I've had my TJ for a week but have been researching audio upgrades for about a month. Based on a previous install in a CJ-7, I figured I would just pick up a marine radio and some Polk db speakers from Crutchfield and be on my way. It had been awhile since I'd shopped for car audio gear and I was surprised at newer tech like compact and bluetooth amps but also disappointed by the current single DIN marine radios. A Google search to see what other TJ owners had done brought me to this forum. I've probably spent more time reading threads here than is good for my job but I definitely feel like I've picked up a lot of great info.
I'm long winded, I apologize in advance. Questions just below the next section with the endless babble about thought process following that so it can be easily skipped.
Short(ish) version:
The MUCH longer version:
I've been thinking about this way too many hours the last month. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was looking for before I stared spitting out questions and pulling the dash apart.
Current state: I've got the stock 6 disc changer radio with the sub. When I first turned on the radio, all I could hear was low end distortion, even with the bass turned all the way down. I assume the sub is blown or deteriorated or the amp is wasted. I pulled the fuse and that solved that issue. Listened to the rest of the speakers individually. They all work but they don't sound good. They aren't quite crackly but they are very tired as is to be expected for their age and mileage. CD changer works. Previous owner left a bluetooth via FM station adapter so I can stream but that isn't my favorite approach.
Goal: Cleaner sound. Enough volume to be heard top down at 35-40 a must, 60-65 would be fantastic. Playback via streaming and/or mass storage device is almost mandatory. This Jeep will be a seasonal street vehicle only used for errands, school drop off/pick up, and some fun drives. The system doesn't need to keep me awake on long commutes or vacation travel, but some entertainment for bouncing around town would be nice. I do not have a trained ear so it won't take audiophile quality to impress me.
Limitations: 2 car seats in the back seat mean I can't pull the back seat out to make more space for gear. The storage space behind the seat is barely enough as it is so I want to keep that as empty as possible. Any gear will have to fit in the dash, under the seats, in the console, and/or in the kick panels.
Music to support: I listen to a wide variety of music so the system will hopefully be able to support everything from 70s rock to 80s pop to metal and techno along with Frozen, Baby Shark, and The Lego Movie for the riders in the back (if it can refuse to play JoJo Siwa I'd consider that a plus but not a requirement).
Experience: I've done around 10 head unit swaps and speaker installs so I'm pretty comfortable with taking the dash apart and popping off door panels. I've installed peripherals like changers, satellite radios, mp3 drives, and back up cameras so running and hiding wires is definitely doable. I have zero experience with amps and subs, so running power all the way from the battery will be new for me. Also, I've always soldered my harness adapters which sounds like a big no no according to the "Basic wiring connector and terminal questions, product related" thread from last month so I'll need to step it up there. I'll try to use the existing threads as much as possible for amps and subs but I may have a few questions when/if I get there. I don't know much about tuning the overall system or setting the soundstage but am looking forward to learning more.
Timeline: Dash speakers and back up camera in the next 2 weeks. Head unit in the next few months. Everything else can wait a bit.
Budget: Up to $100 for the dash speakers, maybe a bit more if someone convinces me something like the Hertz K 130 is worth the extra cash. Other than a few bits for mounting and power I shouldn't need to spend much on the camera. Past that I don't know yet - the TJ has 182k miles on it with no major work done, I'm not sure how much money I want to put into upgrades if there are major repairs right around the corner. I'm already getting some errors for O2 sensor issues and some rust repair to get done. I'll have a better idea on the rest in a few months.
Components being considered (links below):
Short Term Speakers: I've got some 16yr old very lightly used Polk db525s in my CJ-7 that would be an ideal quick fix since they aren't going to be used for at least the next 6-9 months until the 7 is road ready again. The only problem with this is that getting the driver side speaker out is a real pain given all the other stuff back there, and putting something back in wouldn't be much fun either. I'm not sure the money saved using something on hand is worth all the effort and tool throwing that would be involved making it happen. I also have some 16 year old Polk db 6500 and db 650s in my daily driver that would be decent for kick panel pods and sound bar pods, I could pull those and then upgrade my truck where quality speakers have a better chance of succeeding, so to speak. I know these Polks are all pretty efficient with head unit only power and the marine certification is always a bonus for a Jeep. Past that, as I mentioned above, I'm considering the Kicker DS, CS, or KS series, the Polk db522, or maybe even the Hertz Unos. I know the Polks were popular 5 years ago but it has been at least that long since the model has been updated and they have fallen somewhat out of favor as a result - I'm keeping them in consideration due to my past experience and their marine certification.
No matter what speaker I go with, I'll be using the brackets that shift the aim more toward the driver's torso instead of their knees as well as some baffles I have leftover from a previous install. I won't be going with the select pods as I'd rather spend that money on kick panel pods.
Long Term Speakers: If I go with an amp later, I'll take a closer look at the BLAM, Match, and Skar that have been mentioned in numerous threads. I don't think any of these are decent options on head unit only power. Hoping for components somewhere in the mix.
Head units: Only 1 of the single DIN marine radios currently for sale at Crutchfield have the USB connection on the back of the unit which is a bit of a disappointment. I'm not a big fan of having cables hanging from the from of the unit and the waterproof covers that are suggested for boats usually block these ports anyway. The design just seems off to me. So that kills my original plan. I've got 2 10+ year old marine units and 2 15-25 year old Kenwood units not currently being used. All of these have some sort of aux input, changer control, or MP3 capability so any of them would add functionality the stock unit doesn't offer. But seeing as how the install gear for these would run $40 for single din or $100 for double din, I'm not sure it is worth spending that money to install a much older device when Crutchfield would give me the install gear for free/discounted if I bought a new and far more capable head unit. I'm also not sure if I'm putting too much emphasis on the marine radio - resistance to the elements is nice and all, but if it doesn't have the functionality I want it may not really matter how long it lasts.
Amps/Subs: My only direct experience with amps and subs is the set ups that were built to deafen everyone in the car and annoy the neighbors. I know that isn't the only use for amps and subs, I just haven't experienced it personally. It sounds like an amp is the best way I'm going to get decent sound at highway speeds with the top down so this will definitely be a consideration. The threads have been very informative as to all the options for getting 1-2 amps in place without sacrificing valuable space. I've tagged several in dash installs I plan on revisiting. Short term, I have an unused still in the box Kenwood KSC-SW1 and the wiring kit to go along with it. It is a self powered dual 6.5 inch sub (1 powered, 1 not), so it is a lot bigger than the newer compact 6-8 inch self-powered subs. I'm not sure if I can fit it under the back seat the way people have done with the smaller KSC-SW11. If I can find a spot for it, I'll use it. It is old and underpowered compared to new options but better than nothing. Long term, I really like the size and specs of the JBL BassPro Nano. I may consider swapping in the Kicker in the stock location that have been discussed here as well, but I may want to put in a Tuffy console to increase the amount of lockable storage space so an under seat option may be better.
Old gear on hand:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB525/Polk-db525.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB6500/Polk-Audio-db6500.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB650/Polk-Audio-db650.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575CP4DCKS/Rockford-Fosgate-CP4DCKS.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-6kt3ecxRrll/p_113KSCSW1/Kenwood-KSC-SW1.html
I'm long winded, I apologize in advance. Questions just below the next section with the endless babble about thought process following that so it can be easily skipped.
Short(ish) version:
- First priority is swapping the dash speakers with some high efficiency speakers. I'm looking for something that will give me more volume and clarity on the stock head unit or an aftermarket head unit until I decide if I want to go with an amp. Budget is $100, maybe $125 for something that will really go above and beyond. I've been looking at 90db and above, so based on Crutchfield and the threads I've read here, that would be Kicker DS, CS, or KS series, the Polk db (realizing they are not as highly thought of as they used to be), or maybe even the Hertz Unos. Doesn't have to be Crutchfield but I've had good luck with them so that's where I'm looking so far. Components are an option if I can keep the tweeter protected from the weather.
- Second priority is a back up camera. I didn't expect to be that worried about visibility in a Jeep that will rarely have the back window in or the top up until my first day doing daycare pick up in it. Backing up in those parking lots is stressful enough, but a topless TJ is like a toddler magnet. I have enough parts from other installs to piece something together relatively quickly but will be using the info here to help figure out the wiring.
- Third is swapping the head unit. Lots to consider here but I definitely want enough power to drive the speakers while driving with the top down. Enough power to hear on the highway may not be doable without an amp but I'm hoping to at least hear up to 40mph.
- The rest - self-power sub, amp, amp for a sub, amp(s) for sub and speakers, kick panel and sound pod speakers, etc. all comes later.
- Am I being unrealistic to hope for enough volume off a head unit only to hear at 40mph with the top down? How about 60? I think I saw a few posts said yes as long as they had an amp powering a sub so they could filter the lows away from the rest of the speakers but I may have misunderstood.
- Anyone try a marine bluetooth amplifier like JVC KS-DR1204DBT or Kenwood KAC-M5024BT yet? I've seen this asked 2 or 3 times but I haven't found an answer yet (still more searching to do). I'm wondering if I should just leave the stock unit in place as a theft deterrent and go with a bluetooth amp to give me power enough to drive the speakers along with bluetooth functionality.
- Anyone running Hertz Uno series, X130 or K130? According to the marketing spiel and the 93 sensitivity, these should be great with head unit only power now but also be capable of handling amp power later. Saw these mentioned in lists of speakers being considered recently but haven't read anything yet about someone using them. Wondering if these live up to the name and ratings or if it just marketing fluff.
- Anyone have pictures of the inside of a Tuffy Series II Center Console, with or without the sub installed? The marketing pics for these are tiny and ancient (startac phone and early Garmin GPS unit are mid to late 90s photoshoot giveaways). I'm trying to compare storage space of the stock center console with sub vs a Tuffy console with or without the Sub installed and haven't been able to find decent photos of the Tuffy yet.
- If at the end of this I have a mix of speakers running off the head unit and speakers/sub running off an amp, what do I need to take into consideration when picking speaker/amps for this? Are there delays that need to be set on the head unit or the amp to keep everything in sync? Or is the additional processing time for the amp not a concern?
The MUCH longer version:
I've been thinking about this way too many hours the last month. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was looking for before I stared spitting out questions and pulling the dash apart.
Current state: I've got the stock 6 disc changer radio with the sub. When I first turned on the radio, all I could hear was low end distortion, even with the bass turned all the way down. I assume the sub is blown or deteriorated or the amp is wasted. I pulled the fuse and that solved that issue. Listened to the rest of the speakers individually. They all work but they don't sound good. They aren't quite crackly but they are very tired as is to be expected for their age and mileage. CD changer works. Previous owner left a bluetooth via FM station adapter so I can stream but that isn't my favorite approach.
Goal: Cleaner sound. Enough volume to be heard top down at 35-40 a must, 60-65 would be fantastic. Playback via streaming and/or mass storage device is almost mandatory. This Jeep will be a seasonal street vehicle only used for errands, school drop off/pick up, and some fun drives. The system doesn't need to keep me awake on long commutes or vacation travel, but some entertainment for bouncing around town would be nice. I do not have a trained ear so it won't take audiophile quality to impress me.
Limitations: 2 car seats in the back seat mean I can't pull the back seat out to make more space for gear. The storage space behind the seat is barely enough as it is so I want to keep that as empty as possible. Any gear will have to fit in the dash, under the seats, in the console, and/or in the kick panels.
Music to support: I listen to a wide variety of music so the system will hopefully be able to support everything from 70s rock to 80s pop to metal and techno along with Frozen, Baby Shark, and The Lego Movie for the riders in the back (if it can refuse to play JoJo Siwa I'd consider that a plus but not a requirement).
Experience: I've done around 10 head unit swaps and speaker installs so I'm pretty comfortable with taking the dash apart and popping off door panels. I've installed peripherals like changers, satellite radios, mp3 drives, and back up cameras so running and hiding wires is definitely doable. I have zero experience with amps and subs, so running power all the way from the battery will be new for me. Also, I've always soldered my harness adapters which sounds like a big no no according to the "Basic wiring connector and terminal questions, product related" thread from last month so I'll need to step it up there. I'll try to use the existing threads as much as possible for amps and subs but I may have a few questions when/if I get there. I don't know much about tuning the overall system or setting the soundstage but am looking forward to learning more.
Timeline: Dash speakers and back up camera in the next 2 weeks. Head unit in the next few months. Everything else can wait a bit.
Budget: Up to $100 for the dash speakers, maybe a bit more if someone convinces me something like the Hertz K 130 is worth the extra cash. Other than a few bits for mounting and power I shouldn't need to spend much on the camera. Past that I don't know yet - the TJ has 182k miles on it with no major work done, I'm not sure how much money I want to put into upgrades if there are major repairs right around the corner. I'm already getting some errors for O2 sensor issues and some rust repair to get done. I'll have a better idea on the rest in a few months.
Components being considered (links below):
Short Term Speakers: I've got some 16yr old very lightly used Polk db525s in my CJ-7 that would be an ideal quick fix since they aren't going to be used for at least the next 6-9 months until the 7 is road ready again. The only problem with this is that getting the driver side speaker out is a real pain given all the other stuff back there, and putting something back in wouldn't be much fun either. I'm not sure the money saved using something on hand is worth all the effort and tool throwing that would be involved making it happen. I also have some 16 year old Polk db 6500 and db 650s in my daily driver that would be decent for kick panel pods and sound bar pods, I could pull those and then upgrade my truck where quality speakers have a better chance of succeeding, so to speak. I know these Polks are all pretty efficient with head unit only power and the marine certification is always a bonus for a Jeep. Past that, as I mentioned above, I'm considering the Kicker DS, CS, or KS series, the Polk db522, or maybe even the Hertz Unos. I know the Polks were popular 5 years ago but it has been at least that long since the model has been updated and they have fallen somewhat out of favor as a result - I'm keeping them in consideration due to my past experience and their marine certification.
No matter what speaker I go with, I'll be using the brackets that shift the aim more toward the driver's torso instead of their knees as well as some baffles I have leftover from a previous install. I won't be going with the select pods as I'd rather spend that money on kick panel pods.
Long Term Speakers: If I go with an amp later, I'll take a closer look at the BLAM, Match, and Skar that have been mentioned in numerous threads. I don't think any of these are decent options on head unit only power. Hoping for components somewhere in the mix.
Head units: Only 1 of the single DIN marine radios currently for sale at Crutchfield have the USB connection on the back of the unit which is a bit of a disappointment. I'm not a big fan of having cables hanging from the from of the unit and the waterproof covers that are suggested for boats usually block these ports anyway. The design just seems off to me. So that kills my original plan. I've got 2 10+ year old marine units and 2 15-25 year old Kenwood units not currently being used. All of these have some sort of aux input, changer control, or MP3 capability so any of them would add functionality the stock unit doesn't offer. But seeing as how the install gear for these would run $40 for single din or $100 for double din, I'm not sure it is worth spending that money to install a much older device when Crutchfield would give me the install gear for free/discounted if I bought a new and far more capable head unit. I'm also not sure if I'm putting too much emphasis on the marine radio - resistance to the elements is nice and all, but if it doesn't have the functionality I want it may not really matter how long it lasts.
Amps/Subs: My only direct experience with amps and subs is the set ups that were built to deafen everyone in the car and annoy the neighbors. I know that isn't the only use for amps and subs, I just haven't experienced it personally. It sounds like an amp is the best way I'm going to get decent sound at highway speeds with the top down so this will definitely be a consideration. The threads have been very informative as to all the options for getting 1-2 amps in place without sacrificing valuable space. I've tagged several in dash installs I plan on revisiting. Short term, I have an unused still in the box Kenwood KSC-SW1 and the wiring kit to go along with it. It is a self powered dual 6.5 inch sub (1 powered, 1 not), so it is a lot bigger than the newer compact 6-8 inch self-powered subs. I'm not sure if I can fit it under the back seat the way people have done with the smaller KSC-SW11. If I can find a spot for it, I'll use it. It is old and underpowered compared to new options but better than nothing. Long term, I really like the size and specs of the JBL BassPro Nano. I may consider swapping in the Kicker in the stock location that have been discussed here as well, but I may want to put in a Tuffy console to increase the amount of lockable storage space so an under seat option may be better.
Old gear on hand:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB525/Polk-db525.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB6500/Polk-Audio-db6500.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB650/Polk-Audio-db650.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575CP4DCKS/Rockford-Fosgate-CP4DCKS.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-6kt3ecxRrll/p_113KSCSW1/Kenwood-KSC-SW1.html