ALPINE PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM

[21JLURDG]

I got the Alpine system primarily because I wanted the larger 8.4" screen for backcountry navigation display, and good sound quality would be a plus. It turned out that the sound is mediocre in our noisy, unsealed Wranglers. And I'm unhappy with the restrictions that Android Auto puts on the map displays and limits my interactions with them. For example, the display of Gaia GPS is much more detailed on my phone, and Avenza Maps does not display via Android Auto. So I think I should have saved my money to install a custom stereo with the right sized screen that allowed me to display my maps as I want.

This one looks like it would be a certain audio improvement, but still needs a navigation screen upgrade:
https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/jeep-wrangler-gets-a-rockford-fosgate-sound-system.html
https://rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/18wrngler-stg5/

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[DocHolliday709]

Planning a build of a new 2025 Willys Wrangler. Looking to add most all of available options.

But am now questioning whether it is worth adding the Alpine setup which lists for $1595. What do you get if ordering this system versus the standard you would get without it? A local specialty shop that installs audio systems, has told me that they get Jeep owners coming in that have the Alpine deal and they want something better.
Their setups run around $3500.........Wouldn't I save money to just get the base radio/audio and then get one of their systems versus getting the Alpine which (I have no clue personally), but am being told many are not satisfied with

I love my Alpine and it kicks!. I like it better than my Bose in my High Country Suburban.

 

[JEEPGirl1413]

Planning a build of a new 2025 Willys Wrangler. Looking to add most all of available options.

But am now questioning whether it is worth adding the Alpine setup which lists for $1595. What do you get if ordering this system versus the standard you would get without it? A local specialty shop that installs audio systems, has told me that they get Jeep owners coming in that have the Alpine deal and they want something better.
Their setups run around $3500.........Wouldn't I save money to just get the base radio/audio and then get one of their systems versus getting the Alpine which (I have no clue personally), but am being told many are not satisfied with

Absolutely worth the $1500 upgrade! I had this system in my Rubicon in 2020 and just ordered a 2025 Sport S for a fun car, and made sure I got the system upgrade! You won’t regret it!

 

[wandrur]

Coming from two JKs (2014 JK and 2018 JKU) and a 2021 JLUR with the Alpine systems, comparing to the base audio in my 2025 JLU Willys, the Alpine is absolutely worth it. I think calling the base audio trash is strong, though the fact that we are talking about $40k and up vehicles...yeah, it's embarrassing that it's even still offered.

I've purchased a full MB Quart upgrade, and I'm about $2300 in after having to purchase the Alpine enclosure for the MB Quart sub (I have a security enclosure for the cargo area that is for the Alpine version).

I say the $1500 is well worth the improvement from the base audio. But as others have said, if you're planning on doing a stereo upgrade anyway, go with the base audio, save the money, and improve from there.

 

[AVGeek99]

The Alpine system sounds great. With good source material it sounds very good. Could it be better? Yeah, but it's a Jeep. If the ambient noise was lower, then maybe spending more would be worth it. But Jeeps aren't quiet. The aftermarket $3500 system might sound noticeably better when you're parked in your garage. But when you're driving down the interstate at 75 all that better sound is going to be drowned out by the ambient noise.

 

[Rocket_Matt]

I find the premium Alpine sound system is great for covering all the weird noises the engine makes.

 

[scootertoo]

Thanks for the responses, I'm now convinced to order up the Alpine setup as more than adequate for my needs.

 

[Erievon]

I got the Alpine system primarily because I wanted the larger 8.4" screen for backcountry navigation display, and good sound quality would be a plus. It turned out that the sound is mediocre in our noisy, unsealed Wranglers. And I'm unhappy with the restrictions that Android Auto puts on the map displays and limits my interactions with them. For example, the display of Gaia GPS is much more detailed on my phone, and Avenza Maps does not display via Android Auto. So I think I should have saved my money to install a custom stereo with the right sized screen that allowed me to display my maps as I want.

This one looks like it would be a certain audio improvement, but still needs a navigation screen upgrade:
https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/jeep-wrangler-gets-a-rockford-fosgate-sound-system.html
https://rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/18wrngler-stg5/

Add the Hotheads, Mopar, or headliner of your choice, it makes a world of difference.

 

[21JLURDG]

Add the Hotheads, Mopar, or headliner of your choice, it makes a world of difference.

Done. It does help but I don't agree that it makes a huge difference.

 

[Wabujitsu]

I am now questioning how deaf I really am . Before getting hearing aids I frequently listened to Alt Rock and Metal at full volume.


As for OPs question. The Alpine is good but will not be enough if you are an audiophile.

My last JL I went with a component setup up front and sized up the mids from 4 1/2" to 6.5" . Then added an amp and a small sub. While my last JL did sound better, I don't feel the need to swap out the Alpine in my current JLU for an aftermarket setup.

My son's 24 JL does not have the Alpine upgrade, and I find it lacking a bit.

I’m not quite to the point of hearing aids yet, in spite of me saying “say again?” to my wife, over-and-over.

 

[wrang_stang]

I’ll just say I’ve never, ever, ever, *ever* had a worse base audio system than in my Sahara (non Alpine). I‘ve also never even considered upgrading audio until this, it sounded like iPhone speakers. I immediately replaced all the speakers except the sports bar and added a sub under the passenger, now it sounds great.

If you get the base system, 100% expect to upgrade its unusable.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I’m not quite to the point of hearing aids yet, in spite of me saying “say again?” to my wife, over-and-over.

When she goes from using the phonetic alphabet to tapping Morse code on your shoulder, you might be ready for hearing aids.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

For those that seem to think that the Alpine system is "all that", if you have the standard speakers (and live in SoCal) I will swap you for my Alpine ones (including that bass thing in the back) for only $500.

 

[Jburton]

Not sure anyone said "all that", just substantially better than stock.

 

[PeatedWhisky]

Not sure anyone said "all that", just substantially better than stock.

Yeah agreed. I think with the road noise from a jeep, it gets the job done good enough and because of that noise there's only so far a high end system will take you. You can certainly improve on the Alpine system though you very quickly get into diminishing returns relative to the amount of improvement and dollars spent. If that's important for you, then go for it.

I think the most common complaint I've seen is that it's not loud enough, particularly with roof off etc. That may be a quality control type issue, mine has no problem over-powering road noise in that situation and at any speed with ample room to spare.

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