Need a louder speaker.

[n0xvz]

Some of you may remember the install I did in my 2018 F-250 and I'm still satisfied with the outcome overall. The one thing I would change is the external speaker I have connected to the IC-2730A. There are times when it's just not loud enough like during a heavy rainstorm or when a repeater's audio is low. I'd like to have a little more volume available than what I do right now. So, I'm looking for recommendations that won't break the bank.

 

[slowmover]

KENWOOD KES-5. (Public Service).

Find it used for low price, but brand new price is more than fair.

Takes very little input for high SPL.



Location will matter most for any speaker.

Above & Behind Left Ear is “best” for never having the brain try to piece together what was said. Least effort.

This location also separates it from ALSO listening to music, passengers and phone in a way which is highly intuitive.

.

 

[mmckenna]

The KES-5 and the large Motorola external speakers will give you want you want.
The KES-5 are available used, but tend to be more expensive and less common than the larger Motorola speakers.

See this post about where to install it: 13th gen F150 external speaker location

If you want something smaller, the Kenwood KES-3 will work fairly well, but not as well as the above.

 

[slowmover]

Also in that thread is where some of us mount it: under drivers seat.

Above ear = best. Under seat = good compromise.

As to expensive, I bought a lot of five (5) for $60 last year.

 

[mmckenna]

As to expensive, I bought a lot of five (5) for $60 last year.

Yeah, there's certainly some good deals out there. I'm still running off of my stash of Motorola speakers I liberated when I shut down an old Motorola system and replaced all the mobiles with new Kenwoods.

 

[scanmanmi]

I had the same problem and ended up getting an amp with a graphic equalizer. Not only did it amplify but the equalizer definitely helped. I'm thinking of getting one for home as well.

 

[n0xvz]

Thanks for the feedback so far! I'm not sure I have a grasp of the physics, but if the radio says to connect an 8-ohm speaker, does the KES-5 being a 4-ohm speaker pose any problems? I'm trying to keep this simple.

 

[N4KVE]

Thanks for the feedback so far! I'm not sure I have a grasp of the physics, but if the radio says to connect an 8-ohm speaker, does the KES-5 being a 4-ohm speaker pose any problems? I'm trying to keep this simple.

It will be louder than using the 8 ohm speaker. Motorola mobile radios were sold with 8 ohm speakers. But you could pay an extra $75 to get a “louder” speaker to use in vehicles with loud noise like a garbage truck. It was simply a 4 ohm speaker in the same enclosure. Easiest $75 they ever made.

 

[n0xvz]

It was simply a 4 ohm speaker in the same enclosure. Easiest $75 they ever made.

Thanks! That's what I thought the situation was. Man, I really need to come up with a scheme like that...

 

[n0xvz]

So, if I were to choose a Motorola HSN4040A, it sounds like it should do what I want. Although, I'll have to do a little soldering.

I was looking at the KES-5, but they must be made of gold for what people are asking for them.

 

[mmckenna]

So, if I were to choose a Motorola HSN4040A, it sounds like it should do what I want. Although, I'll have to do a little soldering.

I've used a few of those for ham radios.
You'll need to solder a 1/8 plug on there to match your radio. Easy to do if you have some soldering skills.
Or, you can just purchase one of these:

Motorola speaker Adapter cable Molex female - 3.5 mm Mono male 6'long NEW | eBay

Sale includes (1) Molex 2-Pin Male to 3.5 mm mono plug adapter and cord. This custom made cable connects to any Motorola external speaker with standard Molex Female 2-pin receptacle. Speaker NOT included-Demonstration purposes only .

www.ebay.com

I was looking at the KES-5, but they must be made of gold for what people are asking for them.

They tend to be more expensive, but sometimes you can find good deals. There seems to be a ton of the Motorola speakers out there on the used market. I know I liberated about 20 of them a few years ago when I swapped out a system. I'm still working through my box of speakers.

 

[n0xvz]

You'll need to solder a 1/8 plug on there to match your radio. Easy to do if you have some soldering skills.
Or, you can just purchase one of these:

Motorola speaker Adapter cable Molex female - 3.5 mm Mono male 6'long NEW | eBay

Sale includes (1) Molex 2-Pin Male to 3.5 mm mono plug adapter and cord. This custom made cable connects to any Motorola external speaker with standard Molex Female 2-pin receptacle. Speaker NOT included-Demonstration purposes only .

www.ebay.com

Yeah, I can solder, but I like the idea of not having to solder. Thanks for the link!

 

[GadgetGeek]

Another vote for the Kenwood KES-5.

 

[gmclam]

I installed an external amplified speaker. Speaker impedance not directly an issue. Since I mounted it under the dash, it could always be louder. Another option is to route the (scanner) audio to your music system. If there's an "aux" input, it shouldn't be too difficult. If there is not, you can add a small FM transmitter to get the signal from the scanner to your truck's FM broadcast receiver.

 

[n0xvz]

Another option is to route the (scanner) audio to your music system. If there's an "aux" input, it shouldn't be too difficult. If there is not, you can add a small FM transmitter to get the signal from the scanner to your truck's FM broadcast receiver.

No aux input on this truck. FM or Bluetooth transmitters aren't an option either. My phone is generally connected via Bluetooth and I actually use the stereo for other audio.