I have had a thread up for a few days in the Audio part of DodgeForum, and have received not one reply. Since there is only currently 6 people viewing that section, and 400+ people viewing the RAM section, I will try my luck here. I apologize for posting the same thread in two different places, but what else am I supposed to do? Well, here it goes :

I would like to replace EVERYTHING to do with audio equipment in my truck. I'm almost completely lost on the technology aspect of a new sound system. My goal is to have a cheap system that doesn't rattle at high volume, and maintains good sound quality. I'm just looking for someone to help me a little, and look at what i am doing and see if i am heading in the right direction.

So through some research, I found that i need a new headunit and speakers, and i want to purchase an amp with a sub. The amp and sub would have to fit in my standard cab truck. My truck uses , according to crutchfield, Factory replacement info:
In-dash stereo
7-3/8" depth; Size code CG,E,GC
Front speakers
Front Door: 5-1/4"
Far rear speakers
Behind Seat: 5-1/4"

so if i am heading in the right track, i have chosen this headunit, if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDHD...ures_and_specs

I am leaning towards these speakers, if i am correct i would need four : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130TSG1...3R.html?tp=105

for a sub i am leaning toward this : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFCW...12.html?tp=111

and the amp to run the sub : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KSA4...02.html?tp=115

My first question is how do I know if a headunit is able to accept a line-in from the sub? I also would like to know what kind of sub box would fit behind/under a seat. I assume the truck box in the sub link above is fine. If anyone could suggest better audio equipment, please do. I have no idea what I am doing

thanks for the help

 

I think you'll have much better luck with this here, and everyone here in 2nd gen posts their audio questions here too so no biggie

First of all, you can use any standard aftermarket head unit, but you'll need a mounting kit for chrysler/dodge vehicles. And you don't need a line in FROM the sub, just RCA preouts, which any stereo these days will have...

I won't get into what brand is better than what, there's others who will have better advice on that, except to say I'm not a fan of JVC stuff... It's kinda low end stuff, but since you're not building a huge crazy system it would probably be fine. It's really up to you what features etc you want and how much you wanna pay...

I'm not sure about the regular cab trucks, but the quad cabs take a 6X9 speaker in the front doors.... I wouldn't think the door were that much different to need a different size speaker, but I may be wrong. I think that sub box would work ok though but again, I'm a QC guy and don't really know the dimensions back there....

 

Ok, I do appoligize, I don't check the audio section near like I should, but to answer some of your questions...

1. The front door sizes are 6X9. They can fit both the 5 1/4 and 6 1/2 speakers. Honestly, unless you are after a high power system, I would stick with the factory size of 6X9.

2. Selecting the right brands is everything in this gig. Personally, I don't care for JVC hardware. It's built too cheaply for my tastes and I rarely see one that lasts more than a year in a car/truck environment.

As of right now, I feel confident in saying that about the best you can buy for a head unit is Pioneer. They wont cost you an arm and a leg, and they will perform better than most of the other brands on the market today.

For your speaker selection, I wouldn't use Pioneer. I love their head units but not their speakers. If you want a decent upgrade, look at Infinity brand speakers. They will be a little more up front, but I feel that you'll be happier in the long run with the purchase than you would be if you had used Pioneer. Unless you are wanting to amp those door/wall speakers, I would just look at the Reference series.

3. Your sub choice is about par. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the brand. I tend to lean more with Alpine, Eclipse, and Infinity for woofers.

4. That JVC amp is probably not a good idea either. Just like their head units, the internal hardware is cheaply made. Look at Polk, Power Acoustiks, Apline, and Eclipse if you can find them.

5. As for the box, I'll leave that up to you. The box that comes with that kenwood would probably fit, but you will have to remove the wall storage racks that our rams have in them. Not hard as there is just a couple of screws for each one.

I think you are off to a decent start as you seemed to match headunit to speaker and woofer to amp. You either did you homework, or got lucky. If you choose to go to a different woofer, I feel that a trip to Best buy to pick up a standard Qlogic box enclosure would be sufficient.

 

If it's too loud, you're too old!

 

Amen

 

As long as it ain't blasting rap, crank it up!

 

I can see why everyone posts their audio questions here now... Thank you all for replying so quickly. And as for doing my homework, I tried to make it as easy on you guys as possible

Thank you Laramie and Maxx for the suggestions, here is my updated list.

Head:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1302200...B.html?tp=5684

Sub: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SWE1...43.html?tp=111

Amp: Which one would be better?http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM...00.html?tp=115
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130GM54...0T.html?tp=115

Speakers: Looked at the infinity ones, and are a bit out of my budget. Will these work? I need two 6x9 for the front door, and two 5 1/4 for behind the seat, correct?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R169...ures_and_specs
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R152...ures_and_specs

 

I like the heat unit choice. Subwoofer is decent. Out of your amp choices, I would look into that Alpine more than the Pioneer.

For the door and wall, I try to stay away from fosgate anything. You are correct in the sizes though.

 

Are you going to amp all the speakers or just the sub?

 

I am only going to amp the sub. Could anyone suggest budget-friendly speakers that would be acceptable?