[DJMunich]

So I'm considering upgrading all the speakers in my 05 Wrangler X Rocky Mountain Edition. It's currently 100% bone stock - 7 speaker setup with the Sound Pods on the rollbar - no "bar."

That brings me to my first question. Is there a difference between the so called "sound bar" and the sound pods I have?

Secondly, I've read in a couple places on here that you can install up to 6 1/2" speakers in the "Sound Bar" - which is why I ask the first question.

Lastly, what is the wattage for the factory radio? I'd prefer to keep the factory radio, simply because no one would want to steal it, but am worried that buying better speakers for a factory radio would just be an exercise in futility. Opinions?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Armitage]

I can't say for sure, but I think most factory units don't put out more than 8-10 Watts RMS and maybe 15-25 Watts peak. But it also sounds like you have a decent system stock, so it may be higher.

[DJMunich]

I'm starting to think that just upgrading the center console to a tuffy with a 8" woofer would do wonders for my entire system.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by DJMunich

I'm starting to think that just upgrading the center console to a tuffy with a 8" woofer would do wonders for my entire system.

Without also substantially boosting the power, that's not going to do much at all for your system's sound quality. My own speaker upgrades didn't do squat, the next thing I'll do is add a power amplifier or two.

[DJMunich]

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Without also substantially boosting the power, that's not going to do much at all for your system's sound quality. My own speaker upgrades didn't do squat, the next thing I'll do is add a power amplifier or two.

That's kind of what I figured. I guess I'll stick with my stock system for now then.

My last car gave me enough hearing damage (750+ watts, two 12"s, etc).

Thanks for the advice Jerry.

[Elwood]

I too am not real pleased with the stock set up. Of course, being a Jeep, I didn't expect concert sound, but this system is a bit weak. For the life of me though, I have no idea where you would mount an amp that would not be in the way at some point or another. Going from a full size truck to a Jeep is quite an adjustment in the "where to put your crap" catagory.

[Wakeboarder06]

Originally Posted by DJMunich

That's kind of what I figured. I guess I'll stick with my stock system for now then.

My last car gave me enough hearing damage (750+ watts, two 12"s, etc).

Thanks for the advice Jerry.

I definitely hear what your saying (barely). In my integra I had 2 JL 12w6's with a 600 watt mtx amp and 240watt amp pushing 4 interior polk speakers. Since then I have trouble hearing $hit when there is a lot of backround noise (like a club), however I can hear fine in my day to day.

Anyway, I have the same stock system as you and I'm using this guys idea...

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f20/8-sub-console-project-pics-inside-257123/

I'll hopefully be done with the box this weekend and I'm putting an 8" RF stage 2 with a 200 watt amp (amp will be attached to the bottom of the rear seat inside of the bottom zippered seat cover). I'm leaving the rest stock for now but the next upgrade will be an Alpine HU with 4polk 6.5's and a 40X4 amp. It won't be loud enough to cause hearing damage but it will sound good and I will still be able to hear it with the top and doors off.

Rich

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by Elwood

I have no idea where you would mount an amp that would not be in the way at some point or another. Going from a full size truck to a Jeep is quite an adjustment in the "where to put your crap" catagory.

That was me too until I finally dumped the back seat and installed a big aluminum Jeep box in place of the seat. Now I have something I can mount a future amp inside and a place on the front of the box I could mount some sort of low profile subwoofer. Upgrading my audio system is not real high on my list of priorties right now with a major rockcrawling trip coming up but knowing I finally have good locations for a future amp and subwoofer feels pretty good.