@MikeE024 because you asked for more 
With respect to the specific choices in the front "control center" (a mockup was posted earlier), I will write a bit about the choice for the audio controller.
I will preface this by saying I have never been a car audio person. Occasional NPR news and perhaps classical station if I am stuck in traffic. Prefer to listen to music on my modest listening setup at home. I know some people love it and it perhaps elevates the driving experience for them, but simply doesn't do anything for me. So when Blaine and I were discussing the best spots for mounting the SwitchPros and he pointed out that the center OEM radio space is primo real estate, I simply told him we can delete the factory radio.
After Blaine asked if I was sure, I realized that I do have one need for car audio - that would be for GPS navigation directions. Often times the audio is simply all you need. A second use, if I had a system, would be for people in the passenger seat; sometimes when I take trips with buddies it's nice to have the option for them to listen to an audiobook or whatever interests them. For either of these, I certainly do not need a typical OEM radio or an aftermarket Android radio.
So I start digging into what options are out there that -
(1) Provide just the audio function without all the typical bells and whistles
(2) Is not distracting in terms of looks
(3) Is highly very space efficient, no screen or a very very tiny one
(4) Has physical controls - push button on/off and preferably a volume knob.
It took a decent bit of searching, but I eventually found what I wanted in the strange world of side-by-sides. Dash space is highly premium there and people cared for other things like being waterproof. Enter the SSV MRB2R.
https://ssvworks.com/products/universal-bluetooth-rocker-switch-audio-system-with-200-watt-amplifier
This is essentially a simple bluetooth interface connected to a small amp that still puts out more than enough power to drive the factory Rubicon speaker setup. The beauty of this setup is the size and the usability of it. Think of the size that a Carling switch - like the one ARB uses for their lockers - would take on the dash. In that space, they have somehow managed to integrate 6 controls (volume knob that also push on/off, a mode switch for AUX vs Bluetooth choice, play/pause button and fwd/reverse controls). That is STUPID good use of space.
This is how it looks.
The amp it is connected to is small, has a metal case, seems adequately finned and can be fit in the space of the OEM radio. This thing is advertised to put out RMS 25Wx4 (4 ohms) or 50Wx4 (2 ohms). Has 1 low level ore-out (4 V). More than plenty to drive a factory style speaker setup, I think.
Size reference inside a TJ dash -
The BT interface is housed behind the front controls.
Once I saw this thing I realized it would suit my needs perfectly. Hop into the jeep, set it up to connect via BT, mount the phone for maps (or whatever audio one desires, Youtube/Spotify/Audiobooks/whatever) and off you go. The front controls are backlit white . The volume knob is pushed to turn the thing on and off. The volume adjustment has detents and all the buttons have a good feel. The ring glows solid blue when connected to Bluetooth and green for Aux in and the ONLY thing I wish were reversed were these two colors. But can't fault them for using blue for Bluetooth. I can live with that!
This idea isn't new; in the Marine and SxS world, there are many companies that make just the front wireless interface that connects with any amp of your choice. Few examples below but you will notice most don't fit the design language of the TJ.
Companies like JL Audio that have good reputation make some stuff for the Marine world, along with amp and whatever. But also simply does not belong inside a TJ.
There was only one other interface that looked good OEM-like looks (made by Hertz) but it was too large for this Jeep build.
https://hertz-audio.com/product/hmr-bt/
It should be obvious now why I chose the SSV works item. It was very important for both Blaine and me to NOT have something that looks like a misfit in the interior. And not only that, it solved two problems at once - small sized controller + also came with the amp which meant we can just focus energy and time on the other things that needed to be done.
And I will write about this aspect further as I explain in the next post or two about how we arrived at our choices for the USB ports, seat heater switches and Blaine's panel for the Rubicrawler. Everything set in motion from the choice for the audio interface. And all this also influenced how Blaine designed and executed the camera mirror + 5" backup setup. The driving philosophy is the same as what Blaine has talked about before for suspension - you have to constantly keep looking and thinking about the total sum working together nicely while figuring out the individual components.
It has been highly satisfying being involved in this stuff and seeing Blaine's highly thoughtful, fully logical design process and his attention to detail even for the smallest of things, which helps you understand how that refinement comes in everything he touches.
With respect to the specific choices in the front "control center" (a mockup was posted earlier), I will write a bit about the choice for the audio controller.I will preface this by saying I have never been a car audio person. Occasional NPR news and perhaps classical station if I am stuck in traffic. Prefer to listen to music on my modest listening setup at home. I know some people love it and it perhaps elevates the driving experience for them, but simply doesn't do anything for me. So when Blaine and I were discussing the best spots for mounting the SwitchPros and he pointed out that the center OEM radio space is primo real estate, I simply told him we can delete the factory radio.
After Blaine asked if I was sure, I realized that I do have one need for car audio - that would be for GPS navigation directions. Often times the audio is simply all you need. A second use, if I had a system, would be for people in the passenger seat; sometimes when I take trips with buddies it's nice to have the option for them to listen to an audiobook or whatever interests them. For either of these, I certainly do not need a typical OEM radio or an aftermarket Android radio.
So I start digging into what options are out there that -
(1) Provide just the audio function without all the typical bells and whistles
(2) Is not distracting in terms of looks
(3) Is highly very space efficient, no screen or a very very tiny one
(4) Has physical controls - push button on/off and preferably a volume knob.
It took a decent bit of searching, but I eventually found what I wanted in the strange world of side-by-sides. Dash space is highly premium there and people cared for other things like being waterproof. Enter the SSV MRB2R.
https://ssvworks.com/products/universal-bluetooth-rocker-switch-audio-system-with-200-watt-amplifier
This is essentially a simple bluetooth interface connected to a small amp that still puts out more than enough power to drive the factory Rubicon speaker setup. The beauty of this setup is the size and the usability of it. Think of the size that a Carling switch - like the one ARB uses for their lockers - would take on the dash. In that space, they have somehow managed to integrate 6 controls (volume knob that also push on/off, a mode switch for AUX vs Bluetooth choice, play/pause button and fwd/reverse controls). That is STUPID good use of space.
This is how it looks.
The amp it is connected to is small, has a metal case, seems adequately finned and can be fit in the space of the OEM radio. This thing is advertised to put out RMS 25Wx4 (4 ohms) or 50Wx4 (2 ohms). Has 1 low level ore-out (4 V). More than plenty to drive a factory style speaker setup, I think.
Size reference inside a TJ dash -
The BT interface is housed behind the front controls.
Once I saw this thing I realized it would suit my needs perfectly. Hop into the jeep, set it up to connect via BT, mount the phone for maps (or whatever audio one desires, Youtube/Spotify/Audiobooks/whatever) and off you go. The front controls are backlit white . The volume knob is pushed to turn the thing on and off. The volume adjustment has detents and all the buttons have a good feel. The ring glows solid blue when connected to Bluetooth and green for Aux in and the ONLY thing I wish were reversed were these two colors. But can't fault them for using blue for Bluetooth. I can live with that!
This idea isn't new; in the Marine and SxS world, there are many companies that make just the front wireless interface that connects with any amp of your choice. Few examples below but you will notice most don't fit the design language of the TJ.
Companies like JL Audio that have good reputation make some stuff for the Marine world, along with amp and whatever. But also simply does not belong inside a TJ.
There was only one other interface that looked good OEM-like looks (made by Hertz) but it was too large for this Jeep build.
https://hertz-audio.com/product/hmr-bt/
It should be obvious now why I chose the SSV works item. It was very important for both Blaine and me to NOT have something that looks like a misfit in the interior. And not only that, it solved two problems at once - small sized controller + also came with the amp which meant we can just focus energy and time on the other things that needed to be done.
There’s a lot going on and your anticipation of how current and past choices will affect future constraints and the overall build is one of the most interesting parts to me. Looking forward to seeing more.
And I will write about this aspect further as I explain in the next post or two about how we arrived at our choices for the USB ports, seat heater switches and Blaine's panel for the Rubicrawler. Everything set in motion from the choice for the audio interface. And all this also influenced how Blaine designed and executed the camera mirror + 5" backup setup. The driving philosophy is the same as what Blaine has talked about before for suspension - you have to constantly keep looking and thinking about the total sum working together nicely while figuring out the individual components.
It has been highly satisfying being involved in this stuff and seeing Blaine's highly thoughtful, fully logical design process and his attention to detail even for the smallest of things, which helps you understand how that refinement comes in everything he touches.
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