Base Stereo Annihilation

[15RaceRedGT]

How hard was it to replace the tweeters? Do you have any pics of that part?

It really was not difficult, just need to take your time - it is a bit of a custom install depending on the tweeters you use but they can always be surface mounted. I'm sorry but I didn't get pics.

Sponsored

 

[mimartin15]

Try Dynamat
http://www.dynamat.com/
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...qmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8pbrm5tzuy_e

LOL, the only reason I'm not installing a sub is I don't want everything to start rattling

 

[Grim_Reaper]

Did you need any adapter plates to mount the speakers in the doors or rear deck?

 

[ECM90]

I couldn't take it anymore. I first added a small amp and sub back in December and it really helped fill in the bass. But now that my windows are rolled down the lack of volume and mid-range in general was driving me nuts - so I had to do something.

I read many threads on this and other forums, here is what I went with -

1)JL Audio CL-441 DSP \ CleanSweep (to remove whatever factory EQ was there and get a clean, flat signal to the speakers)
2) JL Audio CL-RLC (not pictured - to supply variable low-level output to my existing Sub)
3) Alpine PowerPack KTP-445U - 400w Amp(really just a Power Booster)
4) Pioneer TS-D1730 Components (Front Door/Pillars)
5) Pioneer TS-D1602R Coax for Rear Deck
6) Existing 10" Sub and amp

I put the sub and speakers in and had a buddy at best buy install the JL Audio and Alpine bits.

The result is a dramatic improvement in fidelity and volume. The music now has depth, even at lower volumes. It'll take a week or so for the speakers to break in, and I expect the sound will get even better.

I think the JL CleanSweep DSP and CL-RLC is a must, but you could use any amp or speakers you like to achieve similar results.

I went to an audio shop and got a quote for $2000 for pretty much the exact setup here, installed. How much could you buy all this equipment for out of pocket and do the job yourself?

 

[15RaceRedGT]

I went to an audio shop and got a quote for $2000 for pretty much the exact setup here, installed. How much could you buy all this equipment for out of pocket and do the job yourself?[/QUOTE

I am a bit of a bargain hunter.

I bought the JL stuff from this place as an either an open box or factory refurbished - Great people to do business with - http://creativeaudio.net/

I liked them so much I purchased a JL 10" Sub and JX250 amp (to replace the existing sub I had leftover from another car), again refurbished (pictured below).

I found the Alpine Powerpack as an open box on Ebay for $89.

The speakers I found on Amazon for around $200 for both sets together.

I spent about $1100 total, including the JL Sub, Amp and box and labor at best buy to install just the JL Cleansweep, JL CL-RLC and Alpine Powerpack. I installed the speakers and sub on my own. If I let best buy install those items as well , it would've been another $300-$400.

I highly recommend the JL sub and amp as well, it brings the whole system together. First time I used JL stuff but it is top quality.

This once horrible base stereo is now easily one of the best systems I have ever had in a car.

Hope this helps!

 

[15RaceRedGT]

Did you need any adapter plates to mount the speakers in the doors or rear deck?

Apologies, Grim_Reaper, just saw this. I used the existing Ford speaker rings and had to cut out the Ford speakers from them -- same as this video found elsewhere in the Forum-- it was really simple, I just used tin snips to cut the speakers out.
[ame]

 

[foghat]

I went to an audio shop and got a quote for $2000 for pretty much the exact setup here, installed. How much could you buy all this equipment for out of pocket and do the job yourself?[/QUOTE
I am a bit of a bargain hunter.

I bought the JL stuff from this place as an either an open box or factory refurbished - Great people to do business with - http://creativeaudio.net/
I liked them so much I purchased a JL 10" Sub and JX250 amp (to replace the existing sub I had leftover from another car), again refurbished.

I found the Alpine Powerpack as an open box on Ebay for $89.

The speakers I found on Amazon for around $200 for both sets together.

I spent about $1100 total, including the JL Sub, Amp and box and labor at best buy to install just the JL Cleansweep, JL CL-RLC and Alpine Powerpack. I installed the speakers and sub on my own. If I let best buy install those items as well , it would've been another $300-$400.

I highly recommend the JL sub and amp as well, it brings the whole system together. First time I used JL stuff but it is top quality.

Did you car come with that cargo net?

 

[15RaceRedGT]

Did you car come with that cargo net?

Cargo net was recycled from my '05 'Stang, that I traded in - I slipped the ends behind the trunk insulation on the rear bulkhead of the car and hooked it onto the studs for the taillights - fit perfectly and is very convenient!

 

[SlowRed]

I went to an audio shop and got a quote for $2000 for pretty much the exact setup here, installed. How much could you buy all this equipment for out of pocket and do the job yourself?

$860 for everything minus sub and amp for sub. Cleansweep is 300 separate remote is 60 Speakers are 200 and 150 speaker amp is 150. That's at full retail

 

[Banjo]

Can you still use the steering wheel volume control with the cleansweep or do you have to use JL's volume knob now?

 

[15RaceRedGT]

Can you still use the steering wheel volume control with the cleansweep or do you have to use JL's volume knob now?

After the initial calibration I removed the JL master volume controller and only use the steering wheel or radio to adjust the volume. The Cleansweep is impressive as the sound is crystal clear and dynamic with no audible hiss between songs.

 

[SlowRed]

Damn it RaceRed beat me too it. But yeah the CleanSweep and Alpine 445 I've used in every new car I owned ('12 Chevy Cruze, '12 Ram 3500, and soon my '15) keeps everything stock looking while giving you good audio I'll be putting focal speakers and a JL 10w3 with a XD600/1 amp

 

[15RaceRedGT]

Damn it RaceRed beat me too it. But yeah the CleanSweep and Alpine 445 I've used in every new car I owned ('12 Chevy Cruze, '12 Ram 3500, and soon my '15) keeps everything stock looking while giving you good audio I'll be putting focal speakers and a JL 10w3 with a XD600/1 amp

Should sound awesome SloRed, the Mustang interior is tight tight tight, great for acoustics and nothing rattles! Highly recommend the JL Cl-RC to give you a nice clean signal coming out of the CleanSweep for your sub with variable output so convenient and works perfectly

 

[SlowRed]

That's great too hear rattles are the only thing keeping me from installing. Think I might do this this weekend now.

 

[Grim_Reaper]

Just want to say this thread is amazing! So much help when it comes to getting this base audio sounding good. Can't wait to get home and install all my upgrades hopefully I can get it in as part of my SEMA build.

Sponsored