Complete sound system upgrade - 2025 Ranger Raptor

[forestclouds]

I bit the bullet and did a complete sound system upgrade on my 2025 RR.

My local car stereo shop did the installation. They recommended running the head unit in stereo mode instead of surround sound, which is what I was already doing anyway. Since its in stereo mode, they disabled the center speaker and rear door fill speakers.

Here is what they installed:

Audio Interface: NAV-TV ZEN-F25 (2.0). They recommended this unit since it has excellent audio quality. It converts the factory signal to digital and sends it via TOSLink to the new amplifier.

Amplifier: JL Audio VX1000/5i. They also installed the DRC-205 amp control knob. The amp rack behind the seat is from American adventure lab.

Subwoofer: JL Audio Stealthbox.

Speakers: Focal ES 165 K2E woofers in the front doors and tweeters in the pillars.

The installer set up 3 tunings that I can toggle between on the amp control knob in the center console. 1 tuning for driver plus front passenger. 2 tunings for driver only which have time correction.

I'm super happy with the results. Here are some photos:

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[Barely Krawlified]

Looks super clean and given the parts list you provided and the professional installation you sprung for (I would do the same) I'm sure this is a killer setup. Very well done OP! Enjoy your rolling symphony.

 

[Sharpix]

Everything looks super well integrated. The subwoofer is installed in the perfect place. You could run with the rear seat folded up and the thing will sound free and tight. And the sound taken from a digital source, oh my. Great great setup. I guess it sounds quite well.

 

[forestclouds]

Looks super clean and given the parts list you provided and the professional installation you sprung for (I would do the same) I'm sure this is a killer setup. Very well done OP! Enjoy your rolling symphony.

Thanks! I paid the installer $900 for labor and it was worth every penny.

 

[forestclouds]

Everything looks super well integrated. The subwoofer is installed in the perfect place. You could run with the rear seat folded up and the thing will sound free and tight. And the sound taken from a digital source, oh my. Great great setup. I guess it sounds quite well.

Thanks! Good idea on running with the seat up. I will try that.

It sounds great. I took my cd collection and ripped it in itunes to create apple lossless files. I put those files on a USB stick and plugged it into the USB port on the truck. So the source is the best possible.

 

[gdphillips]

Total cost?

 

[forestclouds]

Total cost?

The total came to $6K.

The installer also included sound deadening

 

[gdphillips]

Thanks!

The total came to $6K.

The installer also included sound deadening

Thanks!

 

[some_guy]

The installer also included sound deadening

Honestly the stock system sounds much better with just the sound deadening material in the doors, roof, and floor rather than an equipment upgrade

 

[forestclouds]

Honestly the stock system sounds much better with just the sound deadening material in the doors, roof, and floor rather than an equipment upgrade

Glad to hear that worked for you.

For me, listening to music is super important, so I wanted to get the best sound possible. I needed an interface to remove the factory amplifier and provide a clean usable signal. The factory amplifier has high compression and low sound quality compared to the JL amp.

 

[2wheelfish]

Looks like an awesome install and I’m sure it sounds great. I agree with you 100%, and came to the same conclusion. I also replaced the existing system with a combo of Hertz speakers and Audison amps (with a PAC amp A2B interface). Lots of ways to improve the stock system and a full system isn’t for everyone, but an aftermarket tuned system sounds amazing.

 

[gdphillips]

Music is important to me also, but I just can't justify $6K. Any inputs on where I should focus the equipment upgrades with around a budget of $2-3K?

 

[some_guy]

Music is important to me also, but I just can't justify $6K. Any inputs on where I should focus the equipment upgrades with around a budget of $2-3K?

I would start with sound deadening material in the doors. There are a lot of DIY write ups here, 1 hour of your time and $100 in materials and tools. That would be step one and see if you like the improvement and go from there.

 

[forestclouds]

Music is important to me also, but I just can't justify $6K. Any inputs on where I should focus the equipment upgrades with around a budget of $2-3K?

You could do sound deadening and a subwoofer upgrade.

soundsgoodstereo sells a factory interface harness with a Keyloc that will fix the bass roll off issue. You could call them or email them for details. They are very helpful.

 

[Roverhound]

Music is important to me also, but I just can't justify $6K. Any inputs on where I should focus the equipment upgrades with around a budget of $2-3K?

https://mobridge.us/product/ford-ranger-amplifier-plug-and-play-a2b/
This will ship with a tune for stock speakers. Later if you upgrade, they will help you set up your new speakers by tuning remotely. Great people to work with.
I also added a Kicker self powered sub woofer mounted in the stock location.

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