'22 JL Rubicon audio upgrade?

[dragoneggs]

The 22 JL Rubicon has no options for audio. Just the standard 8.4 UConnect. No info on audio. Wondering what folks are doing to upgrade audio.

First question... is swapping out the top dash speakers with Kenwood KFC-X3C a good move?

Second question... it appears the lower dash speakers are a difficult swap. Is it worth it?

Third question... what are folks doing with the speakers in the roll bar?

I know the real solution is amps but want to take this incrementally if I can and DIY as much as I can.

Maybe the first question should be... what are the specs on the stock system. I can't find any specifics.

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[SKCWRANGLER]

It comes with the Alpine system with an amp and sub.

 

[lashlee]

Some of the questions you have could be better answered at a local specialty shop. After being in and around the industry for the last 30 or so years, every ear is different. What some people dislike about a given setup may be what others prefer. Your budget, musical tastes and who is doing the work need to be answered first. I've installed, tuned and listened to systems of various costs over the years and have found some inexpensive builds can sound great and some expensive build can sound horrible.

With that being said, I would find a local brick and mortar and take a variety of music that you like and let your ears lead you to what sounds the best (but be warned that what sounds good in a sound board may not translate to good sound in your Jeep). In general, the more control you have over the sound, the better it can sound. Using a PAC amp pro with an amp(s) and new speakers would be the long term goal but you can make some changes in steps to give you some better sound in the mean time until you find your audio nirvana.

If you came to me, I would suggest new dash speakers, replace the lower dash pods with the larger 6-1/2" enclosures and do the same in the sound bar. Bigger speakers will sound better as long as the install is at the optimum of the given speaker. The Alpine setup in the sound bar uses two speakers so make sure your new speakers can take advantage of the wiring or run new wires from a new amp.

 

[Terpsmandan]

I went through two sets of dash speakers, Infinify REF3230 and now have JK C2-350's. I tried to install components in the sound bar and found that the high pass filter for the small speakers is too low for most component tweeters. Infinity 6530's and Alpine S-S65S were the two I tried. Now running JL c2-650s in the sound bar to the small plug and a set of Tang Band 2W2-2243S 2" driver on the large plugs. @carstereochick 's shop replaced the whole smash with a MB Quart Stage 6 and an extra amp to give the sub a bump and that is where I am headed now. The JL Audio speakers do sound good but sometimes I want to go to 11 and it's not there. It really depends on how particular you are about your music and how much you want to spend.

 

[rcadden]

I came from an '07 GMC Sierra with a simple Kenwood head unit and "a slight upgrade over factory" speakers that I'd installed myself.

My Sahara Altitude came with the full 8.4" Alpine system (because I ordered it that way) and my recommendation would be to wait and experience it before you start planning to replace or "upgrade" it. It's pretty fantastic as-is, IMO.

 

[HydroPaul]

I went through two sets of dash speakers, Infinify REF3230 and now have JK C2-350's. I tried to install components in the sound bar and found that the high pass filter for the small speakers is too low for most component tweeters. Infinity 6530's and Alpine S-S65S were the two I tried. Now running JL c2-650s in the sound bar to the small plug and a set of Tang Band 2W2-2243S 2" driver on the large plugs. @carstereochick 's shop replaced the whole smash with a MB Quart Stage 6 and an extra amp to give the sub a bump and that is where I am headed now. The JL Audio speakers do sound good but sometimes I want to go to 11 and it's not there. It really depends on how particular you are about your music and how much you want to spend.

Did u run your.dash speakers / soundbar to a amp or did you just upgrade speakers only?

 

[Jeep4Win]

As stated above, it comes with the Alpine.

 

[Terpsmandan]

Did u run your.dash speakers / soundbar to a amp or did you just upgrade speakers only?

Upgraded speakers only with the factory amp.

 

[HydroPaul]

Upgraded speakers only with the factory amp.

I'm guessing you are aware that the stock head unit won't allow your new speakers to sound better. It will actually sound worse with an upgrade. U need a amp or change out headuunit.

 

[Terpsmandan]

Yeah... MB Quart stage 6 is going in tomorrow. Wish I could have deleted the Alpine when I ordered it.

 

[dragoneggs]

I know the audio is Alpine and it was standard not an option for my 22 JLR unlike the previous year. What I don't know are any specs, watts, RMS, THD, PSD, LSD, etc.

 

[Terpsmandan]

From our friends on the other side of the street.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/amp-specs-for-alpine-premium-system.40894/

 

[dragoneggs]

I know the audio is Alpine and it was standard not an option for my 22 JLR unlike the previous year. What I don't know are any specs, watts, RMS, THD, PSD, LSD, etc.

I think I need to correct my above statement. When I started looking at JLs, in 2021, that model year had an option for the 8.4 Uconnect w/Alpine speakers specifically called out.
I ended up ordering a '22 JLR and the 8.4Uconnect became standard. I assumed this also meant Alpine speakers. And there are no options.

Going back and looking at my order paperwork and currently what is online at Jeep.com, there is zero mention of Alpine.

Did Jeep downgrade the speakers for 2022?

 

[Terpsmandan]

No. Alpine and 8.4 are standard for 22 Rubicon.

 

[dragoneggs]

No. Alpine and 8.4 are standard for 22 Rubicon.

Can you provide any proof that Alpine Premium speakers are present for any 22 Wrangler? I see no difference in offering across the submodels... and nothing saying 'Alpine'.

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