Good stereo / sub combo?

[Kvarilek]

I'm just starting to work on my new TJ and want to get Bluetooth in right away. It seems like these have been popular options on the forum but I wanted to make sure, do you guys think these would be a good radio/sub combo? I don't really want to spend money on both right now but since I'm taking part of the dash apart I may as well keep going to the console.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158MEXM70B/Sony-MEX-M70BT.html

Rockford Fosgate PS-8 8" 150W RMS Underseat Powered Car Stereo Audio Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3WKUX8/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[cliffish]

this one is used by a few here and if you don't mind a refurb it is $149

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXDIEBP/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[cliffish]

and this was the sony I went with..used a single channel amp for the center console sub...in retro I think I would have gone with a self powered sub like the kicker above

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158N5100BT/Sony-MEX-N5100BT.html?tp=5684

 

[bobthetj03]

I've had good luck with my Kenwood HU, but that Sony unit looks about the same. @JMT has a powered sub I believe. I think he mounted his under the rear seat. @Rob5589 has one too, I think. Bluetooth is so cool! Before I had my Kenwood, I was rockin' with a 15 year old Alpine HU. It didn't even have an AUX port it was so old, lol!

 

[JMT]

Yes, something like that head unit would work. You might consider a more powerful RMS head unit. That one is 17w RMS per channel. Even 22W would be better. I basically have the setup you linked too. Mine is a JVC head unit and the Rockford Fosgate 8" Powered Sub mounted on the bottom of the rear seat. If I were doing it again I'd consider the refurbished Kicker. @ $149 that's hard to beat. Crutchfield sells their Sound Ordnance version that I am not as fond of, but several folks on here run them and are happy, and Crutchfield does have good customer service.

 

[Chris]

I'm just starting to work on my new TJ and want to get Bluetooth in right away. It seems like these have been popular options on the forum but I wanted to make sure, do you guys think these would be a good radio/sub combo? I don't really want to spend money on both right now but since I'm taking part of the dash apart I may as well keep going to the console.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158MEXM70B/Sony-MEX-M70BT.html

Rockford Fosgate PS-8 8" 150W RMS Underseat Powered Car Stereo Audio Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3WKUX8/?tag=wranglerorg-20

This is what I’m running:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/upgrading-the-sound-system-on-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.11104/

Sounds amazing!

 

[Kvarilek]

So I'm looking at this Sony unit but this working has me concerned:

This Sony's high-powered amp won't work in systems where an outboard factory amplifier is still active

So if I go with that sub/amp combo does that mean the amp in the sub wont work? Sorry if this is a dumb question, it's been years since I've done anything with aftermarket audio. Here is the stereo:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XB...avf=Y&nvpair=FFSize|Single-DIN&price=120-1500

 

[cliffish]

why won't it work...you hook into the factory harness and the sub is still powered by the factory amp in the console. If you are using the powered sub you referenced before you will just use the rca preouts in the back of the head unit.

 

[skrelnik]

So I'm looking at this Sony unit but this working has me concerned:

This Sony's high-powered amp won't work in systems where an outboard factory amplifier is still active

So if I go with that sub/amp combo does that mean the amp in the sub wont work? Sorry if this is a dumb question, it's been years since I've done anything with aftermarket audio. Here is the stereo:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XB120BT/Sony-MEX-XB120BT.html?cc=02&avf=Y&nvpair=FFSize|Single-DIN&price=120-1500

Ask yourself what you want out of the head unit, streaming, spotify, pandora , CDs, radio or HD radio?

I listen to CDs, stream via spotify and HD radio, so I went with a Kenwood below because of the Qualcomm aptX chip, which enhances the sound quality of streaming.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX702/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X702.html?tp=72430&avf=Y

 

[Kvarilek]

why won't it work...you hook into the factory harness and the sub is still powered by the factory amp in the console. If you are using the powered sub you referenced before you will just use the rca preouts in the back of the head unit.

Perfect, I think I'm overthinking on this stuff.

 

[skrelnik]

why won't it work...you hook into the factory harness and the sub is still powered by the factory amp in the console. If you are using the powered sub you referenced before you will just use the rca preouts in the back of the head unit.

This....or find a another powered sub with RCA inputs and connect directly to the head unit.

 

[Rob5589]

So I'm looking at this Sony unit but this working has me concerned:

This Sony's high-powered amp won't work in systems where an outboard factory amplifier is still active

So if I go with that sub/amp combo does that mean the amp in the sub wont work? Sorry if this is a dumb question, it's been years since I've done anything with aftermarket audio. Here is the stereo:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XB120BT/Sony-MEX-XB120BT.html?cc=02&avf=Y&nvpair=FFSize|Single-DIN&price=120-1500

It will work with aftermarket gear, not factory Jeep gear.

 

[Kvarilek]

Ask yourself what you want out of the head unit, streaming, spotify, pandora , CDs, radio or HD radio?

I listen to CDs, stream via spotify and HD radio, so I went with a Kenwood below because of the Qualcomm aptX chip, which enhances the sound quality of streaming.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX702/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X702.html?tp=72430&avf=Y

The two biggest things I'm worried about are bluetooth connectivity so I can have hands free talking ability and to stream playlists from my phone and the ability to hook up Sirius. A CD player would be preferred but not a deal breaker, I don't listen to them much but my wife occasionally does. I don't want to spend a ton of money on it though since it's going to be our "toy" for the most part.

 

[skrelnik]

The two biggest things I'm worried about are bluetooth connectivity so I can have hands free talking ability and to stream playlists from my phone and the ability to hook up Sirius. A CD player would be preferred but not a deal breaker, I don't listen to them much but my wife occasionally does. I don't want to spend a ton of money on it though since it's going to be our "toy" for the most part.

This is half the price, scratch and dent at crutchfield, and comes with all the install gear. What it lacks from the other model I posted is no spotify interface and no HD radio, regular radio. Has a CD player. Also has that awesome Qualcomm aptX chip.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX501/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X501.html?cc=07&tp=72430&avf=Y

 

[Kvarilek]

Awesome, I really appreciate all of the advice on this!