation was pretty straight forward, check out my diagram below for reference. Door speakers where all replaced and the sub was mounted behind the rear seat (driver side), fits like a glove. The LC2i was mounted under the rear seat (passenger side). Tapped the speaker signals from the Sony sub to the LC2i and left the sony sub connected (for the little extra bass it provided, not really needed)
The Kicker speakers sing so beautifully compared to the sony's and the Rockville sub punches clean LOUD bass. It literally overshadows the sony sub which sounds non existing. Let's put it this way, do you remember the water cup scene in Jurassic Park? Thats exactly the kind of bass I'm getting from the Rockville. I had a water bottle sitting on my armrest and I could see the ripples in the water, same for my rear view mirror, I $H i T you not!
In conclusion, I'm extremely pleased with my upgrade. No, I won't win any sound competitions, but I wasn't after that. I just wanted clean sound with punchy bass, mission accomplished!
Please note - this is my opinion and in no way suggesting that this alternative is better than the Kicker soundstage (though I did use the same Kicker speakers in the soundstage system), but I believe it's another alternative for achieving better sound over the Sony.
I feel that the Sony system is somewhat decent for what it is, but I knew that it needed enhancement with the overall sound, both in bass and clarity. My task was to get better clarity and bass without sacrificing the HU or my wallet.
This was done on my 2013 FX4 with Sony Nav system.
Components used:
1. Kicker Speakers CS68 - for all four doors $69.99 pair x 2 = $139.98
Amazon.com : Kicker 40CS684 6"x8" 2-way Car Speakers : Vehicle Speakers : Electronics
2. Audio Control LC21 - for clean conversion of high speaker signal to low signal.
$69.99
High to Low 2 Channel Line Output Converter AudioControl LC2I with Accubass New | eBay
3. Rockville RW8ca powered sub with Amp kit $99.99
Rockville RW8CA 8" 600 Watt Under Seat Slim Amplified Car Subwoofer Wire Kit | eBay
Total price $309.96 for the complete upgrade.
Obviously, you can choose different door speakers or a different powered sub, but this is what I choose based on reviews and my budget goal of $300.
The installation was pretty straight forward, check out my diagram below for reference. Door speakers where all replaced and the sub was mounted behind the rear seat (driver side), fits like a glove. The LC2i was mounted under the rear seat (passenger side). Tapped the speaker signals from the Sony sub to the LC2i and left the sony sub connected (for the little extra bass it provided, not really needed)
The Kicker speakers sing so beautifully compared to the sony's and the Rockville sub punches clean LOUD bass. It literally overshadows the sony sub which sounds non existing. Let's put it this way, do you remember the water cup scene in Jurassic Park? Thats exactly the kind of bass I'm getting from the Rockville. I had a water bottle sitting on my armrest and I could see the ripples in the water, same for my rear view mirror, I $H i T you not!
In conclusion, I'm extremely pleased with my upgrade. No, I won't win any sound competitions, but I wasn't after that. I just wanted clean sound with punchy bass, mission accomplished!
03-16-2015, 10:50 AM
#24
I have no idea what is up with my stereo system in my truck, but absolutely horrid. There is no midrange and no bass at all in my truck, like half the system is missing. Sound quality is that of a 1980s system. I am wondering if perhaps soemthing is actually blown, to be honest.
That said, nice to see there are some basic upgrade set ups like this. I currently have a 2014 with Nav. Do I need a special stereo package from the factory in order to utilize these, or is my system the min requirement?
That said, nice to see there are some basic upgrade set ups like this. I currently have a 2014 with Nav. Do I need a special stereo package from the factory in order to utilize these, or is my system the min requirement?
03-16-2015, 11:08 AM
#25
Member
Does anyone know if the 10" sub will fit in that space? if nobody has tried it im thinking of just making a plywood box with the exact size specs of the sub and seeing if there is any conflict. The extra wattage out of the 10 would be nice
03-16-2015, 03:46 PM
#26
Thanks for the writeup. My only confusion is that is the Audio Control necessary for the system to run? I am going to be deleting the stock Sony sub and I'm wondering if I can just tap into the existing sub wiring from the Sony harness rather than having to rewire the entire system up to the fusebox.
03-16-2015, 03:49 PM
#27
I have no idea what is up with my stereo system in my truck, but absolutely horrid. There is no midrange and no bass at all in my truck, like half the system is missing. Sound quality is that of a 1980s system. I am wondering if perhaps soemthing is actually blown, to be honest.
That said, nice to see there are some basic upgrade set ups like this. I currently have a 2014 with Nav. Do I need a special stereo package from the factory in order to utilize these, or is my system the min requirement?
That said, nice to see there are some basic upgrade set ups like this. I currently have a 2014 with Nav. Do I need a special stereo package from the factory in order to utilize these, or is my system the min requirement?
03-18-2015, 08:49 AM
#29
Senior Member
