Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

I live in Guam. I would like to say thanks to a bunch of members here that have helped me get things for my truck from the marketplace and elsewhere, including this thread. I spent $151 on the Kickers from Crutchfield for my truck and just finished installing them. I bought the CS series for front and rear.

My install so far and opinions. I followed all the tips mentioned on the thread with the exception of sound deadening material. I went to the hardware store and found some 3/8" wide foam rubber weatherstripping that was 10' long and bought 2 packages and am glad I did since I used up the first roll by the third Metra adapter mount. I placed weatherstrip on the Metra mounts on both sides to ensure a good seal on both the front 6X9 speakers. I tried using the supplied screws from the speakers and my suspicion went true, 2 screws from them bottomed and spun free, I only turned them slightly towards bottom. I ran back to the local hardware store and picked up new 6-32 machine screws, nuts, and lock washers for all the speakers. For the Metra front mounts I used 3/4" length SS pan head screws and mounted the speakers with the lock washers and nuts. Thanks @destin_meeks for the SS screw idea. For the rear I used 1 1/4" length screws so I could get the lock washers and nuts on. I placed a dab of Vibra-tite on each of the screws and I tightened them all down and they are on there solid.

The Metra speaker adapters were a little troublesome. Some of them seemed to be very tight to try and slip on to the speaker connector blades. I did not like the way the terminals were bending on the speaker connector plates as I felt it may snap them or cause a wire failure. I used the awl from my pick set and inserted them into the connectors to open them up a bit. They went on easier and were secure when I gave them a little tug.

Took my time and took off the door panels and changed them all out no real problems, just a few clips retained in the door and just removed them and placed them back on the door skin panel.

I am still waiting on the Kicker/Subaru dash speakers to come in from an eBay seller and will take care of that when they arrive. So far, the sound improvement has been greatly improved, I can hear more subtle tones, I had to go flat on the treble since the highs were really up there. Volume also increased a little as I believe is due to the speakers efficiency. All in all I am very happy to have done the upgrade.

I ordered the Key amp about 2 days after the speakers and already have the Metra harnesses to wire it up. I now know that I want more power going to the new speakers. I have an SR so I don't have the premium Entune, so looking forward to the Key install, hopefully I won't feel the need for adding a sub.......now if Kicker makes a powered subwoofer box designed for behind the rear seats, I just might have to do it.

 

I just ordered the speaker kit, baffles and a sound deadener from taco tunes. the cheaper deadener from Amazon won't be here till May 10th anyway. But I am planning to do my entire cab and put all new plastic clips and foam tape between every surface because of every goddamn thing in that bitch rattling and squeaking. And my flooring is all vinyl, so that's not helping either.

How much deadener do I need to do the entire button and the back wall? I'm still deciding if I want to get myself into headliner removal and replacement situation.

 

Can someone tell me if this is everything I need to order from crutchfield? To do the 4 speakers in my doors.

 

Yep, that’s it!

 

Completed the install today of the 6x9 csc kickers. Honestly, I was underwhelmed. It is more more clear, and vocals are a little better, but comparing side by side there is significantly less bass. If you listen to talk radio, or classical, this upgrade may be worth it. But if you like Billboard top 100 type music with bass this upgrade needs to be accompanied with an amp and/or a subwoofer. I don't plan on ordering either, so I will be returning these speakers.

 

Did you use any sound deadening or foam to seal the speaker?

 

What head unit do you have? I ask because I see a lot of posts where people have done the speaker replacement are either very happy or just plain underwhelmed and can't understand how the same speakers produce such different results - I'm thinking maybe the head unit is the difference.

I have done the Kicker speaker replacement, no amp no sub, and am very happy with the volume and the bass. I have a 2018 Sport with the Entune Premium Audio w/Nav head unit.

 

No. I installed one new speaker and then tested it vs the old speaker. No rattles so foam seems optional. Tested with truck off and engine idling.

I played with the eq and radio for about 30 minutes, fading left and right comparing different songs trying to justify keeping the new speakers. I ended up putting the old speaker back in and don't regret it, other than I need to pay return shipping now.

 

I have a 2018 TRD OR with 7" screen and navigation.

I have a feeling different music preference may offer different opinions? Not sure. Was surprised the crazy light stock speaker creates more mid bass than kicker 6x9s.

I did do the Subaru tweeter upgrade about a year ago. I would still recommend that, but I'm not sure if that affects the performance of the front speakers.

 

It's interesting to hear an opinion that isn't all positive. I have the kicker tweeters on the way, and I'm set on rockford fosgate primes for the 4 door speakers. Just can't decide on 2 way or 3 ways for front doors. Also going to sound deaden the front door and rear wall to take care of some road noise as well.

 

Which fosgates did you go with? Prime, punch? Also 2 way or 3 way?

 

Yea, I guess everyones hearing is different too. I primarily listen to top 40 radio stations and XM channels like Hits1 and PopRocks. My volume is typically around 15 but when turning it up to 25-30 it gets pretty loud and the bass starts to thump.

 

I can take them off your hands ‍♂️

 

My 2020 has the Entune Premium Audio head unit and the difference between stock speakers and the Kicker upgrade to these 65yo ears was night and day.

 

I ordered the exact products you did. I would suggest getting better screws to secure the speakers into the Metra speaker mounts though.

 

I don't know why so many people recommend 3 way coaxials for the front. You need components if you want bass.

 

Because those are the speakers referenced in Post #1.

 

You need power* if you want bass

people add in a speaker with a heavier cone, thicker surround, beefier magnet, larger voice coil, all around MASSIVE compared to the factory paper speaker. Then wonder why it doesn’t play better

 

I've searched pretty good to see if this fits the 2nd gen double cabs as well. There are a few other threads but this one seems like a pretty sweet set up if it does fit. Anybody know if these can be retrofitted to work? Thanks!

 

Ok, even if this makes me look Stupid, maybe it'll help some one out. I have the full Kicker upgrades and also added a powered sub. It sounded a lot better but not how I wanted to sound. I have the Kicker Key and Tacotooons harness ready to go in when I have time.
From day one I have been using a thumb drive to play my music. I just updated my iPod and thought , I haven't tried this before. All I can is, night and day difference. iPod is so much clearer, crisp, and plays louder.
..... Check your Audio Source.....
8" premium doesn't have a CD PLAYER so couldn't check that way.

Going to drive around a bit before I decide wether to install the Key.

I know I'm a dummy.