Best method for upgrading speakers?

[Adam Bowen]

I'm looking to upgrade my current speakers in my '04 XLT Sport Trac, and wasn't sure of the best method and what all is required.



I read through many of the projects and saw that alot of you make custom enclosures for subs to put behind the back seats, which i found very interesting. Is that the only place, or could you place a sub under the front seats?



I'm not very tech savy so to speak, so is it as simple as unpluggingthe old speakers and plugging in the new ones? Or will I need a new/more amps to power the new speakers/sub(s)? etc. etc..

 

[Jacob Dryer]

Replacing door speakers doesn't require a amp, but they will sound better if you do amp them.



If you don't have an OEM subwoofer, then you would need an amp, sub, and box. If you do have an OEM sub you can do some small upgrades without having to replace everything..

 

[Dave S 2]

Yes Adam, it's as easy as unplugging the OEM's and plugging in the aftermarkets if you buy the plug adapters. Otherwise, it'll require splicing the aftermarket plugs onto the OEM wires.



The adapters should be readily available at any car stereo store

 

[Conrad AlbertoJr]

I dont think there is enough room under the front seats to fit even a flatsub. I have mine under my backseat. [Broken External Image]:

 

[Carey Frennier]

Are you looking for better mid bass and highs or are you looking for just more low bass? Maybe all of that and a bag of chips?

 

[Adam Bowen]

Psycareyo, I'm looking for more of a hrd-hitting bass, deep bass.



JDboxes, I have the OEM Subwoofer behind the back seats.





If I was to buy decent speakers with amp(s) for them, and a new sub using the OEM amp, how much $$$ would that run me? I'm not looking for the best of the best, I'm just trying to get a cleaner, clearer, louder sound out of my system.

 

[TomT]

Check crutchfield.com for the correct sizes and different types. They are not the cheapest but if your a novice they are a great company to deal with.

 

[user 66225]

Also, Crutchfield gives you the adapters for the speakers for free. Just plug it in, no splicing

 

[Carey Frennier]

You could buy a JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 Loaded, ported enclosure for the low bass. They run about $220. You only need a 250 to 300w Mono block amp to power that. A decent one new is about $150 and about $90 used.



Kicker also makes really nice L7 and L5 loaded, ported enclosures that fit behind the seat. They probably will hit lower than a JL but the sound quality won't be as good imo.



Then check out a nice component set. Something with a passive crossover would be ideal for you. Then you just need a 60.4 or 75.4 amp to run the front midbass drivers. You can get a decent set and bridge the amp to push 120 to 150w in 2-chan. That's enough to move some really high end speakers. Cadence, JL Audio, Image Dynamics, Focal, Hertz.....and more, all make great comp sets.



I think you could get everything for around $500 if you're a serious price shopper.