Aftermarket stereo / speakers vs Alpine-8.4

[chrizow]

Hello everyone, in the process of buying a 2021 Rubicon or Sahara, and evaluating the Alpine / 8.4 option package. The consensus around here seems to be that the stereo is fine but not exceptional. Wondering what everyone’s experience is with aftermarket installation of new speakers and stereo?

Any particular recommendations with equipment and speakers? I will not be doing this myself, but would have a audio specialist doing it for me. If anyone knows an audio retailer in the KC area or within a reasonable drive who knows Jeeps that would be great too. Upgrading speakers seems straightforward but I don’t want some janky Frankenstein situation with the console and screen

Thanks!

Chris

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[Sirois2018]

I went with a custom upgrade and the the 7" non upgraded stock stereo. Couldn't be happier. Really happy I went this route.

I had to use an amplifier interface to get the stock deck to work with the amp. I rewired all my speaker wiring with 14 gauge wiring. I located the PAC interface behind the glovebox and the amp under the driver seat using the JL amp rack. I did make a little vent extension for the heater vent under the seat so it didn't blow the hot air right on the amp and make it overheat. I wired the PAC interface to the amp using a set of RCA cables from Stinger.
I had to change out the kick panel dash speaker pods with ones that would accommodate the 6 1/2 speakers. I also had to take apart the sound bar and retrofit it with SSV Works adapters for the 6 1/2" speakers and tweeters up there.
All in all I have about 40 hours into it. Wasn't really hard to do but pretty tedious. I routed the power wires into the passenger compartment though a hole that is already in the fire wall on the drivers side under the brake booster. It has a plug in it but, you can pull the plug and drill a hole in it just a hair smaller than your wires.
Below is a list of the parts. One thing to keep in mind is to pay attention when taking everything apart. I have 3 dash screws left over. I have no idea where they go. Everything went back together and works so I'm assuming I don't need them. I keeping them though, so when something rattles lose I know where they go.

Amp interface_ PAC AmpPRO AP4-CH41 (R.2)
RCA wires from PAC to amp._ Stinger SI4612 12-Foot 4000 Series Professional 6 Channel RCA Interconnects
Amp Rack under seat_ JL Audio SBAJ-JLU-UAR Amp Rack
Kick Panel lower dash speakers_ Alpine R-S65.2 6-1/2" 2 way speakers
Kick Panel lower dash speaker pods_ Metra JP-1014 Front Dash Speaker Pods
Sound bar speakers_ Alpine R-S65C 6.5" Component Speakers
Sound bar speaker adapters_ SSV Works JJT-SA065 Speaker Adapters
Subwoofers_ (2x) Right and Left - JL Audio Stealthbox Black custom-fit fiberglass enclosure with one 10TW1 subwoofer
Amplifier_ JL Audio XD700/5v -Channel 75 Watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms + 300 watts RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms

Good luck!

 

[Gaust]

I don’t have the Alpine system but have upgraded with aftermarket amps and speakers. I’d definitely suggest going the aftermarket route for sound quality. Depends on what you’re looking for from your sound system. Sound quality, spl, just sounding good at louder volumes?

 

[LSguy]

I have the alpine system with the 7 inch in my 2021 Willys, I am currently in the process of totally re-doing the entire sound system. A ton of custom work, it should be pretty cool. I'll be doing a build thread soon. Here's a sneak peak.

 

[Gaust]

I have the alpine system with the 7 inch in my 2021 Willys, I am currently in the process of totally re-doing the entire sound system. A ton of custom work, it should be pretty cool. I'll be doing a build thread soon. Here's a sneak peak.

Nice and looking good. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve done and are doing. I’ll have to make a build thread about what I installed. Won’t get to it for a while because of other house projects.

 

[LSguy]

Nice and looking good. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve done and are doing. I’ll have to make a build thread about what I installed. Won’t get to it for a while because of other house projects.

Thanks man. Yeah, these boxes are taking a while. There's several constraints and goals of mine that make them incredibly specific. Have been working with a box designer to get them to fit, function, and hold the correct port tune.

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