Kicker CS 5.25s too weak, any car stereo guys here?

[CreepinDeth]

So I bought the Kicker CS series as recommended by many TJ videos, and fellow enthusiasts…..

However sadly, theyre nearly empty on the sound stage. Im powering ea of the 4 main channels with a 100Watt per ch RMS amp. I also have them in the $90 aftermarket Sound pods

Tried the Soundstream P4.1000 D class
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008XOCU80?tag=wranglerorg-20
Tried the Rockville Proton (80w x4ch)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01D857GL4?tag=wranglerorg-20
I know a part of the issue is the 6.5” Skar TX65s in the rollbar pods are waaay overpowering them on the sound stage. Benefit of bein close to the heads of front occupants.

So Im sending all the Kickers back, and Im back on the hunt. The Polk D522s look about the same on paper, so lookin for some user input here who installed an amplifier and got a better 5.25” front to balance out the 6.5” in roll bar.

Im lookin at Components and Coaxials but thinkin a component might be better so as to put the tweeters top of dash for a better sound stage. Just need to keep it 4ohm

Anyone gor higher end speakers up front that can chime in on better amplified options??? Im lookin at Hertz components next, but seeking input

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_301K130/Hertz-K-130.html?tp=105

 

[Claybirdd]

Try using a 5 channel 650 watt amp. I have the Soundstream PN5.640D and love it

 

[CreepinDeth]

Try using a 5 channel 650 watt amp. I have the Soundstream PN5.640D and love it

I have the Soundstream P4.1000 D nano
I also tried the Rockville Proton with similar power

Its not the amp

The dash speakers cant compete with their angle down, and poor location

So there is a few alternative solutions like floor pods pointed up, OR perhaps components with tweeters facing the occupants

 

[Claybirdd]

I have the Soundstream P4.1000 D nano
I also tried the Rockville Proton with similar power

Its not the amp

Sorry. Your OP says 100watt

 

[CreepinDeth]

Sorry. Your OP says 100watt

My error,
Edited to say “100w per channel RMS”

 

[Akitadog]

100 watts RMs is only 25w per channel. I would drive them with something on the order of 400-600 watts RMS at 100-150 watts per channel. I run the Kicker KS 47kss504 components up front with the KS 47kss6704 components in the pods. They are driven by an Alpine PDX-F6 600wRMS / 168 watts per channel and play extremely loud and clear. I had Polks and did not like the sound.

 

[Claybirdd]

My error,
Edited to say “100w per channel RMS”

I have 6.5 JL's in the soundbar and Polk 4x6's in the dash. I had to play with the fade and Htz to get a balanced sound.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Yeah, definitely a challenge. I have been looking into upgrading the fronts too. I installed Alpine Type-R 6.5" components into the sound pods (with a little cosmetic surgery), and moved the Kicker 5.25"s PO had installed to the front. I would recommend getting something beefier than the Kickers if you want a good sound stage.

Components aren't a bad idea if you can fab (or buy, but it seems overpriced) the brackets that Quadratech sell (https://www.quadratec.com/products/14133_100.htm).

I was going to make something similar and put my own tweeters in them. Doubt the ones that come with are that good. I don't know if anyone here has used these and has thoughts?

You could also 3D print some tweeter pods and mount them on the dash above the airvents or on the A pillar: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2894802

 

[Wildman]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/versa-pods-8717.html

https://www.extremeterrain.com/alterum-skypod-8706-yj-tj.html

 

[CreepinDeth]

Thanks for the suggestion , didnt see those before

I believe the location is fantastic, but Ive had 4” fronts before and they get mobbed by the bigger speakers

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/versa-pods-8717.html

View attachment 438971


https://www.extremeterrain.com/alterum-skypod-8706-yj-tj.html

View attachment 438972

I been using that skypod with 5 1/4 crappy polks for about 8 years with just head wattage per channel 50 I think and only amp my 8" console sub. I love it!!! Puts the mid/highs right in your ears. My knees don't hear as well as they used to

 

[PRNDL]

These kicker components come with mounts. I had the polks up front but the angle of the dash speakers just doesn't much matter what you put there.

I've been super happy with the sound since adding these and the soundstream amp.

Kicker 47KSS504

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/prndls-green-one.55717/post-1283886

 

[Wildman]

These kicker components come with mounts. I had the polks up front but the angle of the dash speakers just doesn't much matter what you put there.

I've been super happy with the sound since adding these and the soundstream amp.

Kicker 47KSS504

View attachment 438977

[URL]https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/prndls-green-one.55717/post-1283886[/URL]

I've got similar and mounted my pods to the cage.

And in the rear

 

[Akitadog]

These kicker components come with mounts. I had the polks up front but the angle of the dash speakers just doesn't much matter what you put there.

I've been super happy with the sound since adding these and the soundstream amp.

Kicker 47KSS504

View attachment 438977

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/prndls-green-one.55717/post-1283886

Similar to what I have. I have pods like that with Alpine SPR-10TW 1" silk tweeters and crossovers. The Kickers are mounted in an extra set of side covers.

 

[Wildman]

I'm not so sure it's a speaker problem.... You're asking a LOT out of a tin box.

But if you find some that sound better let us all know. I'm not enough of a critic to care I guess. I just want to be able to hear my music at 70 MPH. And I spent a LOT of money on the stereo system on my Harley so I know all about chasing that rabbit hole.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Similar to what I have. I have pods like that with Alpine SPR-10TW 1" silk tweeters and crossovers. The Kickers are mounted in an extra set of side covers.

View attachment 439015

View attachment 439017

What pods are the Alpines in? Did it come with, or is it an aftermarket tweeter pod? I like the idea of a small tweeter in the corner there.

Guess there is plenty of room for the crossover in behind the dash speakers?

 

[Akitadog]

What pods are the Alpines in? Did it come with, or is it an aftermarket tweeter pod? I like the idea of a small tweeter in the corner there.

Guess there is plenty of room for the crossover in behind the dash speakers?

The tweeter pod was from a guy who custom made them on Ebay, he would make them for the tweeter you want use.

 

[Akitadog]

What pods are the Alpines in? Did it come with, or is it an aftermarket tweeter pod? I like the idea of a small tweeter in the corner there.

Guess there is plenty of room for the crossover in behind the dash speakers?

Oh the crossovers mount to side wall behind the dash with velcro.

 

[P man]

@Jerry Bransford and @Chris Used to be good with car stereo stuff

I put together what I thought was a good system and between the soft top and road noise I was disappointed.

 

[Chris]

@skrelnik