Audio upgrade version 4.0

Upgraded the head unit yesterday. Started with looking for anytime camera upgrade for the Natika I recently picked up. Ended up deciding I'd put that $150-200 towards a head unit. After doing a little research I settled on a Kenwood.

Version 1.0 Kicker CS 6x9 fronts, DS18 dash, CS 6.75 rear door, soundmat in all doors

Version 2.0 Key 200.4 and Key 500.1 w/ 10" kicker sub

Version 3.0 Swapped 6x9s to 7" mids and DS18s to silk domes, went active and Bi Amped Key 200

The deets:
Wanted something with multiple camera inputs, easily switchable
Wanted something "inexpensive" as I also needed to add Maestro and install components, and I didn't really need a new radio (not to mention the fact I've already spent 5 grand on this truck since the spring) lol.
Wanted carplay, but 99% of the time my phone is plugged in so wireless was low on the list
Wanted upgraded head unit output and some love for the rear speakers.
Really wanted a shallow chassis design due to stuffing shit behind it.
Wanted normal size screen as I am old and didn't want the screen to overwhelm interior. I also don't watch videos/ movies in my truck.

The decision:
After going back and forth between brands and specs (and adding then removing several $1000+ head units from my cart) , I settled on the Kenwood Excelon DMX709s w/install kit and Maestro Rr.

The specs:
Wired car play apple and android , 22 WRMS, USB mirroring for Android, HDMI for IPhone. 6.75" screen, multiple camera inputs, (6) 5v preouts F/R/Sub, time alignment, 2/3 way crossover w/ adjustable slopes, 13 band EQ, drive EQ, stage EQ etc., HD radio, Hi Res playback and a bunch of other shit

The price:
$499 head unit, $250 install package incl all Idatalink stuff.


The verdict:
Absolutely love it. The difference in sound quality and power over the stock head unit is stunning. The backup camera clarity is tenfold better than OEM, and the front camera works mint and is easily switchable. Meastro was fairly simple to set up. With the exception of a few wires that needed to be soldered everything was plug and play. Gauges for oem functions on head unit is a sweet feature and the multitude of sound adjustments for a head unit is crazy.

It sounded pretty darn good for what it was before, but now it really pounds and makes you feel the music. Still have to play with it a bit but damn it's probably the first thing I should have upgraded. I'll be upgrading the speakers again soon I think lol.

The regret:
Should have done it 3 years ago. If you're on the fence just do it

 

pictures please

 

This is the only one I have but I'll grab a few tomorrow

 

Sweet!

 

@SuperAir could you please provide details on your 10" sub? and pictures if you dont mind? interest to know where and how you install it.

 

yep but it’s not going to help you I have an access cab lol. Sits on passenger side rear floor and creates a nice shelf for groceries as it’s the same height as the rear compartment.

 

Thanks for the picture! I was thinking about placing it there as well behind the front passenger seat. My kids dont like to ride in my truck, they prefer the wife's car so I hardly have anyone sitting back there. Thank you.

 

i don't think there's enough space there for that in the double cab. would likely need to be a 6x9 sub with a creatively-built box

 

Back down the rabbit hole I went this week haha. Sooo, the kicker Key is gone and I have an Alpine RA60F sitting in its place. 100Wx4@4ohms/150Wx4@2ohms. Running into 3 ohm 3 way JBL Stadium components (6x9 woofer in door, 22S mids in the dash, tweeters currently surface mounted on sail panels) . Replaced the rear Kicker CS with JBL GTO 6-1/2s. Still running the Key 500.1 to the rear sub. Upgraded wiring from 8g to 4g. Running the JBLs passive for now. Picked up a DD-1 to make sure I was distortion free.

I'm too old to have a stereo this loud. My 25 year old son is all "WTF dad? " haha. I think I'm done for now.....

 

@soundman98 - never doubt the creativity of a guy with an airsaw/rotary cutoff tool and their ability to make room for a subwoofer

 

well, if removing the vehicle structure is a possibility...
https://www.thedrive.com/news/44051...p-will-hide-an-absurd-35k-alpine-sound-system