I am trying to upgrade the stock (non-Sony) system in my 2012 Ford Taurus SHO with a target budget of $2000 including pro install. I'd like to stay around $2K, but that may not be realistic for a nice upgrade. My other goal is to retain stock appearance as much as possible.
Here is what I know about the stock system:
7 speaker system, with 6 by 8's in each door, pillar tweeters (1"?), and a 3.5" center speaker in the dash. (other Ford systems like the Sony upgrade option have addition of 2-6 by 9 subs and a center speaker in the rear deck for a total of 10 speakers, but mine has nothing there)
I am assuming the head unit has an integral amp, and that I am working with 5 channels of speaker level output that will need to be converted in some fashion. (Did find out on an SHO forum that the center speaker has it's own wires coming from head unit, and I noted that the center fades in and out when panning left and right--must be on a separate channel?)
The unit has Ford Sync, and I want to retain the stock head unit functions.
If anyone wants to check out the evolution of my plan, here are a couple threads I have going on SHO forums--hit a wall there as almost everyone has the Sony upgrade option and has done no upgrades beyond adding subs--decided it was time to get some help from the experts on a dedicated car audio forum.
Upgrading 2012 SHO standard 7 speaker (non-Sony) audio--need help/information
Base model 7 speaker system--specs and details? - SHOForum
Here is a synopsis of where I am at on upgrade path ideas:
My design goal is to retain stock appearance in the cabin and even in the trunk as much as possible, so the JL Audio Stealthbox seemed an easy choice, but somewhat of a budget buster in trying to work with $2K. If needed, I will up the budget to retain the Stealthbox.
It is probably premature to be picking specific speakers for the install, but my initial thought after researching options was to use Rockford Fosgate T1682's in the 4 door locations, upgrade the 3.5 center to maybe Rockford Fosgate P132. I was undecided on upgrading the door pillar tweeters, so could use some input on if that is recommended.
I really had no specific amp selected, but the local shop carries JL and suggested the 700/5 for amplification and line conversion. Now that I know my head unit is 5 channel (?), it would seem that something like the JL 600/6 and a single channel sub amp is needed.
Where I get confused is understanding what the best OEM integration solution is for my head unit? Is there one that is typically used for my specific head unit or are there a number that interface well with this Ford Sync head? Some help is sorely needed in sorting this out.
Here is what I know about the stock system:
7 speaker system, with 6 by 8's in each door, pillar tweeters (1"?), and a 3.5" center speaker in the dash. (other Ford systems like the Sony upgrade option have addition of 2-6 by 9 subs and a center speaker in the rear deck for a total of 10 speakers, but mine has nothing there)
I am assuming the head unit has an integral amp, and that I am working with 5 channels of speaker level output that will need to be converted in some fashion. (Did find out on an SHO forum that the center speaker has it's own wires coming from head unit, and I noted that the center fades in and out when panning left and right--must be on a separate channel?)
The unit has Ford Sync, and I want to retain the stock head unit functions.
If anyone wants to check out the evolution of my plan, here are a couple threads I have going on SHO forums--hit a wall there as almost everyone has the Sony upgrade option and has done no upgrades beyond adding subs--decided it was time to get some help from the experts on a dedicated car audio forum.
Upgrading 2012 SHO standard 7 speaker (non-Sony) audio--need help/information
Base model 7 speaker system--specs and details? - SHOForum
Here is a synopsis of where I am at on upgrade path ideas:
My design goal is to retain stock appearance in the cabin and even in the trunk as much as possible, so the JL Audio Stealthbox seemed an easy choice, but somewhat of a budget buster in trying to work with $2K. If needed, I will up the budget to retain the Stealthbox.
It is probably premature to be picking specific speakers for the install, but my initial thought after researching options was to use Rockford Fosgate T1682's in the 4 door locations, upgrade the 3.5 center to maybe Rockford Fosgate P132. I was undecided on upgrading the door pillar tweeters, so could use some input on if that is recommended.
I really had no specific amp selected, but the local shop carries JL and suggested the 700/5 for amplification and line conversion. Now that I know my head unit is 5 channel (?), it would seem that something like the JL 600/6 and a single channel sub amp is needed.
Where I get confused is understanding what the best OEM integration solution is for my head unit? Is there one that is typically used for my specific head unit or are there a number that interface well with this Ford Sync head? Some help is sorely needed in sorting this out.