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I have the limited with no option packages. The standard stereo was not too bad actually, but the super efficient front 6x9s can get a little muddy as they're trying to accurately produce bass. The high end and imaging was already quite good IMHO. It just needed a little more power and tightness to the bass that only better speakers and more power can deliver. I'm still on the fence if I "need" sub-bass at this point in my life.
I know the RF amp included in this kit has a disabled subwoofer output, but it does have a DSP programmed into it that upgrades the soundstage pretty well, although the stock system wasn't exactly lacking in that department. I was told by RF that the amp is putting out 40 watts RMS per channel, and they confirmed the disabled SW channel. This was enough to get me to try it out. I purchased the RF Audio upgrade for $350. For the Ascent, it should be labeled as 160 watts as opposed to 300 since the sub channel is not active.
Installation was straightforward. Removing door panels is the same as any other car. The dash trim pieces pull off easily. The one quirky thing was getting the A/C vent pieces back onto the sides of the head unit. These pieces interlock with the radio as you snap them back in. You have to carefully guide the vent assemblies into place as you palm the pieces into position. This makes for a very tight assembly, which is great for fit and finish. It's just something I haven't encountered before. The beauty of this kit is the wiring harness, which is OEM quality and truly plug and play. The amp bolts down to existing studs underneath the passenger seat. Quality of materials is great. The 6x9 woofers included look to be of the "Prime" level of RF's range (prime < punch < power), but I cannot confirm this. The amp is supposed to be in line with their "Punch" lineup.
The results are good. The system is tighter and the imaging is more defined thanks the DSP and higher power. Listening to well-recorded music reveals some pretty good detail and imaging! I heard some magical things pop out in the mix - a sign of a good audio experience. Now, I have been EQing a lot of bass into these from the head unit to make it sound fuller. I think my 3 band EQ is set to 5-0-0. You get typical "reference" style frequency response at 0-0-0, but most listeners like to dial in more bass to get that punch you can feel. There is enough bass to shake your mirrors with this kit. I'm on the fence if I want to install a subwoofer. The really low stuff that you'd typically be able to hear with a real subwoofer is a little lacking, but chest kicking punch very present. Not bad for $350 with OEM quality design. ...and I only drew blood once(!) reaching underneath the carpet in front of the passenger seat, something cut my finger.
Here are some random pics. Not really a tutorial, but I know people like pics.
I know the RF amp included in this kit has a disabled subwoofer output, but it does have a DSP programmed into it that upgrades the soundstage pretty well, although the stock system wasn't exactly lacking in that department. I was told by RF that the amp is putting out 40 watts RMS per channel, and they confirmed the disabled SW channel. This was enough to get me to try it out. I purchased the RF Audio upgrade for $350. For the Ascent, it should be labeled as 160 watts as opposed to 300 since the sub channel is not active.
Installation was straightforward. Removing door panels is the same as any other car. The dash trim pieces pull off easily. The one quirky thing was getting the A/C vent pieces back onto the sides of the head unit. These pieces interlock with the radio as you snap them back in. You have to carefully guide the vent assemblies into place as you palm the pieces into position. This makes for a very tight assembly, which is great for fit and finish. It's just something I haven't encountered before. The beauty of this kit is the wiring harness, which is OEM quality and truly plug and play. The amp bolts down to existing studs underneath the passenger seat. Quality of materials is great. The 6x9 woofers included look to be of the "Prime" level of RF's range (prime < punch < power), but I cannot confirm this. The amp is supposed to be in line with their "Punch" lineup.
The results are good. The system is tighter and the imaging is more defined thanks the DSP and higher power. Listening to well-recorded music reveals some pretty good detail and imaging! I heard some magical things pop out in the mix - a sign of a good audio experience. Now, I have been EQing a lot of bass into these from the head unit to make it sound fuller. I think my 3 band EQ is set to 5-0-0. You get typical "reference" style frequency response at 0-0-0, but most listeners like to dial in more bass to get that punch you can feel. There is enough bass to shake your mirrors with this kit. I'm on the fence if I want to install a subwoofer. The really low stuff that you'd typically be able to hear with a real subwoofer is a little lacking, but chest kicking punch very present. Not bad for $350 with OEM quality design. ...and I only drew blood once(!) reaching underneath the carpet in front of the passenger seat, something cut my finger.
Here are some random pics. Not really a tutorial, but I know people like pics.
