[heathn86]

I have a 2002 Wrangler and am looking to replace my current stereo. It's a Kenwood aftermarket head unit I bought on a budget that is crapping out on me. I think it has to do with the elements getting into the electronics as I leave my top down for days on end when weather permits. Is there a weather resistant option out there? Also, I am wanting some bass in my music, is it better to build a speaker box and add a 10 sub or would a bass tube be better? I am trying to stay within a reasonable price range but all options are appreciated.

[Faramir66103]

Have a look at a marine head unit, the kind you'd use on a boat. They are much more heavily sealed against the elements. I was going through a head unit every year to eighteen months until I put in the marine unit I now have. Make sure you get the features you want though, because this one may be with you for a while.

Cheers,
Adam

[angelo2975]

Give these guy's a try ...best prices I've seen for car audio

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/

[OiCaesar]

Theres obviously going to be debate in this as accoustics always are. Ive interned as a sound engineer, but the words accoustics and open air jeeps are almost an oxymoron as far as clarity goes. Now you state you want "bass" in your music, first thing I would want to know is what type of music do you listen to... rock, hip-hop, country, classical?? The reason I ask is different piston drivers have different frequency ranges and response characteristics. However for times sake lets do this, Ill throw out suggestions and you can accept or deny at will...

If you're a rock or country listener I suggest adding 6.5 midrange speakers to your floorboards, most online stores carry the boxes you can install there. Then of course your 6.5's in you bar. These 6.5s are for your 180hz-20Khz range and have your best response for a tighter punch and clarity in your music. Now as far as your 20hz to 200hz (bass) range I would suggest an 8 or 10 inch 2 or 4 ohm driver located under your rear seat, just behind or if you have the same built as my tj in your lockbox in the far back facing the rear of the jeep. The reason you face it backwards is frequencies fly around all over the place bouncing off of hard surfaces. As it hits a surface and bounces back it duplicates as the next possitive transient shifts outwards from the piston driver. Thats why concerts really lack clarity, just too many surfacess to bouce off of. Being that jeeps are often have no tops, you want to utilize what surfaces you have to increase your accoustic potential.

My second suggestion if you listen to hip hip, purchase a 12 inch sub driver, and install it under the seat or behind the seat in a custom made box. Hip hop doesnt have characteristics needed for the tight response an 8 or 10 will provide, it just needs lower 30hz frequency clarity in which an 8 has a hard time producing and a 10 although can do but why go with a 10 when 2 inches more is what shes asking for

Now for my 3rd suggestion for classical genres, I suggest you sell your jeep and buy a Prius

For amplification, I always suggest an amp even for the 6.5's, the stereo head amplification causes a lot of distortion which damages speakers. Run it through an amplifier and clear things up. Now most cheap amps use metal plates inside to hide their true weight so you think there is more circuitry than there really is so I suggest JL Audio amps and drivers. I would look into "D" class amplifiers. As far as Head units I suggest Alpine because damn they just are the best quality and easiest to use.

[heathn86]

I listen to rock and "indie" i.e. Shins, Decembersits, Mumford, etc so clarity is important. I replaced my soundbar and front speakers with Kickers (not sure of size). I'm looking at $400ish range. Doable?

[alexrule123]

Originally Posted by OiCaesar

Now as far as your 20hz to 200hz (bass) range I would suggest an 8 or 10 inch 2 or 4 ohm driver located under your rear seat

You do not want to cross your sub over at 200hz that is way too high. You do not want to cross a sub above 80hz (even 80hz can be too high) because then you will have something called directional perception which you do not want with a sub.

Originally Posted by OiCaesar

The reason you face it backwards is frequencies fly around all over the place bouncing off of hard surfaces. As it hits a surface and bounces back it duplicates as the next possitive transient shifts outwards from the piston driver. Thats why concerts really lack clarity, just too many surfacess to bouce off of. Being that jeeps are often have no tops, you want to utilize what surfaces you have to increase your accoustic potential.

You face the sub to the rear so that it loads off the back and allows you to get something called cabin gain. In a wrangler with the top off you actually want the sub to fire down for best results.

Originally Posted by OiCaesar

My second suggestion if you listen to hip hip, purchase a 12 inch sub driver, and install it under the seat or behind the seat in a custom made box. Hip hop doesnt have characteristics needed for the tight response an 8 or 10 will provide, it just needs lower 30hz frequency clarity in which an 8 has a hard time producing and a 10 although can do but why go with a 10 when 2 inches more is what shes asking for

Woofer size has nothing to do with how "tight" the bass is. That has way more to do with the box design and other factors of the sub (like coil gap, motor size and spider stiffness)

Originally Posted by OiCaesar

For amplification, I always suggest an amp even for the 6.5's, the stereo head amplification causes a lot of distortion which damages speakers. Run it through an amplifier and clear things up. Now most cheap amps use metal plates inside to hide their true weight so you think there is more circuitry than there really is so I suggest JL Audio amps and drivers. I would look into "D" class amplifiers. As far as Head units I suggest Alpine because damn they just are the best quality and easiest to use.

While I do agree with amping door speakers I would question to ask if you really know what class D means vs class A/B amps and how that translates into SQ. JL does make some nice stuff but you can get way better for less (look into Sundown, AudioQue, etc). Alpine makes a good head unit but I wouldn't say they are the best (I am a pioneer fanboy)

[Jagtec1]

I recently put an Alpine head unit (around $200) coupled with the 45w/channel Power Pack (around $100), new 5 1/4" front Infinity Kappa's ($100), and new Infinity Reference 6 1/2" soundbar speakers ($100ish). I also added a Kenwood KSC SW10 self powered sub ($155 or so) inside the rear seat bottom. Cost was reasonable, and I didn't have to sacrifice any space for amps/sub box. I listen to similar music, and it sounds full, rich, and plenty loud enough.

[BamaJeepman21]

Originally Posted by Jagtec1

I recently put an Alpine head unit (around $200) coupled with the 45w/channel Power Pack (around $100), new 5 1/4" front Infinity Kappa's ($100), and new Infinity Reference 6 1/2" soundbar speakers ($100ish). I also added a Kenwood KSC SW10 self powered sub ($155 or so) inside the rear seat bottom. Cost was reasonable, and I didn't have to sacrifice any space for amps/sub box. I listen to similar music, and it sounds full, rich, and plenty loud enough.

Nice. Any pics?

This is exactly what I want to do except with Polk speakers. (5.25" up front, 6.5" in back)

How much does the power pack boost it? Does the sub provide great bass?

[heathn86]

Originally Posted by Jagtec1

I recently put an Alpine head unit (around $200) coupled with the 45w/channel Power Pack (around $100), new 5 1/4" front Infinity Kappa's ($100), and new Infinity Reference 6 1/2" soundbar speakers ($100ish). I also added a Kenwood KSC SW10 self powered sub ($155 or so) inside the rear seat bottom. Cost was reasonable, and I didn't have to sacrifice any space for amps/sub box. I listen to similar music, and it sounds full, rich, and plenty loud enough.

So no box for your sub? I have heard of bass tubes (that may not be the proper name). Are those any good? I am happy enough with the 2 front and 2 top kicker speakers I have. I'm looking for an iPhone compatible head unit and a sub. Perhaps when I win the Mega Millions I just replace everything.

[BamaJeepman21]

Originally Posted by heathn86

So no box for your sub? I have heard of bass tubes (that may not be the proper name). Are those any good? I am happy enough with the 2 front and 2 top kicker speakers I have. I'm looking for an iPhone compatible head unit and a sub. Perhaps when I win the Mega Millions I just replace everything.

This is the sub. It's got it's own box so I'm sure it sounds fine in the seat. Or I hope so, cause I'm getting one.

[heathn86]

Just had a guy quote me $750 for a rhino lined box for two 10s, an amp, and a marine radio...no thanks

[Jagtec1]

Originally Posted by BamaJeepman21

Nice. Any pics?

This is exactly what I want to do except with Polk speakers. (5.25" up front, 6.5" in back)

How much does the power pack boost it? Does the sub provide great bass?

No pics...you can't see anything!

The sub does a great job filling in the low end. It is not made to rattle the windows in the house down the street. If you are into heavy rap, go another route. For pop, rock, and most music, it's great! The Alpine head was 18w/channel. The Alpine Power Pack is 45w/channel...must be used with Alpine head unit.

Sub, $145 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012W0SR0/ref=oh_o05_s00_i00_details
Power Pack, $112 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00142H8UI/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

[heathn86]

The problem I always run into is wanting to buy things and install right away. I am bad at waiting even if it saves a few $$$.

[heathn86]

Ok so we're building a box for the 12 sub I bought but we've hit a snag. The bolt for the backseat seat belts is in the way. Any suggestions for removal?

[Mboelts]

Soak it with either a penetrating oil or PB blaster for about a day or two, both from up top and underneath the Jeep. Then I believe its a T50(?) to remove it.