Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

Looks cool - any concerns about the heat mentioned on their reviews? Planning to just mount it behind the dash?

 

I was a little concerned after seeing the reviews mentioning the high heat, but after looking at reviews a few other places it seems like its safe enough not to burst into flames... hopefully. I mean, surely Kicker would pull it if it was a potential risk, right? Behind the dash is top priority, but once everything is taken apart I'll see what other options there are that will give it room to breathe and hopefully a little airflow.

 

Sounds like that amp series was designed for ATVs UTVs and motorcycles... water resistant, low power draw.

 

The Infinity front 6x9s sound better with the treble boost off (0db), IMO. Too much high treble from the floorboards (for my taste) when they are boosted to 3db. Far tighter bass response than the stock speakers. Nice upgrade for not much money. It would be easy to click the toggle switch with a toothpick through the speaker grills if you decide you want to change the setting.

I found the perfect tool for removing the circular panel clips if they get stuck in the door: sponge forceps. Slip one end over the end of the clip, engage the clamp, pry the clip out. I found the forceps on a shelf this morning, thought "why aren't these in the surgical kit?". But now I'm glad to have seen them because they worked like a charm.



Now for the back doors...

 

Quick question, for the front, was there a reason why you didn't go with a component set up? i.e. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108R9620CX/Infinity-Reference-REF-9620cx.html I was speaking to the rep at Crutchfield and they said we may get extra highs from the tweeters and the 3way together.

 

Mostly because of price and the crossover. Though I now worry that I’ll be losing low-end sound.

 

They aren't the only ones thinking that, but hey, if it works. Six tweeters in one vehicle though - ouch

 

I'm thinking there is no need for the additional aftermarket tweeter with the Infinity 3-ways. The highs from the factory dash speakers are not really noticeable, so adding high-frequency dashboard tweeters to the system could give too much treble. The factory "tweeters" seem to look and act more like midrange speakers. I think most folks would be happy with ONLY adding the 3-way 6x9s. You don't get much volume from the rears unless you are in the back seat. Backseat tweeters are appreciated, however.

The factory 6x9's definitely have a tweeter, but it is integrated with the woofer cone.

I need to do the sound deadening now: stock doors really muddy the mid bass tones. Lots of boom/buzz from bass guitar, cello, toms, etc. I'm probably going with speaker baffles as a stopgap measure, then Noico if I get more ambitious.

I really wish I had ordered speaker baffles when I purchased the speakers.

 

You worried about trying to install the crossover?

Well, I was able to talk to the crutchfield folks and get the component version for the Cyber Monday price. I’ll have both version, so if the component one doesn’t go well I can go back to this set up. I’ll report back on sound quality once I have it in.

Price wise seem to come out about the same when you combine the cost of the 6x9 and tweeter.

 

Found this when I was searching for the OEM+ Audio thread and was about to spend $1500 with them even though I dont really want to spend the cash right now.

Going to give this a shot first to see how much it helps. Got the door speakers in OP's first post for $109 shipped and I had a $100 Amazon gift card that picked up the tweeters. For $100 its worth a shot. If I like it will keep it, if its not enough may be for sale on here in a couple months.

I like the stock head unit alright but the sound in this truck is so disappointing its not even funny. My wifes 06 WRX wagon with stock HU and a blown door speaker sounds better.....I am not joking or exaggerating. It literally sounds better than our brand new truck......

 

I think you'll be impressed for the price. Do the Noico sound deadening while you have the door cards off, it helps with both cabin noise and speaker performance.

 

Agree on the Noico as it did make my cabin very quiet. For the money this solution can't be beat. I keep reading all the alternatives folks post up and try to convince myself to add some more stuff to it but then I get in the truck and I just can't justify it. Sounds awesome. I'm sure $1500 buys you some extra ear candy no doubt but for the small size of our cabs the 6 speakers installed fills it out really well and I never wish for more power myself. I've "considered" adding a small powered sub at some point just as a little project but I don't "need" it b/c the bass response of those 6x9s is pretty impressive.

 

I have a RTA app I'm going to use to test the response of the 6x9's with and without a sub this afternoon. I'll see if I can get some video of the frequency response. The 6x9 have pretty good mids/midbass but just don't dig that deep, a sub really fills in that bottom octave.

Going to get it dialed in the best I can with the sub amp and stock HU EQ until I get a proper DSP.

Here's a breakdown of what I'll have into this build:

Noico 50 mil 25ft: $39.20
Noico Barrel Roller: $9.99
Kicker CompRT 10" with Passive Radiator: $150
Kicker 43CSC6934: $64.99
Kicker 43CSC674: $44.99
Subaru tweets: $99.99
8 Gauge Amp kit/install: $150
LOC/install: $45
Boss Audio sub amp: Free
Total: $600.17

Next stage:
JL Audio FiX 86: $399
Alpine PDX-V9: $442.99

 

you sir, have "the bug" and have broken the $250 pricepoint of this thread.

 

Planning on doing this as well, even if I dont keep this setup forever it will benefit what ever I put in in the future I'm sure. We go on a lot of long drives and hopefully will help with road noise too.

 

I never stay on budget, just ask my wife.

 

Owning a Tacoma and being a part of this forum, I don't think that's even an option.

 

Have any of you guys just done the Subaru tweeters, left the stock speakers in, and just ran a sub? If so, how does it sound?

 

That is my current setup and I like it. Do not really see the need to change out the doors and power them with a separate AMP at the moment, maybe eventually. Sound deadening behind the rear seats helped a tad as well.

 

Has anyone tried putting together a group buy for this Kicker set up?