DS18 Sound Bar System

[Tristar_tj]

I'm looking at the DS18 complete sound bar system for my TJ but can't find anyone running this setup. It includes 4 6" speakers and 2 tweeters along with amp! If y'all have any insight, please let me know

Link
https://ds18.com/collections/jeep-kits/products/jeep-tj-soundbar-loaded-combo

 

[Chris]

@skrelnik ?

 

[skrelnik]

I'm looking at the DS18 complete sound bar system for my TJ but can't find anyone running this setup. It includes 4 6" speakers and 2 tweeters along with amp! If y'all have any insight, please let me know

Link
https://ds18.com/collections/jeep-kits/products/jeep-tj-soundbar-loaded-combo

What are you trying to build here? That item has four $25 6.5" speakers and two $60 tweeters, plus a basic four channel amplifier. Seems that you are buying $250-$300 of audio and $750-$800 for the soundbar.

I'm not going to tell you that's a bad idea, but I will tell you can do a lot better. You really do not need all those speakers above your head, but you can if you want.

You should try to create a front stage, like you are at a concert - the music/speakers are in front of you, so you should focus on that area to get better sound. BUT - if you just want loud boomy bass, you could easily buy a sub box and amplifier to do that for a fraction of the price.

But if you like this idea, with the RGB lights this could be for you.

 

[williambmac]

I would never consider something like that. I run a 97-2003? sound bar in my lj with 6.5 infinity Kappa component speakers. and 5.25 kappa components in the dash.
For the asking price of that piece you could upgrade your components and have cash left over. Do a little research here, I believe Polk speakers are the choice of many here.
Keep one thing in mind, a stock HU is going to limit the sound quality of a good set of speakers.

 

[suicideking]

I can't tell who made the speakers from that link, that seems like garbage.

As mentioned above, look into replacing the speakers. Up front is always most important since the mids and highs are directional. The rear is more for fill. Most of your budget should go to speakers, around 60 - 70%. The rest should be an amp and head unit.

Though if you have a soft top, your Jeep is not going to sound that good anyway.

 

[skrelnik]

I would never consider something like that. I run a 97-2003? sound bar in my lj with 6.5 infinity Kappa component speakers. and 5.25 kappa components in the dash.
For the asking price of that piece you could upgrade your components and have cash left over. Do a little research here, I believe Polk speakers are the choice of many here.
Keep one thing in mind, a stock HU is going to limit the sound quality of a good set of speakers.

Why did you opt for the older soundbar in the LJ? I have an LJ as well.

But yeah, you could easily upgrade with Kicker, Polk, BLAM, Helix speakers with amplifier and be in a better position.

Here is a simple build that is $200 less expensive and a much nicer system. You can even take it to the next elevel and convert the 5.25" coaxials into components, and then relocate the tweeters to the front dash.

Amplifier: Cerwin Vega B55 bomber ($270): https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-94247-Cerwin-Vega-B55.html
Front BLAM 5.25" ($200): https://www.srcartunes.com/blam-relax-130-rc
Overhead: BLAM 6.5" ($200): https://www.srcartunes.com/blam-relax-165-rc
Center Console Sub: Kicker ($110): https://www.crutchfield.com/S-XgKvFXoxgVe/p_206CWRT671/Kicker-CompRT-43CWRT671.html

Add an Amplifier install kit and wires will be $60
Select increment front speaker pods will be $80

 

[Fonz54]

I'm looking at the DS18 complete sound bar system for my TJ but can't find anyone running this setup. It includes 4 6" speakers and 2 tweeters along with amp! If y'all have any insight, please let me know

Link
https://ds18.com/collections/jeep-kits/products/jeep-tj-soundbar-loaded-combo

Holy fuckarolly that mother is pricey! $1,145.95

 

[Tristar_tj]

What are you trying to build here? That item has four $25 6.5" speakers and two $60 tweeters, plus a basic four channel amplifier. Seems that you are buying $250-$300 of audio and $750-$800 for the soundbar.

I'm not going to tell you that's a bad idea, but I will tell you can do a lot better. You really do not need all those speakers above your head, but you can if you want.

You should try to create a front stage, like you are at a concert - the music/speakers are in front of you, so you should focus on that area to get better sound. BUT - if you just want loud boomy bass, you could easily buy a sub box and amplifier to do that for a fraction of the price.

But if you like this idea, with the RGB lights this could be for you.

Yea, I like the box but I wasn't sure the actual quality of the amp and speakers. Based on what you said, maybe I should get the box alone then put in better quality speakers and amp?... I definitely want to upgrade the front stage with some good 6.5s and some tweets.

 

[williambmac]

Though if you have a soft top, your Jeep is not going to sound that good anyway.

Hard top or soft top, our jeeps are definitely acoustically challenged!

 

[skrelnik]

Yea, I like the box but I wasn't sure the actual quality of the amp and speakers. Based on what you said, maybe I should get the box alone then put in better quality speakers and amp?... I definitely want to upgrade the front stage with some good 6.5s and some tweets.

I have a box in my rear with dual 10" subs, but I take it out when topless at the beach, or similar place. Theft is a concern. Any questions let me know, and this forum has good resources, just sift though it.

Take a peak at the options I wrote above, you can build a system in the Jeep for a good price, and if you are handy, and willing to do a little work, the best mod I made was relocating the tweeters to the a-pillar trim. Like this:

 

[williambmac]

Why did you opt for the older soundbar in the LJ? I have an LJ as well.

I used infinity component speakers and with the older style sound bar it was an easier mounting solution.
With the pods and the interior lights, I couldn't space the components out to my liking.

up front I used infinity components with select increment pods and Nalin tweeter mounts.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I definitely want to upgrade the front stage with some good 6.5s and some tweets.

Not too sure where you'll fit those in the front, I think 5.25 is the largest that fit, uless you go 4x6... plus, you won't get great sound at all unless you box the dash speakers. There are enclosures for the 5.25 speakers.

But as all said, TJ will not get you great sound. I am upgrading mine so it is louder when on highway...

 

[Fonz54]

I have a general question. I currently have a Sony CDX-GT24W with Infinity speakers front and rear. I did the polyfil trick which improved the sound. However, traveling over 40 MPH you can barely here the music with any clarity. Running a soft top. I am considering upgrading the head unit, adding and amp and sub woofer. My question is will the sound still be the shits at any speed over 40?

 

[williambmac]

I have a general question. I currently have a Sony CDX-GT24W with Infinity speakers front and rear. I did the polyfil trick which improved the sound. However, traveling over 40 MPH you can barely here the music with any clarity. Running a soft top. I am considering upgrading the head unit, adding and amp and sub woofer. My question is will the sound still be the shits at any speed over 40?

My system sounds fine at highway speeds. If your stereo had pre-outs, consider adding an amp to power your speakers before investing in a system overhaul.
Depending on your stereo's power and the speakers you have, you may not have enough power to drive them, which is causing them to distort at high levels.
I have seen people install high end speakers (focal, JL, Infinity) to a stock system and then wonder why it sounds like shit.
And please don't be offended by this comment, buy Sony Explode hu were never really known for there sound quality.

 

[skrelnik]

Not too sure where you'll fit those in the front, I think 5.25 is the largest that fit, uless you go 4x6... plus, you won't get great sound at all unless you box the dash speakers. There are enclosures for the 5.25 speakers.

But as all said, TJ will not get you great sound. I am upgrading mine so it is louder when on highway...

I currently have phenomenal sound with not, so not all say that. Done correctly you can achieve a real good sound quality in the Jeep.

I have a general question. I currently have a Sony CDX-GT24W with Infinity speakers front and rear. I did the polyfil trick which improved the sound. However, traveling over 40 MPH you can barely here the music with any clarity. Running a soft top. I am considering upgrading the head unit, adding and amp and sub woofer. My question is will the sound still be the shits at any speed over 40?

I go 70mph with no top and am good. Done properly you can achieve what you want. You need to figure out what your budget is since you know what you want.

Adding an amplifier and upgrading the head unit would do that for you. If you keep the Infinity's you need to back into what amplifier you need, and also, if you need 5th channel for the center console subwoofer.

If you need a 5 channel, check out a Cerwin Vega B55 bomber or a great 4 channel from Soundigital, which is small and powerful.

https://soundigitalusa.com/products/800-4-evox/
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-94247-Cerwin-Vega-B55.html

 

[skrelnik]

My system sounds fine at highway speeds. If your stereo had pre-outs, consider adding an amp to power your speakers before investing in a system overhaul.
Depending on your stereo's power and the speakers you have, you may not have enough power to drive them, which is causing them to distort at high levels.
I have seen people install high end speakers (focal, JL, Infinity) to a stock system and then wonder why it sounds like shit.

His Sony HU only has one pair of 2 volt RCA outputs, so a new head unit will be needed.

 

[Fonz54]

My system sounds fine at highway speeds. If your stereo had pre-outs, consider adding an amp to power your speakers before investing in a system overhaul.
Depending on your stereo's power and the speakers you have, you may not have enough power to drive them, which is causing them to distort at high levels.
I have seen people install high end speakers (focal, JL, Infinity) to a stock system and then wonder why it sounds like shit.
And please don't be offended by this comment, buy Sony Explode hu were never really known for there sound quality.

Thanks for responding...that particular Sony Head unit does not have pre-outs. That is why I am considering changing the head unit, adding and amp and subwoofer.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

If/when I turn up loud enough to hear at highway speeds, my head is buzzing for a while after the drive. I agree on the amplification though, see if your head unit has pre-outs, and add an amp. Remember its better to slightly overdrive your speakers than to under drive them. Clipping (when the amp reaches it's limit and throws DCV to the speakers) kills speakers more than over-driving them.

 

[Fonz54]

I currently have phenomenal sound with not, so not all say that. Done correctly you can achieve a real good sound quality in the Jeep.



I go 70mph with no top and am good. Done properly you can achieve what you want. You need to figure out what your budget is since you know what you want.

Adding an amplifier and upgrading the head unit would do that for you. If you keep the Infinity's you need to back into what amplifier you need, and also, if you need 5th channel for the center console subwoofer.

If you need a 5 channel, check out a Cerwin Vega B55 bomber or a great 4 channel from Soundigital, which is small and powerful.

https://soundigitalusa.com/products/800-4-evox/
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-94247-Cerwin-Vega-B55.html

No subwoofer at present. I am looking at adding an under seat sub and an under seat amp. What do you mean about backing into the amplifier due to having Infiniti speakers?

 

[Fonz54]

Here are the parts I have been considering;

Head Unit - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BJMK8FR/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Sub Woofer/Amp Combination;

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079PSSD6N/?tag=wranglerorg-20