Ford F150 Speaker Upgrade – What Options Do You Have?

The Ford F150 typically has a good set of built-in speakers. But you can upgrade the truck’s sound system to make your audio experience better than before. Now, you’re thinking about what speaker to get for this pickup truck. So we researched this concern for you, and here’s what we found.

Different options are available on the market for your next Ford F150 speaker. Some excellent candidates to check out are:

  1. Rockford Fosgate R168X2
  2. JBL GTO939 6x9 Car Audio Stereo Speakers
  3. JBL GX642 Car Loudpseakers
  4. Alpine SPR-68 Coaxial Speaker Set

One of these speakers might even be the best speaker for your Ford F150, and your specific audio preferences and requirements. So continue reading as we review these products in greater detail.

Ford F150 Raptor SUV is on the road driving on dirt, Ford F150 Speaker Upgrade - What Options Do You Have?

What Are The Best Speaker Upgrades For Ford F150?

Take the time to read about the following speaker systems for Ford F150s. Doing so should help you make the right purchasing decision upon reaching the end of this post.

Ford F-150 Lightning display

1. Rockford Fosgate R168X2

The Rockford Fosgate R168X2 is among the least expensive speaker upgrades for Ford F150s. Despite its reasonably inexpensive price tag, users report it as a significant upgrade to the F150’s standard speakers.

In particular, it can upgrade the low-end sound profiles for compatible vehicles, including the Ford F150. If played as a mono speaker, the bass is middling at most. Otherwise, this upgrade is seemingly non-existential. However, use the Rockford R168X2 as a pair or as a set, and the increase in depth of each audio played becomes apparent.

Versatility is also one of the R168X2 strong points. Apart from Ford F150s, it’s also compatible with other vehicles like:

  • 2006 Chevy Silverado
  • 1995 Subaru Impreza
  • 2007 Honda Odyssey
  • 2001 Chevy Suburban
  • 2008 Nissan Sentra

However, the stock mounting kit, especially the accompanying screws, can be better than what the manufacturer provides with the packaging. Still, you can mitigate or solve this issue by buying sturdier screws.

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Watch the video below for a sound test of the Rockford Fosgate R168X2:

2. JBL GTO939 6x9 Car Audio Stereo Speakers

JBL car audio stereo loudspeakers

Unlike other options on the market that come as one speaker unit, the JBL GTO939 comes as a pair of stereo speakers from the box. These automotive speakers can deliver strong audio profiles, particularly from the low end of sound signatures.

The bass is heavy from the speaker set, which might be because of its ability to deliver up to 300W of power. Nonetheless, the bass doesn't drown out the other areas of sound profiles. The audio played with these F150 speakers is rich, with the vocals filled with clarity.

Like the Rockford Fosgate R168X2, you can also install the JBL GTO939 in other vehicles other than the Ford F150. Other vehicles that can cater to the GTO939’s design are:

  • 2000 Toyota Solara
  • 2020 Toyota Tacoma
  • 2015 Toyota Tacoma

Take note that some users mentioned that you may hear some minor distortions to the audio when you play audio at loud volumes. But since it’s not advisable to play music extremely loud, you might not deal with this issue most of the time.

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Check out this video to see how to install the JBL GTO939 in a car door:

3. JBL GX642 Car Loudspeakers

2-way coaxial car speaker JBL

The performance brought by the JBL GX642 is perhaps its strongest suit. Its low impedance means that it has a low risk of generating distortion even when playing music and sound files at reasonably high volumes.

These speakers also have coaxial designs, allowing them to save a reasonable amount of space in a Ford F150 without sacrificing the overall audio performance significantly. Although these speakers are slightly larger than other coaxial models on the market, it compensates for this increase in size with additional components to enhance the overall sound performance.

Interested buyers should know that they can fit these speakers into different Ford F150 models, along with other vehicles like:

  • 2017 Dodge Ram
  • 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2002 Chevy Tracker
  • 2008 Hyundai Sonata

But the GX642 may not appeal to fans of deep bass profiles without additional help. The stock bass performance is quite small without the help of an additional subwoofer, according to some users.

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4. Alpine SPR-68 Coaxial Speaker Set

If you’re looking for deep and booming bass from a Ford F150 speaker set, the Alpine SPR-68 might be the best candidate to satiate that need. This automotive sound system has a built-in high-performance woofer that handles low-end sound frequencies efficiently and with minimal distortion to the other areas of the audio spectrum.

Also, each speaker in the set can handle up to 300W of power. With this peak power capacity, it can handle different audio files with relative ease, especially those that prioritize deep-sounding bass signatures.

Aside from different Ford F150 models, you can also install these coaxial speakers in other vehicles, such as:

  • 2012 Shelby GT500
  • 2000 Mazda Miata
  • 2004 Mercy Mountaineer

But some users said that the build quality of the SPR-68 might be better than its original offering. If left unchecked, the speaker might be prone to harm from normal wear and tear. You can reduce the chances of harming these speakers by taking proper care of each unit in the set.

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Will Replacing Factory Speakers Make A Difference For Your Ford F150?

Alpine coaxial speaker

Replacing the factory speakers in your Ford F150 can make a difference. However, the results from changing the speaker system in the pickup truck often differ depending on multiple factors.

For example, your Ford F150 may have an integrated audio processing system that only works with compatible speakers. Replacing the built-in speakers with incompatible units may cause a reduction in the audio performance.

What Should I Look For When Buying Speakers For My Ford F150?

Two sound speakers on black

Keep in mind that the best speakers for Ford F150s typically depend on different factors, especially user preference. So one speaker might not appeal to every F150 user. Still, you can reduce the time and effort to finalize your purchasing decision if you think about certain factors like:

Type

Speakers for vehicles often come in different types. Some of these categories are:

Full-Range

Many full-range speakers aim to capture most, if not all, of the frequencies in different signatures. These models often have dedicated tweeters that help reproduce these frequencies within an audio range. Full-range speakers also often have bass and midrange drivers to replicate the fullness of the played audio file.

Component

Component speakers generally come as a set. Unlike full-range speakers that can reproduce most or all of the sound frequencies with one unit, component speakers are like an orchestra. In other words, each component speaker in the system has a dedicated function.

For instance, one speaker in the set handles the midrange frequencies, and another unit takes care of the bass. This system promotes excellent sound separation, allowing you to experience a better distinction among the different audio signatures heard from an audio file.

Coaxial

Rockford Fosgate Prime 3 way full range vehicle audio speakers

Like component speakers, coaxial speakers generally come as sets. But the parts of a coaxial speaker system are typically different from component speakers. In particular, coaxial speakers often have tweeters and woofers suspended above their main units.

These additional components allow the coaxial system to separate sound frequencies and save space for the Ford F150. It also provides this benefit without relying on large standalone speakers spread throughout the vehicle. The tweeter in a coaxial speaker set handles high frequencies. As for the woofer, it handles both the low to midrange frequencies.

Ease Of Installation

It’s ideal to choose a speaker system upgrade for your Ford F150 that’s reasonably easy to install. Choose a sound system with a DIY-friendly setup process. That way, you can spend less time worrying about the initial assembly procedure and more time enjoying the truck’s enhanced sounds.

Do You Need An Amp When Upgrading Speakers?

car audio, car speakers, subwoofer and accessories for tuning

An amp or amplifier isn’t a requirement for car or truck speakers. However, installing an amp with upgraded automotive speakers helps provide extra power to the audio performance. Plus, adding an amp also allows you to install additional speakers to your vehicle for that extra sound power.

Final Thoughts

Ford F150 Raptor SUV is on the road driving on dirt

Upgrading the stock Ford F150 speaker system typically requires careful planning before finalizing your purchasing decision. That way, you can get the most out of your new speakers in your pickup truck. Plus, you won’t have to worry about certain issues, such as an incorrect fit.

Also, check out these other great reads if you’re looking for answers to certain car speaker issues:

Car Speakers Not Working After Rain – What To Do?

Ford Expedition Sound Is Not Working – Why And What To Do?

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