Has anyone upgraded the 4 ceiling speakers in their Livin' Lite trailer? If so, any suggestions? I have some new Infinity speakers pulled from my Honda Ridgeline that are the same size but they have only one mounting hole.
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I replaced all 4 ceiling speakers with Infinity Kappa and the sound is outstanding. To help low frequencies (which need a lot of power) I also installed an amplifier, but the Infinity speakers are so efficient I probably didn't need to for such a small interior space like my 16TBS.
After you remove the OEM speakers, you'll want to add a bit of insulation in the hole, because LL cut out all the expanded foam there and you can see the roof.
What do you mean by "one mounting hole"? Were your speakers some sort of proprietary Honda mount?
Quote from: Merlin on May 02, 2021, 09:24:31 AM
To help low frequencies (which need a lot of power) I also installed an amplifier
Merlin, interested to know where you located your amplifier, drew power from and amp model. Still waffling on speaker upgrade, is it worth the cost?? GK
Merlin, further to my previous post, you had to cut your holes larger for the Kappa's at 6.5" diameter? Did you encounter any difficulties? Thanks GK
The Kappa 63.7i coaxial 3-way speakers (no longer available) fit fine with no hole modification. This was back in 2015 on a 16TBS. I would not have used a speaker that required hole cutting.......yuck. If you get new ones, make sure they fit the openings you have.
The amp is a Clarion XC1410. For power I spliced into the wire to the factory Jensen head unit and added a fuse and switch in the amp wire. I didn't want the amp on all the time. The amp has speaker level inputs so I simply spliced in all 8 wires running to the speaker locations. In other words, the speaker wires comes out of the factory head unit, go to the amp, and then to the speakers. There was plenty of room in the cabinet containing the factory head unit for the amp, which is held down with lots of industrial Velcro.
Worth it? ??? Sure, for me! I love messing about with things and I like good sound. The factory speakers were just cheap toys that were tinny and quickly distorted. As a caveat, the inside of a Camplite is a small space and 4 coaxial Kappas driven by a 300 watt amp will bend the walls out at volume. So overkill, sure, but fun.
Merlin, thanks for your comment on the speaker upgrade. Will start looking for alternate same size speakers, and probably a less powerful amp. GK
Merlin it sounds like a lot of things changed between 2013 and 2015, or maybe its just the DB vs TBS differences. My 2013 16DB only has 2 speakers at the front of the trailer over the dinette. The radio is almost useless, very poor audio even with local stations. Radio has no bluetooth for phone audio or audio line to the TV, so opted for a portable bluetooth speaker to cover the trailers audio system shortcomings and be able to move it by the campfire. I may relocate the stereo and do upgrades in the future, but the 2 speaker system is a real turnoff.
Quote from: LoneWolf04 on May 04, 2021, 03:10:06 PM
Merlin it sounds like a lot of things changed between 2013 and 2015, or maybe its just the DB vs TBS differences. My 2013 16DB only has 2 speakers at the front of the trailer over the dinette. The radio is almost useless, very poor audio even with local stations. Radio has no bluetooth for phone audio or audio line to the TV, so opted for a portable bluetooth speaker to cover the trailers audio system shortcomings and be able to move it by the campfire. I may relocate the stereo and do upgrades in the future, but the 2 speaker system is a real turnoff.
Wow, that does sound (literally and figuratively) lame. The BT speaker option is a good one!
Yes about the original radio and junky CD player, no BT and USB in the original 2014 14DB. Upgraded to a Pioneer in 3rd yr of ownership. With Merlin's Infiniti Kappa's and Clarion amp discontinued, any other recommends by forum audiophiles? GK
Quote from: GrampaKilt on May 04, 2021, 04:51:18 PM
Yes about the original radio and junky CD player, no BT and USB in the original 2014 14DB. Upgraded to a Pioneer in 3rd yr of ownership. With Merlin's Infiniti Kappa's and Clarion amp discontinued, any other recommends by forum audiophiles? GK
I sent you a message about some extra speakers I have. Price negotiable!
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Here is our audio setup. I believe this is the standard OEM setup. Any suggestions for upgrades would be great. I couldn't get my Ridgeline Infinity speakers to fit without any (if available) adapter.
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Quote from: dlb53151 on May 18, 2021, 12:21:58 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210518/4e408989e459b58546b8a644f95666fe.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210518/e84c17ba32151883d08ec26eaa67f7ef.jpg)
Here is our audio setup. I believe this is the standard OEM setup. Any suggestions for upgrades would be great. I couldn't get my Ridgeline Infinity speakers to fit without any (if available) adapter.
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Yup, that's OEM. Pay attention to depth as well as width for new speakers. Better speakers are your best bet for better sound.
Is that receiver ok or junk
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Quote from: dlb53151 on May 18, 2021, 09:54:57 PM
Is that receiver ok or junk
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Here are the specs. The main limitation (and it's a big one) is power. It is very versatile with lots of different inputs. That's why I kept it but added an amp.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Jensen-DVD-CD-Bluetooth-Stereo-p/22-1076.htm
Aha - got it thanks
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I added a bluetooth "dongle" to my Jensen so I could pair it with a bluetooth speaker/light combination. It would not pair with the speaker. It is using speaker B.
Quote from: Chappy133 on May 22, 2021, 09:03:22 AM
I added a bluetooth "dongle" to my Jensen so I could pair it with a bluetooth speaker/light combination. It would not pair with the speaker. It is using speaker B.
That's a great solution for good sound! Smart move.
I'm (finally) ready to replace my speakers. If anyone has done the same would like to know what you bought.
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I replaced all four of my ceiling speakers with Infinity Kappa 63.7i. They are 6.5" 3-way speakers and they fit well. I added some acoustic foam behind them. The original speakers sit in a cutout of the ceiling insulation and you can see a few square inches of the roof! Those Infinity speakers (my favorite brand) are no longer available, but Crutchfield.com would help you find similar and Infinity makes a bunch of difference ones. Watch out for rear clearance; it's only 2" to the roof. Super nice sound,BTW!
Edit: Oops, I see I already posted this info earlier.
BTW, I still have some new speakers (Infinity) I'd be happy to sell super cheap. PM me if you're interested.
I replaced my two ceiling speakers with some Polk coaxials which were a perfect fit for the aluminum ceiling cutouts, though the mounting holes needed to be redrilled. I tapped the mounting holes in the aluminum ceiling and mounted them from underneath with #6-32 machine screws, since there is obviously no access to the back of the speaker. Had to use the Polk speaker grills, not the factory ones (didn't fit). Of course it sounds better, but the head unit really needs upgrading- and the DVD has stopped working, so that may be sooner than later..... I dont have the speaker PNs on hand, if anyone is still following this thread and needs it- I'll dig it up.....
So... I finally upgraded my OEM junk speakers to Sony XS-FB1330's. Much better sound. EXCEPT: I get some clipping and static etc at modest volume levels. Makes sense though because that Jensen AWM968 receiver is way underpowered. I need to add an amp. Crutchfield suggested the Infinity DSP 4425. Merlin I see you added a Clarion amp. How do you like it? Particularly, how difficult is the install? Crutchfield mentioned something about needing to add a wire to the battery which sounds like a lot of work....
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No need for a new wire run. The Clarion does need 12v power, but that's already available at the Jensen head unit. Very easy install, because the Clarion accepts speaker level inputs, so it's just a matter of splicing into the existing speaker wires at the Jensen head unit. I did install an on/off switch for the Clarion and I vented the cabinet where it is, but neither are really needed. Plenty of power!
Thanks Merlin. How did you vent the unit?
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In my 16TBS, the head unit and added amplifier are at the end of the cabinet over the sink, facing the door. I just used a hole saw drill and made 2 inch holes top and bottom, then fit round vent covers in each. Any excess heat vents by convection.
Hi Merlin - any chance you could send pics of that venting? Thanks.
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Quote from: dlb53151 on September 17, 2023, 03:20:55 PMHi Merlin - any chance you could send pics of that venting? Thanks.
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I'll see if can post one. In the meantime, if you send me your email via a private message, I can attach photos to an email to you.