XLT with base stereo, needing some help with passive components up front.

[staying_tuned]

I'd like to get a passive set of components up front just to clean it up a bit while potentially adding a bit of life to the mids. I'll deaden and baffle the door and I'm not expecting much without adding a dedicated component amp. I don't want to go down the path of running a dedicated amp for the fronts so I'm wondering if a mid-grade ($200-ish range) component set for the a-pillar and doors exists that I can simply swap out and call it done.

Anyone have any suggestions in that price range for something I can swap in?

Sponsored

 

[Graygoose2021]

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-jF7Q5...HfjOATqlSfMnQN_iUROizqyDVYg6SHmBoCARoQAvD_BwE


or

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20651KSS69/Kicker-KSS690.html

 

[rugedraw]

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-jF7Q5...HfjOATqlSfMnQN_iUROizqyDVYg6SHmBoCARoQAvD_BwE

or

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20651KSS69/Kicker-KSS690.html

@staying_tuned If I may contribute to this suggestion, I would go with the first option as those are rated at 100w RMS and the others at 150w. Since you will not be adding an amp, you want speakers that require less power to drive them.

 

[staying_tuned]

@staying_tuned If I may contribute to this suggestion, I would go with the first option as those are rated at 100w RMS and the others at 150w. Since you will not be adding an amp, you want speakers that require less power to drive them.

For sure, ideally I find something at 75w or lower RMS given the factory headunit's output but the odd thing is the KSS690 that @Graygoose2021 mentioned (on sale for $187 at Crutchfield) is the exact base system that SGS offers as a passive plug-n-play package for our trucks for $375. They include wiring adapters, bracket plates & baffling and I hear they are top notch.

If SGS rocks this as their entry level passive set for the F150 on the stock deck and Crutchfield just happens to have a sale on the base kit, I'm thinking this might be the way to go. I have zero problems installing, soldering, fabbing adapter rings, deadening, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[rugedraw]

For sure, ideally I find something at 75w or lower RMS given the factory headunit's output but the odd thing is the KSS690 that @Graygoose2021 mentioned (on sale for $187 at Crutchfield) is the exact base system that SGS offers as a passive plug-n-play package for our trucks for $375. They include wiring adapters, bracket plates & baffling and I hear they are top notch.

If SGS rocks this as their entry level passive set for the F150 on the stock deck and Crutchfield just happens to have a sale on the base kit, I'm thinking this might be the way to go. I have zero problems installing, soldering, fabbing adapter rings, deadening, etc.

Thoughts?

I have always had good experience with Kicker products, and this seems less invasive than what I did on my truck where I had to cut the a-pillar grills to fit the new tweeters and I also had to make holes in my rear doors since I replaced the crappy 2-way speaker that was in there with a set of components.

 

[staying_tuned]

I have always had good experience with Kicker products, and this seems less invasive than what I did on my truck where I had to cut the a-pillar grills to fit the new tweeters and I also had to make holes in my rear doors since I replaced the crappy 2-way speaker that was in there with a set of components.

Good to hear, I've never ran any Kicker gear. I've got an Audison APS 10" sub that I adore, an LC2i and a JD500/1 amp collecting dust until I get the front stage at least enhanced. I reached out to SGS to see if there is a promo code or something on the kit. It's so tempting to go with the convenience but I'd loose sleep knowing I paid nearly double to make a mid-grade quality speaker install easier. Likely a lot easier but I'll be pulling the door panels entirely anyhow to baffle and deaden.

 

[adyaro77]

I'd like to get a passive set of components up front just to clean it up a bit while potentially adding a bit of life to the mids. I'll deaden and baffle the door and I'm not expecting much without adding a dedicated component amp. I don't want to go down the path of running a dedicated amp for the fronts so I'm wondering if a mid-grade ($200-ish range) component set for the a-pillar and doors exists that I can simply swap out and call it done.

Anyone have any suggestions in that price range for something I can swap in?

My Lariat had the 18 speaker B&O system. I'll be honest I wasn't that impressed. My boat with four speakers and a sub would blow it out of the water. It's all J&L audio. I've been thinking about doing the same thing with my 24' XLT. I think any aftermarket amp and speakers would be a huge improvement. Everybody I know goes with the kicker speakers and amplifier. That's what I'm looking at right now.

 

[Borchelt]

I have always had good experience with Kicker products, and this seems less invasive than what I did on my truck where I had to cut the a-pillar grills to fit the new tweeters and I also had to make holes in my rear doors since I replaced the crappy 2-way speaker that was in there with a set of components.

I replaced my rear door speaker with Kicker. Made a noticeable difference sound quality and range especially in the lower frequencies. Didn't want to go expensive and these worked for me. Pic is from Crutchfield

 

[Graygoose2021]

Sorry for delay, on the road for work in Phoenix.
Either setup will work awesome.

 

[JustinH]

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-jF7Q5...HfjOATqlSfMnQN_iUROizqyDVYg6SHmBoCARoQAvD_BwE


or

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20651KSS69/Kicker-KSS690.html

Based on the other comments here, I'm assuming you would need more than just the speakers to get these to fit in the truck, not just a straight swap?

 

[Borchelt]

Based on the other comments here, I'm assuming you would need more than just the speakers to get these to fit in the truck, not just a straight swap?

Indeed. When you order from Crutchfield, they indicate what else is needed based on your vehicle. In this case I believe it was a backer plate and small bit of wiring for my F-150. All this still fits in the original door panel so you don't need their supplied covers.

 

[Magician]

Ive had the Kicker KS/CS, the Morel Maximo Ultras and even tried the Power Bass speakers and none compare to the Alpines I’m currently running. Also tried the Kicker Key and the Musway 4 channel with less than stellar results.
My current set up is, Factory Non B&O HU, Audio Control Lc6i, Alpine R2-A60, Alpine RS-65.2 and R-S69C.2. My rig has all four door block off plates from SGS and BoomMat throughout the doors and cab area.
So far this set up is the best sound I’ve been able to achieve in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[Borchelt]

Ive had the Kicker KS/CS, the Morel Maximo Ultras and even tried the Power Bass speakers and none compare to the Alpines I’m currently running. Also tried the Kicker Key and the Musway 4 channel with less than stellar results.
My current set up is, Factory Non B&O HU, Audio Control Lc6i, Alpine R2-A60, Alpine RS-65.2 and R-S69C.2. My rig has all four door block off plates from SGS and sound to s of sound deadened throughout the doors and cab area.
So far this set up is the best sound I’ve been able to achieve in my opinion. Good luck.

I agree. Alpine are fine speakers. In fact, I'm running Alpine SPE-6090 6X9 in my front doors. Didn't want to go the amp route and wanted something to round out the sound from the dash speaker.

 

[Graygoose2021]

Based on the other comments here, I'm assuming you would need more than just the speakers to get these to fit in the truck, not just a straight swap?

The KS will come with all the mounting brackets needed, Crutchfield will add in OEM wire connectors. Super easy.

 

[TN_Ryan]

Crutchfield's site says the speakers linked up top do not fit my regular cab truck...which is a 2021. Are all 15+ trucks 6x9's in the doors? Their website is showing 6.5" speakers...just wanted to be sure.

Also, the tweeter in the KSS269 setup is 2.75" which seems bigger than I remember the factory ones being. It also looks bigger than the tweeter included in the SGS kit. Are you guys having to make your own custom tweeter adapter rings to mount that big of a tweeter in the stock location?

Sponsored