I know absolutely zilch about audio. I mean I have a degree in video and film. But not much knowledge on car speakers etc. How much do the overpriced plastic enclosures fix this problem? How about stuffing the area with poly? Too much heat and electrical around it?
My aftermarket Kenwood does not sound all that bad. But road noise gets in the way for sure. I'm waiting until after I install sound deadener and heat shield on the entire tub. Before I make any changes to my audio system. It seems if your running a soft top. You've got to address the tub as much as possible. Before making any conclusions about your audio system. That road noise on the bare metal tub (except for carpet) would drowned out anything. In my humble (completely uneducated) opinion. lol.
I also find noise from the soft top itself popping against bars in the wind to be a huge problem too. I think I will wrap my soft top frame in key places with some form of foam rubber. To lesson that. And tighten it up as much as possible. The main frame bar atop my head in the Jeep makes a snapping sound at highway speeds that would drive any sane man crazy. Seems like issues like these need to be dealt with first.
So mine doesn't seem to be an audio quality problem. As much as an ambient sound problem. I'll fix those issues first. Before I start evaluating my set up. Plus it's a Jeep and I don't care for a greater than $200 system in a vehicle that can be gotten into with a pocket knife. My Kenwood is loud enough to hear. But the ambient cacophony is mind dumbing at times. But only at highway speeds.
While on the subject. What's with all the modern head units propensity for tiny buttons and tiny writing that you can't see or touch easily in a bouncy Jeep?! Drives me crazy. I have to take my sunglasses off and stare directly at the stereo to even change radio stations. Otherwise you can't see them. While steadying my hand to place my finger directly on the tiny button that I may need to push. I miss alot about analog controls.
My aftermarket Kenwood does not sound all that bad. But road noise gets in the way for sure. I'm waiting until after I install sound deadener and heat shield on the entire tub. Before I make any changes to my audio system. It seems if your running a soft top. You've got to address the tub as much as possible. Before making any conclusions about your audio system. That road noise on the bare metal tub (except for carpet) would drowned out anything. In my humble (completely uneducated) opinion. lol.
I also find noise from the soft top itself popping against bars in the wind to be a huge problem too. I think I will wrap my soft top frame in key places with some form of foam rubber. To lesson that. And tighten it up as much as possible. The main frame bar atop my head in the Jeep makes a snapping sound at highway speeds that would drive any sane man crazy. Seems like issues like these need to be dealt with first.
So mine doesn't seem to be an audio quality problem. As much as an ambient sound problem. I'll fix those issues first. Before I start evaluating my set up. Plus it's a Jeep and I don't care for a greater than $200 system in a vehicle that can be gotten into with a pocket knife. My Kenwood is loud enough to hear. But the ambient cacophony is mind dumbing at times. But only at highway speeds.
While on the subject. What's with all the modern head units propensity for tiny buttons and tiny writing that you can't see or touch easily in a bouncy Jeep?! Drives me crazy. I have to take my sunglasses off and stare directly at the stereo to even change radio stations. Otherwise you can't see them. While steadying my hand to place my finger directly on the tiny button that I may need to push. I miss alot about analog controls.