Dean! I remember you from old school AVE days with JJ and Orion amps. Great to see you still in the game! You were and still appear to be as knowledgeable as it gets.
It's great that right when I've started to dive into learning about factory intergration that you upload vids like this I hope that when I'm a master tech that I'm even half as good as you guys 😅
You guys are awesome. There’s no one in my area that does work any where near as detailed or well thought out as y’all. I am wondering what a job like this costs. I need something similar done and I’m willing to make the 300 mile trip to have it done right.
Makes sense. What a bonus to have reps from USA companies answer comments on your videos. Thank you for the continued education. ...Can't wait for L7t to drop.
Twisting the wires /is/prettier, but the reason it’s done is noise rejection. I’m glad you guys preach it. You’re super knowledgeable about installs, maybe take a look at google to learn more- the technical term is “twisted pair.” It might be worth your while 👍🏽
Well, you're getting closer to getting to a 4" base model Ford aftermarket instalation just by doing this video with a new Ford, lol. I wish I wasn't such a peasant when I bought my Base '16 GT mustang, lol. I'm at a loss for what I'm going to do for a good Radio. Keep up the great work guys, I wish we were closer. :)
Have you ever thought about putting a lift in the install bay so you don't have to work on your knees? or working on doors so they are the right height to make it easy to work on. I have and it makes life easier.
Good evening guys. I have a question about rear speakers. I have a 2019 f150 crew can. Do I really need rear speakers to do an audiophile setup with a dsp. And which dsp or dsp/amplifier combo is best for a beginner with own Ford basic radio. Thanks s as nd I love your work!
yeah i dont get all theses dummies that keep do high level out on the fords, change a couple of bits in forscan and you have low level out on the speaker wires, i made an adapter that took the speaker wires and converted them to rca then ran them to my processor/amp. sounds a million times better now. the output from the ford head unit is surprisingly clean and flat so it took very little work on the processor. little bit of time alignment and tuning for acoustics of the cabin and it was spot on.
@@eliminator1978 This a link to the forscan spreadsheet you'd need to modify the ACM. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uDSQ1Z5a2Wt8-kjrSiVSlDFGFHnfeuhb3RTMVz95730/htmlview# The 727-01-01 line is the line you need to modify. What you're looking to do is change the setting from "internal amp" to "external variable". What this does is bypass the internal amp and turns your ACM into a pre-amp. Completely eliminates the need for line converters and makes adding an amp much easier. You will also need to edit the 727-01-02 line to set the eq to "flat".
@@Sagittarius-88 how is that not on top of comments in this post?! So you take the high level wires from the harness, make RCA terminals with them, plug them to a DSP/amp and modify the ACM? That is it?
@@Dahita That's pretty much it. Once you make the necessary forscan modifications, your factory radio basically becomes a preamp device. No line converter would be needed. From what I understand, setting the factory eq to "flat" also eliminates any bass reduction at higher volume levels. From what I've read on the F150 forums, the line level signal from ACM is pretty clean, and peaks close to 5 volts.
I have the same amp on my 17 F-150 and love it , the DSP section is simple to adjust , and really like the bass control level that comes with it , my only complaint , the amp gets really hot
So, oddly enough, I have a metallic "box" where you put the crossovers/LGD ACLDG; the space behind the radio in not empty (and yet I have the same interface!). I don't know what to do now O_0 Thanks for the video nonetheless
Super glad I found this. Question though (if it’s in the comments already I apologize), can you link the parts you used? I’m having a hell of a time trying to find them.
In newer Fords (at least 2013 forward AFAIK) you can actually reprogram the APIM to output variable line level, which also results in no frequency cut off or bass roll off. See here www.2gfusions.net/showthread.php?tid=3704 Forum is Fusion based, but applies to all Fords with the 4" or 8" MFT or SYNC 3. Software to do it is free and just requires a ODB adapter.
Amazing work! Subscribed! I have a 2018 F150 xlt, 4.2" screen, no factory amp. I'm thinking of using that same axxess T-harness and a LOC to get signal for my Sundown SCV-4000D. What do you think?
hello dean i got an expy 2004 and someone have messed up thc harnes from radio and the steering weel any sugesstion of were to find good info and last make som good install in some earlier ford expys i want some good sound in my truck too thx for an very good explaining in your episodes hans in sweden former caraudio mecanic in the 90s
Note: If doing an SQ system with passive zovers, always try to mount the xovers as close to your speakers as possible. The length of speaker wire between the xover and speakers will induce resistance, thus changing the xover points between the drivers. If you can't mount the xovers close, I suggest at least matching the length of cable between all speakers and xovers. This way, any phasing issues created by altered xover points will at least be matched between right and left channels.
I had ANC on my Honda Pilot. I took out the microphones. I had to take out a microcomputer and remove tiny connections to disconnect the microphone input without disturbing the BT phone usage.
I was surprised to see the need for the load resistors on that amp when my kxa800.5 has them built in. Please let us know your results using the the shoc adjustment in the dsp. I got the kxa so I didn't have to use an epicenter and the results are not bad, but no where near what I was hoping for in terms of harmonic bass restoration. Great content as always, and thank you for getting me hooked on tesa tape. Using a fresh roll is so satisfying.
The current KXA amplifiers with the Radio Detect circuit (120 ohm loading resistors) were designed after the IQ amps came to market. When we released the IQ amplifiers the need for loading resistors did not exist yet. That is why you don't see that feature on IQ amps but do on the KXA. Because we can't design/redesign every series of amplifiers at the same time, you will see this technology gap at times. As far as the sound quality and DSP in the IQ, it is top notch.
So if there is no factory amp is the load generators not needed? Im installing in a 14 base f150 however it has tweeters, kicker cxa1200.1 amp, LC7i converter 2 subs and eventually speakers. Thanks love the channel
The problem is not high vs low. The problem is clean vs factory messed up. Most times you have to go High level you have a bunch of sound problems you have to fix.
Dean, theoretically could I tap my door speakers all around, fronts for mids and highs and rears for subs/lows and add lgd’s inline going into an lc2i? I can’t seem to find a t harness for a 2020 f150
I installed an lc7i and 4 channel amp with mono amp. I now have the old chime sound. It doesn't play through the speakers anymore apparently. Any fix for this?
Does the 2021 f150 have the same connectors on the head unit? I followed this install for my 2020 f150 and want to switch everything over to my 2021 f150. Thx!
So we know thanks to you Dean that the LGD it’s very importan to use. But sends there is none for RAMS. What size resistance and watts would be ideal to use on an Alpine system. Want to do morel 5ch amp if I can. Thank you 🙏 When do we start voting. And where. Please
For an Alpine Ram with a full system we would use an Amp Pro. The signals coming out of that system are the worst. There is no amount of summing that can be done to help that system. We will let you know as soon as we know. Thank you
I'm getting 6V @1Khz/10VAC@50hz on my front channels. I'm getting the reverse on my rear channels, 10VAC@1Khz and 6VAC@50hz. I'm going to run them into a D-6.1200. Does this amp have the compensation built in?
hey dean, i have a question for ya, is that t harness good for aftermarket stereo? I put a 5 channel amp in my truck and i ran all the speaker wires up behind the radio but i don't want to cut the original harness up...is it better to use the t harness and just chop that up?
What trim is this f150 I may have missed it as I listen to this while I work. I have a 2018 f150 xlt with the sync3 non amplified and these videos are a Godsend for me.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc OK thanks for the reply. I finally got a chance to re-watch at home and this is the same setup as mine. I've already tracked down that harness with amps and subs soon to follow
It looks like the kicker 5 channel amp was discontinued. Was this due to an audiocontrol patent? I saw a few of your videos on this amp and was considering it but it’s not available anymore.
Any reason you didn't go with the Pac AmpPro4? #AP4-FD21?? Asking because I have a 2019 F250 with all the factory amps and 10 speaker system, but was looking to use an aftermarket amp and Sub.....
Informative video. Good information in it. I have one suggestion. Ease up on the editing. The bits and pieces are crammed together and images jump around. It makes it hard to follow sometimes. Your speech cadence is pretty quick too and contributes to being difficult to follow. My 2 cents.
Where abouts you located in Fl? I live in lake county and have a 2017 f150 that I would like to get an amp in! I would do it myself but these newer vehicles are too complicated to modify for my liking
I have the same f150 5.0 slot. I also have the 8 inch screen my question is are going to use an lc7i or are u able to go another route . I get mixed up with the high level low level information
It is a standard 4 channel 8.5 volt out. Any amp that can take that will work. Some are better then others of course. The LC7i is also a great product to use if you are unsure of the amps you have. I’m also a fan of the LCQ1 if you don’t want to go DSP.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc agreed. It's just they do these terrible systems and expect people to not want to upgrade. How are you guys gonna handle these new head units that are just tablets sitting on top of the dash...
i have a 2017 f150 lariat, i sometimes get a pop when i open my door, factory radio with audio control lc7, kenwood excelon x801-5 what would cause this?
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc thank you . I'm on the fence for setting up my 2017 Tacoma.I'll use umy factory head unit with 5 channel amp every thing else aftermarket.
Fake engine noise over the factory system is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of, and a slap in the face to a real gear head. The new Raptor is an embarrassment for it's price, V6 and that engine noise BS.
Just when I thought you couldn't get anymore OCD Dean, you start twisting speaker wire together... You are the man.
Dean! I remember you from old school AVE days with JJ and Orion amps. Great to see you still in the game! You were and still appear to be as knowledgeable as it gets.
It's great that right when I've started to dive into learning about factory intergration that you upload vids like this I hope that when I'm a master tech that I'm even half as good as you guys 😅
Hey guys love the channel and all the content, always impressed with awesome work
You guys are awesome. There’s no one in my area that does work any where near as detailed or well thought out as y’all. I am wondering what a job like this costs. I need something similar done and I’m willing to make the 300 mile trip to have it done right.
You guys took it to another level with this video.
Keep up the great work!
That made my brain hurt 😧
Complete walkthrough of what to do! Thank you
Makes sense. What a bonus to have reps from USA companies answer comments on your videos. Thank you for the continued education.
...Can't wait for L7t to drop.
Any day now
Crazy knowledge and professional job. Well done .
Twisting the wires /is/prettier, but the reason it’s done is noise rejection. I’m glad you guys preach it. You’re super knowledgeable about installs, maybe take a look at google to learn more- the technical term is “twisted pair.” It might be worth your while 👍🏽
You have to know we know it is called a “ twisted pair”
Thank you for your lessons you are truly a great teacher
Back in 2002 I couldn’t even find a shop to connect my Bose factory system to an amp correctly. Sad. Heard it’s a lot easier now
Well, you're getting closer to getting to a 4" base model Ford aftermarket instalation just by doing this video with a new Ford, lol. I wish I wasn't such a peasant when I bought my Base '16 GT mustang, lol. I'm at a loss for what I'm going to do for a good Radio. Keep up the great work guys, I wish we were closer. :)
You can upgrade that base GT to 8" Sync 3 for $500ish if you shop around enough
This was super cool. Loving this video.
Have you ever thought about putting a lift in the install bay so you don't have to work on your knees? or working on doors so they are the right height to make it easy to work on. I have and it makes life easier.
Good evening guys. I have a question about rear speakers. I have a 2019 f150 crew can. Do I really need rear speakers to do an audiophile setup with a dsp. And which dsp or dsp/amplifier combo is best for a beginner with own Ford basic radio. Thanks s as nd I love your work!
Attention to detail, luvn’ it:-)
Also for those that can't make a 7.5 inch ABS plate. Buy a 7.5 inch air fryer plate. It already has holes too.
Why not just reprogram the ACM on those Fords with base audio system to variable line output with Forscan and a computer?
yeah i dont get all theses dummies that keep do high level out on the fords, change a couple of bits in forscan and you have low level out on the speaker wires, i made an adapter that took the speaker wires and converted them to rca then ran them to my processor/amp. sounds a million times better now. the output from the ford head unit is surprisingly clean and flat so it took very little work on the processor. little bit of time alignment and tuning for acoustics of the cabin and it was spot on.
@@weldchip you got a video of doing this? And what has to be changed in forscan?
@@eliminator1978 This a link to the forscan spreadsheet you'd need to modify the ACM. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uDSQ1Z5a2Wt8-kjrSiVSlDFGFHnfeuhb3RTMVz95730/htmlview# The 727-01-01 line is the line you need to modify. What you're looking to do is change the setting from "internal amp" to "external variable". What this does is bypass the internal amp and turns your ACM into a pre-amp. Completely eliminates the need for line converters and makes adding an amp much easier. You will also need to edit the 727-01-02 line to set the eq to "flat".
@@Sagittarius-88 how is that not on top of comments in this post?!
So you take the high level wires from the harness, make RCA terminals with them, plug them to a DSP/amp and modify the ACM? That is it?
@@Dahita That's pretty much it. Once you make the necessary forscan modifications, your factory radio basically becomes a preamp device. No line converter would be needed. From what I understand, setting the factory eq to "flat" also eliminates any bass reduction at higher volume levels. From what I've read on the F150 forums, the line level signal from ACM is pretty clean, and peaks close to 5 volts.
Forscan is the way to go on these trucks. You can also turn off that fake engine sound in the Eco boost models.
You guys are the best thumbs up 👍
I have the same amp on my 17 F-150 and love it , the DSP section is simple to adjust , and really like the bass control level that comes with it , my only complaint , the amp gets really hot
Did you run a ground to the battery?
Yes , i have a 4 gauge ground to my frame , learned that from one of your previous videos@@FiveStarCarStereoInc
So, oddly enough, I have a metallic "box" where you put the crossovers/LGD ACLDG; the space behind the radio in not empty (and yet I have the same interface!). I don't know what to do now O_0 Thanks for the video nonetheless
I did aJLl hd900/5 in my F-150 and love it.....beast mode..
I see that kicker amp is less expensive I wonder how the two compare
paul hvizda what speakers are U using
Super glad I found this. Question though (if it’s in the comments already I apologize), can you link the parts you used? I’m having a hell of a time trying to find them.
Very detailed. Great video
That amp has an actual balanced/differential input on it.
Not a fan of kicker but their kicker kxa and q amps are top notch 👌
In newer Fords (at least 2013 forward AFAIK) you can actually reprogram the APIM to output variable line level, which also results in no frequency cut off or bass roll off. See here www.2gfusions.net/showthread.php?tid=3704 Forum is Fusion based, but applies to all Fords with the 4" or 8" MFT or SYNC 3. Software to do it is free and just requires a ODB adapter.
Where are the updated videos to this build?
Amazing work! Subscribed! I have a 2018 F150 xlt, 4.2" screen, no factory amp. I'm thinking of using that same axxess T-harness and a LOC to get signal for my Sundown SCV-4000D. What do you think?
I offer a dsp harness for your truck that’s Plug & play and even includes input and output 17ft harnesses to reach your amp . Www.plugnplaykits.com
AWESOME work!
I want to use 2 amplifiers . 4 channel and mono for sub - what plug do I purchase ?
can;t you just run a remote wire to fuse #23 on these F150's under the passenger side kickpanel area?
Where did you find that T harness? I can't find anything like that!
I'm to the point that I'm just going to cut the wires off!
hello dean i got an expy 2004 and someone have messed up thc harnes from radio and the steering weel any sugesstion of were to find good info and last make som good install in some earlier ford expys i want some good sound in my truck too thx for an very good explaining in your episodes hans in sweden former caraudio mecanic in the 90s
I wish I could see a diagram of what's going on here.
Also... do I not need the lgd if I have a passive crossover for the rear?
excellent video
Note: If doing an SQ system with passive zovers, always try to mount the xovers as close to your speakers as possible. The length of speaker wire between the xover and speakers will induce resistance, thus changing the xover points between the drivers. If you can't mount the xovers close, I suggest at least matching the length of cable between all speakers and xovers. This way, any phasing issues created by altered xover points will at least be matched between right and left channels.
what are the odds that you remember the part number to that T-harness because i need it for my truck and cant find it
I had ANC on my Honda Pilot. I took out the microphones. I had to take out a microcomputer and remove tiny connections to disconnect the microphone input without disturbing the BT phone usage.
I was surprised to see the need for the load resistors on that amp when my kxa800.5 has them built in.
Please let us know your results using the the shoc adjustment in the dsp. I got the kxa so I didn't have to use an epicenter and the results are not bad, but no where near what I was hoping for in terms of harmonic bass restoration.
Great content as always, and thank you for getting me hooked on tesa tape. Using a fresh roll is so satisfying.
The current KXA amplifiers with the Radio Detect circuit (120 ohm loading resistors) were designed after the IQ amps came to market. When we released the IQ amplifiers the need for loading resistors did not exist yet. That is why you don't see that feature on IQ amps but do on the KXA.
Because we can't design/redesign every series of amplifiers at the same time, you will see this technology gap at times.
As far as the sound quality and DSP in the IQ, it is top notch.
What Kip Litsey said. He know Kicker believe me.
I don't understand the t-harness portion, really wish i could see what stuff to remove. hard to tell from video.
So if there is no factory amp is the load generators not needed? Im installing in a 14 base f150 however it has tweeters, kicker cxa1200.1 amp, LC7i converter 2 subs and eventually speakers. Thanks love the channel
So if you had the option to go high level vs low level, would you recommend high level?
The problem is not high vs low. The problem is clean vs factory messed up. Most times you have to go High level you have a bunch of sound problems you have to fix.
Dean, theoretically could I tap my door speakers all around, fronts for mids and highs and rears for subs/lows and add lgd’s inline going into an lc2i? I can’t seem to find a t harness for a 2020 f150
great video..
I installed an lc7i and 4 channel amp with mono amp. I now have the old chime sound. It doesn't play through the speakers anymore apparently. Any fix for this?
So you mentioned a loop where your 4 speakers can be added to amp. F250 2019 .. I went to your web site
I have no idea what to order
What is the part number for the T-harness?
AX-DSP-FD2 . It's on the box in the video.
Does the 2021 f150 have the same connectors on the head unit? I followed this install for my 2020 f150 and want to switch everything over to my 2021 f150. Thx!
I have a 16 F-150 and installed a LC7i and a 5 channel amp and the radio at times doesn't play, everything is on but no sound please help
So we know thanks to you Dean that the LGD it’s very importan to use. But sends there is none for RAMS. What size resistance and watts would be ideal to use on an Alpine system. Want to do morel 5ch amp if I can. Thank you 🙏
When do we start voting. And where. Please
For an Alpine Ram with a full system we would use an Amp Pro. The signals coming out of that system are the worst. There is no amount of summing that can be done to help that system. We will let you know as soon as we know. Thank you
Five Star Car Stereo
Thank you very mush.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Did you run new speaker wires into the doors/tweeters or use factory wiring?
I'm getting 6V @1Khz/10VAC@50hz on my front channels. I'm getting the reverse on my rear channels, 10VAC@1Khz and 6VAC@50hz. I'm going to run them into a D-6.1200. Does this amp have the compensation built in?
hey dean, i have a question for ya, is that t harness good for aftermarket stereo? I put a 5 channel amp in my truck and i ran all the speaker wires up behind the radio but i don't want to cut the original harness up...is it better to use the t harness and just chop that up?
Do u need rgd adapters if ur adding just a high n low adapter for a bass amp on 2014 ford f150
That Kicker amp.... PHHUUUUKKKK
Why are you using a passive crossover if the amp has a DSP built in?
What trim is this f150 I may have missed it as I listen to this while I work. I have a 2018 f150 xlt with the sync3 non amplified and these videos are a Godsend for me.
It is the 2015 xlt with the small 2 liter engine.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc OK thanks for the reply. I finally got a chance to re-watch at home and this is the same setup as mine. I've already tracked down that harness with amps and subs soon to follow
It looks like the kicker 5 channel amp was discontinued. Was this due to an audiocontrol patent? I saw a few of your videos on this amp and was considering it but it’s not available anymore.
Any reason you didn't go with the Pac AmpPro4? #AP4-FD21?? Asking because I have a 2019 F250 with all the factory amps and 10 speaker system, but was looking to use an aftermarket amp and Sub.....
This was a base model with out the factory amp. The AmpPro would not work. Your truck would and that is what we would use
Informative video. Good information in it. I have one suggestion. Ease up on the editing. The bits and pieces are crammed together and images jump around. It makes it hard to follow sometimes. Your speech cadence is pretty quick too and contributes to being difficult to follow. My 2 cents.
play it at half the speed.
ohh car hifi God!!!
Sound man made a kit for this
You mean he put a huge iPad in one.
Where abouts you located in Fl? I live in lake county and have a 2017 f150 that I would like to get an amp in! I would do it myself but these newer vehicles are too complicated to modify for my liking
Clearwater
You can conduct a google search for the name of the company....
What did you guys use for speakers?
I have the same f150 5.0 slot. I also have the 8 inch screen my question is are going to use an lc7i or are u able to go another route . I get mixed up with the high level low level information
It is a standard 4 channel 8.5 volt out. Any amp that can take that will work. Some are better then others of course. The LC7i is also a great product to use if you are unsure of the amps you have. I’m also a fan of the LCQ1 if you don’t want to go DSP.
Question, how hard would it be for car manufacturers to just add in a pair of line level out rca plugs on the back of the stock head unit?
Not at all. Doing so would invite people to upgrade. That is something they do not want. They want a closed system that you can’t touch.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc agreed. It's just they do these terrible systems and expect people to not want to upgrade. How are you guys gonna handle these new head units that are just tablets sitting on top of the dash...
Go and watch the Saturday day show we had PAC-Audio on. They have solutions coming.
Isnt the voltage going to be 16v-17v because it’s left and right channel into the rca?
No, it is a per channel amount not a total.
Five Star Car Stereo so your saying it’s 20v total I put it can take because it’s 10v per channel so 10v left 10v right?
I'm not a Kicker fan... I guess a quite agressive to my ears... I'm used to RF, Kenwood and Focal
i have a 2017 f150 lariat, i sometimes get a pop when i open my door, factory radio with audio control lc7, kenwood excelon x801-5 what would cause this?
The amp waking up would be my guess. It can happen sometimes when the LC powers on the amp.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc my local stereo shop said there's nothing they can do,
I was wondering if it's Audiol control 5 channels dsp amp using hi input would you still use the LGD or no need?
Yes still us, they are not going to be built in.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc thank you . I'm on the fence for setting up my 2017 Tacoma.I'll use umy factory head unit with 5 channel amp every thing else aftermarket.
That truck has been out for 5 years and still nobody makes a dash kit?
It will be out this summer from PAC. We had the Beta kit on the Saturday show a couple weeks back.
@@FiveStarCarStereoInc Thanks, I forgot about that beta piece.
I would of said just cut the OEM dash and toss that sync in the trash.
I'm still holding out to see a 15' or newer mustang roll though the shop. Otherwise great video!
Sadly we just did one and did not have rime to film it.
I guess the pac audio amp pro doesn't work for this application?
No, Fords have to have a Factory Sony system for an AmpPro to work.
Raptors have the fake growl. Not f150s
cars dont have fake growl that come thru the speakers...and there is no such thing as a Q class Amplifier
Fake engine noise over the factory system is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of, and a slap in the face to a real gear head. The new Raptor is an embarrassment for it's price, V6 and that engine noise BS.