F150 Lightning Audio Builds (Anybody Done One?) Why Not?

[GDN]

@GDN im using the JL fix86. It does that and more. The computer interface with crossovers and 10 band EQ is really cool on the fix86. I’ve used it in passed installs with OEM integration and it works flawlessly.

https://www.jlaudio.com/products/fix-86-car-audio-processors-system-tuning-98103

Thanks for sharing that. That is one of their products I don't know much about. I've watched about 30 hours of their videos on tuning their VXi Amps. The TuN software looks pretty powerful and is also used for this device. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on ordering my equipment this week hoping for some Black Friday pricing, but my list includes the NavTV vs this device. Maybe I need to watch another video or two today.

I'm just not sure why with this device the factory amp has to stay. Seems the factory amp is in the way.

Sponsored

 

[Greased Lightning]

@GDN The factory amp does not need to stay with the fix86. I’m leaving it and adding a harness so I can hook it back up and bypass the aftermarket amp should I have any service issues and ford wants to blame the stereo. Just a little foresight on this “$110k” truck.

p.s. I didn’t pay that, hence the quotations, but that’s what the dealer wanted. It’s a long story I promised the dealer I wouldn’t share, lol. But when I think about modifications and off roading I try to keep that price tag in mind. Prevents me from doing anything too stupid. Regular stupid is still an option.

 

[GDN]

I definitely get protecting yourself from the dealer. I just don't know why more shops don't push this device over the NavTV. Both that I'm looking at just push the Navtv. Maybe because there is an easy wiring harness for Ford that makes it easy on them? Not sure. I'll ask before I pull the trigger.

 

[swngdncr]

@GDN im using the JL fix86. It does that and more. The computer interface with crossovers and 10 band EQ is really cool on the fix86. I’ve used it in passed installs with OEM integration and it works flawlessly.

https://www.jlaudio.com/products/fix-86-car-audio-processors-system-tuning-98103

I’m not a big audiophile, I wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars to replace the sound system, but it does seem surprisingly lacking. In particular, as others have noted, all the sound comes out of the center front speaker, there is no sense of stereo or surround sound. Would this fix-86 device be enough to improve the sound by itself and provide more of a surround sound? Or does it require a bunch of other upgrades, amp, subwoofer, speakers, yada, yada? Thanks

 

[Greased Lightning]

@swngdncr it would require at least an amplifier as it does not have speaker level inputs. I have seen people talk about disconnecting the center channel and being happy with the results. I have just adjusted the fade a bit to the rear for now and it’s ever so slightly better.

 

[kvasiir]

I'm pretty close to getting this kit (or one of the other similar options):

https://soundsgoodstereo.com/produc...e-seat-stereo-upgrade-b-o-including-unleashed

I expect it'll be a long slog on the install, though...

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I'm pretty close to getting this kit (or one of the other similar options):

https://soundsgoodstereo.com/produc...e-seat-stereo-upgrade-b-o-including-unleashed

I expect it'll be a long slog on the install, though...

Woah, that is spendy!

 

[Greased Lightning]

@kvasiir that’s crazy expensive. Looks pretty sweet if it had some bigger woofers. Please report back if you end up pulling the trigger. I know a lot of people are doing smaller woofers these days, I’ve just been pretty firmly in the 12” or bigger camp. Back in high school I had a 36” woofer, but that was a bit ridiculous.

 

[tomjackbear]

@GDN The factory amp does not need to stay with the fix86.

I could be wrong but I don’t believe that is accurate. The input to the factory amp/dsp is a digital signal (A2B). The FiX-86 accepts line or speaker level analog inputs. You need the factory amp to decode the digital signal from the head unit.

That is what makes the NAV-TV special. It can convert that A2B digital signal to line level outputs that can then cleanly feed an amp.

 

[HaroldCal]

That is what makes the NAV-TV special. It can convert that A2B digital signal to line level outputs that can then cleanly feed an amp.

I didn't even realize we had gone to digital connections from head units to amps. Totally makes sense though, nice. That means it can't pick up any RFI on the path from the head unit to the amp. Very niice.

Wow, I have been out of the mobile audio game a long time. I worked in that industry back in the early 90's straight out of high school, and Class D amps were just appearing on the market at the time. Nowadays there is so much cool stuff on the market.

 

[kvasiir]

@kvasiir that’s crazy expensive. Looks pretty sweet if it had some bigger woofers. Please report back if you end up pulling the trigger. I know a lot of people are doing smaller woofers these days, I’ve just been pretty firmly in the 12” or bigger camp. Back in high school I had a 36” woofer, but that was a bit ridiculous.

I bought this one last night:

https://soundsgoodstereo.com/produc...e-seat-stereo-upgrade-b-o-including-unleashed

Yay black friday "deals." Should be here sometime in January - watch for an installation thread with lots of pics!

 

[Greased Lightning]

Nice. Can’t wait to see the write up and what you think of the sound. Those a pillars are mean lookin!

 

[Greased Lightning]

@kvasiir did you get that system installed yet? If so what are your thoughts?

The shop im using received (or ordered) the wrong harness so waiting for another one to come in. Install is happening next week regardless (may just cut the wires).

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I swapped out my rear speakers today (for a pair of Infinity Reference):

Installed new rear speakers on my Pro today. The stock front speakers actually sound fairly decent, the rear ones are garbage. Here are pics including the speakers I pulled if anyone is interested. Sounds much better now.

 

[laselvasurf]

I swapped out my rear speakers today (for a pair of Infinity Reference):

Do you mind sharing the model # or a link for the Infinity Reference speakers?

Sponsored