Slate Bluetooth Dash Audio Speakers - Thoughts?

[Gozer]

One of the engineers, in a recent video, was asked about the sound system.
He said that if all you need was audio for Google Maps or podcast the single speaker is fine. But you would want the side speakers for premium audio.

 

[Trace26]

I have enough audio equipment laying around to upfit my Slate so I'll be doing that.

 

[bartflossom]

Just curious but have you queried Slate?

Just sent this.

Hello. I'm a day two reserver and ordered 4 minutes after orders opened. I met you guys at Fort Worth show. First question is about the wrap color you previously called Atomic Teal. Which color is it now with the renaming you've done? I'm guessing it's "Pool Day"?

Second question is about when Chris said the Slate would have accommodation for aftermaket stereo headunits either single-din or double-din size. Any info on where they will fit in the dash? Do they require adapters? Thanks!

 

[Luxrage]

I have enough audio equipment laying around to upfit my Slate so I'll be doing that.

Same here, I am really looking forward to what we can do with the Slate. I am certain someone can 3D print a pair of DIN wings that will fit the alignment of the truck dahsboard cubby and get us a flip open lid that has a double-din hole that we can stuff the radio into. From there it's just a case of running the cabling and figuring out power and we should be good.

I'd just hate to have to use those accessory switches for both constant and switched power and be like "don't flip THAT one that's the radio clock!"

 

[Johnologue]

I'm not fully convinced the dash is the best place for an audio system. Speakers are generally on doors, right? Can't find/think of any obvious examples of dash speakers offhand.

I can imagine how door speakers might be a problem on the Slate (or, maybe it's fine and they just don't have an example there), but what about near the B-pillar, for example? Slate Maker offers a rail there, which means there's something to attach to.

 

[Luxrage]

I'm not fully convinced the dash is the best place for an audio system. Speakers are generally on doors, right? Can't find/think of any obvious examples of dash speakers offhand.

I can imagine how door speakers might be a problem on the Slate (or, maybe it's fine and they just don't have an example there), but what about near the B-pillar, for example? Slate Maker offers a rail there, which means there's something to attach to.

I don't have high hopes for the speakers in the dash, but I am willing to use them as a stopgap until we start tearing the trucks apart. My Geo has speakers in the dash, 4'' rounds, and they are just open to the inside of the dash and footwell. They never sounded good. My first LTD Crown Victoria had a pair in the dash as well and they were middling at best.

I think we should have space, but in the event we don't I wouldn't be against doing something like Ford did for two years on the LTD Crown Vics, put a little bump-out so the speaker sits forward of the door a bit.

Edit:
This is all one panel on the bottom, I hope, surely we can pop that off and carve out a 6'' round hole or something and slap a speaker in it!

 

[Trace26]

I'm not fully convinced the dash is the best place for an audio system. Speakers are generally on doors, right? Can't find/think of any obvious examples of dash speakers offhand.

I can imagine how door speakers might be a problem on the Slate (or, maybe it's fine and they just don't have an example there), but what about near the B-pillar, for example? Slate Maker offers a rail there, which means there's something to attach to.

Pretty common on 80's vehicles, both my 89 Chevy truck and 88 Fiero had 4x10 speakers on top of the dash.
Both sounded pretty good, I actually prefer it over lower door position. The sound bounces off the windshield and really surrounded you. I'm sure there's audiophiles that would say why it's bad. Lol

 

[Johnologue]

I think we should have space, but in the event we don't I wouldn't be against doing something like Ford did for two years on the LTD Crown Vics, put a little bump-out so the speaker sits forward of the door a bit.

The Slate's cab also has a high ceiling (all of the tall people fit and everything), so I can imagine some overhead space being used for electronics and stuff as well, maybe having speakers angled down from the side for extra clearance or the higher position itself (if that's desirable)?

This is all one panel on the bottom, I hope, surely we can pop that off and carve out a 6'' round hole or something and slap a speaker in it!

The bottom panel shows t-rail mounts on the Maker, so it should be possible to attach things there, possibly using something like the visible fastener points from that screenshot (seems similar to where the rails are screwed in on the preview)

 

[Frozen North]

I like the "retro" style look, but as pointed out it will take up too much of my precious cubby space which is really convenient for gas pump receipts.

I would need to see some youtube vids on sound quality, etc. before I'd get it. In the meantime I've opted for the universal mount.

Lol, gas pump receipts.

 

[AZFox]

• 2-way speakers in the doors
  • Mid/bass drivers down low
  • Tweeters up high near the A-pillars
• Powered subwoofer behind the seat

👆 I still think this will turn out to be a winning combination.

 

[Frozen North]

I test drove the Rivian R2, tried out that audio system and it was pretty bad for that vehicle price point. I plan to install my own head unit plus speakers and a under seat sub, assuming there is enough space under the passenger seat. The amp will go under the driver's seat.
Thoughts?

I don't think you can put much under the passenger seat in the Slate. That seat has the nifty super seat track that slides all the way to the dash.

 

[bartflossom]

Got the usual response.

 

[KevinRS]

Got the usual response.

That would probably be why we aren't seeing a DIN solution from Slate. If they offer that, they've pretty much got to offer some official way to add an antenna as well, along with some official way to wire power. DIY and aftermarket solutions are highly likely, but I'm thinking maybe stop waiting for one from Slate.

 

[Visualvalhalla]

That would probably be why we aren't seeing a DIN solution from Slate. If they offer that, they've pretty much got to offer some official way to add an antenna as well, along with some official way to wire power. DIY and aftermarket solutions are highly likely, but I'm thinking maybe stop waiting for one from Slate.

I'm sure this kind of antenna will work, and it fits the style too.

o

 

[KevinRS]

I'm sure this kind of antenna will work, and it fits the style too.

o

That kind of antenna works with a ground plane, and that position is on the frunk, so may be more complicated mounting there.