Speaker question???

[FracaSHO]

I am considering new speakers, amps and sub woofer in my 2010 SHO. I have the 12 speaker Sony system with sync. My guy said I can keep the stock radio, all I need to do is upgrade speakers and amps. My concern is rattling in the trunk, headliner, spoiler, panels, etc. from all the bass. I want either the JL audio stealth box in the trunk, or replace the factory sub in the rear deck. What, if anything, rattles with the increased bass? How much, if any, dynomat have you used? :thankyou:

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I don't have the SHO or SONY just a lowly Mid grade SEL but still allow me to offer some information. I replaced the factory speakers with Kenwood KFC-5794PS. I also replaced the center speaker with a Kicker Diamond series I will have to refresh the type again so bear with me. Door speakers alone were a definite improvement. I only went with door and center speaker for now. Traded for another 2013 SEL (this time loaded.) I was so impressed with the Kenwood's that I ordered another set. They arrived yesterday so not installed yet but I am expecting the same results. One of the other members on the Taurus forum has the same SEL 202A and he is looking at tapping into the rear speakers and adding speakers to the rear deck.

A Couple of major install notes. Again I speak for SEL Premium sound NON SONY which premium is basically 4 doors two tweeters and the center speaker. I have not had the SONY system but speaking from recent taurus,net reviews, the common denominator even WITH SONY systems is the limiting factor of the weak speakers. MY system was much improved with just r/r the door speakers.

NOTE2: Although the manuals say 6X8 speakers the basket for my SEL was only 5X7 be ready I learned from the pathfinder on the speaker R/R so I was able to order two sets of 5X7. Our patfinder had two sets of 5X7 but his installer only had one set of Rockford Fosgate so he has one set of R/F and another of JBL I believe.

Summary Start with door speakers that should be a marked improvement If you need install photos or tips PM me. I am not saying you wont get more with a total system upgrade but R/R the door speakers is definitely a good starting point. I had good luck with Kenwood's but R/F and JBL seemed to work also with other Taurus owners. Remember music is subjective so what's good for me may not be good for you. I didn't use Dynomat but may think about it with this install.

Good luck and keep us posted, You are off to a good start. Premium NON SONY and SONY systems are reasonably decent systems but even with any premium sound system...Bose. Harmon Kardon etc.....if your pushing sound through $7.00 speakers that's what the sound will be heard....or not heard...you get the idea.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Here is a thread from Taurus,net regarding speaker Replacement...

Just like this site I am 2011TAURUSSEL on there too.

This might be some more information on the subject.

http://www.fordtaurus.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=17212

 

[Phoenix]

Here is a thread from Taurus,net regarding speaker Replacement...

Just like this site I am 2011TAURUSSEL on there too.

This might be some more information on the subject.

http://www.fordtaurus.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=17212

Funny you mention this , in my 2013 sel I just bought 2 days ago , I thought the audio was so-so , I think my 2010 fusion se was playing alot better , more bass , more quality.

Wierd stuff...

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

That's not just you. Word around the grapevine is change door speakers with a good three way speakers.....I wont say that that will be solve the entire listening experience but again common threads seem to be that changing door speakers out is a very good head start. Did you get the premium sound with center speaker and Tweeters? If you got the 201 or 202A package you probably did.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I say probably did because I don't want to speak for ordering specs for Canada Models.

 

[Phoenix]

That's not just you. Word around the grapevine is change door speakers with a good three way speakers.....I wont say that that will be solve the entire listening experience but again common threads seem to be that changing door speakers out is a very good head start. Did you get the premium sound with center speaker and Tweeters? If you got the 201 or 202A package you probably did.

I just checked , its 201A , in the description it says it has a central speaker.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Central speaker yes. I recommend replacement but with a couple of footnotes.

I had a Kicker diamond series 3.5 inch Make note of the 3.5" but here is the footnote.

The Kicker was a plug and play as for wiring a simple POS/NEG connection worked with factory harness. The two factory wires fit right in the connections.

Plug and play YES......

Drop fit NO Kickers even though the 3.5" diameter is the measurement, it will fit but will not allow the speaker cover grill to fit back on. A fairly simple solution and some of you may cringe at this but hear me out.

The speaker opening will have to be trimmed but.....ONLY on the lower portion....if you look at the speaker opening you see the curved portion on the windshield side and another curve on the side near the radio head unit. You want to slowly remove the plastic on the side near the instrument panel/radio head unit. Remove in about 1/8 inch increments and this is the ultimate goal.

You want to be able to slowly slide the speaker in the opening but the mounting brackets/holes on the speaker go UNDERNEATH the dashboard... slowly slide in and gently gabbing the voice coil with a free hand turn the mounting bracket on the speaker to align with the mounting clip on the dashboard. Screw in loosely to start both screws in ten tighten as necessary.

HINT: It might be easier to make the electrical connection first but be careful not to pull the connection out during install.

You maybe nervous about doing this but if you are thinking of just getting a simple drop in replacement keep in mind they are probably not going to be much if any better than the factory OEM so you might as well keep the OEM center speakers. Again my opinion and based on previous experience not necessarily opinions of the forum or management

 

[Boggus]

The rear deck has 6x9 openings also that are not used in the Non-Sony cars. You can disconnect the rear doors and extend those wires to the rear deck for connection. I currently have new front door components (Kicker 5x7 seperates) and new rear deck speakers (Kicker 6x9) along with a sub and sub amp installed. Sound is bearable now.

Amamzing for the price of the car how poor the sound is.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

So the doors are 5x7 and the rear deck is 6x9? Mine is a 2010 SHO with the Sony package giay clarks.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I can't speak for SONY system models but I would be ready for both. If you are doing self install and you can afford 2 sets of 5X7 and 6X9 get them....if the 6X9's fit then you can return the 5X7 or vice versa. If you are egtting installed talk to your installer see if they have both of them laying around. Again if the 6X9 fit then go with them. At least you can avoid the OH-OH moment. One sure fire way is to remove the door panel, I have plenty of photos and the door speakers are not as difficult to remove/replace as they seem....hardest part seems to be knowing what size they are. I had my pathfinder in Taurus country who had the OOPS moment. His installer had two sets of 5X7 but not both Rockford Fosgate. He elected to use one set of R/F and one JBL to avoid a second trip for the installer. Learning from his "Experience" I ordered two sets of Kenwood KFC-5794 PS and just installed the rear sets today. Fairly basic install, I was able to use a connection adaptor from Maetra and only had to coneect the POS/NEG to the speaker connections. Plugged one end to the existing factory harness connector other end to speakers and done. IF anyone wants photos of the rear door speaker install send me a PM with email address if I can figure it out then you shoulld be able to.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

jmp I would say with about 95% probability that your understand is correct 5X7 doors and 6X9 rear deck. but again be prepared or pull door panel. There is a extra connection on the fronts if you have premium or SONY for the Tweeters but other than that the speakers themselves are a simple POS/NEG connection.

 

[jontyrees]

For the OP - I would just add a nice sub and amp in the trunk to start with if I were you. Start with that and play around with the levels and tone on the other speakers - you may find you don't need to replace all the cabin speakers, and save yourself a major job and a bunch of $. I like the Sony system just fine, although I wouldn't mind if it had deeper more powerful bass. One thing I've found helps a lot with the Sony system is to switch it to Stereo instead of the Surround mode - MUCH better, even if it's not using the dash center speaker.

If after that, you still want to improve, you can still switch out the cabin speakers and add aftermarket amps. It's not a cheap job though, especially if you're looking to dramatically improve on what is a pretty good stock system.

 

[Boggus]

You can purchase 6x9 speakers and mount them from inside the trunk without a problem. No need to pull the rear deck out and install from inside. Just need wires to make them play.

Front doors are 5x7 seperates (components) tweeters are in the A-pillar
Rear doors are 5x7 speakers
Deck is 6x9

Door panels are fairly simple to pull off and install new speakers.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I just removed/replaced the door speakers and tweeters and I am going on a limb and say start with the door speakers first. Tweeters and then center. having done this I feel a definite improvement in the sound, clarity, and overall response from the system even though it is not a SONY. Again personal choice but I am going to put my plug in for the Kenwood KFC-5794 PS series for the doors. I got a power acoustics NB-2 from Sonix Electronics for the tweeters. They were only $10.00 and had pretty decent reviews for the price one reviewer even mentioned Ford Taurus. Easy to install, and sound pretty decent in my setup. I will concurr with Boggus on the door panels easy to remove/replace. If you need some how to or photos PM me email address and I can help. The only non standard tool for door panel is a trim tool, basically a slightly angled screwdriver with a channel to POP the door retaining clips. Other than that a screwdriver 1 straight slot one phillips 10MM socket with extension and ratchet/speedhandle...8MM and 7MM socket or nut driver. The door trim removal tool can be purchased at your major parts retailer for approximately $9.00. Door panel removal is easy but you have to be careful with the airbag curtain to make sure it doesnt get damaged.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

This is the tweeter I was talking about in the last post...again free shipping and if anyone wants photos or text instructions for installation let me know PM me email address. Don't be fooled by the photo the outer sleeve is removable so you can insert into the OEM opening.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_13131_Power-Acoustik-NB.2.html

Also if you get them try Miami Vice Theme (Instrumental) with Bass/Midrange 0 (Neutral) and Treble a full 6 clicks/bars to the right. You will hear the highs in the tweeters........I notice the highs and they sound clear.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

This is not SPAM but related to the speaker thread. I ordered these from Amazon.....Kicker 11DS35 3.5 inch Coaxial. I ordered this set based on previous good experience from my other 2013 Taurus SEL. Fairly easy to install but minor trimming of the instrument panel......very minor trimming if done correctly. The trimming of the dash will be very minor and covered up by the speaker grill. The only reason for trimming is the alignment holes and subsequently the speaker has to be mounted UNDERNEATH the instrument panel to allow clearance for the speaker grill cover. Once the trimming and fitting is done you can use the OEM wiring harness and a simple Plug and Play install.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PRUTLY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[RichInMich]

So glad I'm not the only one who thinks the Sony system sounds like crap. I have had sound systems over the past several years from Bose, Boston Acoustics and even Harman Karden, and this sound system in my 2013 SHO is terrible compared to those.

In checking out the specs and design of the system, it should perform much better than it is - I even considered taking it back to the dealer to see if it's broken, that's how crummy it sounds.

My test song is Bob Seger's Turn the Page. Even on Maximum Volume, the system leaves me wanting more. I've never seen that in any system, ever.

So that being said, I've been encouraged by many that say that replacing the door speakers makes a huge difference. Changing the head unit is not an option of course, but I was worried that I'd have to do the drastic replacement of subs or amplifiers.

So with all that being said - 2-way or 3-way in our doors?

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Definitely 3 way. Good move Start with the door speakers then move around. So Far I replaced the 4 doors and Tweeters. I have a set of new center speakers (Kicker 11Ds35) that have arrived now I just need some time to install.

My Checklist so far


Doors: Kenwood KFC-5794PS (440Watt 3 way)

Tweeters: Power Acoustic NB-2 They may sound cheap for $9.99 but they get good reviews, and easy to install in factory housing

Center: Kicker 11DS35 easy to install but some minor trimming around the mounting hole cutout to allow UNDER dash mounting....Above dash mounting the center voice coil does not allow the speaker grille to completely close. If you need further details or photos PM me a email address.

I have not done AMPS or SUBS yet, I find a almost night and day difference with just changing the speakers. I won't say that you wont want more changes but the speakers seem to be a decent starting point.

Again if anyone wants photos of the speaker replacement PM me an email address.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Just noticed Rich you are using the Bluetooth.....Try that same song on USB or CD and see if the results are the same there COULD be some interference just a thought.