ericm007 Posted April 30, 2015 Report Share Posted April 30, 2015 (edited) Update: You can see some installation notes in Post #6. Hi, I've searched and found some info, but haven't found a definitive answer to some questions about upgrading the Sony stereo in the 2011 Edge Limited, so if someone has some insight I would appreciate your input. I think the sound is pretty good as it is, but in the past with other vehicles I've always changed out the system with much better sound the result, though they have never been a "premium" system as the Sony claims to be. So here are my questions. How much better should I expect the sound to be if I put some speakers like Kickers or Infinities in the place of the factory speakers? Is it worth the price of doing so? Should I replace all the speakers, including the front center and D-pillar speakers and maybe the sub? Should I use components for the front speakers and pillar tweeters? Is the factory amp sufficient to drive all the new speakers or would I need a new amp? How many outputs would I need on a new amp? If anyone has done this, do you have a list of equipment that you installed I could use as a design example? I know this covers a lot but any input is truly appreciated. TIA!! Eric Edited May 14, 2015 by ericm007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 30, 2015 Report Share Posted April 30, 2015 If you really want to do something, replace the front speakers with a good component set first. The rest gets complicated bypassing the Sony amp and adding your own amps, subs, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm007 Posted May 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Hi akirby, So you feel that replacing just the front speakers will give me better sound than the Sony premium speakers. I guess that does make some sense since I almost never ride in the back, sounds like a good place to start. Any middle of the road speakers suggestions, I'm thinking about going with these. Kicker 11ds682 6x8 Component Speaker or JBL GTO8608C 6-Inch x 8-Inch Thanks for the reply. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Rear door speakers are not that important. I used the Polk Audio db5251s on my 06 Fusion and was happy with them - they're also not too expensive ($189 at crutchfield). I don't know if they'll sound better than the Sony speakers. Probably but you might want to search for someone who's already done an upgrade to be sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm007 Posted May 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2015 Hey akirby, I decided to go with the JBL GTO8608C components speakers after reading some reviews and they seemed to be good bang for the buck. I'll update later with my thoughts on the improvement in sound once installed. Take care, Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm007 Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) Well I put in my JBL GTO8608C component speakers and thought I would share some notes. Installation: I read about wiring right thru the Molex connectors on a Ford Flex forum, so I figured I would give it a try, for the Flex it said I should also be able to go thru the driver’s side, I don’t see how you could do it on the Edge. Door speakers bolt right in, I used a small screwdriver to pry the old tweeters out and then two sided 3M automotive tape around the edges to secure the new tweeters as they were a little loose in the holders. Passenger side – I did this door first. I was able to go thru the Molex connector on this side of the vehicle. While I had the panel off I put as much sound deadening material on the door as I could. I used a piece of a coat hanger to go the rubber boot and then carefully drilled out the molex connector. I used 16ga cable because this is what I’ve used in the past, but it would have been much easier if I had used 18Ga, because I had to increase the hole I made in the molex connector to get the cable to slide inside the Molex so I could lock it back in. Drivers side – Since I couldn’t see how to get thru the Molex, I had to cut the speaker wire in the foot space going back to the amp for the door speaker and make my connections there to wire in the crossover for these speakers. In hindsight I wished I would have done this on the passenger side also, because it made it much easier, and it would’ve eliminated a chance of messing up the Molex, though I didn’t have to cut any factory wiring. Triple check that you are cutting the correct wires if you choose to cut them. Sound results: I would have to say that I honestly believe it sounds somewhat better that the Sony Premium speakers I took out. The Sony magnets look to be about the same size and the speakers look to have similar construction on the door speakers. I think the bigger difference is the tweeters, much brighter than stock, and I can also adjust the crossover to change the sound somewhat. A little later on I may add some coax or three-way speakers to the back doors. You can look thru some install pictures here, though I really didn't take any of the speakers themselves since they all look pretty much the same. http://s228.photobucket.com/user/ericm007/library/Vehicles/Ford%20Edge%20Limited%202011 Take care, Eric Edited May 13, 2015 by ericm007 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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