Audio upgrade for dummies

41509 Views 65 Replies 18 Participants Last post by hawkeng, Jan 30, 2017

klp

Discussion Starter · Oct 21, 2016

I need help. Lot's of it.

I want to keep the stock stereo - I like the stock look and don't need crazy sound. What I would like is to make the stocker all it can be. Can someone guide me as to what to purchase. Do I need an amp? Should I add a subwoofer? I plan on upgrading the speakers and adding two more in the middle location. Any suggestions on what to get?

My goals are to have a stereo that is loud and fun enough to make road tripping more enjoyable - I won't be cranking it up at the campground. Maybe tailgating

My final question is how do I hook all this up? I know nothing about stereos and wires scare me. I don't even know how to hook up the extra speakers - do I cut the wires and splice two on? Can I simply use a vampire type clip to get my extra wires?

I don't want a shop to do it because -

I am frugal and want to spend the $ elsewhere.
I don't trust anyone to do the work the way I want it done.
I want to build the whole van myself.

Stereo guys help me out! All will benefit as I will document my blunders here.

Bonus points if anyone knows how I can run the stereo off house battery and truck battery.

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61 - 66 of 66 Posts

joefromga

· #61 · Nov 30, 2016

Solder or crimps is fine. I always strip back and solder and leave the factory connector on in case I want to go back.

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klp

Discussion Starter · #62 · Nov 30, 2016

Yeah thanks.

Crutchfield includes the bits if you buy their speakers, I did not. They charge 12.99 for a pair of wiring adapters, for that money I will just make my own. I may try to salvage the clip on the existing speakers and craft something out of that. I am not sure yet if I can use the stock plastic mount or not.

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klp

Discussion Starter · #63 · Dec 1, 2016

I managed to re use the oem clips and housing. See my thread for details.

Thanks everyone! If I am not happy with the sound I will add an amp, either a 4 way or five to support a sub.

The oem speakers are rated for 25w so I assume that is the head unit power, my new speakers handle 125w so I have some room to add power.

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blackhamburger

· #64 · Jan 30, 2017

Hello,
I just had the DNX693S installed. The installer sold me on this particular unit along with the maestro so that I could have more gauge readouts with the stereo. I have the base model stereo/steering/wheel/instrument cluster. After the unit was installed I didn't have any gauges on the stereo. The installer told me that my particular model did not yet support the maestro setup. This was after he assured me that it could be done. I was really hoping to have these extra readouts. So Is the installer a doofus or am I a doofus assuming that my base model transit would have the gauge readouts prewired to connect with the maestro? Also Iasked him to wire the backup camera to the stereo along with the rearview mirror. He was able to do that but both screens are now very grainy. Do you know if there's a fix for the grainy picture?

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hawkeng

· #65 · Jan 30, 2017

blackhamburger said:
Hello,
I just had the DNX693S installed. The installer sold me on this particular unit along with the maestro so that I could have more gauge readouts with the stereo. I have the base model stereo/steering/wheel/instrument cluster. After the unit was installed I didn't have any gauges on the stereo. The installer told me that my particular model did not yet support the maestro setup. This was after he assured me that it could be done. I was really hoping to have these extra readouts. So Is the installer a doofus or am I a doofus assuming that my base model transit would have the gauge readouts prewired to connect with the maestro? Also Iasked him to wire the backup camera to the stereo along with the rearview mirror. He was able to do that but both screens are now very grainy. Do you know if there's a fix for the grainy picture?

The grainy picture is probably from driving both screens. The installer probably "tapped" into the video wiring. This causes a impedance match, which video signals do not like.
According to DataMaestro, the radio does support the data. I am not so sure the installer set up the data correctly.

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hawkeng

· #66 · Jan 30, 2017

blackhamburger said:
Hello,
I just had the DNX693S installed. The installer sold me on this particular unit along with the maestro so that I could have more gauge readouts with the stereo. I have the base model stereo/steering/wheel/instrument cluster. After the unit was installed I didn't have any gauges on the stereo. The installer told me that my particular model did not yet support the maestro setup. This was after he assured me that it could be done. I was really hoping to have these extra readouts. So Is the installer a doofus or am I a doofus assuming that my base model transit would have the gauge readouts prewired to connect with the maestro? Also Iasked him to wire the backup camera to the stereo along with the rearview mirror. He was able to do that but both screens are now very grainy. Do you know if there's a fix for the grainy picture?

Save

61 - 66 of 66 Posts

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