Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ

[DeltaNu1142]

I would consider a stock (7 inch screen iirc) android head unit from duduauto. Specifically a dudu7 unit. They are made my Mekede.

I’m looking at it. I’m on iOS and honestly would run everything through CarPlay. I’ve got a lot tied up in it—home automation, etc. I’d be interested to see in-dash products… all I’m seeing so far are 12.3” screens. A floating screen is not going into my Jeep.

 

[TJosh02]

my double din got stolen so i reverted to a single din and a wireless carplay screen. works perfectly and has a dash cam. 100$

Can you share a photo?

I really like this idea and wished I had seen these before I installed my DDin. Could use the orig Bezel, use a minimalist radio with aux input and use the carplay screen instead and you can trough it in the lock box under my seat so it isn't stolen. Almost tempted to switch. almost.

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

Can you share a photo?

I really like this idea and wished I had seen these before I installed my DDin. Could use the orig Bezel, use a minimalist radio with aux input and use the carplay screen instead and you can trough it in the lock box under my seat so it isn't stolen. Almost tempted to switch. almost.

all of your reasons is exactly why i went this route. when i park i just toss it in the center console.

 

[wigsajumper]

So about put an order in with Crutchfield for the TJU. Been going back and forth about different systems and kind of settled on the following.

Sony XAV-AX3200 (really want either buttons or knobs this is one of the few I could find that has buttons)
Kenwood KFC-1396PS 5-1/4" for the soundbar
Kicker 46CSC464 CS Series 4"x6" for the dash

Ordering through Crutchfield taking advantage of the wiring harness and adapters they include.

I replaced the subwoofer in the center console a while back with the Quadatrec replacement subwoofer they had at the time.

Am I missing anything? This list pretty much has me at my budget but if there is a component that needs to be swapped out or added that would majorly increase quality I am not against it.

am a car audio newb. Definitely not an Audiophile. I have pretty decent hearing damage from the Service. Most of things that Audio guys talk about I can't hear.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

So about put an order in with Crutchfield for the TJU. Been going back and forth about different systems and kind of settled on the following.

Sony XAV-AX3200 (really want either buttons or knobs this is one of the few I could find that has buttons)
Kenwood KFC-1396PS 5-1/4" for the soundbar
Kicker 46CSC464 CS Series 4"x6" for the dash

Ordering through Crutchfield taking advantage of the wiring harness and adapters they include.

I replaced the subwoofer in the center console a while back with the Quadatrec replacement subwoofer they had at the time.

Am I missing anything? This list pretty much has me at my budget but if there is a component that needs to be swapped out or added that would majorly increase quality I am not against it.

am a car audio newb. Definitely not an Audiophile. I have pretty decent hearing damage from the Service. Most of things that Audio guys talk about I can't hear.

Why the 4x6 for the dash? Most run a 5 1/4 in there as well.

 

[skrelnik]

I've been thinking a bit about how I want to go about an audio upgrade. Amp, speakers, sub are decided on. But I can go one of two ways with the interface:

1. Dash-mounted phone. No head unit. Bluetooth direct into amp. Line level from amp to sub.
2. Double-DIN w/wireless CarPlay.

I like #1 because it's stripped down. And I can use the area where the head unit used to be for a switch panel.

#2 provides more functionality... mostly a rear camera. That's the main difference, and I'm starting to think it's not enough of an advantage to go with a head unit.

There's a compromise I haven't given too much thought to: I have a Maxca unit on my motorcycle. Carpuride is a similar device. It's basically just a CarPlay screen. Audio would still have to be handled by BlueTooth to an amp.

I'm not at a crossroads yet because I'm putting off the audio for other upgrades... but it's coming.

For your use case there is no need for the double DIN. Save that money and use your phone, or even a retired old phone that you can store lots of music on so you can stream/BT to your amp.

Look into one of these camera systems, both front and back cameras and is installed where the rear view mirror is.

https://typesauto.com/products/type-s-s403-4k-uhd-dashcam-rearview-mirror-2-in-1-bt532783

https://fitcamx.com/products/fitcamx-dash-cam-universal-version

 

[wigsajumper]

Why the 4x6 for the dash? Most run a 5 1/4 in there as well.

No real reason was just going off what crutchfield said fits. Spent that last few weeks researching and just got more confused. 5 1/4 put out better/louder sound then a 4x6

 

[JMT]

So about put an order in with Crutchfield for the TJU. Been going back and forth about different systems and kind of settled on the following.

Sony XAV-AX3200 (really want either buttons or knobs this is one of the few I could find that has buttons)
Kenwood KFC-1396PS 5-1/4" for the soundbar
Kicker 46CSC464 CS Series 4"x6" for the dash

Ordering through Crutchfield taking advantage of the wiring harness and adapters they include.

I replaced the subwoofer in the center console a while back with the Quadatrec replacement subwoofer they had at the time.

Am I missing anything? This list pretty much has me at my budget but if there is a component that needs to be swapped out or added that would majorly increase quality I am not against it.

am a car audio newb. Definitely not an Audiophile. I have pretty decent hearing damage from the Service. Most of things that Audio guys talk about I can't hear.

My system is very similar to yours except one key component. A 5-channel amp to run all your speakers. It’s the biggest thing that changed my world.

Sound System
- Sony XAV-AX6000 Double Din
- Soundstream Picasso Nano 640D
- Polk 4x6"
- Polk 6 1/2”
- Kicker LT7

 

[JMT]

No real reason was just going off what crutchfield said fits. Spent that last few weeks researching and just got more confused. 5 1/4 put out better/louder sound then a 4x6

I have both setups in two diffferent rigs. Can’t tell a difference. I hear the 4x6’s wonderfully. The 5 1/4’s are fine too. They’re so similar I didn’t bother adding the adapter plates to upgrade the 4x6’s that have now been in my attic for 2 years. Tuning the setup is more important.

I’m not sure of all the specs on the Sony 3200, but I love my Sony 6000 from the same line. Hands free, no phone, wireless CarPlay hooks up fast. Equalizer and sound balancer easy to set up. So intuitive there is NO learning curve. No multiple deep menus to figure out.

 

[wigsajumper]

My system is very similar to yours except one key component. A 5-channel amp to run all your speakers. It’s the biggest thing that changed my world.

Sound System
- Sony XAV-AX6000 Double Din
- Soundstream Picasso Nano 640D
- Polk 4x6"
- Polk 6 1/2”
- Kicker LT7

Where did you mount the amp? Under the driver's seat or under steering column?

 

[JMT]

Where did you mount the amp? Under the driver's seat or under steering column?

I mounted it under the steering column, but if I were doing it again I’d place it under the front seat.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

Why’s that? I’m planning to use the steering column spot, so I’m interested in why I shouldn’t. Thanks.

 

[Marklar1983]

No real reason was just going off what crutchfield said fits. Spent that last few weeks researching and just got more confused. 5 1/4 put out better/louder sound then a 4x6

The factory dash speakers are 4x6, so Crutchfield will point you that way. However, you can easily find or 3D print adapters that will hold 5-1/4” rounds with better quality. Late model Wranglers might require cutting a little sheet metal to fit.

Well worth the upgrade.

 

[JMT]

Why’s that? I’m planning to use the steering column spot, so I’m interested in why I shouldn’t. Thanks.

It’s very difficult to get to. I can’t make adjustments to any of the settings without removing it. That means you have to make all adjustments before you install it. It’s just hanging there in the floorboard. Once you think you’re happy you install it and I hope you’re happy. Removing it is a pain.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

You think it might be easier to turn knobs & whatnot underneath the seat? I’m not sure. I plan to put power distribution under the steering column, at least, some bus bars for 12V switched and constant. I’m probably going to put a powered compact sub in the OE location, and a 4-channel amp for the mids.

 

[ronsuriano]

Why the 4x6 for the dash? Most run a 5 1/4 in there as well.

5.25" speakers will fit in the dash? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We have a '99 if that makes a difference. Audio upgrades are on our to-do list, so I haven't dug too deep into it yet. As someone else mentioned, I was basing my research on what Crutchfield recommended. I have already settled on a head unit and camera configuration, as well as sound bar speakers, so dash speakers are the only unknown for me.

 

[ronsuriano]

The factory dash speakers are 4x6, so Crutchfield will point you that way. However, you can easily find or 3D print adapters that will hold 5-1/4” rounds with better quality. Late model Wranglers might require cutting a little sheet metal to fit.

Well worth the upgrade.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

5.25" speakers will fit in the dash? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We have a '99 if that makes a difference. Audio upgrades are on our to-do list, so I haven't dug too deep into it yet. As someone else mentioned, I was basing my research on what Crutchfield recommended. I have already settled on a head unit and camera configuration, as well as sound bar speakers, so dash speakers are the only unknown for me.

As Marklar1983 mentioned, there is an adapter plate for the install of the 5 1/4, but it works well and easily. You can get it from Crutchfield as part of their provided install kit, I believe. My rig is an '04, but I believe it works the same for you '99.

 

[ronsuriano]

As Marklar1983 mentioned, there is an adapter plate for the install of the 5 1/4, but it works well and easily. You can get it from Crutchfield as part of their provided install kit, I believe. My rig is an '04, but I believe it works the same for you '99.

Great, thanks! I'll look into this for sure.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

My rig is an '04, but I believe it works the same for you '99…

Maybe even better. In later-year TJs, my understanding is you need to trim some sheet metal to make room for the adapter.