Best sound system for Wrangler's?

Tstrength · 11-19-2009, 10:00 PM

Hey everyone! Looking at upgrading the sound system in my 01' Wrangler and looking for some advice on what would be the best/ fairly cheapest way to go. Right now is the one that came with it and sometimes I can't hear ****, especially with top down or on highway.
Thanks in advance!

**Prot** · 11-19-2009, 10:43 PM

My YJ was so noisey that it was pointless to mess with a sound system or radio or anything. I skipped TJ's. My JK is so quiet that it was a no brainer to put a good sound system and bluetooth for my phone in it. What I have in my signature is probably the best sounding system around my area without getting into crazy competition grade stuff.

NonRubicon · 11-19-2009, 10:55 PM

Soundbars do a good job because they sit right over or just behind your head. I have a pair of Pioneer 130W 2-way speakers in a soundbar that's hooked up to a Blaupunkt Miami CD127 (4x30W) - it may be a 12 year old deck but it still works! I can crank out plenty of sound and way overpower the dash speakers and hear the music clearly over all the wind noise when topless, well except for that quiet concerto.

I would upgrade the speakers with a soundbar first (with quality speakers - you get what you pay for these days), and then if that didn't do the job the next step would be to upgrade the stereo to a 30W or so unit.

Just remember when buying something: Cheap is cheap for a reason - the trick is knowing why the product is cheap.

MULIEFEVER · 11-20-2009, 06:47 AM

I have a full set of Infinity speakers. Installed them with the stock stereo in place, they sucked! Not enough power! So, I swung by Best Buy and bought a Sony X-ploid cd player for $59 and and instaLL kit for another $15. Now my speakers are LOUD! However, I really want to add some bass!

**ZeroGravity** · 11-20-2009, 08:14 AM

Sound systems are hard because unless you know a lot about audio and how speakers work, it's easy to buy a bad piece.

I also suggest getting a sound-bar. It mounts directly overhead or behind the roll bar, and puts two speakers close to your head. I would purchase, or make, a sound bar without speakers or wiring so you can get a quality pair of speakers that are suited for your head unit (cd/radio unit).

The cheapest way to go would to get a couple speakers that run off the head unit's power. Most head units put out 4 channels, anywhere between 25-45 Watts RMS. It should say on the head unit how many watts it's putting out. If not, find an owner's manual online. When you're buying speakers, you're going to want speakers that run roughly off of the same wattage your head unit's putting out. Also make sure it specifically states the wattage RMS. Sometimes vendors try to sell their junk speakers by listing peak watts, not watts RMS.

If you're going to a store like Best Buy, for example, remember how many channels and the wattage RMS, and they will be able to help you out. Best buy isn't the greatest place to buy speakers, but what they are selling is fairly "middle of the road" equiptment and will probably work fine for your application.

I believe component speakers would be what you're in the market for. You get two subs two tweeters and two crossover boxes. You mount the tweeter right next to the sub and you wire them through the crossover, which is a small box that resembles a fuse block. They are usually very simple screw down terminals.

I would start off with the sound bar and only adding those two speakers in right away. If you feel like you still need more sound, replace the dash speakers.

One more thing to think about; if you're head unit's only putting out 15 watts RMS (some factory stereos suck), it may be very wise to get a new head unit. You can get them at junk yards for $30 (most places sell in "working condition"), or get a new one online for $100 to get some extra juice.

NonRubicon · 11-20-2009, 12:00 PM

Good point about the RMS vs peak wattage ratings. I agree that some factory stereos suck because the low RMS output and because general quality is lacking. While considering RMS you might want to consider the THD for the head unit as well, because this will make a difference when you really turn it up. Even a low 4 x 13W RMS like my Blaupunkt puts out sounds loud and clear when really cranked up because of the <1% THD. Higher RMS systems may be able to get away with a >1% THD because you don't have to crank them up as much to get it loud.

Tstrength · 11-20-2009, 12:32 PM

Thanks for all the great advice guys...keep it coming please. I already have an overhead sound bar that came stock with it. How hard is it to replace the speakers in it?
Thanks again.
-Tommy

**ZeroGravity** · 11-20-2009, 01:27 PM

Probably not too difficult. Get some pictures up or just see if you can take it apart.

mrcarcrazy · 11-20-2009, 01:36 PM

You can actually make stock paper speakers sound quite nice if you put a decent amount of clean power behind them.

If my soundbar is stock (i assume it is). you remove the speaker grilles (4 screws each). and then the speakers (likely another 4 screws, but the initial four may be all)...and unplug the wiring...install is opposite.

**mouse** · 11-20-2009, 03:44 PM

I have a full Sony system that i have built over that last year. 3 ways in the dash and 4 ways in the pods 1 12" sub in the back with 760W pushing it and a head unit with BT. I love it sounds really good.

**theducksguts** · 11-20-2009, 03:46 PM

I want to remove my CD deck and replace it with a CB. Radio?

**mouse** · 11-20-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducksguts

I want to remove my CD deck and replace it with a CB. Radio?

Have fun with that..

**DINOCAVE** · 11-21-2009, 09:28 PM

Anyone tried this: Select Increments Stealth-Pod

Select Increments 40473 - Select Increments Stealth-Pod for 76-10 Jeep® CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler, Wrangler YJ, TJ, Unlimited, JK & Unlimited JK - Quadratec

diablo_331 · 11-21-2009, 09:46 PM

If you cant hear anything while driving and need more volume then get 2 of these and put them in your sound bar..These will get louder than ANY car audio speaker made.They are designed to be very efficient and dont need rated power to get very loud.Professional drivers will be your best option if volume is your main concern.And they can be had for less than most car audio speaker.

Feel free to PM me with any questions concerning car audio..I have competed and have been building and designing systems since I was 13.I also may have held a record here or there.

JkRyder · 11-24-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPT Jeep

Anyone tried this: Select Increments Stealth-Pod

Select Increments 40473 - Select Increments Stealth-Pod for 76-10 Jeep® CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler, Wrangler YJ, TJ, Unlimited, JK & Unlimited JK - Quadratec

hey, i dont have the sub that came with it but i do have that box, and other then a little rattle on my tailgate ( i have a 08 jk 4 door) it really sounds good. best part about it is i can take it out in two seconds for more space ( even though it doesnt take up much anyways) Im glad i got it instead of a normal sub box taking up allmy cargo room!