Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ

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The Clarion M508 has been on my radar for a while. I like the semi-retro look compared to a lot of the modern units. Whether the cost is reasonable compared to the other options... well, that's probably why its still on my radar and not in my Jeep.

Yeah, I also like the more subtle retro look over the more modern units. I also like it's a Marine rated head unit and that the backlight display is white with black letters so it can be seen easier when the hardtop is off. I'm going to look hard at that one. I'm due for an head unit upgrade with the new sub and amp. Plenty of pre-amp outs too!
 
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Yeah, I also like the more subtle retro look over the more modern units. I also like it's a Marine rated head unit and that the backlight display is white with black letters so it can be seen easier when the hardtop is off. I'm going to look hard at that one. I'm due for an head unit upgrade with the new sub and amp. Plenty of pre-amp outs too!

agreed. I liked my M508, but went back to Alpine. Old habits die hard. I've been running Alpine head units for close to 30 years.
 
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agreed. I liked my M508, but went back to Alpine. Old habits die hard. I've been running Alpine head units for close to 30 years.

I had an Alpine head unit years ago and absolutely loved it. They used to cost an arm and a leg, they may still. The one I had you pulled the entire head unit out for security purposes. That was probably in the early 90's.

Here's one that meets my criteria, but I do'nt particularly like the styling.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500UTE73BT/Alpine-UTE-73BT.html?tp=5684
 
That's the one I have, I really like it
20220815_124310.jpg
 
I am replacing my ATOTO S8 with an Alpine ILX-407 but I didn't exactly like the price. I still have my old & trusty single DIN lying around. I mostly went to DDIN for easier track finding controls and Andriod Auto compatibility which I like to use for Navigation with my phone.

https://www.crutchfield.ca/S-Mq9AID3EOVZ/p_500HD149BT/Alpine-CDE-HD149BT.html

Here's the ILX-407. I think you accidentally linked to another head unit. Nice unit! Pricey...

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILX407/Alpine-iLX-407.html
 
yeah, I think I put it in my storage unit. If you are interested, I'll make you a deal.
 
I've got both a M508 and a UTE-73BT in the garage. Single Din radios are becoming rare - crutchfield doesnt carry the CDE-BT175 anymore which is a shame. I guess no one uses cds anymore...:LOL:
 
I've got both a M508 and a UTE-73BT in the garage. Single Din radios are becoming rare - crutchfield doesnt carry the CDE-BT175 anymore which is a shame. I guess no one uses cds anymore...:LOL:

I might be interested in the M508 if you want to get rid of it.
 
Lol, i'm good. Thanks though. I have a not-terrible pioneer unit currently. My money is being put to speakers/amp next.

I saw an opportunity to use that meme and couldn't resist.

I haven't got my amp and sub installed yet, but here's what I'm doing if interested.

Soundstream Picasso Nano 640D 5-Channel

Kicker L7S84 L7S 8" Sub Dual Voice Coil 4-Ohm

Polks already in dash and soundbar, but I'd go with Kicker KSS series or Blam if I was doing those again.

The box for the sub is built to fit under the rear seat.

1C74A4C8-21AB-4CBE-9FFD-C904B38F49B4_1_201_a.jpeg


B97409C0-2CD0-4347-9BF7-5BB5F6995CCE_1_201_a.jpeg
 
Thanks this is exactly what I needed. Good to know the kickers come with a bunch of different mounting options.

If you have any questions along the way, keep asking.

What reasonable cost head units are people turning to these days? My JVC is about 5 years old and I'm tired of having to update the software and now the clock won't work.

I was thinking of going with all pre-amp outputs since I'm going to be running the Soundstream Picasso Nano 5-channel amp. It will be powering Polk's in the front dash and rear soundbar and a Kicker 8" square sub in a sealed box under the rear seat. I found these single DIN on Crutchfield, but mostly looking for you guys research. Not sure if having pre-amp outputs for all speakers is an advantage. If not, I can go either way.

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_45955..._Channels|5&nvpair=FFPreamp_Output_Channels|6

Single or Double DIN?

I recently purchased and installed a Sony AX3200 in an older car. It is an entry level Double DIN....nothing special but has what I needed, Bluetooth and AM FM radio, Sirius. Has a couple near functions, like put your own picture as the wallpaper. It is entry level but solid, and pretty good for a Sony. Has preamp out puts that are awesome when you have a sub, so much better than speaker level connections.

If single DIN, I love Kenwood/JVC and would go for the KDC-X704. Bluetooth 4.2, HD Radio, CD player and 5 volt preamp outputs.

Any specific features you look for in a head unit?
 
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I haven't got my amp and sub installed yet, but here's what I'm doing if interested.

Soundstream Picasso Nano 640D 5-Channel

Kicker L7S84 L7S 8" Sub Dual Voice Coil 4-Ohm

Polks already in dash and soundbar, but I'd go with Kicker KSS series or Blam if I was doing those again.

The box for the sub is built to fit under the rear seat.

View attachment 351330

Great setup. I plan to run the Picasso Nano as well. Where are you going to mount it? Steering column?

Love the underseat sub too. I replaced my factory sub with a cheap replacement, and cant decide long term on the kicker in the console or a custom solution like you're going with.
 
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What reasonable cost head units are people turning to these days? My JVC is about 5 years old and I'm tired of having to update the software and now the clock won't work.

I was thinking of going with all pre-amp outputs since I'm going to be running the Soundstream Picasso Nano 5-channel amp. It will be powering Polk's in the front dash and rear soundbar and a Kicker 8" square sub in a sealed box under the rear seat. I found these single DIN on Crutchfield, but mostly looking for you guys research. Not sure if having pre-amp outputs for all speakers is an advantage. If not, I can go either way.

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_45955..._Channels|5&nvpair=FFPreamp_Output_Channels|6

The Clarion is decent. For BT it has an aPTX chip, but no HD Radio and does not play CDs. Preamp outputs are 4 volt which is solid. Good choice if it has everything you need.
 
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agreed. I liked my M508, but went back to Alpine. Old habits die hard. I've been running Alpine head units for close to 30 years.

Haha, same here, but Kenwood. The Sony head unit I bought was like the first Sony product I bought since the early 90s.
 
If you have any questions along the way, keep asking.



Single or Double DIN?

I recently purchased and installed a Sony AX3200 in an older car. It is an entry level Double DIN....nothing special but has what I needed, Bluetooth and AM FM radio, Sirius. Has a couple near functions, like put your own picture as the wallpaper. It is entry level but solid, and pretty good for a Sony. Has preamp out puts that are awesome when you have a sub, so much better than speaker level connections.

If single DIN, I love Kenwood/JVC and would go for the KDC-X704. Bluetooth 4.2, HD Radio, CD player and 5 volt preamp outputs.

Any specific features you look for in a head unit?

The X704 is on my short list as well, but I absolutely hate that they put an Alexa button on the front panel.

What kind of BT chip does Kenwood use? Are there some that have noticeably better in quality, connectivity speed, etc?
 
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