Signal ProcessorsThose last little tweaks can mean the difference between sounding good and sounding insanely great, and for maximum control over the shape of your sound, look at the Kicker KQ30 30-band Equalizer (MSRP $480). A sophisticated device that offers 30 bands of 12dB cut or boost at 1/3-octave spacing means ultimate frequency control in stereo or mono. A scorching 9-volt output lets you drive any amplifier to maximum output without stressing it out. The frequencies controlled run from bass: 25Hz-80Hz; midbass: 100Hz-320Hz; lower midrange: 400Hz-1.27kHz; upper midrange: 1.6kHz-5kHz; and treble: 6.4kHz-20kHz.
AmplifiersBecause of the space issues found in almost every Dakota upgrade opportunity, we're going to deviate from past practice in suggesting space-efficient five- and six-channel amplifiers, opting instead for the added installation flexibility gained from a matching pair of a four-channel main amplifier mated to a single-channel mono amplifier. A great choice in the budget four-channel category is Audiobahn's A4004T 200-watt, four-channel amplifier (MSRP $280). It's a thin-line amplifier with a fan-cooled air intake, important when you're forced to mount the amplifier under the seat where ventilation might be an issue.
A matching powerhouse to the A4004T is the A8000T (MSRP $370), delivering 400 watts RMS, more than enough to power the most inefficient subwoofer system. Best of all, it is styled to match the A4004T and can be mounted under the seat or, space permitting on standard cab applications, on the inside rear wall of the cab. Like its companion A4004T, it too has built-in fan cooling, keeping this monster cool when driving your subwoofers to ground-shaking output levels.
Integrated and Component SpeakersThere are more 6.5-inch speakers in the marketplace than can be imagined; after all, it's probably the most popular-sized speaker, fitting a multitude of domestic and import applications. While a Chrysler-style 6.5-inch speaker is something of an odd duck, with a few application-specific examples available, in reality almost any 6.5-inch integrated two- or three-way speaker will work fine. While Bazooka is best known for its tube-style subwoofers, it has become a force in the mainstream speaker category, offering several series of speakers. Since we're focusing this issue on value components, a great-sounding suggestion in the drop-in category is the company's EL6502 6.5-inch, two-way integrated system (MSRP $70) as you'll be able to afford upgrading front and rear speakers, giving you better sound and increased power handling capabilities compared with their OEM counterparts.
While a high percentage of Dakotas come factory-equipped with the up-market Infinity premium sound system, and it balances better than average sound with a reasonable price, one look at the OEM speakers, comparing their construction and materials with better aftermarket components, quickly illustrates that there is no comparison between the two. And while they are priced at the higher end of the price spectrum, Infinity's Kappa 60-5cs 6-inch separates (MSRP $300), they are a logical choice to make a meaningful upgrade from the factory setup. While relatively efficient and able to be driven by a high-powered head unit, they will make your Dakota really sing when driven by a meaningful output, at least 50 watts per channel provided by an external amplifier.
Subwoofers and EnclosuresWhile there are literally hundreds of available subwoofers, finding just the right one - typically a 10-inch model that can be mounted in a small sealed enclosure, wedged behind the seats on a standard cab pickup or under the rear seat in Club and Crew Cab models - is another story all together. And while its name is synonymous with high-priced, extreme subwoofers, Rockford Fosgate offers several series of subwoofers and its Punch HE2 dual voice coil RFP4110 (MSRP $175) is a great balance between performance and price, able to work properly in a ready-made or custom enclosure as small as 0.375 cubic feet.