Adding a subwoofer to factory stereo?

[Axeman]

I've been combing the threads to figure how to upgrade my stereo a little. I wanted to keep the factory head unit, but I don't know if it's possible to add a small amp/sub combo to it. I have seen some threads mention you can tap the sound bar speaker wiring to do this? My TJ doesn't have the factory sub in the console and I haven't checked for the wiring yet, but if its there would that be the better option?

I just wanted to add this:https://www.crutchfield.com/S-4sSinZ4bcaG/p_777B8PTD/Sound-Ordnance-B-8PTD.html

 

[Rubihara443]

The powered sub in the link will work fine. All it needs is power from the battery, a ground and speaker level inputs. Those you can grab either from the dash speakers or the sound bar speakers, whichever is easier. I can’t remember for sure where the speaker wires run in stock form. The amp/sub combo has auto turn on, so you don’t need the blue wire typical of aftermarket amps. Also, the powered sub you added the link to will easily outperform the factory sub. I know you mentioned that as a possible option. I would lean towards aftermarket due to the fact that you don’t have the center console sub and would have to work that all out.

 

[WHBNM]

I went with the Sound Ordinance and love it. After installing many stereos in my own and friends vehicles I believe that powered subs are the way to go. They are simple, space conscious and efficient. Order Crutchfields amp wiring kit for a pretty straight forward install.

Not sure if the non-subwoofer console is same size as the ones that have it but if so that Sound Ordinace fits in there with a little creativity and keeps it out of cargo and foot space and weather.

 

[Axeman]

Thanks for the input. If I tie into the speakers with for the Sound Ordnance sub, do I need to use a line out converter? I have the factory console with the white tub insert, plenty of room.

 

[WHBNM]

Thanks for the input. If I tie into the speakers with for the Sound Ordnance sub, do I need to use a line out converter? I have the factory console with the white tub insert, plenty of room.

As long as your stereo deck has RCA jacks you should only need this -
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK12/Crutchfield-CK12.html
and a set of RCA cables of proper length - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142R12/EFX-Marine-RCA-Patch-Cables-12-foot.html

 

[WHBNM]

If using speaker wires to send sound to the sub then you will need the converter.

 

[Axeman]

As long as your stereo deck has RCA jacks you should only need this -
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK12/Crutchfield-CK12.html
and a set of RCA cables of proper length - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142R12/EFX-Marine-RCA-Patch-Cables-12-foot.html

I am using the stock deck so I can't imagine it has RCA jacks. I didn't know if I have to tie in the line out converter to the speaker wires then run RCA cables to the SO powered sub?

 

[OHFIVETJ]

.......................and add a good amp, the factory head unit SUX !!!

 

[WHBNM]

This thread might help - https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/aftermarket-subwoofer-replacement-for-factory-subwoofer.10137/

Replacing the stereo head unit is a great upgrade for less than $200 (Bluetooth, usb, rca outluts, more power for small speakers, etc. Crutchfield includes the install kit for a nice clean look.

 

[Axeman]

This thread might help - https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/aftermarket-subwoofer-replacement-for-factory-subwoofer.10137/

Replacing the stereo head unit is a great upgrade for less than $200 (Bluetooth, usb, rca outluts, more power for small speakers, etc. Crutchfield includes the install kit for a nice clean look.

@WHBNM thanks. I did read that forum first and got a lot of good info. I will update the head unit if I have to so I get better sound, I just prefer the factory one. Aftermarket stereos tend to have tiny buttons and letters, or touch screens which I hate. It would be nice to have all the necessary outlets though.

 

[Axeman]

I just wanted to update the thread with what I ended up installing. I went with the recommended Polk Audio DB522 5.25" for all four speakers. I got the correct brackets to install them in the dash, and used Boom Mat for all 4. For the subwoofer, I went with Rockville SS8P 400w 8" Slim. I chose this powered sub/amp combo so it would fit in the factory console. My TJ was not equipped with the sub, but had the slot on the side. I ended up cutting out the 8" hole in the tub for the sub, and was able to create a usable space above it. The Rockville fit perfect in the tub, nice and tight. I still have the factory head unit, but the sound quality is 100x better than the paper speakers that were in there before.

Rockville Powered Subwoofer

 

[westfound]

How did you secure the powered sub inside the console box? Was there an advantage of doing that versus ditching the box entirely and just mounting the sub to the body?

 

[Jeeppete]

Axeman great install pics, I'm going to install a Rockville SS8P 400w 8" Slim using your technique. 2 questions, 1. did you tap into the speaker wires and use the High-level inputs? 2. Where did you get the power for the Blue "Auto On" wire?

 

[JasonC]

I went with the Sound Ordinance and love it. After installing many stereos in my own and friends vehicles I believe that powered subs are the way to go. They are simple, space conscious and efficient. Order Crutchfields amp wiring kit for a pretty straight forward install.

Not sure if the non-subwoofer console is same size as the ones that have it but if so that Sound Ordinace fits in there with a little creativity and keeps it out of cargo and foot space and weather.

How did you install that sub? I am trying to decide on different subs that I can use with the same head unit and this one seems like the best option, but I still want to be able to use the center console for storage if possible.

 

[red02tj]

How did you install that sub? I am trying to decide on different subs that I can use with the same head unit and this one seems like the best option, but I still want to be able to use the center console for storage if possible.

Mine sits under the drivers seat. I think @Irun has a write up of a proper under seat mount.

 

[red02tj]

Mine sits under the drivers seat. I think @Irun has a write up of a proper under seat mount.

Found it
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...-amp-under-the-non-tumble-drivers-seat.62593/

 

[JasonC]

Found it
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...-amp-under-the-non-tumble-drivers-seat.62593/

Thank you very much for your help! Since I already have a subwoofer in the console, do you think that this is a better solution than getting a better one to put in the console? I don't really want to deal with adding an amp unless I can find a cheap one, so for my application I think the sound ordinance one would be best but I am open to other ideas.

 

[red02tj]

Thank you very much for your help! Since I already have a subwoofer in the console, do you think that this is a better solution than getting a better one to put in the console? I don't really want to deal with adding an amp unless I can find a cheap one, so for my application I think the sound ordinance one would be best but I am open to other ideas.

There’s a couple good threads on audio upgrades, speakers, subs, amps, it depends what you’re looking to achieve.
Replace stock with working
Speaker upgrades, amp, non-console sub
You’re an audiophile and going all in.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/upgrading-the-sound-system-on-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.11104/
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/speaker-noob-looking-to-upgrade-existing-speakers.58359/
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/looking-into-upgrading-my-tj-speakers.71442/