A 2024 Ford F-150 gets a Crutchfield audio upgrade

Undaunted, he used the data collected by our vehicle research team and forged ahead. He combined speaker replacement, the addition of an amplifier, and digital signal processing to get the exact sound he wanted in his baby.

We'll mention the sound gear as we go, but there's also a concise list of the products used at the end of this article.

Chappy installs his new JL Audio speaker into the mounting bracket (which is included in your speaker purchase from Crutchfield!).

Goals for the upgrade

Chappy clearly wasn't happy with the stock audio and described what he was looking for:

“The stock system was very muffled and didn’t have a lot of midrange or bass. And on certain songs, the highs were very tinny. Also, I really want to hear it when the windows are down, and the factory system just wasn’t doing it. I also like to feel the bass in the music without it being muddy. Lastly, I wanted a clean, professional looking installation.”

Chappy discreetly wired and tucked the JL Audio amplifier and Wavtech line output converter in a bay that'll hide under the seat in his F-150.

Like the dilemma that many of his customers face, Chappy couldn’t replace the factory stereo and its 14" touchscreen. So, he opted to put in JL Audio speakers, a powered subwoofer, and an amplifier with digital sound processing (DSP). The DSP is the key to his whole setup, because it let Chappy re-equalize and dial in specific settings for each channel, such as output level and crossover adjustments, to get that specific sound he wanted.

The Wavtech link4 line output converter lets you convert speaker outputs in your vehicle into preamp signals for an amp, but that's only part of everything it can do.

The importance of a line output converter

“One thing folks need to know is that line output converters (LOC) really clean up the signal going to the amp. It was an amazing difference,” Chappy told me. An LOC converts a vehicle’s speaker outputs into usable RCA preamp outputs to connect an amp. They also minimize potential noise and provide higher voltage output to the amp for ultra-clean sound.

Line output converters can range from basic to advanced. Basic ones let you convert your factory stereo's high-power speaker wires to low-power RCA outputs. More advanced LOCs, like the Wavtech link4, do that, but can also include some impressive features that do a lot of work behind the scenes. This one does channel summing to ensure you get a full-range signal going to your amp. It also includes load detection, which essentially tells the factory system there's a speaker load present to keep the system on, and even an auxiliary input to add another portable device for music.

My article about line output converters covers many points about why they can be so handy. Check it out to learn more.

To match the tonal qualities of the front speakers, Chappy installed the JL Audio C2-650x 6-1/2" 2-way speakers in the rear doors (shown with door panel off during installation).

Clarity without harshness

Chappy mentioned he’s a fan of JL Audio, so to eradicate that tinny factory sound, the choice was simple. “I set up the JL Audio Evolution™ 6-1/2" "convertible" speakers as an ‘active’ system, which means I didn’t use the external passive crossovers that are included. I relied on the JL Audio VX600/6i amplifier and TüN app to set appropriate crossover limits. Not only did this help with the tweeter installation since I didn't have to mount separate crossover boxes, but it gave me the smooth, detailed sound I wanted.”

The JL Audio VX600/6i 6-channel amplifier with DSP served as both the power plant and processor to refine Chappy's sound.

Processing and power

Chappy chose this JL Audio 6-channel amp for two reasons. First, it offers the correct number of channels of clean power he needed for all his speakers. Second, it’s not just an amp — it includes a robust DSP that provides the degree of sound adjustments he wanted.

Chappy used the free JL Audio TüN app on his laptop to direct audio to the channels he wanted, set the crossovers to the appropriate speakers, and set the overall tone of his music.

The JL Audio ACS110LG-TW1 powered 10" subwoofer gave Chappy that bass that completes his sound.

Bass to round out the sound

Remember the “like to feel the bass in the music” part? This is where Chappy’s choice of the PowerWedge powered subwoofer came in. “Even factory systems that include a sub can sound muddy, like mine. By adding this sub, I was able to clear up the sound without missing out on the low-end thump I want,” Chappy explained. Since it's a "powered" sub, it has its own amp to drive the 10" subwoofer.

Chappy ran power cables and fuse holders from the two amp kits to his battery to cover the power connections for the 6-channel amp and powered subwoofer.

A tidy, professional installation

With the upgrade finished, Chappy explained, “I think it went really well. You don’t see any wires laying around at all. I’m OCD, and I don’t like that at all. I wanted to do it right, clean and tidy. I also want passengers in shock when they hear it. Everything worked when I cranked it on, and it even sounded great before I applied the DSP settings.”

Chappy's gear selection

After picking out the audio products he wanted, Chappy put his skills as a Crutchfield Advisor to work and gathered all the installation gear that was absolutely needed to make the gear work in his truck. Then he added the tools and accessories that would help make the job easier and also further improve the system. He didn't miss a trick.

Let us help with your audio upgrade

Our knowledgeable Advisors, like Chappy, are available online or by phone for any questions you might have. They've completed our in-house, hands-on training for recommending and installing new gear in your vehicle. They know their stuff.

Whether you're looking to simply replace one piece of your system or set up a full, new system, they'll be eager to help. Lastly, you get lifetime Tech Support on all products you purchase from Crutchfield, so we won't leave you hanging.