OK, this is the last audio upgrade I'm going to do

[89grand]

...well, until I have the next hair brained idea. What I've done so far has worked, but I think this is the last change I'm going to make, then just accept the audio system for what it is, and what you can do in a loud Jeep. I already have a very good sounding system in my car.

I just saw this Kicker amp the other day, and it does everything I want it to. It's perfect for my system. It can run front and rear speakers, or be use to bi-amp the front. On top of that, when used to bi-amp the front, it'll set the crossover to 3.2khz for tweeters, or 320hz if using a coaxial or full range type of speaker, and that 320hz option will work perfectly for my Tang Band mini modules, as I'm limited to 200hz as a crossover. That works, but 320hz is better. So I'll be using it in bi-amp mode for the Dayton woofers in the dash and TB modules on the A-pillars.

It has auto eq and time alignment with the included mic, it has a compression option, and that is great for top down driving when you can't always tell how much distortion is going on, so that would act as a limiter to not completely over drive any speakers. Power wise, it's rated at 45w x 4, so it should be about the same as my Kenwood's 50w x 4. It's stupid small, even smaller than my small Kenwood.

https://www.kicker.com/key-smart-amplifier
I think I'll re-purpose the Kenwood amp and run it bridged as a 2 channel amp on the headunits rear channels, and run these Peerless woofers in the sound bar from 20-200hz. I don't like mid and high frequencies coming from the sound bar, and always have it faded heavily towards the front anyway, so I'd rather have more bass/midbass. Those Peerless woofers are designed for small enclosures, and I'm sure the sound bars internal volume isn't all that much. Maybe .1 cubic feet per speaker at the most.

https://www.parts-express.com/peerless-sls-p830945-5-1-4-paper-cone-woofer-4-ohm--264-1604
And I'll still run my powered sub on the tailgate...for now.

Most will probably say "why bother?", it's just a hobby of mine, and I like challenges sometimes.

 

[twistedlv]

You really seem to know your stuff. If I sent you specs on my system, could you help me set it up?
I love music, but I have no clue about crossover or slope, etc..

 

[89grand]

You really seem to know your stuff. If I sent you specs on my system, could you help me set it up?
I love music, but I have no clue about crossover or slope, etc..

Of course. My love of music is what has driven me to seek out the best sound I can get out of something. I'd be more than happy to help you in any way I can.

 

[ftwhite3]

Tuning in the jeeps, even with good speakers and Amps, is so much harder than other cars. It's so tinny and open by default. Good ideas. Be interested how it turns out.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[twistedlv]

Right on

Of course. My love of music is what has driven me to seek out the best sound I can get out of something. I'd be more than happy to help you in any way I can.

Right on! I'm in the process of putting 5.25s in the dash and trying your surround technique. Later, I'll tackle the huge two 10" box and amp the PO installed behind the rear seat. Probably with a small powered sub like yours.

 

[JMT]

@89grand. Last change to the audio!

 

[89grand]

@89grand. Last change to the audio!

I mean it this time. Let me guess, you also you don't believe junkies when they say "This is the last bag of heroin, I promise"?

 

[-T.]

I like the idea of these compact subs in the soundbar, as those are what always just end up getting too shrill on my cheapo set up. Honestly, I'm not crazy about the look of the overhead speakers in general. I've been keeping my eye out for some other clever way to put some reasonable speakers in the rear of the Jeep and just remove the overheads all together. It's tough though when you want to keep the option of having the back seat in the Jeep. If I was never intending to run a rear seat, I could build a low profile box for some speakers that wouldn't get in the way of packing stuff for camping. But I find myself in need of the rear seat often enough, that I have to work around having one person sitting in the back, and then still having room to pack stuff. They are definitely more tricky to set up a decent stereo in, than a typical car.

 

[skrelnik]

I mean it this time. Let me guess, you also you don't believe junkies when they say "This is the last bag of heroin, I promise"?

Haha...so true...wait until you want to put a crossover in your speaker pods.

By the way @89grand - are you still looking for the internal specs on the pods? I no longer use these pods and can measure if you are still looking.

 

[whitrzac]

What is the OD of the recesed area of the pod?

 

[bobthetj03]

I believe 03+ TJ's had plastic trim panels for the inside windshield frame. Maybe you could find some at a wrecking yard or Davey's and find a creative way to mount them to the trim panels? Just a thought.

 

[skrelnik]

I believe 03+ TJ's had plastic trim panels for the inside windshield frame. Maybe you could find some at a wrecking yard or Davey's and find a creative way to mount them to the trim panels? Just a thought.

That's what I did, I ordered a used set off of Ebay so I could carve them up a little. I got them for $25 so worth the investment. I still have my original a-pillar trim, as well as those speaker pods I posted above, I got the speaker pods from Davey's jeep to carve up and add the tweeters, the same tweeters that are now on the a-pillars

 

[bobthetj03]

It would be cool if you could recess those Tangs into the trim panel so they kind of look like they are part of the panel. Not sure if you'd have enough depth, but would be cool none the less.

 

[89grand]

It would be cool if you could recess those Tangs into the trim panel so they kind of look like they are part of the panel. Not sure if you'd have enough depth, but would be cool none the less.

I really want to find a way to make them more integrated. I didn't even know the 03+ had plastic a-pillar covers until this thread. I looked on ebay, but they were all priced pretty high. I think I could maybe mold them into those somehow to look more factory. I don't want to do any permanent mods to the Jeep, but those plastic trim pieces might just be the ticket.

 

[skrelnik]

I really want to find a way to make them more integrated. I didn't even know the 03+ had plastic a-pillar covers until this thread. I looked on ebay, but they were all priced pretty high. I think I could maybe mold them into those somehow to look more factory. I don't want to do any permanent mods to the Jeep, but those plastic trim pieces might just be the ticket.

Feel free to PM me an offer, I have my stock ones laying around. If you need a measurement just let me know.

 

[89grand]

Feel free to PM me an offer, I have my stock ones laying around. If you need a measurement just let me know.

How do they attach? Are the a-pillars different on the 03+ to be able to attach them?

 

[skrelnik]

How do they attach? Are the a-pillars different on the 03+ to be able to attach them?

Going off memory there were three screws and I believe it attached to the sun visor, but need to be in the Jeep to confirm.

Found a picture, not mine, but these are the three screws.

 

[PoohPoohCavalio]

Hey all, Just ordered a new stereo from Crutchfield today, going with stereo wakebard Memphis 6.5" on the roll bar, Audio Control Lc4.8 amp pushed by a line level amp to hit it hard, 10 gauge speaker wire(cause I can, and when pushing dbs, it helps with the soundstage). Went with the Alpine ine-977 and using the kac attatchment to make 6 of my rockers into virtual rockers on the 6 inch screen of the Alpine. The old lady and I are getting older(actually we GOT there) so we like our creature comforts, and it takes a lot to drown out the 37's(hee hee, I just keep telling her Jeeps are naturally loud). I like my Home and Music Recording Studio high end equipment, so I have learned to like Just Stereo speakers, and I am hoping these will create a better soundstage than using more speakers. Hoping to stay away from Subs, I find they muddy everything up, but I reserve the right to change my mind. Also wiring up a new relay harness for all the extras, get rid of the rats nest. Any one have any good stories of sound dampening or sound reinforcement that do enough to warrant the time? I am glad I never liked Heroin, Cause I like never ending projects.

 

[skrelnik]

Hey all, Just ordered a new stereo from Crutchfield today, going with stereo wakebard Memphis 6.5" on the roll bar, Audio Control Lc4.8 amp pushed by a line level amp to hit it hard, 10 gauge speaker wire(cause I can, and when pushing dbs, it helps with the soundstage). Went with the Alpine ine-977 and using the kac attatchment to make 6 of my rockers into virtual rockers on the 6 inch screen of the Alpine. The old lady and I are getting older(actually we GOT there) so we like our creature comforts, and it takes a lot to drown out the 37's(hee hee, I just keep telling her Jeeps are naturally loud). I like my Home and Music Recording Studio high end equipment, so I have learned to like Just Stereo speakers, and I am hoping these will create a better soundstage than using more speakers. Hoping to stay away from Subs, I find they muddy everything up, but I reserve the right to change my mind. Also wiring up a new relay harness for all the extras, get rid of the rats nest. Any one have any good stories of sound dampening or sound reinforcement that do enough to warrant the time? I am glad I never liked Heroin, Cause I like never ending projects.

I think the single best audio updrade on the TJ is to relocate, or add new, tweeters up on the a-pillar so it hits you in the face, on axis. See post 12 for a visual. All you need to us 50-100 watts and the sound is loud and great, for the TJ, and sound deadening will not help that much unless you literally wrap the entire TJ in in. My amp sends 70 watts and I'm in a good place, second amp sends more power, 125 watts, to the overhead speaker pods, but those 6.5" Polk woofers are used as my subwoofer along with the 6.75" in the center console. I dont like overwhelming bass, so this was a good middle ground.

Sounds like you are in audiophile and like quality stuff. How do you like that KAC controller, what us it controlling for you, like winch, aux lights? Man you have me rethinking a double DIN to utilize one of these...

That Audio Control LC 4.800 got solid reviews. How do you like the DSP interface? I've been using Audiotec Fischers DSP software for a few years so I an biased towards them, love their interface and products, the Match M5DSP is a solid product and what I currently have in the Jeep.

 

[PoohPoohCavalio]

I hear you about the sound deadening, like I always say if you want great sound in a TJ, get a great pair of closed back headphones....and even then....
I will let you know what I think, it is literally in the mail. On the bright side, I am already working on the Tj this morn, taking out the carpet, and figuring out where to make my new run, nice and clean. Figure on putting the amp behind the dash. Do I need a glove box? I could transform it into an opening Amp box. Soldering up a whole new relay panel for cleanliness and future renovations, and to tidy everything up. Got my dual battery kit coming also. Too many ideas, not enough time. Why my wife still likes me, WHY? Getting rid of the Glove box? Where will we put anything? That is the difference, my anything is a hideaway amp for a vehicle that will always sound like shit....go figure.
Yes I DO like great sound and quality stuff. There are a couple double din dashes that are available, and you know everything behind it is easily modified so I said why not? I think the real sleeper here is going to be the audio control line level amp btwn the Alpine head unit and the Amp though. For Less than 2bills I think it is going to make a 4bill difference. Why do we do this to ourselves? I am waxing poetically about getting great sound in a TJ. I am not right in the brain. Great sound is NEVER going to happen.