Kicker Sub upgrade

I disagree with Hush.

I currently have $10,000 worth of high end audio, including dual 12’s in a Custom under seat enclosure with 1200 watts going to them.

Is it in a different league? Yes? But my audio journey was an evolution. I started with a kicker 8” sub and 300 watt amp and utilized the factory enclosure.

The difference from factory to the kicker sub is night and day. Hush, what I think you may not realize is that the factory woofer is of such poor quality and such insufficient amplification that it has less performance than the cheap 6x9’s Ford puts in the front doors.

to your point, a well designed enclosure under the rear seat can and will sound better but don’t underestimate just how BAD the factory hardware performs.


My original post regarding upgrading your stock radio for under $500.00 is still valid today. You can drastically improve what Ford provides for a handful of change. It’s probably the worst factory premium radio I’ve ever experienced in a “halo vehicle”.

For $500.00 bucks... you can make it sound acceptable. How acceptable? Eh... good enough for someone who isn’t big into Audio.

Guy said:

I disagree with Hush.

I currently have $10,000 worth of high end audio, including dual 12’s in a Custom under seat enclosure with 1200 watts going to them.

Is it in a different league? Yes? But my audio journey was an evolution. I started with a kicker 8” sub and 300 watt amp and utilized the factory enclosure.

The difference from factory to the kicker sub is night and day. Hush, what I think you may not realize is that the factory woofer is of such poor quality and such insufficient amplification that it has less performance than the cheap 6x9’s Ford puts in the front doors.

to your point, a well designed enclosure under the rear seat can and will sound better but don’t underestimate just how BAD the factory hardware performs.


My original post regarding upgrading your stock radio for under $500.00 is still valid today. You can drastically improve what Ford provides for a handful of change. It’s probably the worst factory premium radio I’ve ever experienced in a “halo vehicle”.

For $500.00 bucks... you can make it sound acceptable. How acceptable? Eh... good enough for someone who isn’t big into Audio.

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Which one is your original post? I'd like to read it. Thanks

it’s in the gen2 audio sub forum “under $500”.

Really, it’s “around $500” ;-)

hey listen... that was before tariffs and coronavirus and economic turmoil... it was under 500 at one point.

smurfslayer said:

it’s in the gen2 audio sub forum “under $500”.

Really, it’s “around $500” ;-)

Click to expand...

Guy said:

hey listen... that was before tariffs and coronavirus and economic turmoil... it was under 500 at one point.

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So now it's the $XXX500 stereo upgrade?

It’s kind of a “gateway” audio mod.

Once you perform the “around” $500 mod, more will follow

A better sub isn't going to make up for the lack of mid bass in the B&O. Plus the system will automatically drop off bass as volume goes up. If you're going tinker with the stereo just send it. Better to pay once than having to repeatedly redo it.

@Hush Car Audio I hear ya. Been around car audio for years and unfortunately for my wallet it pays the price. I have some other mods in the works on the truck and my time is spread out at the moment.

I’m sure I will be doing a full system upgrade eventually. Going to piece meal it now and just add a little bump to start. This is just a very muddy and flat system. It’s a shame my ears have grown to tolerate it for the time being. After listening to a few who have done it, I picked up a Kicker sub for a good price and just want to screw around with the factory enclosure and see how it improves. I have to install my sub amp anyway, so the factory sub is quick and easy to play around with. I also have decided if I want to give up floor space as I have normally done in past truck or stuff something in behind the seats. It may just be worthy enough to buy some time and before I upgrade the whole truck.

It’s good feedback, but I am familiar with these waters and don’t expect the world. Hmmm maybe something more like a barrier island lol

I can respect @Guy opinions as he’s started very modestly And then blew the doors off lol. Very helpful for those with mild to stellar ambitions. A very good contributor to the forum as most of all of you are.

I’m also going to utilize an Audio Control Lc2i to help with bass roll off and adjustments. Hey why try? I just want to see how a micro 8” sub setup will do with 500W running into it. I am truly a fan of bigger is better with subs. But I had one system not too long ago and it was modest. Ran one 10” sub and the quality of the bass was fabulous I thought. Still nothing moves air like 12” and larger subs.

The mid bass is lacking as The other poster has pointed out. Everything is lacking...

some low/mid range speakers with a high sensitivity will help without breaking the bank.

K223 said:

@Hush Car Audio I hear ya. Been around car audio for years and unfortunately for my wallet it pays the price. I have some other mods in the works on the truck and my time is spread out at the moment.

I’m sure I will be doing a full system upgrade eventually. Going to piece meal it now and just add a little bump to start. This is just a very muddy and flat system. It’s a shame my ears have grown to tolerate it for the time being. After listening to a few who have done it, I picked up a Kicker sub for a good price and just want to screw around with the factory enclosure and see how it improves. I have to install my sub amp anyway, so the factory sub is quick and easy to play around with. I also have decided if I want to give up floor space as I have normally done in past truck or stuff something in behind the seats. It may just be worthy enough to buy some time and before I upgrade the whole truck.

It’s good feedback, but I am familiar with these waters and don’t expect the world. Hmmm maybe something more like a barrier island lol

I can respect @Guy opinions as he’s started very modestly And then blew the doors off lol. Very helpful for those with mild to stellar ambitions. A very good contributor to the forum as most of all of you are.

I’m also going to utilize an Audio Control Lc2i to help with bass roll off and adjustments. Hey why try? I just want to see how a micro 8” sub setup will do with 500W running into it. I am truly a fan of bigger is better with subs. But I had one system not too long ago and it was modest. Ran one 10” sub and the quality of the bass was fabulous I thought. Still nothing moves air like 12” and larger subs.

Click to expand...

K223 said:

@Hush Car Audio I hear ya. Been around car audio for years and unfortunately for my wallet it pays the price. I have some other mods in the works on the truck and my time is spread out at the moment.

I’m sure I will be doing a full system upgrade eventually. Going to piece meal it now and just add a little bump to start. This is just a very muddy and flat system. It’s a shame my ears have grown to tolerate it for the time being. After listening to a few who have done it, I picked up a Kicker sub for a good price and just want to screw around with the factory enclosure and see how it improves. I have to install my sub amp anyway, so the factory sub is quick and easy to play around with. I also have decided if I want to give up floor space as I have normally done in past truck or stuff something in behind the seats. It may just be worthy enough to buy some time and before I upgrade the whole truck.

It’s good feedback, but I am familiar with these waters and don’t expect the world. Hmmm maybe something more like a barrier island lol

I can respect @Guy opinions as he’s started very modestly And then blew the doors off lol. Very helpful for those with mild to stellar ambitions. A very good contributor to the forum as most of all of you are.

I’m also going to utilize an Audio Control Lc2i to help with bass roll off and adjustments. Hey why try? I just want to see how a micro 8” sub setup will do with 500W running into it. I am truly a fan of bigger is better with subs. But I had one system not too long ago and it was modest. Ran one 10” sub and the quality of the bass was fabulous I thought. Still nothing moves air like 12” and larger subs.

Click to expand...

Did you get it installed yet?