2024 Soundbar Speaker Upgrade Plan

[Goldie]

So I’ve recently finished upgrading the entire audio system for my 2024 Willys… well, everything except for the soundbar.

I disassembled the entire dash, tapped into the speaker output from the head unit using the Metra LOC-CHH3 T-harness (works great !), ran to a new line output converter, then to a 5-channel amp before running all the wiring back to the factory speaker wires in the front. Replaced the front dash speakers with 2-way 3.5” speakers (with an inline HPF crossover), and used the Metra pods in the knee panels to replace those speakers with 6.5” coaxials.

I then used a Jeep JL passenger-side Skar Audio 10” subwoofer enclosure (happy with this as well), with a new 10” DVC subwoofer, powered by my 5-channel amp.

Everything sounds great! I have the standard (non-amplified, no subwoofer) sound system, and it was TERRIBLE. Now my complete audio system sounds AMAZING!! Well, everything except for the stupid soundbar….

if you didn’t know, Jeep redesigned the soundbar for the ‘24s. None of the JL soundbar pods/adaptors work for the ‘24, and I’ve been waiting about a month for SOME KIND of solution to hit the market. But still nothing.

Ok so I was thinking about using the Metra Universal (82-4600) 6.5” adaptor bracket, and cutting the adaptor to fit inside the soundbar enclosure.l, and install a 2-way 6.5” speaker in either side. But it dawned on me that I would only have about a 1/2” clearance if using the factory speaker grille. And 2-way 6.5” speakers have a top-mount clearance of over a half inch. Sooooo shit.

Ok so my NEW plan is to use the universal 6.5” adaptor, but drill a smaller hole in it in the side, and install COMPONENT 6.5” speakers—a separate 6.5” woofer, with a separate 1” tweeter. The component speakers I’m looking at only have a 1/4” top-mount depth.

In theory, I think this is a solution that will work, while maintaining the factory look (always a priority of mine). But before I buy everything and start drilling/cutting into my soundbar, I wanted to see if anyone else had any feedback. If you have any ideas,

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[Scott97]

Wow, you are a lot more knowledgeable and ambitious than me so I offer this suggestion with those two things in mind.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/overhead-sound-bar-speaker-upgrade-kit-wrangler-jl

Pros: Fits a 2024 soundbar and easy plug and play install that retains the factory grills. Sounds better than the factory set up but that is not saying much considering how bad the factory one is. Ya, that is a weak endorsement but it fits a 2024.

Cons: it is not a game changer, more of a place holder until something better comes along.

I have the Tera Acoustics front sound stage upgrade so this kit from Quadratec works for me for now. Good luck with your quest for a better soundbar! Lots of threads available to read on this topic, no slam dunks IMO.

 

[wrang_stang]

Wow, you are a lot more knowledgeable and ambitious than me so I offer this suggestion with those two things in mind.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/overhead-sound-bar-speaker-upgrade-kit-wrangler-jl

Pros: Fits a 2024 soundbar and easy plug and play install that retains the factory grills. Sounds better than the factory set up but that is not saying much considering how bad the factory one is. Ya, that is a weak endorsement but it fits a 2024.

Cons: it is not a game changer, more of a place holder until something better comes along.

I have the Tera Acoustics front sound stage upgrade so this kit from Quadratec works for me for now. Good luck with your quest for a better soundbar! Lots of threads available to read on this topic, no slam dunks IMO.

I was considering these as well but I wish they were at least 6”+ speakers for that price. The pre 2024 version of this had two options that were both better than this.

 

[Goldie]

Wow, you are a lot more knowledgeable and ambitious than me so I offer this suggestion with those two things in mind.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/overhead-sound-bar-speaker-upgrade-kit-wrangler-jl

Pros: Fits a 2024 soundbar and easy plug and play install that retains the factory grills. Sounds better than the factory set up but that is not saying much considering how bad the factory one is. Ya, that is a weak endorsement but it fits a 2024.

Cons: it is not a game changer, more of a place holder until something better comes along.

I have the Tera Acoustics front sound stage upgrade so this kit from Quadratec works for me for now. Good luck with your quest for a better soundbar! Lots of threads available to read on this topic, no slam dunks IMO.

Yeah I saw these, they’re really the only aftermarket option available right now for the ‘24 soundbar. But I didn’t want to spend $420+ for just 5.25” Kicker CS speakers. I’d have considered it if they were 6.5”, but even then it seems pretty high of a cost.

 

[GinaC]

Do you have the Alpine upgrade? I'm kicking myself now for not ordering it.

This system also seems like it would be good, but I wouldn't install it myself:

 

[Goldie]

No I have/had the standard system. I had the Alpine in my leased ‘21 Rubicon 4xe, and although not amazing it was MUCH better than the standard system. But now with the new sub, 5-way amp, and front speakers it blows the Alpine system away (even with the stock soundbar speakers)!

 

[wrang_stang]

No I have/had the standard system. I had the Alpine in my leased ‘21 Rubicon 4xe, and although not amazing it was MUCH better than the standard system. But now with the new sub, 5-way amp, and front speakers it blows the Alpine system away (even with the stock soundbar speakers)!

I was *appalled* at how bad the standard system was. Genuinely, by far, the worst I’ve had in any vehicle including those significantly cheaper.

So I went ahead and did amp and all speakers upgraded except the soundbar. However I also did a sub, a kicker hideaway mounted under the passenger seat, and it causes more rattles than I’d like. Any tips for reducing the rattles or isolating it somehow?

My theory is actually that the power seat motors might be contributing to the noises.

 

[Goldie]

I was *appalled* at how bad the standard system was. Genuinely, by far, the worst I’ve had in any vehicle including those significantly cheaper.

So I went ahead and did amp and all speakers upgraded except the soundbar. However I also did a sub, a kicker hideaway mounted under the passenger seat, and it causes more rattles than I’d like. Any tips for reducing the rattles or isolating it somehow?

My theory is actually that the power seat motors might be contributing to the noises.

I’m sorry I don’t know how to fix the rattles, I’ve never used an under-seat sub. If it’s physically rattling, maybe use some rubber grommets or something? But if the signal is getting electrical interference, it might be a bad ground. But honestly I can’t say for sure, I’m sorry!

 

[Scott97]

In reading all of the treads I could find on this topic, not one person was completely satisfied with their sound bar upgrade. Most were disappointed, including those who installed 6.5" speakers in 2023 and older Wranglers. Part of the issue seems to be the soundbar itself. It is a lousy speaker enclosure.

 

[SunburntJeeper]

In reading all of the treads I could find on this topic, not one person was completely satisfied with their sound bar upgrade. Most were disappointed, including those who installed 6.5" speakers in 2023 and older Wranglers. Part of the issue seems to be the soundbar itself. It is a lousy speaker enclosure.

You’re right about the disappointment. Not only is it a fairly bad enclosure, the stock soundbar gets such little power from the already weak amp that I think any investment just isn’t worth it. No matter what you put up there, it will sound tinny. I put 6x9s into mine and regret it.

Putting kickers in the dash was amazing though!

 

[lashlee]

To get the most benefit from any speaker upgrade, you need more control and more power. A full wholesale replacement after the OEM radio is going to be the best option, albeit the most expensive. I typically use a processor and go full active to achieve the best results.

 

[24rubiX]

This may not apply to you if you're planning on upgrading to a larger size speaker, but for anyone looking to swap out the standard 4" speakers in the roll bar, you'll need an adapter for them to fit. I found this out the hard way. These speakers come with an adapter that will allow them to work so I've ordered them plus a set of 2-way 3.5" speakers for the roll bar.

 

[Goldie]

You’re right about the disappointment. Not only is it a fairly bad enclosure, the stock soundbar gets such little power from the already weak amp that I think any investment just isn’t worth it. No matter what you put up there, it will sound tinny. I put 6x9s into mine and regret it.

Putting kickers in the dash was amazing though!

For the record, I wouldn’t recommend doing ANYTHING with the soundbar—AT ALL—unless you’ve already done all the things I’ve already done:

Tap into head unit, run to line output converter.

LOC to 5-channel amp. Dual stereo outputs (front and back) back to head unit speaker inputs.

Replace dash and knee panel speakers. 3.5” 2-way speakers in dash with in-line high pass filter (900hz+); 6.5” speaker in knee panel using Metra pod.

Sub output from amp to 10” DVC subwoofer.

Only after doing all THAT, would I recommend screwing with the soundbar speakers. I don’t expect any great results from upgrading the soundbar, personally I was just hoping that the separate 6.5” woofer would boost some of the (lacking) lower mid-range.

 

[Jayranger]

FYI Metra came out with adapters: http://metraonline.com/part/JP-1019

 

[Cagle]

FYI Metra came out with adapters: http://metraonline.com/part/JP-1019

Thanks for the heads up. It was an easy clean install.

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