Electrical Gurus...Help

**gcrv01tj** · 10-16-2009, 01:51 AM

I was doing a lot of research, and looking through several threads, and learned several things tonight about audio stuff that I didn't know before. One of those being that marine audio head units, for the most part, are not waterproof but just protect against corrosion. That being said, I was going to get one of the marine head units but now I am not so sure. However, while I was going through some of the threads I found this:

Sealing Your Stereo System - Jp Magazine

I like this idea but I have a couple questions:
-Has anybody done this and do you like it?
-I have the stock subwoofer so could I hook it up too? (I would want to run the two speakers in my soundbar and the two dash speakers as well)
-What other amps would work for this idea? (specs to look for)

I think that is all of the questions I have for now. I like the idea of this setup but not the $1000 price tag. I want to upgrade the dash speakers by doing the 5.25" setup and the speakers in my soundbar as well. So I guess my last question would actually be what speakers and amp would you recommend?

Thanks in advance

**gcrv01tj** · 10-16-2009, 07:21 AM

I forgot to mention last night that I wanted the amp to be a marine amp. I also thought of some more stuff...where to mount the amp since I use my "trunk" for other things? Can it fit under the driver or passenger seat? Maybe if I lifted the seats? Thanks again

**SirGCal** · 10-16-2009, 08:52 AM

Running sans-headunit? Ya, done that. Ehh... It is OK but has a ton of downsides.

pros:

no head unit to mess up
stealthy

cons:

no head unit for better sound control
limited only to your input devices capabilities
amp still isn't waterproof (mostly)
dash is still not water proof. If you get water into your dash, you're going to have a ton more problems than just a bad radio. Jeeps wiring is not sealed.

And if you want to, there are some units now that are water proof more-or-less. But either way, you can't let it rain right in the top of your jeep. The dash and circuits behind it are too vulnerable. That said, I've had it rain in mine ( with the sahara or bikini top on) many times over with no marine gear with no issues. (properly letting the system dry out before applying power is KEY). A safety switch to the radio (so you can kill all power to it) can be very useful.

**SirGCal** · 10-16-2009, 08:53 AM

Ohh, and no, the stock sub is pretty much out of the loop if you try to go a sans-headunit route. It doesn't have the types of connections that would be necessary to make it function.

**gcrv01tj** · 10-16-2009, 10:40 AM

so really this isn't the right route to go...dangit

How about the Head Unit route? What is something under $150 that is the best for the value? I want to be able to play my ipod/phone and cds really. What speakers would go well with it? I am looking to spend as little money as possible (free

- 350ish) but get all the speakers replaced and a new head unit. I read somewhere about the cheap replacement subs on ebay so that isn't a issue considering I always have the bass turned down.

**gcrv01tj** · 10-16-2009, 10:53 AM

Would this be a good route to take?
Sony CDXM1016PKG Marine Package CDX-M10 marine receiver with XS-MP1610W marine speakers at Crutchfield.com
Would the head unit fit? or the speakers?

**gcrv01tj** · 10-16-2009, 06:42 PM

bump... ^^^^^ would that system fit?

DFWCook · 10-16-2009, 11:53 PM

Yes that head unit will fit your jeep with a dash kit Sosche, Metra, or AI will offer them. The 6.5"s should easily fit in your sound bar.

**gcrv01tj** · 10-17-2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFWCook

Yes that head unit will fit your jeep with a dash kit Sosche, Metra, or AI will offer them. The 6.5"s should easily fit in your sound bar.

This might sound like a dumb question but what do you mean by "Sosche, Metra, or AI"?
and will this Head Unit allow me to use the stock sub? or any sub?

rainmn · 10-17-2009, 08:26 AM

You are correct in your statement that most marine head units have only coated circuit boards, however there are models that are far more waterproof than others.

Look at a Clarion CMD5. They are a weird size, and are designed to mount to a bulkhead, but I'm sure it could be made to work.

rainmn · 10-17-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcrv01tj

This might sound like a dumb question but what do you mean by "Sosche, Metra, or AI"?
and will this Head Unit allow me to use the stock sub? or any sub?

Scosche, Metra, and AI are three manufacturers of audio installation accessories, like the dash kit you'll need to install a standard single DIN sized head unit.

rubibluejay · 10-17-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcrv01tj

Will this Head Unit allow me to use the stock sub? or any sub?

That head unit has 1 pair (left & right) of 2 Volt RCA outputs. The RCA output can be set for rear or sub. The amp trigger wire (remote turn on) is blue with a white tracer. So to answer your question...yes, the head unit will allow you to use the stock sub, or any sub.

Jay

**gcrv01tj** · 10-17-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainmn

Scosche, Metra, and AI are three manufacturers of audio installation accessories, like the dash kit you'll need to install a standard single DIN sized head unit.

when i order this then i should call crutchfield and ask for one of these kits? is there a real difference in the kits? i hate asking all of these questions but i dont do audio at all. at least not for cars

DFWCook · 10-17-2009, 03:01 PM

I think crutchfield gives you the dash kit and wiring harness when you purchase from them as well as some nice instructions for your vehicle to simplify the install. Or at least they used to. Ask when you order.

Yes with this radio setup you can use your factory sub. I hate to say it I have yet to mess with a TJ with the sub in the console so Im not sure how they have the amp setup for it. Maybe someone will chime in. But you may need to purchase a amplifer to run the sub with the change of a headunit, there again you may not.

Also to make things easier for you, you can ask the rep for the wire harness plugs for the OEM (Jeep) speakers. These will plug into the connections in the jeep at the speaker and allow you to just plug in your new speakers. Makes it quite simple for the DIY'er

**gcrv01tj** · 10-17-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFWCook

I think crutchfield gives you the dash kit and wiring harness when you purchase from them as well as some nice instructions for your vehicle to simplify the install. Or at least they used to. Ask when you order.

i think they usually do but since this head unit is made for boats than i dont think they include it. i could be wrong. i will definitely ask when i order it though.