A client from here in Gainesville, Florida, dropped by Sound Depot and Performance for an audio system upgrade for his 2016 Ford F-150. He liked the features of the factory radio and the Ford Sync voice recognition technology, but not the way the system sounded. Truck audio system upgrades are very popular here in Gainesville, and we have a lot of experience in making those systems sound a lot better.
Audio Integration
The AudioControl Lc7 was the perfect tool to help us integrate with the factory audio.
The first step was to extract an audio signal from the factory source unit. We used an AudioControl LC7i Integration Processor to provide a good, clean audio signal for the amplifier we would install next. We mounted the LC7i under the driver’s seat and connected it to the output of the factory amplifier. The GTO circuit on the LC7i provides a remote turn-on output that we can use to turn on the aftermarket amplifier.
System Amplifier Installation
To power the system, we installed a Kenwood X801-5 amplifier under the passenger seat. The X801-5 can provide up to 50 watts per channel to the front and rear speakers. The amp also has a dedicated subwoofer channel rated for 500 watts when connected to a 2 ohm load. We installed a PAC LC-1 bass level control between the LC7i and the amp to provide the client with an easy way to adjust the subwoofer level. We mounted the controller for the LC-1 on the dash to the left of the steering column.
Stealth Subwoofer Installation
We installed and wired up a pair of JL Audio 10W3v3-4 subwoofers in an Atrend A342-10 enclosure. The enclosure has a tough bed liner finish and fits nicely under the rear seat of the Ford F-150. The design of the enclosure provides each sub with 0.8 cubic feet of airspace – perfect for the chosen JL Audio subwoofers.
System Tuning
With lots of clean power supplied to the factory speakers and the crossover in the amp relieving them of the need to try to reproduce bass, they sound much better. Any system equalization and time alignment built into the factory amp continues to work in our favor with this configuration. The dedicated subwoofer system offers solid, deep and dynamic bass that extends the frequency response of the system by almost two octaves.
As always, we used our oscilloscope to set the amp sensitivity adjustments for maximum system performance and the best possible signal-to-noise ratio.
Gainesville Truck Audio Delivers!
When the client returned to Sound Depot and Performance to pick up his truck, he loved the way the new system sounded and was thrilled with how we integrated everything into the vehicle.
If your audio system just isn’t cutting it, then drop by our shop today and let us help you out.
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