ALPINE PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM

[AVGeek99]

I've found that with the top off I have to make some eq adjustments (both phone and Jeep) to get the best sound. Without any eq adjustments at louder volumes the Alpine really pushes the midrange and can get very edgy. So in the su.mer with the top off I dial back the mid range a bit and add some base. You can do this with the Jeep eq alone, but since it's just 3 bands you can dial it in a lot better with the phone's eq, at least on an Android.

Sponsored

 

[Sazabi19]

I have had both options and for me the premium audio is a hard pass. 1) I don't notice much of a difference between the two (they both suck) 2) I have the top off the Jeep most of the time so I can't even hear the speakers anyway and 3) if your Jeep is ever in an accident and totaled, insurance is not going to give you $1,500 in value for the premium sound option on your Jeep. Premium sound, 4-Auto, Headliners, and front camera are all not worth what they cost. I would add ACC to that list of things to avoid as well but I think it is standard now.

Lol really? You didn't notice much difference? I got that you don't care for it or maybe it's not as good as what you want (for the price?) but there is a HUGE difference in audio quality between the 2. Also, generally speaking, the more equipment you have STOCK is better for "value" on what you get paid out for insurance. Most insurance don't count your mods, though some will take that into consideration, or at least in my experience (though that's just with USAA in IN).

Also, as noted in my post before yours, I have noticed that I can hear my music better on the highway with the Jeep naked with my hearing protection in. It's nothing like being on regular roads and without all the extra noise, but def better than when not having them in.

 

[Ol’ Timey Manual SWB Guy]

I've found that with the top off I have to make some eq adjustments (both phone and Jeep) to get the best sound. Without any eq adjustments at louder volumes the Alpine really pushes the midrange and can get very edgy. So in the summer with the top off I dial back the mid range a bit and add some base. You can do this with the Jeep eq alone, but since it's just 3 bands you can dial it in a lot better with the phone's eq, at least on an Android.

100% true. Glad somebody said it.

have the stock Jeep 7” head unit still sitting “above” a few strategic sound upgrades. It’s amazing how poor the stock 7” EQ is. Having fiddled with that 3-band EQ endlessly, I honestly think Stellantis put a ton of engineering work into designing around (and thus hard-coding an EQ curve around) the cheapest possible OE speakers. I’ve since added an external DAC “below” the Lightning connector of my iPhone, so I can send a high-bitrate 100% clean signal and I can use the rather better EQ native to Spotify (which can do XL file sizes if you choose). With better speakers, I can hear the shortcomings of the stock head unit’s EQ.

To wit, I’ve found that this Spotify curve works passably well…

Also related: SiriusXM in our Jeeps can’t ever get to audiophile quality. They beam down more flavors rather than higher quality. Variety of taste over SQ is a business decision based on the bandwidth constraints of their birds. Upgrade enough gear in a Jeep, and you can hear what’s missing.

So stock sucks. Alpine is pretty good. Audiophile gear will find the next weak link. I’ve owned all three. IMHO, HD Spotify with a good $100 DAC and EQ helps a lot, irrespective of whether you are stock/Alpine/aftermarket. I mean, any new iPhone (and almost any new Android) will represent a pretty powerful little audio computer.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Lol really? You didn't notice much difference? I got that you don't care for it or maybe it's not as good as what you want (for the price?) but there is a HUGE difference in audio quality between the 2. Also, generally speaking, the more equipment you have STOCK is better for "value" on what you get paid out for insurance. Most insurance don't count your mods, though some will take that into consideration, or at least in my experience (though that's just with USAA in IN).

Also, as noted in my post before yours, I have noticed that I can hear my music better on the highway with the Jeep naked with my hearing protection in. It's nothing like being on regular roads and without all the extra noise, but def better than when not having them in.

1. Nope. IMO, both versions suck. That said, the Jeep is so loud with wind noise and the top is off 80% of the time, so for me I wouldn't even pay the premium if the alpine system was amazing since either way it's hard to hear anything anyway.
2. Did you see my other post on how much insurance paid me for my factory upgrades when my JLUR was totaled?

 

[Sazabi19]

1. Nope. IMO, both versions suck. That said, the Jeep is so loud with wind noise and the top is off 80% of the time, so for me I wouldn't even pay the premium if the alpine system was amazing since either way it's hard to hear anything anyway.
2. Did you see my other post on how much insurance paid me for my factory upgrades when my JLUR was totaled?

1. Your opinion is WRONG!!!!!! Lol JK, sucks you don't like it, but at least you get other goodies with it and it's not just the speakers.

2. I did, I'd probably switch. I would also say buying a lesser trim or being stock I think you'd still get back proportionally less, that's only my thought though, no real evidence to back that up.

Either way, it's hard to go wrong knowing what you want, to each their own. That's the best part about our Wranglers, we can customize them and make them how WE want :D

Also related: SiriusXM in our Jeeps can’t ever get to audiophile quality. They beam down more flavors rather than higher quality. Variety of taste over SQ is a business decision based on the bandwidth constraints of their birds. Upgrade enough gear in a Jeep, and you can hear what’s missing.

Yes, Satrad is terrible for quality. You can very clearly hear degradation in fidelity during inclement weather, it's horrible

 

[kah.mun.rah]

1. Your opinion is WRONG!!!!!! Lol JK, sucks you don't like it, but at least you get other goodies with it and it's not just the speakers.

Touché. I feel that anyone that thinks the Alpine system is good, has probably never owned a vehicle with a good system to compare it to. To your point, since mine is a 2021, my Premium Audio Group was $1,995. Besides the speakers and subwoofer, as far as the other things it includes:

- 8.4" screen, which is nice, but not $1,995 nice.
- GPS Navigation (I don't know anyone with a smart phone that uses the factory Navigation)
- Sirius Guardian (can't use without a subscription, don't want, don't need)
- Sirius Travel Link (can't use without a subscription, don't want, don't need)
- Sirius Traffic Plus (can't use without a subscription, don't want, don't need)
- Emergency/Assistance Call (can't use without a subscription, don't want, don't need)
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot (can't use without a subscription, don't want, don't need)
- Offroad pages. I thought this would be cool and useful but I never use it.

Things the $1,995 Premium Audio also added:
- Small but more sales tax at the time of purchase
- More interest payment during the duration of the loan
- Small but higher registration each year
- Small but higher insurance
- Reduced cargo space in the back of the Jeep

In the newer models, and correct me if I am wrong, I believe that you get the same screen size with and without the Premium Audio (Technology Group). Maybe there has been a big improvement in the Apline speakers they used in 2021 and the ones they use today? If not, now that I have had JLURs with both options, the premium audio in my book is still a hard pass.

 

[KOKOKO]

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

Good call. I sell and install home audio gear. There is a wide variety of gear and much of listening pleasure depends on environment and source. I have both audiophile gear at home and the Alpine system in my 21 Willys and decided the upgrade in after market sound didn't match the cost to replace. Yes there is better car audio gear available but unless you've an unlimited budget, I assume you don't or you wouldn't have asked the question, the Alpine is good enough for jeep fun. Enjoy your new Willys.

 

[Wbino]

The real question everyone should ask is why the volume goes to 38 max?
38?
Not 41?

 

[ASSFROW]

The real question everyone should ask is why the volume goes to 38 max?
38?
Not 41?

To make you ask stupid questions. more, I mean ask more stupid questions.

 

[Raptorz]

One thing I’m surprised no one ever brings up - the 8 speakers in the Alpine premium audio group are the exact same as the 8 stock speakers. You’re paying $1500 for the subwoofer and amp.

Now I’m not saying it’s not a bad setup, but it’s good to know what you’re paying for, I think Jeep intentionally leaves the option description vague so you think you’re getting more than you really are.

 

[Cutterone]

Perhaps true, but as with any speaker, drive it with more clean power and it's going to perform better, the price may be steep but the Alpine upgrade is more than enough for 95% of us folks, and I listen to loud and heavy and am very happy with it. Just saw Metallica in Syracuse!!!

 

[Amciano]

I've been .meaning to ask this question for quite sometime..mid range in alpine does what exactly and how should I set it at a lower level or higher level?...im fine adjusting treble and base but not sure if there is a recommended setting level for mid?

 

[Amciano]

Should mid be set at higher or lower 9 vs 4?

 

[jludave]

the 8 speakers in the Alpine premium audio group are the exact same as the 8 stock speakers.

No, they are not.

 

[Raptorz]

I bought 8 speakers plus the sub off a guy with a premium audio 2020 Sahara. When I went to install the speakers in my 2021, I realized they looked the same, and had the same part numbers. I made a post about it.

Sponsored