Rockford Fosgate Audio Upgrade Kit

[AudioJoe]

Hi All,

My Name is Joe Dahlquist, I work in the OEM division at Rockford Fosgate and wanted to post a short note on the plug and play audio upgrade kit we developed for the H2 SUV and SUT.

I noticed there were a few threads going (older ones with questions that were unanswered). I'm quite proud of this kit, my team and I spent over a year developing it and wanted to share some info.

What is it? - A plug and play upgrade to the stock Bose audio system found in the H2 SUT and SUV. By "plug-and-play", I mean no wires cut, no vehicle modifications and an ability to remove it entirely in minutes when you sell the vehicle, get your hands on a new 2008 wink-wink, or need to simply pull the subwoofer box out to fold the rear seats down, this kit works with both the Navigation and non-nav 6-CD headunits.

Gimme Details - The kit includes the following: (1) Custom molded subwoofer enclosure with a 150W RMS amp and 10" long-throw subwoofer which is installed under the driver side rear seat (downfiring), it fits the contours like a glove as it's a direct mold of the area where it is designed to reside. The enclosure is not mounted to the vehicle and is easily removable (weighs around 30lbs). (1) Wiring harness kit with all needed plug and play adapters to derive audio signal, power and ground from the vehicle. (1 pr.) 6.5" 3-way PUNCH speakers that replace the front door Bose speakers to provide more output with greater clarity. These speakers come with mounting templates and wiring adapters specific to the H2. Logos and zip ties round out the kit.

So... Why? - Easy, the H2 is a killer rig. It deserves a audio system worthy of it, and many, if not most owners are not planning a full-blown, high dollar audio system that takes up valuable cargo space etc. but still demand a good audio system. If you are one of those audio "fanatics" who want something over the top, our aftermarket products are just what the Dr. ordered. For the rest, this kit was designed to work seamlessly with your factory audio system and provide the bass and clarity the factory system falls short on. This kit is very easy to install and average install time is 30-40 min.

How does it stack up? - In a good automotive sound system, ideal results are obtained by designing a system to fit an application and achieve a goal, we did just that with this kit. It is a night and day difference compared to stock. Designed, Engineered and tuned specifically for the H2. We tuned and tinkered until we were happy with the results and would be happy with the kit in our own vehicle.

Where do I get it? - Predator Motorsports http://predatormotorsports.com is our distributor for this kit, they supply to many Hummer dealerships around the US and to notable H2 accessory dealers. They are in stock and available.

More info please. - See our website page for these kits at http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/oem/hummer.asp. Click on either model for the details page. Feel free to email specific questions to me at joe.dahlquist@rockfordcorp.com

I would be happy to email you a flyer with a graph showing before and after frequency response graphs for the H2.

Sorry for sounding like a sales guy, I really am a product guy!

Joe

[MattRoberts123]

Hi All,

My Name is Joe Dahlquist, I work in the OEM division at Rockford Fosgate and wanted to post a short note on the plug and play audio upgrade kit we developed for the H2 SUV and SUT.

I noticed there were a few threads going (older ones with questions that were unanswered). I'm quite proud of this kit, my team and I spent over a year developing it and wanted to share some info.

What is it? - A plug and play upgrade to the stock Bose audio system found in the H2 SUT and SUV. By "plug-and-play", I mean no wires cut, no vehicle modifications and an ability to remove it entirely in minutes when you sell the vehicle, get your hands on a new 2008 wink-wink, or need to simply pull the subwoofer box out to fold the rear seats down, this kit works with both the Navigation and non-nav 6-CD headunits.

Gimme Details - The kit includes the following: (1) Custom molded subwoofer enclosure with a 150W RMS amp and 10" long-throw subwoofer which is installed under the driver side rear seat (downfiring), it fits the contours like a glove as it's a direct mold of the area where it is designed to reside. The enclosure is not mounted to the vehicle and is easily removable (weighs around 30lbs). (1) Wiring harness kit with all needed plug and play adapters to derive audio signal, power and ground from the vehicle. (1 pr.) 6.5" 3-way PUNCH speakers that replace the front door Bose speakers to provide more output with greater clarity. These speakers come with mounting templates and wiring adapters specific to the H2. Logos and zip ties round out the kit.

So... Why? - Easy, the H2 is a killer rig. It deserves a audio system worthy of it, and many, if not most owners are not planning a full-blown, high dollar audio system that takes up valuable cargo space etc. but still demand a good audio system. If you are one of those audio "fanatics" who want something over the top, our aftermarket products are just what the Dr. ordered. For the rest, this kit was designed to work seamlessly with your factory audio system and provide the bass and clarity the factory system falls short on. This kit is very easy to install and average install time is 30-40 min.

How does it stack up? - In a good automotive sound system, ideal results are obtained by designing a system to fit an application and achieve a goal, we did just that with this kit. It is a night and day difference compared to stock. Designed, Engineered and tuned specifically for the H2. We tuned and tinkered until we were happy with the results and would be happy with the kit in our own vehicle.

Where do I get it? - Predator Motorsports http://predatormotorsports.com is our distributor for this kit, they supply to many Hummer dealerships around the US and to notable H2 accessory dealers. They are in stock and available.

More info please. - See our website page for these kits at http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/oem/hummer.asp. Click on either model for the details page. Feel free to email specific questions to me at joe.dahlquist@rockfordcorp.com

I would be happy to email you a flyer with a graph showing before and after frequency response graphs for the H2.

Sorry for sounding like a sales guy, I really am a product guy!

Joe

Joe,

What about if you have an aftermarket stereo and just want the subwoofer setup?

[AudioJoe]

Hi Matt,

Because the kit is designed with a fixed amplifier gain (optimized for the signal output level of the stock stereo), your chances of good results with this kit are pretty slim. If your aftermarket headunit has more or less output signal strength, the subwoofer gain curve would be left to chance and may either clip too early or never provide full output power (most likely somewhere in between those polar opposites, but where is the question)...

The subwoofer amp gain curve was setup to match the output level curve of the stock stereo to sound ideal at any volume level selected on the headunit in relation to the rest of the full range speakers in the H2, from min to max. At max, if memory serves, the stock headunit makes 350mV unclipped, with it's balanced differential outputs.

Thanks
Joe

[prplprowlr]

You mention that there is no wires to cut and it is plug and play. Does that include the door replacement speakers as well and you mention door template. Does that mean there is cutting involved for the doors to get these speakers to fit?

[obzidian]

the power to sub and speakers, is it being supplied for he stock headunit or is there a bult-in amp with the sub enclosure. I really like the idea, however, i frequently fold-down the rear seats for space. Honestly, how manageable is the enclosure when removing?

Also, you mentioned plug and play... can you eaborate from where you are getting the signal for the sub. The 3-ways are almost self explanitory though im assuming ya'll might be using a signal booster or converter if ya'll are using am afermarket amp.

anyways, seems like a good design, if i didn't use that space as much as i do, i would probably be all over this!!

[AudioJoe]

Hi prplprowlr,

indeed no wires are cut in the install. We include a "T-harness" that derives input signal to the amplified sub. You disconnect the main 24 pin factory harness behind the stereo and plug our T-harness in it's place, then plug the factory harness into the other end of our T-harness. (When done from the headunit out, it looks like: Stereo|T-Harness|Factory Harness. A 4-pin pig tail sends signal from the T-harness to the amplified sub without interrupting that signal, as it's used to drive the full range speakers in the H2. For the front speakers, the mounting template guides you to make 4 holes to mount the upgraded 3-way 6.5" speakers, they drop in and connect to the factory 2-pin connectors with the aid of included speaker wiring adapters.

Hi obzidian,

The power for the amplified sub is derived in the fusebox and carried by our vehicle overlay harness that includes power, ground and signal to the enclosure. The amplifier for the subwoofer is mounted in the enclosure. It's very manageable when removing and re-installing. Fold the seat cushion forward, lay the enclosure down, it's molded shape makes positioning it self explanitory, connect the two mating connectors - Done. Takes all of maybe 30 seconds to add or remove the subwoofer (removing the sub has no effect on the rest of the system, it just breaks your heart to listen to music without it). It's not really an aftermarket amp, although the technology is the same, it is custom for this product, no signal booster needed, we just designed the amp around the application, power output, gain, eq and all.

Thanks
Joe

[obzidian]

ok, hmmm.. interesting, you could sell a glass of water as clear pepsi if you really wanted to!!

nah, seriously, the more i think about this, the more im starting to like is simplicity and possible audio enchancment without changing a whole lot.

[speednr1]

so whats the price, how about a group buy? or just give me it really cheap and I will let everyone know how good it is.:)

[Lean Machine]

Group buy would definitely help my motivation to purchase

[Humm_MeSUT]

Group buy would definitely help my motivation to purchase

Definately! Same here.

[timgco]

Predator sells this system for $1300.

A group buy of 5 or more should warrant at least a $300 discount...I would hope. :popcorn:

[prplprowlr]

I would be in for a group buy as I almost bought this last night but wanted to be sure about the template in the door first.

[AudioJoe]

Hi Guys,

I think a group buy deal would be great. As with any, the more kits we can get in the group buy, the better the discount from retail will be. Give me a day or two to chat with the powers that be and set something up. I'll post details as soon as possible. Please understand I can't say we will do a group buy deal for certian yet, but i do like the idea! Could you suggest an Admin to contact for setting something like this up?

Thanks
Joe

[DanimalH2]

Hi guys, I ordered this in January and finally got delivery a couple of weeks ago. Installed just as Joe said in less than an Hour and it converts the stock Bose system to an unbelievable Sound factory. It is pricey, but for the conveinance of install and the time that was put into the custom H2 design this system cannot be beat. Takes up little to no usable space and clips out in seconds if you want to have the tailgate open and seats folded. I couldn't wait for the system to arrive and now that I have it I am really glad I didn't cancel the order at the first of March. If you can get a group discount all the better. I recommend this over having a shop custom build you a box and trash your Bose stock system for an aftermarket one. That will cost more in the long run and you won't get much more in the way of sound than this upgrade unless you lose all of the usable space and sacrifice the folddown midgate and window function.

[AudioJoe]

Thanks DanimalH2, always cool to get good feedback on the kit. Sorry for the wait on delivery, not sure what the issue was there (they have been in stock).

[LiveFromNY]

I called Predator today to order one and I think I'm going to pass just based on their level of service.

1st call - no answer and eventually received a generic recording that my party was not answering and my call was being disconnected.

2nd call - Young woman answered and I told her I had a question about the system. She transferred me to someone else who's VM picked up and promptly disconnected me.

3rd call - no answer again and the same generic disconnect message.

If they aren't answering the phone when I want to spend $1300 with them, I can only imagine the service I can expect should I have a problem or need service.

[prplprowlr]

Thanks DanimalH2, always cool to get good feedback on the kit. Sorry for the wait on delivery, not sure what the issue was there (they have been in stock).

Can we not get this kit anywhere else? It seems their is an interest here for the system and i know I am but want to be sure we get customer support and dont have to wait months on the product to arrive and i still beleive we should get a discount if we can get at least 5 commitments.

[AudioJoe]

Hi Guys,

Working on some options right now. Hate to make anyone wait on good audio, but a little patience will soon pay off.

I'll post more info on purchase options and a group buy deal here as soon as I can.

Thanks
Joe

[audiofetish]

How many Ohms are the Fosgate door speakers? I have heard bad things about changing the door speakers and still running them to the factory Bose amp. Do you have to crank up the volume a lot more to get the same sound?

Thanks :beerchug:

[genob]

Hi Guys,

Working on some options right now. Hate to make anyone wait on good audio, but a little patience will soon pay off.

I'll post more info on purchase options and a group buy deal here as soon as I can.

Thanks
Joe

i'm definitely in!!

[AudioJoe]

How many Ohms are the Fosgate door speakers? I have heard bad things about changing the door speakers and still running them to the factory Bose amp. Do you have to crank up the volume a lot more to get the same sound?

Thanks :beerchug:

Hey Audiofetish,

Nominally the front speakers are 4-ohm. But we selected them from the literally hundreds of our current and past full range 6.5" speaker designs to select drivers that would perform well in the H2 when driven by the Bose factory amplifier. The configuration, sonic signature and efficiency of these speakers result in a night and day difference for front stage sound in the H2. No, you don't have to crank up the volume level more to get the same sound, they blend very well with, and compliment the rest of the stock system and our powered subwoofer. Typically you would run into problems when swapping an aftermarket speaker into a OEM application, most OEM full range speakers are at or below 1-ohm. We benefit from in-house speaker design and production. Instead of figuring out how to cram that square peg into the round hole... We just make a round peg. :)

Thanks
Joe

[ASTAR]

Man that is pricey but I would possibly be interested if there were a good deal on a group buy.

[md_sailor]

Any word on the group buy?

[audiofetish]

Hey Audiofetish,

Nominally the front speakers are 4-ohm. But we selected them from the literally hundreds of our current and past full range 6.5" speaker designs to select drivers that would perform well in the H2 when driven by the Bose factory amplifier. The configuration, sonic signature and efficiency of these speakers result in a night and day difference for front stage sound in the H2. No, you don't have to crank up the volume level more to get the same sound, they blend very well with, and compliment the rest of the stock system and our powered subwoofer. Typically you would run into problems when swapping an aftermarket speaker into a OEM application, most OEM full range speakers are at or below 1-ohm. We benefit from in-house speaker design and production. Instead of figuring out how to cram that square peg into the round hole... We just make a round peg. :)

Thanks
Joe

Joe,
Thank you very much for the details. This seems to be a great system. It's nice to speak with someone that knows there stuff! If I was to just replace the front speakers right now which set would you recommend? I don't see the three ways available separately. I already have a 13" sub and amp for the lows.
Thanks,
Brandon

[kalantar]

What is the cost on these?
I couldnt find it on the Predator website

[AudioJoe]

Joe,
Thank you very much for the details. This seems to be a great system. It's nice to speak with someone that knows there stuff! If I was to just replace the front speakers right now which set would you recommend? I don't see the three ways available separately. I already have a 13" sub and amp for the lows.
Thanks,
Brandon

Hi Brandon,

For an aftermarket speaker suggestion, take a look at the Rockford Fosgate Punch series P163C. It's a 3-way (coax style) 6.5" speaker that will fit without any cutting of metal and is similar to what we include in the kit. It is the best I've heard as a direct replacement from our aftermarket line of current speakers. If you prefer a little less "sizzle" in the high frequency reproduction, perhaps the P162C, it's a 2-way as opposed to 3-way and sounds a bit more mellow than the P163C.

Kalantar, There is a link someone posted on the 1st page of this thread that points to Predators webpage on the kit, I believe it is $1,299.00

Thanks for the patience, we are working the group buy details out now.

Thanks
Joe

[audiofetish]

Hi Brandon,

For an aftermarket speaker suggestion, take a look at the Rockford Fosgate Punch series P163C. It's a 3-way (coax style) 6.5" speaker that will fit without any cutting of metal and is similar to what we include in the kit. It is the best I've heard as a direct replacement from our aftermarket line of current speakers. If you prefer a little less "sizzle" in the high frequency reproduction, perhaps the P162C, it's a 2-way as opposed to 3-way and sounds a bit more mellow than the P163C.

Kalantar, There is a link someone posted on the 1st page of this thread that points to Predators webpage on the kit, I believe it is $1,299.00

Thanks for the patience, we are working the group buy details out now.

Thanks
Joe

Thanks Joe,

I went out and purchased the P163Cs today.:jump: I will try to install them tonight.

Brandon

[rrboy]

I would buy one if the price if fair!

[AUHUMMER]

Thanks Joe,

I went out and purchased the P163Cs today.:jump: I will try to install them tonight.

Brandon

Well, did you get 'em installed yet. If so, what's the final verdict?
I've got my door panels off and now would be the time for me to throw in a pair if they sound better.

[audiofetish]

I upgraded the speakers last night. (I'm still movin slow). I was surprised...... The Bass did not improve over the Bose but the Highs are so much crisper. Plus you can't beat the price. I purchased the P163Cs from Best Buy for $119. Just don't let those Bozos at Best Buy install them. The last time they touched my old Hummer they caused $500 in damage. They did pay up though..... I would recommend these to everyone. A big thanks to Joe for the info!

[Mark805]

we have a group buy price yet?

[Jason]

I am working with RF - I hopefully have something set up by the end of the week.

I will keep you all posted.

Regards,
Jason

[Hummer Guy]

here's one on eBay..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HUMMER-H2-ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-PUNCH-SOUND-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ280115669190QQihZ018QQcategoryZ386 46QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[nmu98]

That one says it works with all factory radios. Joe said you have to have the lux radio.... or nav.... Whats the scoop? Will it work with all factory radios?

[Bykw2]

Joe!
If was to purchase and install the Rockford Fosgate audio upgrade kit, What you recommend as replacements for the rear door speakers?

:shhh:

[Hummer Guy]

Will it work with all factory radios?
Yes.

[Lean Machine]

Any update on the group buy price?

[boozmaster]

i bought one through my local dealer for 1100 after install was just under
1500. sounds pretty good but was hoping for a little more bass.


BOOZMASTER

[prplprowlr]

i bought one through my local dealer for 1100 after install was just under
1500. sounds pretty good but was hoping for a little more bass.


BOOZMASTER

So was it worth buying? I have come very close 2 times on purchasing it but have been hesitant. I was really hoping for more bass.

[boozmaster]

yes i think it was. just have your dealer order one from predatormotorsports for your discount. my dealer took quite a bit longer on the install than they
say it will thats the reason for the steep install price.

[LiveFromNY]

Still looking for a group buy on this... Any news?

[genob]

instead of messing around with this kit, i'm currently building myself a small 1 cubic foot box for a kicker cvr 10" sub. it's almost finished :) i'm then going to install quick connects and strap that mofo to the 3rd seat "hooks" installed in the truck.

after that i'm planning on buying the rockford front speaker replacements.

i know it's not as nice as having the sub under the seat, but i did make my box very portable... i'm not in to paying $1000 for everything... a group buy would of been nice ;)

[Mark805]

i think the whole group buy idea kind of fizzled out.

But i am keeping up hope and watching the thread :popcorn:

[Hummer Guy]

What would you all want to buy it at (realisticly)...and how many would be interested in that price? Let me know and I'll work on it.

[timgco]

You guys should be able to get a screaming deal since the new 08 H2's will no longer use this setup. :giggling:

[audiofetish]

I've been seeing the kits on EBay for around $889. Honestly I doubt that a group buy would even get that good of a deal....

[Hummer Guy]

that's probably true if everyone is thinking that $889 is way to high. :)

[timgco]

that's probably true if everyone is thinking that $889 is way to high. :)

That does sound like a good price cinsidering what retail is! I guess it depends on what you're after for audio though. $889 isn't much when you start pricing out individual components. Sure you can go buy an amp and throw a sub box inteh rear of your truck for 2/3rds of that, but this has a unique design.

I'd be more than happy to demo this porduct and do nice writeup on it.

[Hummer Guy]

ha! I'm sure anyone on this board would be willing to do a little write-up on it. :) I had it in an H2 for about 5 months and loved it...it sounds like a GOOD, stock stereo should will a little extra bass when you crank it. Hopefully its what the 08s will sound like!

[Jason]

Group buy is finally set up. See details here:

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29848

Regards,
Jason

[Grizzy]

For $1300, you could have a set of Focal 6.5" door spkrs and a JL Audio amp installed and produce a far better sound, including more bass, than this Fosgate setup. I do like the idea of having a subwoofer enclosure that is easily removable, but how about not having a subwoofer enclosure at all, but having a sound that was so good, that people would swear you HAD a subwoofer! No, I don't work for Focal, but I just had my 3rd set of them installed. 1st set in my F250, loved them, in my wifes 350z, love them, now my H2. Of course, I don't ever use my midgate, so I forked over a little extra and had 2x 12's installed under my rear seat in a custom fiberglass box just last week. Just letting you guys know that you don't have to go as far as I did, just the Focal's by themselves are amazing.

Wouldn't buy the fosgate kit for 900 either. All you're getting is a nice box, the woofer and amp is worthless in this package, according to someone I know. You're really keeping the factory sound with just a little tiny bit of added thump, and I mean little bitty. You'll think it sounds better at first, but its so unnoticable you'll be wishing you saved your money later on, OR you'll take it out one day when you need to use your midgate, and just never put it back in, because its not worth the 30secs of your time to hear nothing.

[Grizzy]

Of course, there's always this option. Not too much, not too little. Still maintain midgate window functionality. Sounds like theres 15's stacked in the rear cargo, but theres not. Still rattle pictures in my house.


http://www.atvparkvideo.com/h2customenclosure/woofers.jpg
http://www.atvparkvideo.com/h2customenclosure/amprack1.jpg
http://www.atvparkvideo.com/h2customenclosure/amprack2.jpg

[Cesardajr]

grizzy
that's a nice set up, what did it run you???:perfect10s:

[Grizzy]

grizzy
that's a nice set up, what did it run you???:perfect10s:


Thank you. It was $2,300. Which is a little high considering I already had the amps. Took the amps out of my F250 when I traded it in. However, it is a custom fiberglass setup, not cheap to begin with. They also had to install a 2guage wiring kit. Also, the woofers were something like 189/ea, plus there was a 3yr extended warranty added which guarantees the entire system no questions asked for $250. If I blow something up, it gets replaced.

[Bykw2]

Did you keep you stock head unit?

[kalantar]

Well I upgraded the front speakers using the Fosgate Punch series P163C, WOW what a difference! Much better highs and definitely better bass!

Has anyone changed out the rear speakers using these Fosgates? Will it make a substantial difference?

I wanted to get the subwoofer, but seeing how much of an improvement these made I am thinking a second set would do the trick.

Edit: I notice the upgrade kit only comes with front speakers and a subwoofer, so maybe it doesnt improve the sound.

[tower]

AudioJoe, are you related to your namesake's speakers?