2002 TJ sound system upgrade (factory head unit)

[MikeRoe]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 2002 Jeep Wrangler X. New to car audio.

I originally thought it did not come from the factory with an overhead sound bar or subwoofer, but recently I found the wiring harness tucked behind the roll pad for the factory sound bar, and I realized my center console has the subwoofer cutout but it’s empty.

I have recently purchased the 6 speaker VDP aftermarket sound bar, (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MIT5VA?tag=wranglerorg-20) and I plan to upgrade the two dash speakers with the Select Increment sound pods (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T1AB0N6?tag=wranglerorg-20).

Any recommendations on speakers for the dash, amp for the soundbar (is it needed?) and subwoofer for the console and possibly a mono amp for it? I’d like for everything to be hidden and maximize cargo space.

Finally, I know this makes things harder, but I want to stay with the factory head unit because I like the OEM look. Will the factory radio support an amp?

Thank you in advance.

 

[macleanflood]

Thread 'Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ'

May 29, 2018

I see a lot of questions about how to get a better sound system from your Jeep Wrangler TJ. People will often dismiss the TJ as being a vehicle with poor sound dynamics to begin with, and while this is true to some degree, I can tell you that the sound system I have in my 2005 TJ Rubicon is absolutely killer, and it didn't break the bank either!

At 65+ on the highway with the doors off and the top off, I can hear the sound loud and clear without any issue at all. I have my subwoofer volume set at 6 (out of 12) and the subwoofer volume on the amp only turned to half way. Yet the bass still...

• Chris
• Replies: 1,468
• Forum: TJ Resources

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[Cornbread]

I would power them with an amp. If you don't it may be disappointing when you take your top off. In my opinion if you have a factory soundbar just throw in some quality 6.5's that can handle an amp. I have x4 JL Audio 6.5" marines powered by a Kenwood digital amp and it rips! Can put out some pretty good bass for not have a subwoofer.

 

[CecilBDemento]

Replacing existing factory system. The head unit I'm looking at has a built in amp pumping out 45rms x 4 and a 5th channel for the subwoofer in my Tuffy center console. As the head unit has an amp built in, is adding a 5 channel amp overkill? I'm not trying to 'rock the block', I'd just like to be able to hear it clearly at 70mph with the top down. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Replacing existing factory system. The head unit I'm looking at has a built in amp pumping out 45rms x 4 and a 5th channel for the subwoofer in my Tuffy center console. As the head unit has an amp built in, is adding a 5 channel amp overkill? I'm not trying to 'rock the block', I'd just like to be able to hear it clearly at 70mph with the top down. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Yes, you're good. 45w rms x 4 is good. Got a link to the head unit? I only know of one discontinued Sony unit with those numbers.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I'm not trying to 'rock the block', I'd just like to be able to hear it clearly at 70mph with the top down. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Sometimes the block needs rocking, when your top is down. Just don't play rap music. Everyone needs a little "Falling in Reverse" to wake them up.
p.s. Forget Jimmy Kimmel, FJB tried to censor a video about his "people".

 

[AOSJ]

Yes, you're good. 45w rms x 4 is good. Got a link to the head unit? I only know of one discontinued Sony unit with those numbers.

The Sony DSX M80 is a current unit with that power - almost went with it, but got DS18 SDXP200 used - it has 60x4 RMS

 

[TheBoogieman]

The Sony DSX M80 is a current unit with that power - almost went with it, but got DS18 SDXP200 used - it has 60x4 RMS

Please don't blast Bluegrass music since you're in Georgia. I imagine @John Cooper doing that, longing for Georgia and their "REAL" red clay mud to get stuck in.

 

[macleanflood]

If you can't hear your music at any speed a louder stereo isn't a solution... it's just contributing to your eventual hearing loss.

Get some good Rugged Radio intercoms. They've got great sound including subs. You can talk with passengers. I can make phone calls at 80 topless down the freeway.

-Mac

 

[TheBoogieman]

If you can't hear your music at any speed a louder stereo isn't a solution... it's just contributing to your eventual hearing loss.

Get some good Rugged Radio intercoms. They've got great sound including subs. You can talk with passengers. I can make phone calls at 80 topless down the freeway.

View attachment 644875

-Mac

DAMN! You're old beyond your years.
p.s. I drive a Jeep topless for an excuse for passengers/wife NOT to even TRY to talk to me. Peace on earth please.

 

[Apparition]

If you can't hear your music at any speed a louder stereo isn't a solution... it's just contributing to your eventual hearing loss.

Get some good Rugged Radio intercoms. They've got great sound including subs. You can talk with passengers. I can make phone calls at 80 topless down the freeway.

View attachment 644875

-Mac

I like how music gets quiet when talking or using the gmrs through them.

 

[lBasket]

Sometimes the block needs rocking, when your top is down. Just don't play rap music. Everyone needs a little "Falling in Reverse" to wake them up.
p.s. Forget Jimmy Kimmel, FJB tried to censor a video about his "people".

Dang I love falling in reverse

 

[macleanflood]

Speaking of loud music...I just stumbled across this...

-Mac

 

[TheBoogieman]

Dang I love falling in reverse

You have excellent taste in music,

 

[TheBoogieman]

Speaking of loud music...I just stumbled across this...

View attachment 644893

-Mac

Does the Hamburgler get caught, then let out on cashless bail in your state?

 

[AOSJ]

Please don't blast Bluegrass music since you're in Georgia. I imagine @John Cooper doing that, longing for Georgia and their "REAL" red clay mud to get stuck in.

@John Cooper is this true?

 

[AOSJ]

You have excellent taste in music,

decided to dial up this band (Falling in Reverse) in Apple Music - if you like this genre in general, give September Mourning a try if you like a similar sound with a female voice - I'm biased, they are friends of mine

 

[John Cooper]

@John Cooper is this true?

Well I have to be in the mood for Blue Grass. Honestly i prefer 70's and 80's classic rock, New Wave and Punk.

 

[JustDandee]

@macleanflood Got a link to which unit you went with, trying to put a price on my hearing

 

[macleanflood]

I spent about $1300. They have so many options I'd call Rugged Radio. They've got sales going on all the time and lots of clearance items.

-Mac