Blake Toms

On my 2020 f150 I installed new component speakers but I think I messed something up. I used a plug and play harness that made it pretty easy but my jl audio c1 woofers are distorting pretty bad when the volume gets up to my normal listening level, which is pretty high, but the stock speakers handled it fine. Tweeters sound perfect. I used an adapter to plug into the original speaker plug in the door panel that goes straight to the woofer. BUT I ran it behind the speaker mount plate and somewhat pinched between the body And the plastic speaker mount. Maybe this is what’s wrong? Otherwise I can’t help but think somehow these speakers are just worse than stock somehow. They are powered by a kicker cxa360.4. Going to be tearing the panels back down Monday because it just sounds awful. These woofers get 100hz and up signal as the tweeters just have an in-line filter instead of your normal external crossover. Higher end speakers aren’t in the budget for now unfortunately

dhmcfadin

Are you playing your midbass full range? Meaning no lowpass crossover set on your amp? A midbass is not a full range speaker and will distort at higher frequencies because it is not designed to play higher frequencies.

Blake Toms

i have just a hpf set at 100hz to keep the super low stuff out, don’t have an option to cut any highs on my amp

dhmcfadin

Sounds like something is wrong with the signal being sent your door speakers. If you haven't already, disconnect the tweeters and play the same songs and see if you can hear the distortion. Also, double check that each speaker has the correct polarity.

HushCarAudio

Do not pinch any wires ever. Make certain none of the wires got damaged.

jdunk54nl

Did you use the metra speaker adapters to connect to the ford wiring? Someone else a bit a go had a similar issue and it was those that were causing it.

Blake Toms

Yes I did! Actually an update, I bought some c3 series from my local shop and they sound just as bad....maybe I’ll go ahead and cut the factory plugs as much as I hate too, I’m so baffled by all of this, went thru the wiring three times already and this is about the only thing left.

Blake Toms

I checked, no damage at all. Installed c3 series today, same result. Distorting sooner than the stock speakers literally. Gains are perfect. Losing this battle

dhmcfadin

Where are you located?

Blake Toms

Louisiana