Audio upgrade ideas?

[BucsFan]

I can't validate it, but seems like the consensus is no. I've read over here and over there (TRX forum) that the RHO system is different - but haven't seen anything too factual/scientific to verify that.

Upgrading audio seems like a good idea. Better sound is better... Qu

The 19 speaker Harmon Kardon in the RHO is acceptable to most people. Being an audiophile is an addiction, and to me, the HK in the RHO is at the top of the stock system turd pile. So, here is what I am doing to it.

First, HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP - 18 Channel DSP Amplifier because the speakers are not necessarily the issue. With a proper tune, you will be shocked how good the stock speakers can sound.

Second, Skar single 10" ported subwoofer enclosure (fits under back seat) with Hertz 10" 2500.3 Mille Legend subwoofer. I'll be using my old JL Audio Slash 500/1 for now (yes, it is the American made original, only 25 years old and will pound you out of the cab of the truck).

Third, speakers, but I have not researched that yet. In my 2005 Tacoma, I have

Helix DSP.3s;
RE Audio XXX 7" front midbass driven by bridged Butler TDB 2150 tube amplifers;
RE Audio XXX 7" rear doors driven by Butler TDB 275 tube amplifier;
RE Audio 10" SEX V2D4 driven by Soundstream HRU.2;
Hertz MLK 700.3 Mille Legend components (active) driven by Soundstream HRU.4.

The Butler tube amps are mounted upside down on a molle panel over the back seat. Being an audiophile is not rational.

That system is so nearly perfect that I decided not to trade the Tacoma so I can listen to it every so often until I can upgrade the RHO. Again, being an audiophile is not rational. Of course, paying $100k for a truck to spank Raptor ass isn't either. I can't wait to put the tuner and up the horsepower to 650.

​

I am not an Audiophile, but do love to listen to music while on the road. Upgrading audio seems like a good idea. Better sound is .. uh .. better. Questions:
1. What does this new set up cost by component? I might be inclined to keep the speakers if they are good enough.
2. If you swap the amp, is there any impact in the Uconnect? Or does the software not notice it?
3. I recall reading something about this generation of the 1500 uses noice cancellation via the sound system to reduce road noise and quiet the cabin. I love the quiet cabin. So if that is true, does this get lost with an audio upgrade?

 

[Adub]

@BucsFan
2 & 3: You will need an interface for it to work with chimes/controls and I'm almost certain you would lose ANC.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4CH42/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-CH42-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html?tp=76871

 

[Silver RHO]

You will have to bypass ANC if you do anything to the sound system (add sub, drop in speakers, amps). I’ve been thoroughly researching sound systems for the 5th gen 1500 the last week. It’s pretty complicated. There is good information on 5th gen ram audio upgrades group on Facebook as well as 5thgemrams.com. NET audio sells kits that have the interface and harnesses you need. Theres a YouTube video by five star car stereo that has a full install in 2021 ram to help get an idea. The speakers are still paper trash in the Harmon kardon system so upgrading them is definitely the move, but it gets rather pricey with all the interface adaptors and harnesses needed for these “premium” systems (ie alpine, HK). DSP’s are expensive but definitely something I’m considering to have control of the EQ and crossovers on all channels. I’m also slightly worried about voltage issues with added amplifiers with these RHO’s battery issues. We shall see. If / when I do the upgrade I will be deleting the center channel as well as the headliner speakers and using the rest of the factory alpine locations with good speakers to correct the sound stage.

 

[Silver RHO]

Just an update for anyone looking to replace stereo. The interface changed with the 25’s so there is currently no amplifier interface for the RHO. PAC is working on the software to come out with one, but no idea when that will be. Just going to do subs for now and wait on PAC to come out with new interface.

 

[yoda33073]

Totally agree with you. I test drove a 2025 Limited a while back and thought the HK system sounded pretty good. Definitely better than the Alpine system in the 2022 I have now. Let's hope it isn't a HK system malfunction of some sort .

My HK system doesn't even sound close to my Alpine on my 2022. That had clearly separated sounds and pitches and fantastic deep bass. I had that bass on zero it was so good. The HK in the RHO aren't even close to the HK in the TRX. Its good enough for me but Alpine was better in my 2022 Built to Serve edition for sure

 

[yoda33073]

Probably a really dumb question so don't eviscerate me. Where exactly are the 19 speakers lol? I'm guessing some of the door or dash panels are hiding more than one but does anyone have any ideas?

I count three panels on the dash, two panels on each front door, and one panel each on back doors, plus two in the ceiling in the back. Assuming sub is hidden somewhere under back seat. That gets me to 12

Some of the speakers in the door have a mid and bass. Counts as 2.

 

[yoda33073]

Just an update for anyone looking to replace stereo. The interface changed with the 25’s so there is currently no amplifier interface for the RHO. PAC is working on the software to come out with one, but no idea when that will be. Just going to do subs for now and wait on PAC to come out with new interface.

Let us know if changing the bass is enough. The bass in my 2022 Built to Serve edition with the Alpine system sounded crisp and clear. Way better than my RHO

 

[xkpgx81]

Dealing with dead battery right now... but I have it at:
Surround on
Bass +7/8 depending on music
Mids +2
Treble +4

I’ve found the sound quality sounds much better reducing the mids.

My settings:

Surround: On
Bass: +7
Mids: -3
Treble: +4

For some reason (IMO) the sound stage imaging is negatively impacted when the Mids are raised from flat, because the mid range of the speakers are not very good. This allows better separation of the highs, and allows low end range to create more fill.

Again, everyone has their preference! I may add a sub to my setup, but I haven’t found a single sealed sub enclosure I’ve been happy with so I might have to go custom.

 

[Adub]

I’ve found the sound quality sounds much better reducing the mids.

My settings:

Surround: On
Bass: +7
Mids: -3
Treble: +4

For some reason (IMO) the sound stage imaging is negatively impacted when the Mids are raised from flat, because the mid range of the speakers are not very good. This allows better separation of the highs, and allows low end range to create more fill.

Again, everyone has their preference! I may add a sub to my setup, but I haven’t found a single sealed sub enclosure I’ve been happy with so I might have to go custom.

Jesus. I had to immediately lower the bass in mine. I think I'm at -3 bass, 0 mid, and +2 treble. I'm considering starting with sound deadening the doors and going from there. I don't think it sounds too great audiophile wise, but it does get loud. Exact opposite from the b&o raptor. Hopefully PAC comes through soon and more options are available other than adding subs (even though I have 2x12 JL TW-3s looking lonely). The surround feature really has me wondering what the best setting is for factory.

Side note, I have noticed the metal speaker grills move. That is going to get addressed quickly. They rattle.

 

[yoda33073]

Jesus. I had to immediately lower the bass in mine. I think I'm at -3 bass, 0 mid, and +2 treble. I'm considering starting with sound deadening the doors and going from there. I don't think it sounds too great audiophile wise, but it does get loud. Exact opposite from the b&o raptor. Hopefully PAC comes through soon and more options are available other than adding subs (even though I have 2x12 JL TW-3s looking lonely). The surround feature really has me wondering what the best setting is for factory.

Side note, I have noticed the metal speaker grills move. That is going to get addressed quickly. They rattle.

Its got bass but not crisp bass and mids. The Alpine in my 2022 Built to Serve Big Horn was way clearer. I heard they changed a few connection pieces in the Harmon Kardon.

 

[yoda33073]

The package sub enclosure? That’s the only audio i really see from them. I hope they confirm that works with the 25’ models as I would like to get that enclosure/sub/amp combo. I’m anxious to receive my truck and see how the alpine system is. Won’t be like my current HK system and wonder if I’m going to want to dive into difficult audio upgrades with all the ANC bypassing.

Alpine is better than the HK in the RHO. They changed something in the 2025 HK. Not as crisp in mids or bass. It has bass but not crisp bass.

 

[Mikey Swift]

Alpine is better than the HK in the RHO. They changed something in the 2025 HK. Not as crisp in mids or bass. It has bass but not crisp bass.

The top 7 speakers used to be coax 3.5s wired in unity, now they are just a single paper cone...sounds a bit muddy.

 

[Dbiznez1]

I am looking to do the Audio control 6x9 component set front and rear. Not sure of the front is 6x9 my 2019 was and it also came with the HK system. I am between audio control, stinger, soundigital or taramps amplifiers. Sub box to me has to be fox acoustic they make a great box. Subwoofers will be soundqubed, american bass or sundown. Just looking for a sound processor and the wire must be a 0 gauge. Also an extra battery in the rear dedicated to amps

 

[Silver RHO]

I posted my sound deadening in the What did you do to your RHO today thread. Post #853

Post in thread 'What did you do to your RHO Today?'
https://www.ram-rho.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-rho-today.958/post-39595

I will say the sound deadening was a pain and took two days to complete but it definitely helped clean up the muddy mid bass from the 6x9’s just resonating in the empty doors. I think I see that as more of an improvement than road noise. Also the solid thunk and the weight of the doors is nice. I think the best thing for these sound systems when a module is available is going to be getting rid of speakers (especially the HK system with 19). It’s probably all just fighting each other and that makes the whole system muddy. From what I’ve learned the dash speakers make the biggest impact.

 

[Dbiznez1]

I posted my sound deadening in the What did you do to your RHO today thread. Post #853

Post in thread 'What did you do to your RHO Today?'
https://www.ram-rho.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-rho-today.958/post-39595

I will say the sound deadening was a pain and took two days to complete but it definitely helped clean up the muddy mid bass from the 6x9’s just resonating in the empty doors. I think I see that as more of an improvement than road noise. Also the solid thunk and the weight of the doors is nice. I think the best thing for these sound systems when a module is available is going to be getting rid of speakers (especially the HK system with 19). It’s probably all just fighting each other and that makes the whole system muddy. From what I’ve learned the dash speakers make the biggest impact.

Can you confirm the door speaker sizes and dash please.

 

[Silver RHO]

Can you confirm the door speaker sizes and dash please.

In the alpine system the doors are all 6x9’s. Dash is 3.5”. Idk about Harmon kardon. In alpine the front door is only being provided mid bass signal from the amplifier, rear door is full range signal.

 

[Mikey Swift]

 

[Adub]

I posted my sound deadening in the What did you do to your RHO today thread. Post #853

Post in thread 'What did you do to your RHO Today?'
https://www.ram-rho.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-rho-today.958/post-39595

I will say the sound deadening was a pain and took two days to complete but it definitely helped clean up the muddy mid bass from the 6x9’s just resonating in the empty doors. I think I see that as more of an improvement than road noise. Also the solid thunk and the weight of the doors is nice. I think the best thing for these sound systems when a module is available is going to be getting rid of speakers (especially the HK system with 19). It’s probably all just fighting each other and that makes the whole system muddy. From what I’ve learned the dash speakers make the biggest impact.

Is your truck L0? I'm probably going to go ahead with sound treatment on the doors. Did you apply any treatment to the center piece of the door? I can see you treated the exterior and interior pieces. Just curious as I'm used to soundskins but they don't have a kit for Ram.

 

[Adub]

I posted my sound deadening in the What did you do to your RHO today thread. Post #853

Post in thread 'What did you do to your RHO Today?'
https://www.ram-rho.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-rho-today.958/post-39595

I will say the sound deadening was a pain and took two days to complete but it definitely helped clean up the muddy mid bass from the 6x9’s just resonating in the empty doors. I think I see that as more of an improvement than road noise. Also the solid thunk and the weight of the doors is nice. I think the best thing for these sound systems when a module is available is going to be getting rid of speakers (especially the HK system with 19). It’s probably all just fighting each other and that makes the whole system muddy. From what I’ve learned the dash speakers make the biggest impact.

Also, did you wrap all the cables, door handle cables, lock cables? I secured the metal speaker covers on the passenger door but i can still hear something touching/vibrating/rattling within the door.

 

[frogjbm]

Man not sure what the issue is, but my system sounds awesome! I’m using Spotify and the equalizer setting, hits hard for me, crystal clear audio.