Ideas for Better Speakers System in 98

Adam Voss

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Aug 31, 2018
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Pocomoke
My 1998 Wrangler has stock speaker system, garbage overhead speakers, and no sub. Any recommendations on what kind of sub I should look at, and where I should mount it? Also I want to replace the stock speakers, any good brands or models that I should consider?
 
As you noted the sound system is weak, so you must come up with a budget and plan around your taste of music. Some people want a million gigawatts of bass, while other want sound quality.

The generic answers are to replace your existing sub with Kicker ProComp 6.75". Replace the overhead pods with 6.5" Polks, and the fronts with 5.25" Polks. Polk DB series. Crutchfield should have them.

To me, you need an amplifer to go along with this upgrade, so if you want to go that route, and have room in the budget, I would upgrade that. Either a 4 or 5 channel amplifier, small one will fit under the steering column hidden away.
 
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As you noted the sound system is weak, so you must come up with a budget and plan around your taste of music. Some people want a million gigawatts of bass, while other want sound quality.

The generic answers are to replace your existing sub with Kicker ProComp 6.75". Replace the overhead pods with 6.5" Polks, and the fronts with 5.25" Polks. Polk DB series. Crutchfield should have them.

To me, you need an amplifer to go along with this upgrade, so if you want to go that route, and have room in the budget, I would upgrade that. Either a 4 or 5 channel amplifier, small one will fit under the steering column hidden away.
I'm trying to keep it under 250 for everything, I want a good amount of bass with good quality. Nothing crazy expensive and the bass doesn't need to shake the whole neighborhood. The thing is I read that my year jeep doesn't have a sub in it. It definitely doesn't sound like it does. Would it be in the center console if there is? And if I decide to go with getting an amp, how advanced would the wiring and installation be?
 
I'm trying to keep it under 250 for everything, I want a good amount of bass with good quality. Nothing crazy expensive and the bass doesn't need to shake the whole neighborhood. The thing is I read that my year jeep doesn't have a sub in it. It definitely doesn't sound like it does. Would it be in the center console if there is? And if I decide to go with getting an amp, how advanced would the wiring and installation be?
You don't have a sub in a 98 (stock)

If you have a aftermarket radio that is designed for a amp. Its not overly difficult. As space is at a premium in the TJ you can look up adding a subwoofer in the center console.

I would first buy better aftermarket speakers for the dash and sound bar. Then you can see if you need a sub.
 
You don't have a sub in a 98 (stock)

If you have a aftermarket radio that is designed for a amp. Its not overly difficult. As space is at a premium in the TJ you can look up adding a subwoofer in the center console.

I would first buy better aftermarket speakers for the dash and sound bar. Then you can see if you need a sub.
Yes, I have an aftermarket radio. Every article I have seen explains how to replace an existing sub in the center console, but I haven't found a how-to for putting one in for the first time. I'll look some more.
 
Jeeps that come with a sub in the center console have a different center console than jeeps without so you'll have to modify yours if that's where you want to put one. I have seen articles on how to do that but can be a bit of work and a lot of cutting. An easier option is a powered sub that can go under the rear bench seat. Kill 2 birds and keep things simple and good enough for a loudass Jeep!
 
Yes, I have an aftermarket radio. Every article I have seen explains how to replace an existing sub in the center console, but I haven't found a how-to for putting one in for the first time. I'll look some more.

Different center console is needed if you want to put in a subwoofer in the factory location. If I was you I would focus on the sub last, and figure out the best route for your main speakers.

You have a head unit already so that is a good start. Do you mind posting the brand and model?

Assuming it is an "average" head unit, I would go this route.

Overhead speakers: $70
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC654/Kicker-43CSC654.html?tp=105

Polyfill for these pods: $13
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-oUQSnUXQHFH/p_027808/Polyester-Fiber-Stuffing-1-pound-pack.html

Front speakers. Same Kickers, just 5.25". $70. These come with free mounting brackets.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC54/Kicker-43CSC54.html?tp=105&avf=Y

Boom mat housing for the 5.25": $8

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_696B0...ch-Speaker-Baffles-Slim-line-2-1-2-depth.html

Next up is the amplifier to power these Kickers. You have two options, a 4 or 5 channel amplifier. A 4 channel will power these speakers, but a 5 channel will give you the option to add subwoofer down the road.

4 channel amp: $140
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_777M754/Sound-Ordnance-M75-4.html?tp=115

5 channel amp: $200
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_530PN5640D/Soundstream-Picasso-Nano-PN5-640D.html?tp=115

Amp install kit: $30

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_68358_T-Spec-V8-8RAK.html

Basically $330 with the 4 channel amplifier or $400 with a 5 channel amplifier that gives you the ability to add a subwoofer down the road.

You can also look for similar used equipment on ebay/craigslist.
 
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Different center console is needed if you want to put in a subwoofer in the factory location. If I was you I would focus on the sub last, and figure out the best route for your main speakers.

You have a head unit already so that is a good start. Do you mind posting the brand and model?

Assuming it is an "average" head unit, I would go this route.

Overhead speakers: $70
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC654/Kicker-43CSC654.html?tp=105

Polyfill for these pods: $13
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-oUQSnUXQHFH/p_027808/Polyester-Fiber-Stuffing-1-pound-pack.html

Front speakers. Same Kickers, just 5.25". $70. These come with free mounting brackets.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC54/Kicker-43CSC54.html?tp=105&avf=Y

Boom mat housing for the 5.25": $8

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_696B0...ch-Speaker-Baffles-Slim-line-2-1-2-depth.html

Next up is the amplifier to power these Kickers. You have two options, a 4 or 5 channel amplifier. A 4 channel will power these speakers, but a 5 channel will give you the option to add subwoofer down the road.

4 channel amp: $140
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_777M754/Sound-Ordnance-M75-4.html?tp=115

5 channel amp: $200
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_530PN5640D/Soundstream-Picasso-Nano-PN5-640D.html?tp=115

Amp install kit: $30

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_68358_T-Spec-V8-8RAK.html

Basically $330 with the 4 channel amplifier or $400 with a 5 channel amplifier that gives you the ability to add a subwoofer down the road.

You can also look for similar used equipment on ebay/craigslist.
Thanks for the links, I will check all that out. I think I am going to get a 5 channel amp and get a sub that will fit under the back seats. That seems cheaper than buying new a center console with a sub attachment. I will get new front and overhead speakers first. The sub will have to come later, the jeep is breaking my bank haha.
 
Thanks for the links, I will check all that out. I think I am going to get a 5 channel amp and get a sub that will fit under the back seats. That seems cheaper than buying new a center console with a sub attachment. I will get new front and overhead speakers first. The sub will have to come later, the jeep is breaking my bank haha.

100% agree. So you should consider saving a couple bucks and get that 4 channel amplifier, and use the savings towards a self powered sub (sub with built in amplifer, and in a box). Most aftermarket head units can be utilized, but without knowing your head unit I dont want to give you bad advice, so if you have more questions please post the brand and model head unit that you have.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_777B8PTD/Sound-Ordnance-B-8PTD.html?tp=114