100% get OEM. I had major issues with the front camera system after a non-OEM windshield replacement (at the dealer no less). You can see my post here about it: https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/front-camera-fault-level-kit.23347/post-455233
I did basically what you're after in my truck due to blown rear door speakers, also B&O 8ch non-unleashed. I used Kicker KS instead because I preferred the silk-domed tweeters and they were still pretty sensitive. Also opted for KS because they have 6x9 components which were much less common in...
What sound system does your truck have? The 8ch is listed earlier in this thread and I have the rest of the wiring diagrams laying around somewhere.
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/b-o-speaker-upgrade-recommendation.28713/post-523957
@Johnlar beat me to it. That's one of the tings I tried (unsuccessfully) but that might allow a successful calibration if your window will allow it. See post #2 in this thread for the entries to do that.
If you don't want to cut / splice your factory harness, you'll need the adapter below, cut in half and use one side to plug into your harness and the other into your speaker. I haven't found a Metra equivalent, but this one works great...
I personally still enjoy the extra "presence" that the center channel provides vs having it unplugged, but with the low sensitivity of the 3.5" KS (88dB) it's no longer overbearing like the factory center speaker was. I listen to a lot of podcasts so the vocal clarity is nice coming from up top...
Parts List
Speakers
Fronts and Tweeters: Kicker KS 6x9 Component KSS690
Front Brackets: Metra 82-5606 Used Kicker brackets instead
Tweeter harness: Metra 72-5605
Rear Speakers: Kicker KS 6.5" Coaxial 51KSC6704
Rear Brackets: Metra 82-5605
Front / rear speaker harness: Metra 72-5602...
Here's some photos of my install. I'll post up the materials used in a subsequent post.
M4 Rivnuts installed
1/2" Foam Gasket installed around perimeter of SGS Panels and speaker openings
Installed plates and speakers with foam rings
Modified Kicker brackets for 6x9's
In-line...
I'll post up a couple photos of my install shortly. I did a couple things differently that I felt were worth the extra work
- Slim gasket between SGS plates and the door to make up any variation in door
- Rivnut inserts in the door and M4 machine screws instead of the included coarse-thread...
I upgraded / replaced mine because the rear speakers were blown in my 2021. When I removed them they were heavily warped. The stock speakers, even the B&O, are just paper cones so I suspect moisture / heat played a role in causing them to be warped and I didn't want to replace them with the same...
The kicker KS are similarly sensitive (90 to 92 dB/W) and the silk tweeters sound pretty nice to my ear, albeit a little more expensive. The component 6x9 KS set also is a drop-in fitment for the 1" Tweeters in the A-pillar that come with the B&O system.
https://www.kicker.com/51KSS6904...
I picked up the same part from Fordparts.com (KL3Z10A687C).
Used with an Interstate H8 from Costco (same price as the H7 there) on a non-PB 2021 Lariat 3.5. I did have to cut a small piece of cloth loom tape in order to more comfortably stretch the harness into place.
Edit: Oh I did also reset...
I've been meaning to get back to this thread to report my results. BUT, the overall summary is
Speakers
Fronts and Tweeters: Kicker KS 6x9 Component
Rears: Kicker KS 6.5" Coaxial
Center: Kicker KS 3.5" Coaxial
Sound Treatment
SGS Block off plates
SoundSkins Speaker Ring Kit
Key Findings
The...
Nice writeup. Have you installed the aftermarket speakers yet? What'd you go with?
For sure Audio (not even just car audio) is such a subjective topic and everyone has their own tastes. I tried to not ask the question "what sounds best" since there's arguably no single answer to that. Ideally...