[JeepDoo]

A lot of people on JF ask about upgrading the sound system in their Wranglers for obvious reasons. At least those of us with soft tops. Without hooking up your speakers to an amp, you wont get good sound quality, nor be able to hear your music. So this thread is 90% about speakers. Subwoofer information is everywhere, if you really need advice then pm me on that topic. But here is my first hand knowledge on how to make your Jeep blast the tunes no matter what road, speed, or lack of top-ness you encounter.

For now i'll give you a generic scenario that will suit most of your needs.

You have 4, 4 ohm speakers, each with an RMS of 50 watts. Most speakers out there will match this description, with the exception of the RMS wattage which can vary from 35-100 watts depending on the speaker brand, quality, price. I am assuming 2 of these speakers will go in the dash, and 2 will go in the sound bar. You can successfully run all 4 of these speakers on 1 amp. There are 2 ways you can go about it.

Here are some diagrams to refer to if you dont understand wiring.

Series & Parallel Wiring Diagrams

First way is a bit cheaper, buy a 2 channel amp that puts out about 50 watts RMS at 2 ohms. Now you parallel wire each set of 2 speakers to 1 channel of your amp. This will draw a 2 ohm load from the 2, 4 ohm speakers. This is cheaper because 2 ch amps are cheaper than 4 ch amps. Only problem is 2 ohm loads on amps will generally loose a tiny bit of sound quality over 4 ohm loads.

Second way you can do it is a bit more professional and will sound better, last longer (not as hard on the amp), and cost more. Buy a 4 channel amp that puts out 50 watts at 4 ohms. With a 4 channel amp and 4 speakers, you dont have to do any complicated wiring like series or parallel. Simply hook up the negative side and the positive side of each speaker to the corresponding + & - jack on the amp. Each speaker will be running off it's own separate channel.

BTW, the amp is where you get your sound quality. You can have crappy speakers with a really expensive amp and it will sound a lot better than 600$ speakers running on a cheapo amp. So if you were wondering, spend your money on the amp. I would suggest just about anything over 100$. Price literally does matter, you dont want the smittybilt of amps powering your speakers when you are trying to hear mids over worn down mud terrains. Do yourself the favor and get the Savvy of amps. (brand examples will be listed below)

Another advantage of the first method is 2 channel amps are almost half the size of 4 channel amps. With a Jeep Wrangler size plays a big role, unlike a sedan where there is a whole trunk you can fit 5 amps in. We are not so lucky. I managed to fit 3 amps in my Jeep. 1 under the rear seat, 1 under the driver seat, and one behind the rear seat next to my sub box. But I wouldn't suggest it because I lost all the places I normally stored stuff. So, take a look around your Jeep, assess the situation, and pic a place to stuff the amp. If there's room for a hefty 4 channel, then that option is open to you.

2 channel amp


4 channel amp


I went with the second method for my speakers. They are hooked to a 4 channel amp that puts out 65 watts RMS per channel. The 6.5" in my sound bar are rated at 80 watts RMS and the 5,1/4" in my dash are rated at 55 watts RMS. The amp puts out a little too much for the dash speakers but a little wont hurt them, I just turned the gains down.

If you dont know what gains are then read this paragraph.
Tuning your amp
Just like a cb radio, aligning steering, balancing tires etc. You have to tune your system post install. There are 3 different things to be concerned with. The gain, the frequency, and the crossover. Once you have your speakers hooked up to the amp and the amp hooked up to your stereo and 12V source, then you are ready for this step.
The gain controls are basically volume controls. Turn the stereo on and adjust the volume to about 3/4 of max. Then turn the gain dial on your amp up to where you would consider LOUD. Then turn your stereo down to a comfortable volume and proceed to the crossover control. Most amps have both a low pass filter and a high pass filter. The low is for subwoofers, the high is for speakers. You want to switch the amp to the high pass setting. Basically it filters the higher frequencies into the speakers and emits the low frequencies that you only want subwoofers to pick up. Now to adjust the frequency dials. Most amps have both a low pass and high pass frequency dial. Turn the low pass all the way down, it will most likely be there already. And then turn the high pass dial somewhere above 100 hz. play around with the dial with the stereo turned up and see what you like best. I honestly still haven't found one setting i like so i have mine on about 250 hz.
Last thing. If the amp has a bass boost setting. Obviously turn it to OFF, or 0db.

If you want to spend the time, a more professional writeup on setting gain controls can be found here, under the Audio How-To page:
http://sirgcal.com/

Here's a 2 channel amp, note the different dials and switches.



Thank you to Sonic Electronix for the pictures.
I've bought from them several times. They have a selection of good quality amps, speakers, subs, even custom sub boxes for you to imagine fitting in your Wrangler.

Sonic Electronix Car Audio Home Page

As for good brands of equipment. Here's a little compilation that i've heard good things about:

Speakers:
Polk Audio
Infinity Kappas
Boston Acoustics
JL Audio
Alpine R type
Focal
CDT
Image Dynamics
Kicker
Stay away from Alpine S type (guess who has them) they are already buzzing and annoying me with their bad quality.

Amps:
JL Audio
Kicker
Alpine
Orion
Rockford Fosgate
Hifonics
US amps
Soundstream
Eclipse
Stay away from Pioneer & Kenwood amps, they are crap, take my word for it.

Good Luck with your sound system. You will find that it is just as enjoyable to work on as the rest of your Jeep. Just be patient, and do it right the first time. I wrote this so you dont have to spend as much time as me researching and buying either bad or the wrong equipment.

TREAD LIGHTLY, NOT QUIETLY

Here is additional inforation added by other forum members

Originally Posted by gily25

While I second the idea of using a 2 channel amp...instead of running the amp paralell to accomodate 4 speakers use it to power ONLY the dash speakers. Sound bar speakers can be a lesser quality version of the dash speakers (if you run type R in the dash, run type S in the soundbar) and run off the head unit's 18 watts. This will set your dash up to be a "soundstage". When speakers pointing in different directions come together in front and behind your ear you risk cancellation or leave you feeling "hard of hearing". If you don't use an amp stick to speakers rated for 35 watts or less.

If you're using a subwoofer then stick to 5.25" for EACH of the 4 speaker locations (2 dash, 2 soundbar). Having the larger speakers behind your head will pull the soundstage behind you...it would be like if you turned around and faced the back of the room at a concert. To mount a 5.25 in the dash of a TJ you need to fabricate or buy an adapter . In a YJ or CJ you have to depend on small speakers or use kick pods or a center console enclosure...then your speaker sizes will vary...the note about soundbars would stick. 6x9 rollbar pods could be used...you may want to power these for some extra midbass. Full sized model Jeep will differ in size but the idea of soundstaging remains the same. You may want to power rear door speakers if you carry passengers often. In a JK a standard 6.5" component set or coaxials in the dash will work best with a similar set for the soundbar.

Quality of wiring makes as much a difference to sound quality as a good amp. If you spent money on a RF or JL amp spend money on a good amp kit don't simply buy the cheapest scosche on the wal mart shelf. If you want to cut costs go to a website like knukonceptz.com where you can buy wiring by the foot.

Speaker brand matters most to the person hearing the speakers and the installation of those speakers. You need to "audition" a speaker before you buy it.

Head units are super important too. We usually recommend Alpine and eclipse. Crutchfield.com has a variety of models with various features and good deals that include installation parts.

[kolky]

Nice write-up!

[gily25]

An easy to read write-up...good effort...I have some additions.

1) When setting gain you should use a DMM to cerrectly synch the head unit volume and gain knob. There are many calculators available on the web. Our moderator sirgcal has one in the audio section of his sirgcal.com website.

2) While I second the idea of using a 2 channel amp...instead of running the amp paralell to accomodate 4 speakers use it to power ONLY the dash speakers. Sound bar speakers can be a lesser quality version of the dash speakers (if you run type R in the dash, run type S in the soundbar) and run off the head unit's 18 watts. This will set your dash up to be a "soundstage". When speakers pointing in different directions come together in front and behind your ear you risk cancellation or leave you feeling "hard of hearing". If you don't use an amp stick to speakers rated for 35 watts or less.

3) If you're using a subwoofer then stick to 5.25" for EACH of the 4 speaker locations (2 dash, 2 soundbar). Having the larger speakers behind your head will pull the soundstage behind you...it would be like if you turned around and faced the back of the room at a concert. To mount a 5.25 in the dash of a TJ you need to fabricate or buy an adapter . In a YJ or CJ you have to depend on small speakers or use kick pods or a center console enclosure...then your speaker sizes will vary...the note about soundbars would stick. 6x9 rollbar pods could be used...you may want to power these for some extra midbass. Full sized model Jeep will differ in size but the idea of soundstaging remains the same. You may want to power rear door speakers if you carry passengers often. In a JK a standard 6.5" component set or coaxials in the dash will work best with a similar set for the soundbar.

4) Quality of wiring makes as much a difference to sound quality as a good amp. If you spent money on a RF or JL amp spend money on a good amp kit don't simply buy the cheapest scosche on the wal mart shelf. If you want to cut costs go to a website like knukonceptz.com where you can buy wiring by the foot.

5) Speaker brand matters most to the person hearing the speakers and the installation of those speakers. You need to "audition" a speaker before you buy it. The brands listed above have been used by many members on JF. People have also used Focal, CDT, image dynamics and kicker with success. The Alpine type s...they're usually very reliable for an entry level speaker and are great soundbar speakers along with the entry level kicker. The brands also make good subs.

6) Amp brand does matter...the ones listed above are tested by users on JF. I would move kenwood amps to the crap note with pioneer. Other good amps are hifonics, US amps (they have a small model perfect for jeeps...2 will fit in a Jeep easily and run a pair of dash speakers and a sub), soundstream (their stealth series are a good budget model for people who won't shell out for a pdx), eclipse, image dynamics and of course the list goes on.

7) For this thread to be a sticky it should probably mention subwoofers & enclosures. The speaker brands above also make good subs. Most users go for a 10" or 12" a few people use duals subs but you lose most of your space. All in one units like the kenwood, boss, clarion can easily be stashed where an amp will fit. Some people use bazooka tubes behind the rear seat. Enclosures need to be sized for the sub and downfiring is the best for open air jeeps. A good spot to find designs for a TJ is just4effect.com or sirgcal.com the center console sub box thread is also a good option. The factory upgrade thread (for TJ) is usually active and also a good place for info. In a YJ or CJ enclosure options are usually behind the rear seat or custom center console installations. Full sized Jeeps typically use generic SUV boxes. JKs seem to be sticking to upgrading the factory speaker like the linked TJ thread...or building a behind the seat downfiring box...just4effect.com has some JK designs.

8) Head units are super important too. We usually recommend Alpine and eclipse. Crutchfield.com has a variety of models with various features and good deals that include installation parts.

This thread could make a good sticky...but I hope anyone who finds it in the future will always start a new thread when they need hands on advice...brands change...installation ideas spring up...etc.

[alexrule123]

Originally Posted by gily25

4) Quality of wiring makes as much a difference to sound quality as a good amp. If you spent money on a RF or JL amp spend money on a good amp kit don't simply buy the cheapest scosche on the wal mart shelf. If you want to cut costs go to a website like knukonceptz.com where you can buy wiring by the foot.

Knukonceptz is by far one of the best places to get wiring IMO. I was very surprised by the quality of the wiring and the fast shipping.

Originally Posted by gily25

5) People have also used Focal, CDT, image dynamics with success.

I have used all 3 and they are very high quality brands but each one has it's strengths and weaknesses.

[JeepDoo]

Thanks for the additions. I want this thread to grow with good information.

Maybe i will do another big writeup on subwoofers. My reasoning for this thread was to keep it speaker specific for people that want to hear their music. There are so many different things to consider when doing subwoofers that it would take some work to cover every basis.

I like your idea of sound staging from the front. Only problem i have is the front speakers tend to get drowned out when im doing 70 mph with no top and doors. The soundbar speakers are inches from my head so thats pretty much what i hear. I have the gains turned down when the top is on though so i do get most of the sound from the front. I will eventually get something different to replace my 6.5" S types because they randomly start buzzing every once in awhile, i will consider going back to a 5,1/4".

But im not sure about your idea on not amping those speakers. I actually had mine set up like that before my alpines shipped (got the dash speakers first) and the quality from the bar was horrid when i had it turned up. those were eclipse 3 way 5,1/4" rated at 35 RMS. IMO amps make the sound quality better. Even a 35 RMS speaker will sound better with 35 watts from an amp than if it was hooked to a deck running around 18. That is if you buy a good amp.

[gily25]

I don't think it would be necessary to have a full write-up for subwoofers. Subwoofer set-up information is so widely available on the web. It's building a vehicle with true sound quality that doesn't make the mainstream enough. How often do you see SQ videos on youtube? How often do you see SPL videos? On that note you comment about people who want to hear their music...IMHO music has a low end and I want to hear that; every sound system should have a subwoofer or abilty to produce low range frequency spectrums. You're right not to focus much on subs tho...some people put all their money into 2 12's and run the factory speakers for mids and highs LOL.

Doors off...that will always be the real reason you can't build an adequate system in a wrangler. It means comps in the doors are out and we know the backwave issues with the dash speakers are a drag. For this reason I went with component speakers. I don't recommend components for wranglers because the only location for the tweeter is on the dash and there's too much separation. What I've gained by having the tweeter there is ability to hear my highs without powering the soundbar speakers and causing soundstage problems. I can hear a baseball game or talk radio running down the highway with the doors off...sure it's not optimal sound but having the doors off 'IS' optimal for me!

[kennyboobear]

Originally Posted by gily25

4) Quality of wiring makes as much a difference to sound quality as a good amp. If you spent money on a RF or JL amp spend money on a good amp kit don't simply buy the cheapest scosche on the wal mart shelf. If you want to cut costs go to a website like knukonceptz.com where you can buy wiring by the foot.

Have to agree with the wiring part 100% Went overboard with mine, but would rather have too much than too little. Have 6ga Monster and then a gold plated rca-3.5mm running from my 4ch to whatever peripheral device I choose and it does make a world of difference.

Have a 10" Rockford for the extra umph, Polk DBs in the rollbar and Infinitys in the dash, and maybe I'm crazy, but the sound I get in my Wrangler I find to be damn near perfect, even with the top off at 65mph. Like you, I almost went component, originally had gotten a nice component set (which I later sold here on JF) for free from my brother, as it was just collecting dust in his garage. Decided I'd be better off getting 2-way Polk DBs, and I was correct. The 2-way Infinitys in the dash just give it the extra touch onto the highs, and after a buncha tooling around with the settings on my 4ch, I got everything sounding perfect. Have ch3 and 4 bridged for my 10" sub and 1&2 acting as a left and right channel.

[AggieTreed]

I'm thinking about putting a custom sound system in my 98 Cherokee. My idea is to move the front door speakers to the ceiling, put some speakers in the middle between the front and rear, and fiberglass them all in for a good smooth look and a total of 6 speakers not counting my subs. Has anyone else attempted this, or does anyone else have any additional ideas?

[Richd1963]

Great advice guys. Best thread I have seen in a while.

[Unlimitedlou]

Great write-up. I want to bring this back from the dead. I need some advice. Do I need to go with 2-channel or 3-channel speakers. I just want a little more sound. Does anyone have part numbers?

[KevKaos]

Adding myself to this thread because I want to do something with my Rubi's audio, but not sure what yet. I know i'm going to have questions.

Matter of fact, I have one now. Are the speakers in the soundbar difficult to replace? Meaning, can the soundbar be opened up relatively easily?

[rubibluejay]

Originally Posted by Unlimitedlou

Great write-up. I want to bring this back from the dead. I need some advice. Do I need to go with 2-channel or 3-channel speakers. I just want a little more sound. Does anyone have part numbers?

I would stick with coaxial speakers (2 way) unless you plan on running components up front. There was a recent write up done by CsKWarEd, where he used the JK tweeter housing to mount components in his TJ. Here's the link, in case you wanted to check it out.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f20/5-25-dash-components-using-jk-tweeter-pods-05-tj-1200525/

Originally Posted by KevKaos

Adding myself to this thread because I want to do something with my Rubi's audio, but not sure what yet. I know i'm going to have questions.

Matter of fact, I have one now. Are the speakers in the soundbar difficult to replace? Meaning, can the soundbar be opened up relatively easily?

There are 4 screws in the grill of each sound pod. The factory speakers had a seal on the mounting surface of the basket, so you might have to pry (just to break the seal, then it pulls out easy) it off.


Jay

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by rubibluejay

There are 4 screws in the grill of each sound pod. The factory speakers had a seal on the mounting surface of the basket, so you might have to pry (just to break the seal, then it pulls out easy) it off.


Jay

Thanks!!! I was at work and couldn't really picture it. I have an 05 Rubicon with the subwoofer and the soundbar. Before I drove home from work, I was looking at the soundbar speakers. I swear they look like they should be 6.5in, but I'll have to measure them. I was thinking of putting in some Polk DB651 2 way 6.5 speakers but thought I read that those speakers are actually 5.5 in and you might need to modify to get the 6.5s ito the soundbar.

[rubibluejay]

Originally Posted by KevKaos

Thanks!!! I was at work and couldn't really picture it. I have an 05 Rubicon with the subwoofer and the soundbar. Before I drove home from work, I was looking at the soundbar speakers. I swear they look like they should be 6.5in, but I'll have to measure them. I was thinking of putting in some Polk DB651 2 way 6.5 speakers but thought I read that those speakers are actually 5.5 in and you might need to modify to get the 6.5s ito the soundbar.

You're welcome, KevKaos. I'm running the db521 coaxials in my sound pods.


Jay

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by rubibluejay

You're welcome, KevKaos. I'm running the db521 coaxials in my sound pods.


Jay

So those are 5 1/4in right? I take it you like them just fine. I'm not looking to run an amp at this time, just upgrade the speakers a bit. I'd appreciate your opinion if you have the time to give it.