DS18 Sound Bar System

I just looked at this post and the cost, all I can say is....

 
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You have to go coaxial in the roll bar, please do not go with a component as you will need to find a location for the tweeter. I once did that a couple years ago and it was not worth it.

You have a great head unit, and those kicker speakers would be like $140 total for both pairs, and you may be able to get a small 4 channel for around $125 and you will be in a good place for $300 when you factor in the amplifier.

The next level up you would want t a budget of $600. A solid amp, and speakers. Level would be a $1,000 budget....

These are my personal choices but each level will bring something additional to the sound.

Based on what I read from you, I would grab those Kickers along with an amplifier like this one:

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-127449-Soundstream-ST4.1200D.html
If you want more bass, you can spend a $100 on a self powered sub. Simple and cost effective.

i purchased both coaxial and component 6.5" BLAMs for my roll bar speaker pods and tested both out.. while it's a pain to have to mount the tweeter separately, i'm digging the sound of the components..

paired with the component 5.25" BLAMs in the dash in the select increment pods, the sound is incredible for an open top jeep!

i'll be holding on to the coaxial's for when i decide to upgrade to a bigger amp with more channels!
 
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Awesome stuff man!! 10-4 on the coaxial for the roll bar👌
What would be your suggestions on speakers and amp for a 600 buck budget?🤔🤔

There are a couple to choose from here. At that budget you could consider (1) upgraded speakers and amplifier, or (2) use the same amplifier and upgrade the speakers, mainly the fronts to relocate the tweeters to the dash.

At $600 bucks, I would go with this. Patience is important here as you must order from overseas, not shady, just the pandemic is slowing shipping down. @Rooscooter ordered from here so if he is around he can speak to both this company and the speakers. There may be a US vendor with these in stock and I PM'ed him to see what he has in stock. The forum admin bought stuff from him, so he can speak about that experience if he has anything.

This is about $420 USD for the amplifier and speakers - That leaves you with ample cash for wiring and a subwoofer as well. I would kind of go this route.

Amplifier: https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM-Ultra-compact-4-channels-amplifier-OEM-Compatible-BL-RA754D

5.25" https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM130RC

6.5" https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM165RC

Option 2. In this option you are focusing the budget towards the 5.25" speakers and pods.

Tweeter Pods: Anywhere from $30 - $130

Amplifier: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-127449-Soundstream-ST4.1200D.html

5.25": https://audiointensity.com/collecti...elix-p52c-5-25-2-way-component-speaker-system

6.5": https://www.crutchfield.com/S-gsSIjByOQP0/p_206DSC6504/Kicker-43DSC6504.html
 
i purchased both coaxial and component 6.5" BLAMs for my roll bar speaker pods and tested both out.. while it's a pain to have to mount the tweeter separately, i'm digging the sound of the components..

paired with the component 5.25" BLAMs in the dash in the select increment pods, the sound is incredible for an open top jeep!

i'll be holding on to the coaxial's for when i decide to upgrade to a bigger amp with more channels!

Great call! Can I ask where you got the BLAMs from? Not many people know of them, nor where to buy them?
 
There are a couple to choose from here. At that budget you could consider (1) upgraded speakers and amplifier, or (2) use the same amplifier and upgrade the speakers, mainly the fronts to relocate the tweeters to the dash.

At $600 bucks, I would go with this. Patience is important here as you must order from overseas, not shady, just the pandemic is slowing shipping down. @Rooscooter ordered from here so if he is around he can speak to both this company and the speakers. There may be a US vendor with these in stock and I PM'ed him to see what he has in stock. The forum admin bought stuff from him, so he can speak about that experience if he has anything.

This is about $420 USD for the amplifier and speakers - That leaves you with ample cash for wiring and a subwoofer as well. I would kind of go this route.

Amplifier: https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM-Ultra-compact-4-channels-amplifier-OEM-Compatible-BL-RA754D

5.25" https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM130RC

6.5" https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM165RC

Option 2. In this option you are focusing the budget towards the 5.25" speakers and pods.

Tweeter Pods: Anywhere from $30 - $130

Amplifier: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-127449-Soundstream-ST4.1200D.html

5.25": https://audiointensity.com/collecti...elix-p52c-5-25-2-way-component-speaker-system

6.5": https://www.crutchfield.com/S-gsSIjByOQP0/p_206DSC6504/Kicker-43DSC6504.html
Are those the same blams as you posted on page 1?
 
Are those the same blams as you posted on page 1?

Yes, and you can see the cost difference between buying locally in the US, vs in the UK. I forgot about that online shop and then looked up where rooscooter got his from. He had a great buying experience with that online vendor and had positive comments about the speakers as well.
 
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Yes, and you can see the cost difference between buying locally in the US, vs in the UK. I forgot about that online shop and then looked up where rooscooter got his from. He had a great buying experience with that online vendor and had positive comments about the speakers as well.

So it's better to purchase from them and wait out shipping?
 
So it's better to purchase from them and wait out shipping?

Look at the cost difference and then that is a personal decision. The USA place is $400 plus shipping for the speakers. The UK place is about $200 (150 pounds) plus shipping for the same speakers.

The USA place also has the 5.25" speaker mislabled so I would call to confirm before ordering from them. Another vendor that sells them would be better than this USA shop as he will be around to answer any questions you have. If anyone wants and intro I'd be happy to put you in touch.

https://unexpectedcreations.com/
 
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Look at the cost difference and then that is a personal decision. The USA place is $400 plus shipping for the speakers. The UK place is about $200 (150 pounds) plus shipping for the same speakers.

The USA place also has the 5.25" speaker mislabled so I would call to confirm before ordering from them. Another vendor that sells them would be better than this USA shop as he will be around to answer any questions you have. If anyone wants and intro I'd be happy to put you in touch.

https://unexpectedcreations.com/
So everything is sold as each, correct? I don’t see that clearly defined.
 
So everything is sold as each, correct? I don’t see that clearly defined.

That $400 is for both the 5.25" and 6.5" ($199/each). Is that what you are asking...sorry if I am misunderstanding.

@Tristar_tj - I pinged the guy at unexpected creations and he has the 6.5" BLAMs in stock but is seeing what he has for 5.25", and also what amps that would work. If anything peaks your interest you can reach out to him.
 
That $400 is for both the 5.25" and 6.5" ($199/each). Is that what you are asking...sorry if I am misunderstanding.

@Tristar_tj - I pinged the guy at unexpected creations and he has the 6.5" BLAMs in stock but is seeing what he has for 5.25", and also what amps that would work. If anything peaks your interest you can reach out to him.
I’m asking if it’s a pair of 6.5’s for $200
 
Great call! Can I ask where you got the BLAMs from? Not many people know of them, nor where to buy them?
Got them from incartec.. super cheap and shipping is 2 days from UK to California.. got the RA754D amp from them too.. it’s a sweet setup! Going to upgrade the head unit next, then I’ll be replacing my kicker HS8 with a BLAM sub and amp to go in the Sono-Pod. I’ve many friends in Europe that swear by this brand and I’ve definitely drank the kool-aid!
 
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I'm surprised DS18 even makes anything for a TJ.

speaker.webp
 
i purchased both coaxial and component 6.5" BLAMs for my roll bar speaker pods and tested both out.. while it's a pain to have to mount the tweeter separately, i'm digging the sound of the components..

paired with the component 5.25" BLAMs in the dash in the select increment pods, the sound is incredible for an open top jeep!

i'll be holding on to the coaxial's for when i decide to upgrade to a bigger amp with more channels!

So you're running BLAM 6.5 component in the roll bar with separate tweets then BLAM 5.25 in dash pods? What amp?
 
The answer is yes. Each box has 2 speakers for $200.

Unexpected creations has a good set-up, 6.5" BLAMs, 5.25" Kickers and a Soundigital amplifier. Soundigital makes small footprint amps, great fit for the Jeep.

Check out the specs.

https://soundigitalusa.com/products/400-4-evox/

Ok so here's my cart now (attached) from InCarTec which includes thier coaxial 6.5s, 5.25s and amp you suggested. So I should stick with a 4 channel then if I add a sub later, just get a stand alone system?

Screenshot_20201001-070905_Chrome.webp
 
Got them from incartec.. super cheap and shipping is 2 days from UK to California.. got the RA754D amp from them too.. it’s a sweet setup! Going to upgrade the head unit next, then I’ll be replacing my kicker HS8 with a BLAM sub and amp to go in the Sono-Pod. I’ve many friends in Europe that swear by this brand and I’ve definitely drank the kool-aid!

Awesome to hear. Yeah we heard great things and I believe the owner is a former Focal guy that spun out to compete. BLAMs high end stuff is super expensive. Heard great things about them.

If you ever come across a brand called Micro Precision you should check them out. I picked up their tweeters and they are amazing!

Also, check out Ground Zero for a sub, they have a great offering. I added an 8" Ground Zero to my center console to provide mid bass.
 
Ok so here's my cart now (attached) from InCarTec which includes thier coaxial 6.5s, 5.25s and amp you suggested. So I should stick with a 4 channel then if I add a sub later, just get a stand alone system?

View attachment 193539

Those are them, but the price is a little low. Was there a discount code? The cost of the 6.5" BLAMs appear not to be included in the price.

You will also need an amplifier wiring kit, and two pairs of RCA cables to connect the head unit to the amplifier. Incartec has an 8 gauge wiring kit that you could add, and then you need one more set of RCA cables.

Look at this brand and model number, love these and you can pick the length. You need two sets of two, but if one comes with an amplifier wiring kit you only need one additional pair.

https://www.tspeconline.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1
Screenshot_20201001-080520.jpg