[kgMoto]

I have a Crew Cab with the mid-line system.

I'm not quite ready to buy the deck I want just yet (not 100% sure what I want and have too many other things to spend money on right now). BUT the OEM setup sounds pretty bad.

I had an Alpine CDA 9827 from a previous vehicle (cheap no frills HU, but solid), so I threw that in first with no other changes (btw I used the Metra install kit - I hate the chassis that is sits in, and will eventually fill & repaint the bezel to get rid of the plugs, etc).

With nothing but the Alpine HU, there was a HUGE improvement over the stocker. BIG difference.

This weekend I installed some 6.5 components in the doors and replaced the tweeters, putting the new Infinitys right in the OEM location. I used strap-metal to create an "x" mount for the tweeters and it was the oddest thing - the holes from the strap metal lined up PERFECT as if it was an OEM setup. I used the factory push-pins and dropped them right in.

My point is, after just a HU change and a 6.5 front speaker component change, the audio is TONS better than what it was. HUGE difference. There's tons more I plan to do, but time isn't abundant.

If anyone is sitting on the fence to make some audio upgrades, it doesn't take much to improve greatly.

 

[tech12volt]

I have a Crew Cab with the mid-line system.

I'm not quite ready to buy the deck I want just yet (not 100% sure what I want and have too many other things to spend money on right now). BUT the OEM setup sounds pretty bad.

I had an Alpine CDA 9827 from a previous vehicle (cheap no frills HU, but solid), so I threw that in first with no other changes (btw I used the Metra install kit - I hate the chassis that is sits in, and will eventually fill & repaint the bezel to get rid of the plugs, etc).

With nothing but the Alpine HU, there was a HUGE improvement over the stocker. BIG difference.

This weekend I installed some 6.5 components in the doors and replaced the tweeters, putting the new Infinitys right in the OEM location. I used strap-metal to create an "x" mount for the tweeters and it was the oddest thing - the holes from the strap metal lined up PERFECT as if it was an OEM setup. I used the factory push-pins and dropped them right in.

My point is, after just a HU change and a 6.5 front speaker component change, the audio is TONS better than what it was. HUGE difference. There's tons more I plan to do, but time isn't abundant.

If anyone is sitting on the fence to make some audio upgrades, it doesn't take much to improve greatly.

Great write up bro. Thank for sharing. If you need anything please hit me up.

 

[kgMoto]

Thanks Tech - I was just so blown away at how poor the output of the stock HU was (which i realized once the Alpine went in), that I thought I should spread the word.

Its fun doing it step by step - then you really see how each component improves the overall setup.

And I WILL be hitting you up this Fall. Next up is to replace the rear door speakers with some more 6.5s most likely, and subs.

I really like the look of the contoured boxes you're making, but I'm still on the fence about giving up that much space. My seats are up a lot of the time and I use that space to haul lots of stuff (like a huge MX gearbag, etc)....so I'm not 100% what I'm going to do yet (most likely the subs will win).

 

[t22a80]

What grade audio did your truck come with? Did you have the base one or the RF?

I ride MX too and put my gear bag in the back seat. I had James build me a box that only takes up the space under one side. That way I can leave one seat up and still fit all my gear in the back.

 

[kgMoto]

Chad - I had the mid-line HU. Not Rockford, but 'had the 6-disk changer (only ever put a CD in it once).

So your box goes underneath the smaller of the two seats? Is it one 12 then? What sub and amp setup are you running?

 

[t22a80]

Yah the problem with the RF setup is that it uses and an and just upgrading the HU doesnt work as well.

You can see my whole install at

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/tit...on/61225-my-install.html?highlight=my+install

I put my box under the pass side and put down the 2/3 side of the seat. Its totally hidden. It would fit under the smaller side fine because it doesnt go over the hump, my sub only required .5 cu ft. I prefer to have that area on the floor behind the drivers seat open to get quick access to stuff. I wish Nissan had it reversed with the 2/3 seat on the drivers side. Tech 12 can make a single box for just about any sub (as long as its not too deep) that will only take up under one side. I have a 10" sub and its enough for me.

 

[djfrankieb381]

I am glad someone else notices the completely crappy sound from the mid-grade oem 6 cd radio. Sounds tinny and almost mono. I can't believe they get away with such a piece of junk for eom. My dakota was bottom of the line with a cassette am/fm 6spkr and it was 100 times better.