probably because they are a european company, but you will find them all over US based ebay sites
Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Thread starter Chris
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probably because they are a european company, but you will find them all over US based ebay sites
Which BLAM speakers would you recommend for a 03 TJ ?
Hello Skrelnik,
Which BLAM speakers would you recommend for a TJ-03?
For the basic set-up the BLAM relax series. They come in 5.25", either coaxial or component. Incartec is the best online place to purchase. Inhighly recommend to pair with a proper amplifier. I used to call it the BLAM 3-pack for the TJ. Two sets of these speakers with the BLAM amplifier. Just need a subwoofer and you are good to go. Self powered, or grab a five channel amplifier instead and a kicker 6.75" to throw in the center console. Happy to further discuss once you know what you want.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ncy-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-130RFC
Incartec. Fast shipping and great prices. A bunch of forum members have purchased from this place, and i have made multiple purchases...all good.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...ncy-2ohm-2-Way-Coaxial-car-speakers-BL-130RFC
What 5 channel amp do you recommend? I have a Soundstream Picasso in one right now but searching for another with the sub in the console 6.75”
Is this the Kicker sub?
https://www.kicker.com/comp-rt-6-75-2-ohm-subwoofer
Hope you are doing well, Skrel.
What are your thoughts on running a 6.5 in the rear? I've heard folks here stating that this creates volume imbalance which negatively impacts quality. However, in my admittedly uneducated audio mind, it seems that the larger speaker is not about volume, but rather better frequency response for better sound reproduction. Volume differences can be handled with fade control. Please educate me a bit.
Hey there JMT. I think you may have a solid amp for your application. That Soundstream gets the job done. Any reason you want to possibly change?
That amplifier has a fifth channel, and is rated 2ohm/350 watt, so instead of the 2 ohm DVC kicker sub you selected you should opt for the 4 ohm DVC version. When wired in parallel, the 4 ohm will pull 2 ohm.
https://www.kicker.com/comp-rt-6-75-4-ohm-subwoofer
Remind me again what your four main speakers are?
Hey Nash - still watching your thread, on a more limited basis, love seeing what you are doing.
As I am learning, as you get older your work responsibilities increase and I got a new gig which is consuming a lot of my time so I am not as active as I want to be.
Not all 6.5" speakers are created equally, and it really depends on your ultimate goal, even components vs coaxial. I ended up using 5.25" for the speaker pods just because the BLAMs are so good and responsive.
The simplest and most cost effective solution is the 5.25" BLAM coaxials, 6.75" kicker 4 ohm with the Soundstream Nano amp. Also easy to install.
Now when one want to spend more money and a more complex install for better sound there are a couple places to improve. First front speakers to components with speaker pods on the dash or a-pillar....etc etc.
So 6.5" in the rear are fine, but you can get similar sound quality from the 5.25". Remember, this is all relative to a TJ. Another we would do something different.
I have a project car going, turboed a Miata and added the 5.25" BLAM components - when I have the top down those BLAMs crank, even on the highway they sound crystal clear.
In the TJ now I removed the speaker pods and found an amazing deal on a larger speaker box, for like $100 i got this thing and added four 8". I have not completed the install yet, but looking forward to it.
No big reason to get anything different than the Soundstream Nano Picasso. Some of the wiring is a bit delicate, but it’s fine. I was just wondering if there was a better 5-channel for the money. Thanks for link to Kicker sub!
My 4 speakers are Polk DB’s (4x6 and 6.5).
Well, there is always room for improvement, and the reason i recommend Soundstream is due to the small size and price, which makes for an easier install in the TJ.
If you want to look at some higher quality amps, this Kenwood is a solid choice for your current build, Polks plus a Kicker in the center console? Do you have the stock center console? If by chance you have the Tuffy I have a spare box that can hold and 8" shallow mount, the below Ground Zero. I removed this in favor of the over speakers I am installing, four 8" up there. Long shot, but you can have the box and woofer if you want.
https://www.kenwood.com/ca/car/excelon_motorsports/xm802-5/
Ooh, nice Kenwood Amp. Thanks for the link.
I have a Rubicon console, so it’s set up for the 6.75”. Haven’t researched yet if it can be modified for an 8”, but I doubt there’s enough volume/air space for an 8” slimline in the console. Thanks for the kind offer.
Four 8’s for you?! Yes, please. That will sound great!
Hello @skrelnik
Here’s my current setup:
To hear my front speakers properly, I have to set the fader about 85% to the front.
So, based on your advice, I’d like to switch to BLAM speakers.
What setup would you recommend, knowing that I don’t plan to add an external amp yet ( the bass from the Focal sub is already more than enough for me ) and like to drive with the top off ?
Install BLAM 5.25” in both the dash and the soundbar ?
Keep the 6.5” in the soundbar, and replace the Kicker 5.25” (4 ohm) with BLAM RFC 130 (5.25“ in 2 ohm) in the dash ( with or without inclosures ) + add BLAM RFC 100 ( 4“ in 2 ohm) on top of the dashboard (with VersaPods ) ?
Regards
Here’s my current setup:
- Head unit: ATOTO 4x49W (4 ohm)
- Soundbar: Kicker 6.5”
- Dash: Kicker 5.25” + Select Increments Dash Pod Enclosures
- Under driver seat: Focal iSub Active
To hear my front speakers properly, I have to set the fader about 85% to the front.
So, based on your advice, I’d like to switch to BLAM speakers.
What setup would you recommend, knowing that I don’t plan to add an external amp yet ( the bass from the Focal sub is already more than enough for me ) and like to drive with the top off ?
Install BLAM 5.25” in both the dash and the soundbar ? Keep the 6.5” in the soundbar, and replace the Kicker 5.25” (4 ohm) with BLAM RFC 130 (5.25“ in 2 ohm) in the dash ( with or without inclosures ) + add BLAM RFC 100 ( 4“ in 2 ohm) on top of the dashboard (with VersaPods ) ?Regards
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Hello @skrelnik
Here’s my current setup:
- Head unit: ATOTO 4x49W (4 ohm)
- Soundbar: Kicker 6.5”
- Dash: Kicker 5.25” + Select Increments Dash Pod Enclosures
- Under driver seat: Focal iSub Active
To hear my front speakers properly, I have to set the fader about 85% to the front.
So, based on your advice, I’d like to switch to BLAM speakers.
What setup would you recommend, knowing that I don’t plan to add an external amp yet ( the bass from the Focal sub is already more than enough for me ) and like to drive without top ?
Regards
I am going to throw option 3 at you. Take a read/look and let me know what you are thinking after this.
First, the amplifier is not just for bass, it also helps the main speakers shine, they will sound cleaner and crisper. You must get an amp, I highly recommend.
The BLAM speakers are rated 2ohm, not 4ohm, so you should not run them off the ATOTO else you risk blowing the internal amplifier. You really need an amplifier to drive the BLAMs and those Kickers you currently have.
With that said, I recommend:
1) Keep 6.5" Kickers in overhead pods.
2) Amplifier - 4 channel. Stay with BLAM. You will need RCA cables to connect amplifier to head unit.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...s-D-4-Channel-4-50W-4-75W-amplifier-BL-RA754D
3) BLAM 5.25" components (including the 0.8" tweeters and crossover)...not coaxial.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...-2-Way-Component-car-audio-speakers-BL-130RFS
Speaker specs are in this above link, towards the bottom of the page.
3a) Upgraded Crossover - I use this one not the free one.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/BLAM...fMwiaRu-dI6KM_AVBzPNHdE7FZ1mAYq1rJT7WLgcZ8OCE
4) Pods for the tweeters - Valicar is the company. Located in Germany and they make awesome products. Email the guy and ask for pods for the BLAM RT20 tweeters. Use the contact link on the website.
https://www.pods-tweeters-midrange.com/
Thanks for U'r feedback.
What do you think about switching the kicker 6,5 with BLAM speakers ?
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I like these BLAM Relax a lot and would say yes, regardless if you have the Kicker K, C or D series. Kicker is good stuff but I just like BLAM more.
If you want to spend the money go for it. If it is not in your budget then stick with Kicker.
I am trying not to spend your money, and give you the best budget friendly advice.
So, if you would like to add more, you definitely do not want these two sets of coaxial speakers, one a 4" with the 0.8" tweeter and a 5.25" with the same 0.8" tweeter.
If anything, you would want a 5.25" component (no tweeter) paired with the 4" coaxial. But, you would need the crossover else the 5.25" will blow...or you need a digital sound processor, more money.
Amplifier - no issue if you use the same amp as I recommended above to power both these BLAMs, and you can run the 6.5" Kickers off the head unit.
More speakers does not mean better, quality over quantity is my rule of thumb.
I can keep writing, but will pause at this point to hear what you have to say...
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that sound bar for 100 bucks is an absolute steel, I think I paid more than that in just shipping and import taxes
Hello @skrelnik,
I’m questioning the relevance of this 4th approach ( keeping the setup you recommend, with few adjustments ) :
2 ) Amplifier - BLAM P805
5 ) BLAM Passive sub - RELAX MSP 25P ( located in the center console instead of the focal isub actually located under the driver seat )
What do you think about this setup ?
Regards
I like your thinking here, but the amplifier is not the best match, a little too powerful. Did you look at the same subwoofer, but the active version with a built in amplifier?
That would require more wiring, or we can look for a different 5 channel amp.
Love your thought process though....
Active version
https://www.blam-audio.com/en/produit/relax-msa-25-p/
I saw the active version of the subwoofer but my main goal was to make the wiring simplier by using a 5-channel amp under the dash.
Unfortunately, the P805 is the only 5-channel BLAM amplifier that can fit under the dashboard. I also looked at the Picasso Nano PN5.640D, but with a $300 price difference including shipping to my location, I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be better to stick with BLAM — especially since the reviews on the Picasso are quite mixed
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