I have an 04. 5 and was thinking of upgrading my stereo system in the truck. I think mine is on the fritz (Stock). . CD got stuck today and dealer said they would have to pull it, send it to the factory, fix it, send it back , and install it... . I called around to the big places like Circuit city, etc. . and they said they could install a new 0ne no problem... Can I trust these people with my child???LOLOLOL Are the stereos that hard to plug in? THanks!
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Who has upgraded their STEREO system?
- Thread starter roperteacher
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First off, I, myself would'nt put an aftermarket stereo in my truck. I bought the Infinity CD/Cassette/AM/FM unit and it sounded like crap. I took it back in and there was a recall regarding the polarity of the speaker wires. They switched the wires around and the factory tunes kick butt now. As bad as my ears are now, I think the factory unit is fine. Too many Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac Concerts in the early 70's took my hearing!
What is the problem with an after market system? Is it that the stock one sounds good enough or does the new equipment interfere with the truck somehow? THanks!
First thing to go is the stock front door speakers. I am replacing then with 6. 5" component speakers (separate tweeter and mid-range speakers with crossovers) Tweeters will go in the A pillars
Then I will add a JL 300/2 Amp for the front speakers and eventually the Pioneer Avic-N1 Head Unit. Should blow away the
stock system
Bill
Then I will add a JL 300/2 Amp for the front speakers and eventually the Pioneer Avic-N1 Head Unit. Should blow away the
stock system
Bill
I have plans to add an Alpine unit to my dash, to gain the ability to play . mp3 files, so that I can get more of them on a CD and not have to swap CDs as much. I also plan to put a 5ch amp in place with a subwoofer in the center console seat section, and replace all 4 door speakers. I have the Alpine head unit already, just have to get the amp and speakers, then figure out how to mount the sub in the center seat. I realize I am giving up some storage space, but that leaves the rest of the truck intact, without a big box on the back seat.
That's what I did in my 2nd gen... I love that JL 300/2. I kept it when I sold the truck, so hopefully it'll fit under the front seat as easily as it did in the last truck. I saved the JL 250/1 that was used for the stealth box in the last truck too, but I think I'm going to have to sell that and get a 500/1, as JL doesn't make a stealth box with enough bass for me for the 3G trucks, so I'm just going to have to build my own box. The stealth box was OK with 250W cuz it was just W1's in there, but since I'm starting from scratch this time, I'll probably use W6v2's or W7's which need more juice. I have the design semi-planned in my head, but when the truck gets here I'll do a full writeup.
I replaced my Infinity system and am extremely glad I did. I am extremely happy with all the products I used Kenwood head unit w/music keg and Sirius, Soundstream amp, custom sub box and Diamond Audio speakers. The products and install is described in one of my reader rig galleries here - Stereo Gallery
The aftermarket stereo is very clean and crisp but hits very hard and solid on the bass. If you are not satisified with the Infiinity system go aftermarket. I bought a truck off the lot - otherwise would have saved the money and not gotten the Infinity system.
The aftermarket stereo is very clean and crisp but hits very hard and solid on the bass. If you are not satisified with the Infiinity system go aftermarket. I bought a truck off the lot - otherwise would have saved the money and not gotten the Infinity system.
Agreed. Some people are happy with the Infinity system. Personally, I think it sounds like poop. Shortly after my Laramie gets here, I'll have an Infinity system for sale if anyone with the base stereo wants to upgrade for cheap and keep the OEM look.
I have automatically replaced the entire stereo system on every vehicle I've had since 1984. I usually stay in the 400-600 watts range... first system was BA w/Sony head unit. From then on, it's been Eclipse all the way. I am leaving the Infinity in my '03 because at 52, I have tinitis (constant loud hissing in my ears, caused of way too much loud music)..... wish I could replace my hearing.....
Yo Hoot
TDR MEMBER
I'm pretty happy with the stock Infintity sound. It looks as though it already has componant speakers. Aren't they seperate tweeters in the dash?
I'm impressed with it's bass capability for a stock radio and the fact that you can max the volume with NO distortion.
The sound in my GMC sucked big time. I blew out the stock speakers with the stock radio because it distorted so much at the higher volume side.
The Infinity is no comparison to a $1000+ aftermarket upgrade but it ain't bad.
I'm impressed with it's bass capability for a stock radio and the fact that you can max the volume with NO distortion.
The sound in my GMC sucked big time. I blew out the stock speakers with the stock radio because it distorted so much at the higher volume side.
The Infinity is no comparison to a $1000+ aftermarket upgrade but it ain't bad.
I had the stock Infinity system... . it was "ok", but nothing special. I removed it and installed a Pioneer AVIC N1 (has dvd, navigation, mp3, etc... . w/touch screen). I also installed Alpine Type R speakers to replace the stock door speakers. I have two amps, both MTX - one driving my speakers (including the stock ones in the dash), and the second driving a JL Audio 12" subwoofer which is mounted on my fold out floor behind the drivers seat. The sub is set up so that it can be easily removed if I need the seating space in the back, which is rare.
I'm 100% satisfied with the sound system now. Very crisp, clean sound... . the bass is set so its not overbearing, but it can be cranked up if you're in the mood for it.
I don't like the sub sitting on the fold out floor, but it will do until I find a stealth alternative with equal sound quality.
I'm 100% satisfied with the sound system now. Very crisp, clean sound... . the bass is set so its not overbearing, but it can be cranked up if you're in the mood for it.
I don't like the sub sitting on the fold out floor, but it will do until I find a stealth alternative with equal sound quality.
I have already trashed my factory Infinity crap. In went an Alpine 9831 head unit and put (till they die) Rockford Fosgate 6. 5" seperates in front doors and 5. 25" coaxials in rear doors. I have a box for a 10" sub that replaces the center front storage area that is upholstered to look like the factory seat. I move dirt so when ever it finally stops raining I'll finish it. JL 10w6 and power everything with Audison amplifiers.
stereo upgrade
I have a 2004 Ram 2500 Cummins 600 4x4 quad cab and the factory single cd stereo was barely adequate. I upgraded to the 6 disc infinity system and speakers and couldn't be happier. No aftermarket looks that don't quite fit with the dash and great sound -- what a difference! No worries about someone in there hacking into my wiring trying to install aftermarket components -- for my . 02 worth I say go with the factory upgrade if you can handle the cost.
I have a 2004 Ram 2500 Cummins 600 4x4 quad cab and the factory single cd stereo was barely adequate. I upgraded to the 6 disc infinity system and speakers and couldn't be happier. No aftermarket looks that don't quite fit with the dash and great sound -- what a difference! No worries about someone in there hacking into my wiring trying to install aftermarket components -- for my . 02 worth I say go with the factory upgrade if you can handle the cost.
Satellite radio is the only way to go. I don't care if you have a 200 disc carousel under your seat, discs scratch, skip, and repeat. FM radio is all talk. Ever tried to find a station playing music at 5 o'clock pm or 8 in the morning?, NOT!
The dealer offers satellite radio but the only drawback to this is there on a budget. The consumer does not want the 5,000 dollar audio system option when they can get the laramie option instead. What does that leave you with? A digital audio system that you can't really express the true meaning of broad frequency range. Too much of a pain to try adding speakers later, then you need a amplifier to drive the new speakers. Now, how do you hook the new amp to the head unit?, What the steering wheel radio controls don't work anymore? Pain! If you want true audio then its quite simple, YANK IT!! Replace that budgeted factory crap with speakers that can handle the whole digital range you can hear. Now that you have speakers that can express themselves give them some power so you can be up front, center stage. Now add satellite radio and there you have it. No discs being tossed out the window because it has skipped once to many, No more punching through all 18 FM presents looking of a single song of music, just pure digital quality music! Sirius has over 100 stations with no interruptions, I'm sure one of them has your name on it.
The dealer offers satellite radio but the only drawback to this is there on a budget. The consumer does not want the 5,000 dollar audio system option when they can get the laramie option instead. What does that leave you with? A digital audio system that you can't really express the true meaning of broad frequency range. Too much of a pain to try adding speakers later, then you need a amplifier to drive the new speakers. Now, how do you hook the new amp to the head unit?, What the steering wheel radio controls don't work anymore? Pain! If you want true audio then its quite simple, YANK IT!! Replace that budgeted factory crap with speakers that can handle the whole digital range you can hear. Now that you have speakers that can express themselves give them some power so you can be up front, center stage. Now add satellite radio and there you have it. No discs being tossed out the window because it has skipped once to many, No more punching through all 18 FM presents looking of a single song of music, just pure digital quality music! Sirius has over 100 stations with no interruptions, I'm sure one of them has your name on it.
Roper,
First off, the radios are very, very easy to remove and replace. The radio has 2 screws and a ground wire to free it from the mount. And the dash trim come off just as easy, so if you wanted too, there is no reason you could not do the job yourself.
Next, the aftermarket has many nice radios to choose from, you are bound to find one with the style and price that is acceptable. Your first decision should be, what type of radio do you want to replace the stock unit with, a full height (din1. 5) like the factory or a more common din1 ? If you are like me, and would like to keep the stock look, then you will want a din 1. 5. It will fell the dash space completely like the stocker, and needs no adapters or plates. Only problem is their are not many din1. 5 radios available. I choose the Pioneer DEH-P77DH, it is a din1. 5 and has loads of features that you might or might not use, just depends how far you want to go. Pioneer make three models of din1. 5 radios, I choose the middle one it has what I need while still looking factor. The one higher level then mine is great, but I thought it didn't look at home in my dash with the rest of my interior. I would strongly recommend you go through Crutchfield, they are a giant in the electronic industry and have very competitive prices. I n my search I did find slightly lower prices elsewhere, but when you combine the support and complete packages that Crutchfield offers they stand out. They were the only ones that provided model specific instructions, detailed and easy to follow. They also provide all the needed wiring harnesses you will need to do the job right, they all just plugged into the factory wiring, and made the job a snap. Give them a try, I think you will be happy.
First off, the radios are very, very easy to remove and replace. The radio has 2 screws and a ground wire to free it from the mount. And the dash trim come off just as easy, so if you wanted too, there is no reason you could not do the job yourself.
Next, the aftermarket has many nice radios to choose from, you are bound to find one with the style and price that is acceptable. Your first decision should be, what type of radio do you want to replace the stock unit with, a full height (din1. 5) like the factory or a more common din1 ? If you are like me, and would like to keep the stock look, then you will want a din 1. 5. It will fell the dash space completely like the stocker, and needs no adapters or plates. Only problem is their are not many din1. 5 radios available. I choose the Pioneer DEH-P77DH, it is a din1. 5 and has loads of features that you might or might not use, just depends how far you want to go. Pioneer make three models of din1. 5 radios, I choose the middle one it has what I need while still looking factor. The one higher level then mine is great, but I thought it didn't look at home in my dash with the rest of my interior. I would strongly recommend you go through Crutchfield, they are a giant in the electronic industry and have very competitive prices. I n my search I did find slightly lower prices elsewhere, but when you combine the support and complete packages that Crutchfield offers they stand out. They were the only ones that provided model specific instructions, detailed and easy to follow. They also provide all the needed wiring harnesses you will need to do the job right, they all just plugged into the factory wiring, and made the job a snap. Give them a try, I think you will be happy.
Crutchfield
I got my Alpine head unit for my old 1997 Ram through Crutchfield, and that was one of the easiest installs I had done on a vehicle. There was no guesswork. Just solder and shrink wrap the wires from the adapter plug to the Alpine plug. From there it's just a plug in and go deal. Upon getting my 2003 truck, of course I had pulled out my very new Alpine from the 1997 truck and set it aside for later use. Just recently my CD player started making a grinding sound. I called Crutchfield and got the Adapter Plug for the Head Unit and for the Antenna wire, which has to be adapted to as well, and also got the dashboard adapter. Making the switch on my truck took me literally ten minutes. I have seen the work that comes from stereo installers from the big names that will install the stereo you just bought at their discount electronics store and to call them hacks is putting it mildly. There is absolutely nothing that should hinder anyone from doing their own installs on these vehicles as all the wiring work is done on a workbench and it's just plug and play from there.
I got my Alpine head unit for my old 1997 Ram through Crutchfield, and that was one of the easiest installs I had done on a vehicle. There was no guesswork. Just solder and shrink wrap the wires from the adapter plug to the Alpine plug. From there it's just a plug in and go deal. Upon getting my 2003 truck, of course I had pulled out my very new Alpine from the 1997 truck and set it aside for later use. Just recently my CD player started making a grinding sound. I called Crutchfield and got the Adapter Plug for the Head Unit and for the Antenna wire, which has to be adapted to as well, and also got the dashboard adapter. Making the switch on my truck took me literally ten minutes. I have seen the work that comes from stereo installers from the big names that will install the stereo you just bought at their discount electronics store and to call them hacks is putting it mildly. There is absolutely nothing that should hinder anyone from doing their own installs on these vehicles as all the wiring work is done on a workbench and it's just plug and play from there.
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
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Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
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What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
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