Forum Discussion

nomad_289's avatar
nomad_289
Explorer
Apr 19, 2013

E450 front speaker upgrade?

What's the "Best" way to improve the front cab speakers on an E-450? Space looks very limited, possibly necessitating use of the existing in-door speaker mounting locations???

1. Easiest would be to replace better quality 3-way speakers in the door; and add Dynamat and foam to deaden vibration. What size are the stock speakers? How hard is panel removal?

2. Next step up might be to install "Component" speakers, with mid-range in door and high frequency tweeters elsewhere (likely higher in door?).

3. Other "better" mounting locations, ideas or advice? Will be using high end components.

Thanks
Class C
  • RedRollingRoadb's avatar
    RedRollingRoadb
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    Thanks for the step-by-step. The speakers in my E-450 are junk and the radio is a royal pile of trash. Or is it the other way around? Anyway this is a project that needs to be done soon as wife needs her radio.
  • nomad_289's avatar
    nomad_289
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    lawtonglenn wrote:
    door speaker replacement takes just 5 minutes


    Nice upgrade! Thanks-a-lot for the detailed step-by-step instructions:C

    Sure this will boost the confidence for us DIY folks; and help those who "hire it out" to judge installation costs. Thanks again.

    DW caught wind of my super stereo upgrade; looks like I'll be buying stix-brix flooring and appliances first:D
  • wearenh's avatar
    wearenh
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    lawtonglenn wrote:
    eric1514 wrote:


    Let us know how you get the door panels off (pics would be great). I'd like to upgrade the speakers in the cab of my RV, but I don't want to break and plastic parts doing so.

    TIA,
    Eric


    Replaced the 6x8 speakers in the doors of our 2006 E350 last night with a pair of "last year's model" 682.9cf Infinity Kappa that I picked up new for $99 on eBay (they are $125 on Amazon)... this year's model 682.11cf are $179 on Crutchfield.

    Improvement is awesome! ... IMHO spending thousands on an RV sound system is only worth it if you intend to listen to lots of music whilst parked.. moving there is just too much road noise/MH noise to tell the difference between a really nice $800 upgrade, and an unbelievable $2500 upgrade ... just my opinion.

    Anyway, door speaker replacement takes just 5 minutes:

    Pop off Black mirror trim triangle... top comes out first
    Remove one screw behind it. (Phillips)
    Remove one screw under door handle. (Phillips)
    Pop off door handle trim ... front comes out first
    Remove one screw behind it. (Phillips)
    Pop off round cover at bottom rear of panel
    Remove one screw behind it. (Phillips)
    Pop off Power Window switch panel ... front comes out first
    Remove one screw behind it. (Phillips)
    No need to disconnect Power Window switch panel
    Lift panel straight up and off
    Let hang from Power Window wiring ... no biggie
    Remove 4 screws around stock speaker (Torx T20)
    Disconnect speaker wire connector and remove stock speaker
    Snip wires just above connector and strip ends
    Install wires into new speaker inputs (let BLUE = Neg)
    Re-install (follow steps above bottom to top)
  • Winnipeg's avatar
    Winnipeg
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2013
    We took our new Aspect to our stereo guy before our first camping trip, and we did go a little over the top. He put 4 4x9 speakers in the coach part and component speakers in the front (separate tweeters). You really need good speakers up front in the "van" area. You cannot hear the coach speakers while driving unless you really crank them.

    Also, to get good sound, you need to use an amp to power the speakers. Amps are not just for high volume, you need them to give good full sound at low volume too, otherwise it sounds sharp.

    There are lots of good small car audio shops around, most can set you up with something afordable that will suit your needs. If you are looking here for advice on what to do, you obviously don't know enough. Spend a few bucks and get it done right.
  • jgorm1's avatar
    jgorm1
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2013
    "best" is a relative term. I put in a $1500+ stereo in my E450. pioneer double din, and JL amp and speakers, with a bazooka tube. I put the front speakers in the stock door locations. There is way better stuff out there, but the cost goes up real fast. Mine sounds great! The doghouse and floor are insulated very well, and dynamat type stuff in the doors.
  • eric1514's avatar
    eric1514
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2013
    nomad 289 wrote:
    Thanks guys.

    Guess I'll buy some "6x8" Components from Crutchfields to fit in the stock location and add tweets in upper panel or pillars. Also adding a small powered sub will add to the sound."


    Let us know how you get the door panels off (pics would be great). I'd like to upgrade the speakers in the cab of my RV, but I don't want to break and plastic parts doing so.

    TIA,
    Eric
  • nomad_289's avatar
    nomad_289
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2013
    Thanks guys.

    Guess I'll buy some "6x8" Components from Crutchfields to fit in the stock location and add tweets in upper panel or pillars. Also adding a small powered sub will add to the sound."
  • tpi's avatar
    tpi
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2013
    It appears to be 6X8 speakers in front. Anyone know what is involved with replacing them?
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2013
    Crutchfield's website is excellent for finding out what size speakers and stereos will fit in what vehicles. Even if you don't end up buying from them.
    I have been purchasing home and auto electronics form them for over 20 years and their customer service is excellent.
  • YamaDooed's avatar
    YamaDooed
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2013
    Components will fit in the stock locaton and add tweets in upper panel or pillars. Also adding a small powered sub will add to the sound.

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