TJ Stereo Upgrade

JasonC

JasonC

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2024
Messages
20
Location
MA, USA
Hello Everyone,

I am planning on upgrading the sound system in my '03 TJ. I want to use the Polk DB 522s to the dash and Polk DB 652s to the sound pods as well as use the Sound Ordnance B-8PTD powered sub in my setup with the factory head unit. I really want to keep the factory head unit because I don't like the way the aftermarket ones look.

I contacted Crutchfield about how I could connect them all together, and the representative made a cart of all of the components that I would require to do this. I wanted to get the community's thoughts on what I am getting, especially when it comes to the AudioControl LC2i PRO and whether it is necessary. Below is a list of the components that were recommended:

  • AudioControl LC2i PRO 2-channel line output converter with AccuBASS™
  • Polk Audio DB 652 (x2)
  • Polk Audio DB 522 (x2)
  • EFX PA8BX Wiring Kit
  • Posi-Products Wire Connectors
  • Crutchfield Speaker Wire
  • Metra 72-6515 Speaker Wiring Adapters

Pictures of some of the products are below:

1715383788186.png


1715383823521.png


1715383916787.png


If someone else has made a similar stereo setup to what I am planning on making, please let me know if I am on the right track. Thank you!
 
While the factory radio is okay, I think that you're asking too much of it. Why don't you start by just replacing the speakers and see where that leads? You can always add more later.
A lot of us here don't particularly care for what the aftermarket radio industry has to offer. Many have mentioned a longing for a simple two knob radio that has decent sound.
Are you planning on CDs? If not there are a couple radios out there that don't look too bad.

FYPLAY Classic Bluetooth Car Stereo, FM Radio Receiver, Hands-Free Calling, Built-in Microphone, USB/SD/AUX Port, Support MP3/WMA/WAV, Dual Knob Audio Car Multimedia Player, Remote Control​

1715384888063.png
 
Well not an expert but the sound ordnance sub will take speaker level inputs- so you don’t need the LC2 to make that work, might give a cleaner signal though.

Literally just installed infinity 503cf to my factory stereo up front. $$ well spent, as I actually like the factory radio functionality and this brought tweeters up higher and just brightened up front sound stage. 3 ohm speakers gives it little more volume as well. I have a the kicker replacement for the factory sub- fosgate two way 6.5’s in the rear sound bar. I replaced everything in stages and happy with what I got. Not to say if I wanted to spend more money there is better to be had for sure.
 
C.J. Roberts said:
While the factory radio is okay, I think that you're asking too much of it. Why don't you start by just replacing the speakers and see where that leads? You can always add more later.
A lot of us here don't particularly care for what the aftermarket radio industry has to offer. Many have mentioned a longing for a simple two knob radio that has decent sound.
Are you planning on CDs? If not there are a couple radios out there that don't look too bad.

FYPLAY Classic Bluetooth Car Stereo, FM Radio Receiver, Hands-Free Calling, Built-in Microphone, USB/SD/AUX Port, Support MP3/WMA/WAV, Dual Knob Audio Car Multimedia Player, Remote Control​

View attachment 525872
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response. I will definitely start with just replacing the speakers, but I am planning on a new sub a some point because the factory one blew out.
 
Zorba said:
https://www.jensen-electronics.com/heavy-duty-stereos/

They're available with or without CD player, with or without Bluetooth, etc, etc. No tiny buttons or crazy displays, super cap station preset backup that lasts 30 days, conformal coated circuit boards, etc, etc.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this link. A lot of those seem pretty nice and won't look too out of place. I'll definitely look into this website more!
 
JustDandee said:
Well not an expert but the sound ordnance sub will take speaker level inputs- so you don’t need the LC2 to make that work, might give a cleaner signal though.

Literally just installed infinity 503cf to my factory stereo up front. $$ well spent, as I actually like the factory radio functionality and this brought tweeters up higher and just brightened up front sound stage. 3 ohm speakers gives it little more volume as well. I have a the kicker replacement for the factory sub- fosgate two way 6.5’s in the rear sound bar. I replaced everything in stages and happy with what I got. Not to say if I wanted to spend more money there is better to be had for sure.
Click to expand...

The guy on Crutchfield said something about how the LC2 corrects for "factory bass roll off" but I am unsure as to what that means. Those speakers that you mentioned sound like they're really nice, but are definitely a bit out of my price range for right now.
 
Sort of why I did my in phases… less out go at one time. I am including a link as there is technically two versions of this infinity speaker…I bought the cheaper.😉

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108P503CF/Infinity-Primus-503CF.html


Don’t know that Jeeps head unit rolled off, it could but I don’t notice with my factory sub. My previous Toyota Tacoma did for sure and I added one those under seat subs and it worked well just using the speaker level inputs. You can always put the LC2 inline at a later time if your budget is limiting. So to your question is it necessary- it isn’t. More better?….likely.
 
JasonC said:
Thank you for this link. A lot of those seem pretty nice and won't look too out of place. I'll definitely look into this website more!
Click to expand...

Several here have used them with good results, including me. I got the basic unit without CD or Bluetooth (I use geek sticks for music).
 
Ditch that signal processor garbage
You need to upgrade the factory head unit

Then factor in an external 4 channel amplifier if you want better sound from any speakers.
 
Last edited:
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JasonC said:
The guy on Crutchfield said something about how the LC2 corrects for "factory bass roll off" but I am unsure as to what that means. Those speakers that you mentioned sound like they're really nice, but are definitely a bit out of my price range for
Click to expand...

JasonC said:
A lot of oem head units even in new cars are designed to reduce the bass as you turn up the volume so it won't blow the inexpensive oem speakers. That's what bass roll off means . What the LC2 does is correct/compensate for the roll off. Keep in mind that LC2 would make sense if you're going to upgrade to better speakers and perhapsan an amp. LC2 is a good product. I've owned some of their higher models (LC7 or 9 I think) and have been pleased with it.
Click to expand...
 
Jas

Jason, sorry about the screwy way my reply above about the meaning of bass roll off posted as a quote. But off course my explanation is accurate.

I don't know why my cellphone sometimes screws up my reply postings.
 
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I've kept the factory head unit too. You can read my notes here.

I'd recommend that you start by replacing the speakers with a set that can be driven by the low output of a factory head unit. Then you can always put a 4- or 5-channel amp between the head unit and the speakers later on. Some of us have fit one under the steering column.
 
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SSTJ said:
I've kept the factory head unit too. You can read my notes here.

I'd recommend that you start by replacing the speakers with a set that can be driven by the low output of a factory head unit. Then you can always put a 4- or 5-channel amp between the head unit and the speakers later on. Some of us have fit one under the steering column.
Click to expand...

I am going to start by just replacing the sound pod and dash speakers, but I was wondering if it is okay to skip the sub for now and just leave it unplugged. I ask this because the factory one is blown out and makes really bad sounds if the bass gets too loud and I know that some stereos don't like if you leave some of the speakers unplugged while operating them.
 
JasonC said:
I am going to start by just replacing the sound pod and dash speakers, but I was wondering if it is okay to skip the sub for now and just leave it unplugged. I ask this because the factory one is blown out and makes really bad sounds if the bass gets too loud and I know that some stereos don't like if you leave some of the speakers unplugged while operating them.
Click to expand...

I don't think these OEM stereos could possibly tell. But of course you could try unplugging the sub before you do anything else.

When the time comes, there are some good threads on here about restoring/replacing the factory center console sub. I wanted that space for storage so placed mine under the driver's seat.
 
JasonC said:
Hello Everyone,

I am planning on upgrading the sound system in my '03 TJ. I want to use the Polk DB 522s to the dash and Polk DB 652s to the sound pods as well as use the Sound Ordnance B-8PTD powered sub in my setup with the factory head unit. I really want to keep the factory head unit because I don't like the way the aftermarket ones look.

I contacted Crutchfield about how I could connect them all together, and the representative made a cart of all of the components that I would require to do this. I wanted to get the community's thoughts on what I am getting, especially when it comes to the AudioControl LC2i PRO and whether it is necessary. Below is a list of the components that were recommended:

  • AudioControl LC2i PRO 2-channel line output converter with AccuBASS™
  • Polk Audio DB 652 (x2)
  • Polk Audio DB 522 (x2)
  • EFX PA8BX Wiring Kit
  • Posi-Products Wire Connectors
  • Crutchfield Speaker Wire
  • Metra 72-6515 Speaker Wiring Adapters

Pictures of some of the products are below:

View attachment 525869

View attachment 525870

View attachment 525871

If someone else has made a similar stereo setup to what I am planning on making, please let me know if I am on the right track. Thank you!
Click to expand...

Get some BLAM equipment instead of Polk stuff. Also, get a BLAM amp plus that sub you posted. Keep the stock head unit if you want, all good there, but a new head unit will give you streaming and also HD radio. Or keep stock HU and connect to the amplifier. BLAM links below and also a picture of stuff I previously sold on this site, showing the stock HU connecting to an amp.

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ncy-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-130RFC

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ency-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-165RC

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...s-D-4-Channel-4-50W-4-75W-amplifier-BL-RA754D

IMG_20200523_160352 (1).jpg
 
skrelnik said:
Get some BLAM equipment instead of Polk stuff. Also, get a BLAM amp plus that sub you posted. Keep the stock head unit if you want, all good there, but a new head unit will give you streaming and also HD radio. Or keep stock HU and connect to the amplifier. BLAM links below and also a picture of stuff I previously sold on this site, showing the stock HU connecting to an amp.

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ncy-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-130RFC

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ency-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-165RC

https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...s-D-4-Channel-4-50W-4-75W-amplifier-BL-RA754D

View attachment 526362
Click to expand...

Are the BLAM ones significantly better? I like the polk ones because they have good reviews, they're cheap, and they're on amazon so I can use some gift cards.
 
JasonC said:
Are the BLAM ones significantly better? I like the polk ones because they have good reviews, they're cheap, and they're on amazon so I can use some gift cards.
Click to expand...

Yes, BLAMs are significantly better sounding/quality, especially when paired with a proper amplifier. They are 2 ohm and just sound awesome for the price.

I had the Polk speakers in my jeep and they were great back in 2012, yes 2012, when these BLAM speakers were not around.

BLAMs are the same price as Polk. These BLAM relax are, their high end stuff costs more than our TJs.
 
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