So I've had my new 2011 Lariat SuperCrew with the "Premium Stereo" for almost a week. Love the new truck, hate the sound. I didn't get the Sony system because I was impatient and turns out that was a big mistake. Factory sound is HORRIBLE!

I need some cheap ideas to upgrade the sound. I have been spoiled the past few years with the factory sound in my 2007 Expedition Eddie Bauer and especially in my wife's 2010 Taurus with the Sony system.

The wife is still pissed that I got rid of the Expedition, so I have to stay cheap with the upgrades on the new truck (for now!).

Ultimately, I want to add new speakers, an amp and a sub, but need to do it in stages.

I'm "stereo stupid" so does anyone have any ideas on what kind of speakers I should start with? Would love nice crisp sound with a bit of bass.

Thanks for the help!

 

If you want to keep it simple for now but upgradeable later, then start with the speakers. (2) pairs of 6" x 8" Pioneer 4-ways TS-A6882R's (or similar) have done a good job for me. That would be one for each door. These types are Ford "ready" so no need to trim anything inside the door. Crutchfield will give you the adapters for free that you will need to connect up the new speakers to the factory wiring. Later on when you want to add an amp, these speakers will still be good for that. Of course you will have to disassemble the doors again to hook up better quality speaker wires that you will run to a 4-channel amp. You will want to change the head unit (radio) as well when you upgrade to a full amp install. Generally, factory audio does not integrate that well with after-market stuff. There are line level devices that are available that enable you to utilize your factory unit to an after-market amp. These are marginal at best.

www.crutchfield.com

 

I'm "stereo stupid" also.. Thing is though... When i see something i want i buy it then a week later something better comes out.. My 2001 expedition had 5 different systems installed between 2004 to 2007... My KR now has a 8 inch under the rear seat and its killing me not to ****** it out and replace it... I have JL audio's in the doors.. Sounds great to me but in another thread everybody picked polk audio as great speakers.. Now i'm wanting them..

In any case, cant go wrong with pioneers.. They have so many options these days with great prices..

 

Hey!! I just installed Polk 571 in all four doors of my 2011 and I love them so far. Noticed a slight improvement over the factories, but I feel you will get even more improvements by upgrading the HU as well. Make sure it has good RMS and equalizer settings.