Sound Bar Speakers

[Phishjeep]

Are the speakers in the sound bar amplified? I have the 368W stereo, and it asounds great, but if I use the fade to rear, the sound bar speakers are about 1/3 as loud as the dash speakers when I fade to the front. Just trying to make sure this is normal. Thanks

[Massvet]

they sound like crap, they dont seem amplified at all, that is my first project.

[larochelle]

I have the same stereo and have found this same problem. it seems like these speakers are very weak. they are right next to my head and i can hear the front speakers over them. it doesn't seem right. i thought the infinity system would have been better. my old stock infinity system (with out sub) in my old grand cherokee was better. i may just have to upgrade the system, but really don't want to.

[shredX]

The factory HU's actually do this on purpose. The base to the soundbar speakers is actually reduced. I think they were having some sort of resonation problems. They changed the EQ settings in the stereo programing vs dealing w/ the problem in the soundbar.

I heard the above from a member on another forum claiming to be associated w/ the R&D of the JK's soundsystem.

[shredX]

Here's the PM he sent me....

Hi there, I ran across your post in the forum regarding aftermarket installation into the JK soundbar. I helped design the Infinity premium system in JK.

Just so you know, due to a poor quality soundbar, changes were made in the vehicle EQ's to drastically reduce levels of lower frequencies for the soundbar woofers. The EQ is done in the Head Unit for the base system and in the amplifier for the premium. The light in the middle of the soundbar is one of the many culprits that will start buzzing.

I'd be interested in reviewing your feedback as well as helping out with any questions you may have.

[tolh13]

so if i understand this right new speakers would suffer the same fate.and thats why the dash speakers sound good and the sound bar not so good and they are the same speakers.so is their a work around?

[Robar]

:thinking: I think they are saying if the speakers were louder then the dome light would be dimmer? Or if the speakers were brighter then the light would be louder? :thinking:

[shredX]

I really have no idea. The guy PM'd me when I was talking about tapping into the soundbar speakers for a signal to an amp. I'm not techie guru, but it sounds like a bad idea.

[Desert Dog]

I dont have my JK yet, so please forgive me for this question.
Is the Amp on the head unit itself? Or is there a separate one located elsewhere?

[SabrToothSqrl]

the 'issue' he is referring to is the same as my 1998 TJ had.. I put after market (sony) 5.25s in the sound bar. The force of the speakers moving in/out (which is what speakers do) forced enough air by the dome light to shake it, and make it vibrate... not a big deal, in fact I never even 'heard' it vibrate, but you could see it if you looked 2" and right at it...

my 2004 TJ, the sound bar is 2 plastic pieces... I liked my old TJs better, it was bigger and metal... I could sit on it (while parked) the new one, I would break... cheap plastic crap...

I have Alpine 5.25s in it, and a SIRIUS receiver... else its stock cuz... its a JEEP...

my Tahoe's the one with the system ;) The Jeep's the one for 4-wheelin!

[shredX]

I dont have my JK yet, so please forgive me for this question.
Is the Amp on the head unit itself? Or is there a separate one located elsewhere?

No need to forgive...

The standard system runs off the head unit.

The upgraded stereo has an external amp mounted behind the dash near the steering column.

[chewymatt]

No need to forgive...

The standard system runs off the head unit.

The upgraded stereo has an external amp mounted behind the dash near the steering column.


I have the base stereo and just replaced the sound bar speakers with new Infinity ones. Doesn't sound much different. Does anyone know if there is a way around this??? Any way to increase the volume of the rear speakers and tweak the internal amp in the base unit??

I am hoping to upgrade to the myGig system when avaliable......will this thing have the same issue??

thank you

~chewy

[Dean]

There's only one way to fix the stock stereo.

Get a better head unit. Replace all the stock speakers with Polk or RF or Infinity Kappas. Tap into the subwoofer wire, add a D-class amp and add a few 10" subs in the back.

I did this in my last 2 TJs. I could blow the roof off them. I don't think I spent more than $200 for the head-unit, $200 for all 4 speakers (the front speakers on the TJ were useless anyways) and $500 on the sub/amp.

[shredX]

I have the base stereo and just replaced the sound bar speakers with new Infinity ones. Doesn't sound much different. Does anyone know if there is a way around this??? Any way to increase the volume of the rear speakers and tweak the internal amp in the base unit??

I am hoping to upgrade to the myGig system when avaliable......will this thing have the same issue??

thank you

~chewy

I agree w/ Dean...

The only way to circumvent this is to buy an aftermarket headunit as all the JK's headunits will be tuned this way. (assuming the guy that emailed me was correct)

[yellowjeeper85]

I too have been considering uprgrading the stereo system in my Rubicon, but i like the factory head unit. So when the time comes, i'll pull the factory amp, and put into two new amps, one four channel for the speakers, and one bridgeable two channel for the Sub. the little tweeters on the dash i'll leave powered by the head unit as they are now, and i'll use the JK's channels for the dash and sound bar for the input signals to the amp. then, using the adjustments on the amps themselves, i'll set everything exactly how i want it. the only hard part will be finding a powerful enough sub to fit in the stock enclosure as i want to keep that clean factory look back there.

[mslc10]

I did this and the improved sound is unbelievable !!!! Go to best buy and pick up two sets of add on tweeters (car stereo area) . Install first set in sound bar facing down as the speaker is. next install second set in pillars or in top corner of windshield and wire them to existing tweeters. tweeters can be unbolted or you can just pry them open with a knife , hide the wire behind pillar plastic and rock on!!!:yup: :yup: Oh by the way even tho you have infinity system ,the spks in sound bar will say chrysler on them....kinda disheartening but after you hang the tweeters it won't matter!!!

[mslc10]

pics (maybe) how can i post so they actually show up???

[Tedlick]

I dont have my JK yet, so please forgive me for this question.
Is the Amp on the head unit itself? Or is there a separate one located elsewhere?

The stock sound system option has the head unit + "6" speakers (2 rear full range speakers in the sound bar, plus 2 tweeters & 2 midrange/bass in the front dashboard).

If you have the "7" speaker Infinity package, the subwoofer is powered by an additional amplifier, which is separate from the head unit.

Hope this helps! I've been learning the ins-and-outs of the sound options on my JK since buying mine last week.

[TexasChopper]

:thinking: I think they are saying if the speakers were louder then the dome light would be dimmer? Or if the speakers were brighter then the light would be louder? :thinking:

:rotflmao1: :rotflmao1: :rotflmao1:

I took all the speakers out of my TJ and replaced them with aftermarket (polk i think) and it did sound better, just running off the head unit. Not ready for a competion mind you, but at higher volumes they did break up so much.

suggestion...if your going to do anything... put a six inch powered tube in the back. you would be amazed how the extra bass rounds out a factory stereo.:yup:

[SeeJeepGo]

we did an alpine setup in a 4dr and it came out awsome. touch screen nav with new type r 6.5" speakers in the dash and soundbar. 4ch amp too. next will be a new custom sub box and single type r 10" prob. and another amp. since we took out hte fac system, the fac sub is removed but even without it the new alpine stuff is crisp and clear and theres plenty of low freq. the sub will just make everything pump more.

[Silver JK]

SeeJeepGo,

It sounds like you are in the car audio business and have some experience with the JKs sound system. I have the Infinity system with the sub and the base, single disk head unit. I just want to upgrade the speakers but want to leave everything appearing stock and keep the factory headunit and sub. I have a couple of questions for you (and others).

It sounds like I can upgrade the 6.5's in the dash and the soundbar by just swaping them with higher quality drivers. Have you had any experience replacing those dash tweeters using the factory tweeter housing or is it best to just leave them as is?

Also, have you replaced the driver in the sub? If so, did you notice a difference. My days of hauling a sub box around are over so I'm trying to work with what I have as much as possible.

Thanks in advance!

[SeeJeepGo]

When we did the alpine setup, we used 2-way speakers for the dash and put the new alpine tweeters in the stock locations on the dash mounts. Worked out well. And the soundbar we used coax speakers, (with the tweeters built in)

havnt messed with the fac sub. i wouldnt bother anyway cause youll never get a good sound out of that enclosure once you put a real sub and amp to it with some power. gota build something.

www.evb.cc

[deadspot]

I know this has been said in this thread, but the bar speakers are horrible. When I fade to the rear it is pathetic. Hard to imagine that an upgraded sound system (I have the 6CD, Sirius, etc) sounds that bad. I guess from reading this thread there is nothing that can be done with what is installed to give the bar speakers any more punch? And does the rear woofer near the back work regardless of fade to front or back? I don't see much coming from that either. It isn't bad overall, but it just seems like it could be better.

[deadspot]

hmmm.... that's too bad...just seems it should be better. Putting the fader all the way to the back (bar speakers) sounds like a joke.

Does the woofer in the very back operate for both front and rear? Is it independent of the fader? I can't say that thing does a whole lot either.

[im4degreesaboveu]

Does the woofer in the very back operate for both front and rear? Is it independent of the fader?yes the sub should be independently wired

[CJ2a]

I can't help but giggle at this thread....

In 1945 until well into the 60's Jeeps didn't even come with radios from the factory. Then in the later CJs, the stereo speakers were not even on the outer edges of he dash. The YJ's oddball dash speakers were just short of complete junk.

I know that the JK is a lot more refined than those earlier models, but its still a Jeep.

Or maybe I'm just jealous that you all have your JKs and I'm still waiting. (^_^)

[HappyCurmudgeon]

I don't own a JK but I am seriously thinking of getting one by the end of the year. To me, along with off road capability, a quality stereo is very important. Important enough for me to research the vehicle's audio capabilities before I buy it.

To each there own, it isnt that important to me. I have no need to lose any more hearing than jet fighters took away from me already. I also prefer the conversation of my passengers over the blare of a too-loud stereo. Dont get me wrong, i love music, i just dont have the personnal need for a concert level experience on my way to 7-Eleven. I am betting the general population likes that i am not taking there pictures off the walls either when i drive by.

Questions that come to mind are what equipment comes stock from the factory? What size are the speakers? Is there room for after market amplifiers?

I just have the radio that came in it. that 380-whatever watt 7 speaker stereo.
the speakers i havent had out, likely never will unless they self destruct. As loud as i ever play it is around 20ish on the dial, anything more is just to flippin loud for me. Aftermarket amps? unless you put them under the seats, there isnt much room anywhere. I had the service manual and looked through all the dashboard disassembly stuff, i really didnt see much place to put anything in there.

How big of a sub can I install without losing too much cargo space?

On the 2door, anything bigger than a shot glass will screw you.

All of these questions need to be answered to my satisfaction before I'll buy a vehicle. The audio question, to me, is as important as engine power, mileage and crash ratings are to the average consumer.

If you're over the age of 40 you probably don't share the same enthusiasm that us Gen Xers do for our tunes. We love loud powerful stereos and the ability to install one is mandatory. You talk to us about the good old days when Jeeps didn't come with stereos. Does this sentiment hold true for power steering and power brakes? What about engine size and efficiency? Maybe we should do away with crumple zones and air bags while we're at it. After all, these items weren't standard fare in the first iterations of the civilian Jeep.

I see your point here, i honestly do. I just think you missed something in it. The things you are talking about above concern the vehicle's safety, drivability, maintenance operations cost/efficiency etc.

A stereo is seperate from that. Vehicles rarely stop without brakes, but they run quite well without radios. I get that it is important to you. You express that rather well, I just think you are looking at the wrong vehicle to begin that road with. For the amps/speakers air spaces etc that you need to make all that technology come together and actually sound right, you need space. The Wrangler is not designed that way from the start. It never was. You will lose seating capacity and severley impare passenger comfort to add that amount of hardware.

My point is this, to SOME of us younger folks a quality stereo is paramount to our enjoyment of the JK. It is important enough for us to surf on this forum and ask questions concerning the quality of the stock stereo and what can be done to improve it. Just because a stereo wasn't included in a 1950s era Jeep doesn't mean the technology shouldn't be discussed or improved upon. I would a fan of the Jeep vehicle and the modding culture that surrounds it would understand our need to mod our stereos. :)


Uh-oh, i'm in that 40ish crowd. I guess i am now to old to enjoy music. *not*
The technology for a better sound, yes. I would love to get the best sound possible from this thing. Unfortunately louder does not equal better. However most younger peoples cars i pass seem to not get that. Oh, yeah, it's LOUD but it sounds like utter crap. (not the music, that is a different discussion altogether, i am merely refering to the quality of the music's sound)

As far as the loud, I just know from experience that ruining your hearing when you are young (which i know you dont give a damn about. save your breath, i have teenagers and have heard it all, i used to say the same stuff to my parents) is just plain stupid. that oh-so-cool stereo is great now, but when you are older and cant hear your kids sing, trust me you WILL regret it. Until then, enjoy your to-loud stereo. I am not telling you what to do. your ears, your problem. I just wish now, that I would have listened, when i could.

I doubt a Jeep will give you sufficient room to install all the stuff i see regularly at sound-offs and car shows. It simply doesnt have the storage space.

[Tedlick]

Questions that come to mind are what equipment comes stock from the factory? What size are the speakers? Is there room for after market amplifiers? How big of a sub can I install without losing too much cargo space? All of these questions need to be answered to my satisfaction before I'll buy a vehicle. The audio question, to me, is as important as engine power, mileage and crash ratings are to the average consumer.


You'll have to see the vehicle in person and have a chance to poke your head under seats & such to really answer this, but I think you'd be satisfied...

From what I understand, the Jeep comes with 4 6" speakers (2 front dash, 2 sound bar) and 2 2" tweeters (tombstones on top of dash). I wouldn't bother with the upgraded infinity sound system, its 8" subwoofer wouldn't satisfy you and you'll want to replace all speakers anyway.

The factory head units are tuned such that lower end bass is omitted from the rear channel. This is to increase satisfaction with the sound bar design. If you replace the head unit to overcome this tuning, I'd recommend putting some sound dampening material in the soundbar to keep the center dome light (and any other internal bits) from rattling.

In the upgraded system, the separate amplifier goes within the dash, so you could probably fit a small amp there. Also I'd look at the cargo area cubby space-- might be enough for your amp storage needs.

[HappyCurmudgeon]

HappyCurmudgeon,

I never said because you were in your 40s that you don't enjoy music. I never said I wanted to install a competetion style stereo in my vehicle. What I did say was that aftermarket audio is important to me and I enjoy modding the audio capabilities of the vehicle I own. To me, having a great sounding stereo is as important as having a quality lift or a more powerful engine. Like you stated, different strokes for different folks.

Just because a standard stereo suits your purposes doesn't mean that it will suit mine. Just because you don't want an orchestral experience on your quick trip to 7-11 doesn't mean that I shouldn't have one. The beauty of modding ones vehicle is the ability to tailor it to ones own particular tastes and needs. Don't you agree?

You obviously do not see the need for a high end stereo. I, on the other hand, do. Who's right? You or me? Or, are we both right for what suits our particular needs? Stop hating on offroaders that want a high end stereo. :)

I didnt meen to come across sounding like i thought you were wrong. Wasn't my intent at all. I dont agree, but that is what discussion forums are all about. I did however say that i would like to get the most out of the sound in it, to me that does meen high end.
To my teenagers and their friends "high end" simply meens overly loud stereos. That is not the case. Yes, generally speaking, the higher end stuff sounds better at higher volumes, but that isnt always the case. Architects design entire buildings around the desired sound, and that rarely includes high decibel levels, which actually degrade the sound quality. That was my real point. (and that the wrangler has little room for that equipment)
Ask any real sound engineer about quality versus raw volume, not some guy at Stereo Store "X" who is only interested in bleeding your wallet.

"Stop hating on offroaders that want a high end stereo." I didnt "hate" on anyone. If i did, i certainly wouldnt be vague about it, and i wouldnt get all riled up over a few words on a computer screen.

Good luck with your endeavour. I am sure that i will see a wrangler at a sound off very soon, but i highly doubt it will be competitive. Flashy, i am sure. there are some great installers out there. but form & function off it, in my opinion, wont work in this chassis.

[HappyCurmudgeon]

You'll have to see the vehicle in person and have a chance to poke your head under seats & such to really answer this, but I think you'd be satisfied...

From what I understand, the Jeep comes with 4 6" speakers (2 front dash, 2 sound bar) and 2 2" tweeters (tombstones on top of dash). I wouldn't bother with the upgraded infinity sound system, its 8" subwoofer wouldn't satisfy you and you'll want to replace all speakers anyway.

The factory head units are tuned such that lower end bass is omitted from the rear channel. This is to increase satisfaction with the sound bar design. If you replace the head unit to overcome this tuning, I'd recommend putting some sound dampening material in the soundbar to keep the center dome light (and any other internal bits) from rattling.

In the upgraded system, the separate amplifier goes within the dash, so you could probably fit a small amp there. Also I'd look at the cargo area cubby space-- might be enough for your amp storage needs.


The storage cubby in the rear has some room, so would the dash where the factory amp sits. and under the drivers seat. However the air movement in the rear cubby would need to be adressed with fans and such, that limits it severely.

If you can get it all in there and functional, without the plastic panels soundbar etc. all buzzing and distorting the sound, i would really like to see & hear it.

I am not sayoing it cant be done, it will just be limited by the space constraints of the vehicle. Can it be made better? absolutely. Will it sound better? - Maybe, depending on how it is accomplished.

[Ge99ne]

If I was the build up stereo type, I would consider boxing out the entire cargo area to an adequate depth for shallow subs. Once you resign yourself to losing 5 or 6" across the whole floor then the install process becomes a piece of cake. You could even throw some hinges in & use the lef over space for storage of recovery straps & tree savers or armor all & replacement neon tubes. Whatever floats your boat. I'll still wave at ya if we pass each other.:yup:

[Phishjeep]

Check your PM

[fiasko915]

deleted.....

[JackMac4]

I didnt meen to come across sounding like i thought you were wrong. Wasn't my intent at all. I dont agree, but that is what discussion forums are all about. I did however say that i would like to get the most out of the sound in it, to me that does meen high end.
To my teenagers and their friends "high end" simply meens overly loud stereos. That is not the case. Yes, generally speaking, the higher end stuff sounds better at higher volumes, but that isnt always the case. Architects design entire buildings around the desired sound, and that rarely includes high decibel levels, which actually degrade the sound quality. That was my real point. (and that the wrangler has little room for that equipment)
Ask any real sound engineer about quality versus raw volume, not some guy at Stereo Store "X" who is only interested in bleeding your wallet.

"Stop hating on offroaders that want a high end stereo." I didnt "hate" on anyone. If i did, i certainly wouldnt be vague about it, and i wouldnt get all riled up over a few words on a computer screen.

Good luck with your endeavour. I am sure that i will see a wrangler at a sound off very soon, but i highly doubt it will be competitive. Flashy, i am sure. there are some great installers out there. but form & function off it, in my opinion, wont work in this chassis.

Like I've said all along, theres a difference in sounding loud and sounding good. There are people on here who don't hear me when I say these words, and that's because their music is too LOUD.