Audio advice
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Audio advice
Hello everyone,
I have purchased a 2009 F-150 XLT SuperCab, but I haven't taken delvery yet. Soon, hopefully!
I was doing a bit of research about audio upgrades, and the general route that I want to go is like this:
Keep OEM Head Unit (mostly to keep factory look and Sync)
Replace speakers in doors - perhaps a component system. I've been eyeing the Infinity Reference 6820CS for the two front doors, and the Infinity Reference 6822CF for the rear doors. I have also considered leaving the OEM rears for now and maybe swapping them later.
I guess I need an amp to run all of this. Looking at the Alpine MRP-F300.
Space is a HUGE issue for me. In fact, it's a deal breaking issue for me. The floor under the rear seats HAS to be kept completely clear. I will use it for tools and cargo daily. Will an amp like the Alpine MRP-F300 or similar fit under the driver or front passenger seat? What about against the rear wall behind the seat back?
Since I will be keeping the factory HU, is it necessary to use one of these sound processors -- like the JL Audio CleanSweep, or will it be fine without?
Last question. I'm also interested in a bit of bass. I'm not interested in having the crap shaked out of me, but just some pleasant bass. Knowing my issue with space and keeping the floor absolutely clear (I'm even going to remove the wheel jack -- that's how much of an issue it is for me), does anyone have ideas for getting a bit of bass without the space? Under a front seat? Different rear speakers that are more bass-y?
Keep in mind that I really don't know much about this at all.
Cheers, -Jamie
I have purchased a 2009 F-150 XLT SuperCab, but I haven't taken delvery yet. Soon, hopefully!
I was doing a bit of research about audio upgrades, and the general route that I want to go is like this:
Keep OEM Head Unit (mostly to keep factory look and Sync)
Replace speakers in doors - perhaps a component system. I've been eyeing the Infinity Reference 6820CS for the two front doors, and the Infinity Reference 6822CF for the rear doors. I have also considered leaving the OEM rears for now and maybe swapping them later.
I guess I need an amp to run all of this. Looking at the Alpine MRP-F300.
Space is a HUGE issue for me. In fact, it's a deal breaking issue for me. The floor under the rear seats HAS to be kept completely clear. I will use it for tools and cargo daily. Will an amp like the Alpine MRP-F300 or similar fit under the driver or front passenger seat? What about against the rear wall behind the seat back?
Since I will be keeping the factory HU, is it necessary to use one of these sound processors -- like the JL Audio CleanSweep, or will it be fine without?
Last question. I'm also interested in a bit of bass. I'm not interested in having the crap shaked out of me, but just some pleasant bass. Knowing my issue with space and keeping the floor absolutely clear (I'm even going to remove the wheel jack -- that's how much of an issue it is for me), does anyone have ideas for getting a bit of bass without the space? Under a front seat? Different rear speakers that are more bass-y?
Keep in mind that I really don't know much about this at all.
Cheers, -Jamie
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
Sounds like you have big plans. I will start at the end and work backwards.
For the base since you don't need much and you are already considering an amp I would say mount a small sub under the front seats or under the rear seat with a quick release so you can remove it at your convince (also making it easer for people to steal).
For your question about getting JL Clean Sweep, adding an amplifier does exactly that. It amplifies the sound. Every sound, the alternator wine, and all other interferiance, along with your music. So I would say try it without and see, but you will probably want something to clear out the interference.
For mounting the amplifier, you can put it under on of the seats. I looked behind the seats once but I can not remember how much room their was. It seemed like you could do it, but you should take a look. Their is a latch on the back of the rear seats (if you have a SCrew) that will allow you to fold them down. There is another thread on here somewhere that will show you pictures on how to fold it down.
As for running an amplifier, you may not need to. I do not know about those speakers specifically but if you get some good component speakers that are able to work with the low stock power you can get a nice upgrade without spending so much money. That combined with a sub would be all I would do, but it is most defiantly up to you.
For the base since you don't need much and you are already considering an amp I would say mount a small sub under the front seats or under the rear seat with a quick release so you can remove it at your convince (also making it easer for people to steal).
For your question about getting JL Clean Sweep, adding an amplifier does exactly that. It amplifies the sound. Every sound, the alternator wine, and all other interferiance, along with your music. So I would say try it without and see, but you will probably want something to clear out the interference.
For mounting the amplifier, you can put it under on of the seats. I looked behind the seats once but I can not remember how much room their was. It seemed like you could do it, but you should take a look. Their is a latch on the back of the rear seats (if you have a SCrew) that will allow you to fold them down. There is another thread on here somewhere that will show you pictures on how to fold it down.
As for running an amplifier, you may not need to. I do not know about those speakers specifically but if you get some good component speakers that are able to work with the low stock power you can get a nice upgrade without spending so much money. That combined with a sub would be all I would do, but it is most defiantly up to you.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
what is the RMS on those speakers. You want to make sure it is not very hight. You can actually have worse sound quality than stock, if you under power the speakers. If you do decide to go without an amp make sure you get speakers that are built for low power.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 22
From: Bergen County, NJ
The only way to do it is with a sound processor like the JL Cleansweep. However, it is a little big. Look at the MTX re-Q5. Perfect size to conceal.
You will need to add an amp and speakers to make it worth it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/g_168450/...rs.html?tp=428
I agree, Crutchfield is a bit expensive but I use them for info. They also have great tech support.
I plan to do this eventually. In the meantime I am adding a sub. I have a kicker amp that will fit under the seat and my audio guy said they make nice boxes that would fit on one side under the rear seat. You would need to get a shallow mount sub. It would also be removable.
Something like this would probably fit under one of the front seats.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KSCS...10.html?tp=114
Good Luck
You will need to add an amp and speakers to make it worth it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/g_168450/...rs.html?tp=428
I agree, Crutchfield is a bit expensive but I use them for info. They also have great tech support.
I plan to do this eventually. In the meantime I am adding a sub. I have a kicker amp that will fit under the seat and my audio guy said they make nice boxes that would fit on one side under the rear seat. You would need to get a shallow mount sub. It would also be removable.
Something like this would probably fit under one of the front seats.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KSCS...10.html?tp=114
Good Luck
