Repeat Clayton Client Upgrades Ram 1500 Audio System

A repeat client from here in Clayton recently contacted Adrenaline Autosound for help in upgrading the audio system in his 2019 Ram 1500. The goal for the upgrade was to increase the system’s dynamic range, bass response and overall tonal accuracy. After inspecting the system, we realized it included an upmixer to drive the center channel. Armed with the tools and knowledge to handle systems like these, we set to work.

Factory Radio Integration

As we do with all car stereo systems with upmixers, we designed an upgrade path that would maintain the same number of channels as the factory system. To do this, we used a Wavetech Link8 active line converter to feed signals to a JL Audio TwK-88 digital signal processor. Once in the processor, we can change the equalization to suit the upgraded speakers we would install in the system.

Ram 1500 Audio System Amplifier and Speakers

A pair of Audiofrog mids were installed in each dash corner and one in the center.

The client-supplied speakers were installed in the doors.

Much time was spent in planning and executing the wiring on the build.

The electronics were mounted on the back wall of the truck.

The speaker upgrade process started with creating speaker mounting adapters with HDPE plastic. We mounted a set of Focal components from the client’s previous vehicle in the doors and added three Audiofrog GB25 2.5-inch midrange drivers to the left, center and right dash speaker locations. As always, the addition of foam coupling rings to the speakers ensures that their output is directed into the listening environment. We ran new 16awg JL audio speaker wire to each driver in the system, including the door speakers. It took some time and planning to get the wires through the rubber wire boot in the doors, but this level of detail is what our customers expect.

A four-channel Mosconi AS200.4 from the client’s previous system was assigned to powering the system subwoofer and the woofers in the doors. A Focal FDP6.900 powers the tweeters and the three Audiofrog midrange drivers. The Focal amp and the two signal processors are mounted to a panel that fits in place of the factory subwoofer on the rear wall of the truck. As you can see from the photos, we take great care in ensuring all the wiring for the system is routed cleanly. The equipment is mounted to the panel using spacers so all the wiring can be neatly concealed beneath each component. We use cloth or high-temperature automotive-grade tapes to bundle and secure the wiring in place as it runs through the vehicle. This process ensures that there won’t be any buzzes or rattles as the truck travels down the road.

We constructed an enclosure for a single JL Audio 13TW5 13.5-inch subwoofer that resides under the rear seat to deliver clean, clear bass for the system.

Audio System Tuning and Delivery

With all the equipment mounted, the last step was to work through our tuning process. We used our RTA and scope to set the system up to deliver a realistic and detailed soundstage across the windshield that sounds great from both front seats. The client was thrilled with the sound of the system and loved the way we integrated everything. If you are in the Raleigh area and are interested in upgrading the audio system in your car or truck, we invite you to visit Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton and meet with one of our Product Specialists. You can also reach us by phone or by e-mail using our contact page to schedule a personal consultation appointment.