I have an '05 Ram Quadcab Hemi 4x4. I'm looking to swap out the factory stereo with something a bit better.

I want to replace the speakers first, so I'm thinking of components up front and just some 6.5" or 6x9's in the back. What are the best for this truck? I don't need a lot of boom-boom, as I'll get subs if I need it that bad. I'm looking for sound quality/clarity with good mids-highs (Polk/Boston/?). Does anyone have any pics of tweeter installs for the components? I'm very particular with my truck and don't want anything too eye gouging standing out. I'm looking to spend around $2-300 for the components and another $100-200 for the rears.

How important will seperate amps be if I use the stock cd player? Aftermaket cd player? Are there any good aftermarket cd players or install kits that wont just look like I have a cd player in a big hole?

I just got a Sirius Radio and currently have it running through the FM tuner. The sound quality is poop. I need to fix this somehow. Does anyone have a good setup with this and the factory cd player? I also wanted to find out if anyone had any ideas of custom installations of these tuners to make them look a little "prettier" ? Mount into the dash, on the ceiling, etc etc?

Please let me know if you have any ideas. I appreciate the help!

Thanks!

 

Wether you upgrade the stock headunit or not I really reccoment amping the front stage speakers.....the rear I wouldnt amp, but that is me. In the 200-300 range you can get a pretty good set of components... http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4630fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=4630 that is a good deal....another good one is this http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=1131
If you can fiberglass you can do almost anything when it comes to custom install spots for stuff.......witch would be that sirius tuner you ask about. The stock radio doesnt have any inputs so that fm module is about your only option, unless you have a cd changer input then you could probably find a sirius to changer adaptor.

 

I've been out of the speaker game awhile, never heard of CDT or Diamond Audio. Back in my hay-day, Polk Audio, Boston Acousticsor MB Quartz were the stuff, how do these compare?

What kind of amp would you suggest on the components? And I doubt my stock unit has pre-amp outputs so I'd have to run it thru the speaker wires or upgrade the unit.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about fiberglassing, so maybe I'll take it to a local install shop and see if they can do anything for me for the Sirius radio. Maybe I should pop out the head unit and check for change controls, it does have the buttons for it on the front.

 

Polk,Boston and MB are still very good brnads. I would rate boston and mb higher than polk now. As far as the amp, it depends on whatspeakers you get.

 

what about Focal? I heard that Focal is the best speaker out right now then MB Quartz then Polk. I also heard that Boston is up there as well as Infinity. Talk to me! lol. Just what I heard...

 

I like that $250 CDT set you suggested. Right in the middle of what I was expecting to spend. Now to find a good amp....?

 

Focal is very very good! Seas is probably at the top.... http://www.seas.no/ OZ Audio is also great...

Now for an amp, how much are you looking to spend? The speakers are rated 170 rms...you would be fine with100rms...the more the better, but that much is fine.

 

Amp budget? I have no idea...wasnt really planning on it, at least was hoping I wouldnt have to.

Anyways, just something reasonable. Like I said I want quality, and although price is important, I don't want it to be a limitation. No, I don't want a $1000amp or anything crazy.

 

I mean you dont need an amp to push your components, they would jst sound 2353 timess better with an amp.
This is a good amp...good price...http://www.cardomain.com/item/JBLGTO752II

 

Thats not a bad price, plus 97Wx2 rms. I think another $150 wouldnt break the bank.

I think its time to start saving.....hopefully i can buy something either this week or in 2 weeks (next payday =P)

Oh....I need to get rear speakers too!