This was a great read, especially hearing everyones different head units and setups they have......I am an audio J U N K I E! Every single car I have ever owned has been an audio challenge to me - but my Jeep is going to be a whole new beast. I love my music, and I know the Jeep wasn't put on this planet for its audio prowess . But needless to say, I have already started on it. As of today, my Jeep is sitting stripped out. My Noico 80 mil sound deadener showed up today and I will be starting on the tomorrow. As for sound and head units - I've always been partial to Alpine. Went over to Pioneer head units for awhile, but back to Alpine. Speakers and head units are like lift kits and tire/wheel combos - EVERYONE has an opinion as to what they think is best - this is just my preference.
Head Unit:
Alpine iLX-107 (double din)
I like this head unit as I am a fan of Apple CarPlay. I HATE Siri (Android Auto is MUCH better IMO for this) but since the addition of Waze into CarPlay - I'm back to loving Apple over Android. The main reason I picked this unit is it has "wireless" CarPlay built in. No need to plug in the a lightning cable for it to work. They talk to each other initially via bluetooth, then the head unit creates its own 5gHz network in which the phone connects to the head unit - LOVE that.
Front Speakers:
Alpine SPR-50 (5 1/4")
Rear Speakers:
Alpine R-S65 (6 1/2")
I actually prefer Alpine's 'X' series of speakers, but decided to go down a grade and install their 'R' series. Love the clarity, power management and acoustical properties of Alpines speakers. Again - this varies to each individuals ears!
(2)
10" KickerComp RT Subs
Mostly went with these due to the flexibility in the range of airspace for a sealed sub. I also went with 2 ohm subs, so I can wire them in series to maintain a two ohm load on the single channel of the amp.
Amplifier:
I currently own this amp...
...but from my experience with the new "Mini" amps, I am looking at going to these two amps.........mainly I can mount them underneath the dash, and they are water resistant.......The
Alpine KTA-30MW (300wx1) for the dual subs and the
Alpine KTA-30FW (75w x 4) for the dash speakers and the roll bar speakers.
Subwoofer Box
Spoke to the owner of this company a few times and they have been amazingly responsive and EXTREMELY helpful in their product and the implementation of the other components (subs and amp).
A couple more opinions on stereo systems. I am a HUGE advocate of sealed sub boxes over ported boxes. A sealed box takes more clean power to power them, but I love how the bass tends to stay more "in" your ride (yes I know that's an oxymoron in a Jeep) then advertising it to everyone outside. I DO try to respect peoples right to not hearing my music, but at the same time - right time and the right place (Pismo Dunes) it is nice to have some tuneage!
Here was the Jeep when I tore out the interior:
View attachment 69507
And here it is as of tonight, before I lay down the sound deadening and the new BedRug as well:
View attachment 69508
Also, I am a HUGE fan of Crutchfield. Their customer service and willingness to help you out is second to none. Now with that being said, I am also a HUGE fan of refurbished electronics as well. For the most part, electronics either work or they don't. I still support Crutchfield, plus you get a great discount on the
trim plates (for the double din) as well as the wiring harnesses and antenna adapter at a SIGNIFICANTLY discounted price when you order a piece of equipment from them. SO I typically order something from them to get the install equipment, but then most of my electronics from other sites where they have been refurbished. Knock on wood - but in over 20 years of this practice, I have YET to have an electronic device die on me.........I'll update as this install continues - but it'll be slow - that thing called life always gets in the way!