Base 7", Kicker Key200 question

[CJ555]

I have read many posts and decided on Kicker 6.5" KS6504 in SB and knee panels. I am considering Kicker KS 3.5" in the dash corners but have read a better option may be going with dedicated tweeters only in top dash. Recommendations?
I am also considering adding a Kicker 10" hideaway at a later date if I feel a need for it. (I am not an audiophile or base lover FWIW, but I heard I may lose A LOT of base when I swap all these speakers out. And I assume the amp will not help with base??) Opinions?

I was originally going to stick with just this plan to start,...but since I will have the dash ripped open I figured it may be a better idea to add a Kicker Key200.4 amp somewhere near the glove box area. Not sure if i will even need it but I do not want to rip this dash apart twice!!

My thought on going with this amp is
1) it is small enough to hide in the dash area as I do not want an amp under my seat
2) It has the built in DSP (I am a TOTAL beginner and have no idea how to tune, let alone what FLAT, CLEAR, BRIGHT even mean) I have an idea but ,.....?!!!!

So my question is that I heard even with the KEY 200 I may still be better off with the AMPRO as opposed to the LOCPRO that Crutchfield recommends.
Will the LOCPRO be sufficient or will I need the AMPRO? Or neither since I have the base 7" system? I have no intentions to ever switch the HU, that is why I am considering the amp.

I am trying to keep this as budget friendly and well hidden as possible, the factory radio is horrible but I really don't mind it when the jeep is closed up. But I know come summer time when I take the top down and doors off I have a hard time hearing it at highway speeds.
Jeep is a 2021 JLU Willys with base 7" screen.

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[lashlee]

For the best possible scenario for optimum output from the system, the AmpPro is the best choice. Though it's not the cheapest, it's the best setup for the long run, but it does allow you to get a "dumb" amp (that doesn't require any fancy DSP) that will offset some of that cost. If top off tunes are important, I would look into an amp that has a little more power than a lower cost model (I would start around 100 watts RMS per channel) with the proper crossover to help limit the lower frequencies for the respective speaker to help keep the sound clean at higher volumes.

I know that for theft purposes, the dash is a pretty good choice, but I prefer under the seat since it offers similar safety, but you can use a larger physical amp that is more efficient at higher volumes. I would also look into a sub since that fills in the lower frequencies and help the sound carry and seem louder with the top off.

 

[CJ555]

Thanks for the response. I have been reading a lot of posts and see you in a lot and was hoping you'd chime in! I am pretty sure that's why I even considered the AMP PRO, cause of your recommendation on another post!
What budget friendly amp would you recommend?
Do you have an opinion on going with the dedicated tweeters in the dash since I will be doing Kicker 6.5's in the SB and Knee panels? Or Do you think it would be a better idea going with the KS 3.5"s in the dash corners?
Is the AMP Pro beginner friendly?
Thanks again!

 

[lashlee]

For a budget friendly amp, you can run by your local specialty shop or get one from Crutchfield. Depending on what time of year it is, you might find some good deals. I like to stick with names that I'm familiar with like Kicker, JL, Rockford Fosgate, JBL, Sony, Kenwood, Hertz, etc... I would do either a 5 channel amp or a single four channel plus a mono amp.

In general, the Amp Pro should be plug and play. It does have some options but those are geared towards a more advanced install.

As for the dedicated tweeters, it depends. I like to use a component set if I'm going with that sort of install. A component set will be a little more expensive, but it typically will have better parts and will sound better with an amp. If you use a component set, you can run two channels to the four front speakers using the supplied passive crossover, and the second set of channels to the sound bar speakers.

If I set up a Jeep JL for audio, I use two amps and a processor. Depending on what the owner wants will determine what parts I buy and what dollar amount the install will cost. I like using a "wideband" 3.5" driver on the top of the dash, a 6.5" midbass in the lower dash, a 6.5" midbass in the sound bar and one or two subs.

 

[CJ555]

Thanks again. I will just go with the 3.5 Kicker's in the dash corners then.
Now I have to start my search all over again for a good amp!
Still wish I had your knowledge though, this stuff can get confusing for a novice!!!

 

[lashlee]

It's all fun, learning what you need!! Feel free to post again, or even PM me if you need help in the future!

 

[CJ555]

Thanks Mike! I wish I had 1/2 your knowledge!!! So many options and different ways to go. I am trying to keep this "budget",...but I keep going from speakers only to start,..to speakers and amp,...and now I am back on the "might as well add the Hideaway woofer while I am at it".
My wife is gonna kill me! haha

 

[lashlee]

If you can afford a wholesale swap, it gives you the most satisfaction because it's a radical change. Step by step works, but its only incremental gains each step along the way.

And as for the wife, if you're crafty everything looks factory so she has to work hard to prove it!

 

[CJ555]

I may have to take you up on that PM invitation!!

So when you say get the Amp Pro along with a "dumb" amp that just means no DSP correct?
Is DSP not "really" needed? (I am mainly concerned with having a system that I can hear better with doors off and/or top down,....Not looking for a pro system - but dont want to be disappointed either!! )

Cruthchfield shows all amps would also need the PAC LPHCH41 LocPro Advanced T Harness,....this looks the same as the AMP PRO T harness. So would I delete that from my cart if I am getting the AmpPro?

Still researching amps but wishing you didn't steer me away from the Kicker Key200!!!! I have it narrowed down to a few but the ones with DSP are pricey! But I am afraid I may regret not getting built in DSP ,..even though "I" may not even be able to tell the difference?!!!
Your only issue with the Key is the Watt rating right? Or is there other issues you dont like about it?

Also, a 4 channel is all I need if I will be adding the Kicker Hideaway that has a built in amp correct?
Probably not the best woofer either but space wise I can not do a box and those JL Stealthbox's are sweet but way too expensive for now! The SSVWorks looks OK but still takes up some valeable real estate and would need to be amped/powered,wired ,$$$ etc etc!!
So I am pretty set on the Hideaway (again, fortunately not looking for a pro system,...YET!)
But I would like your honest opinion on the Hideaway even though I may regret asking.

THANKS again

 

[lashlee]

Let's try to keep it simple, the need for DSP on a LOC setup in this case is to "undo" the DSP that the OEM's put in the radio when it's made. A DSP with an AMP Pro allows you (or a tuner) to modify the sound (think a way more advanced version of bass, mid and treble) and make things sound better in many ways, along with protecting individual speakers at higher volumes. Think of it this way, a 2.0 is a great way to drive around, why buy a 392? They are both motors and make the Jeep move, one is more fun!

Most people are good with an AMP Pro along with a non-DSP amp and using the simple controls (crossover and gain control) to make your sound better and louder. There is no "need" for DSP in the amp. The good thing in your particular circumstance is that you can add an outboard DSP later on if you want to take things to the next level. Most DSP's are low level in and out so you can simply drop it in, add some extra RCA's and be on your way.

The LOC harness that Crutchfield is offering may make the wiring easier when it comes time to actually doing the install. I would verify before purchase that you can return the harness if you don't end up needing to use it.

A four channel is truly all you need, and you can add the hideaway whenever you want!

I typically get on here every day or so, feel free to keep the questions coming! Or you can PM me and we can work out the fine details!

 

[CJ555]

I am digging around Crutchfield as we speak but I am reay to buy NOW!!! Want this done ASAP before the summer gets here LOL And I am guessing install is going to take me days. I watched Trail Seven video on how to tear into dash and although time consuming its definitely doable for me,...its the wiring and where to connect what to what hat scares me. Their plug and play looks sweet but I am guessing the free Metra adapters from Crutchfield will give me the same basic Plug and Play for the speakers correct?
I will PM in a bit with some amp options and go with whatever you recommend for sure. I know Cruthfield has great support but I like that you have experience with Jeep Jl's in particular so thanks for being so patient and cool. I really appreciate it.
BTW I joined DIYmobile for the heck of it and noticed you on there too!

 

[lashlee]

Yeah, I think I've been on there for a few days...since 2007. I started at the first audio shop in 1996 and started competing later that year. I eventually won state champion, national points champion and finished in second place at the 2008 world finals in my class. I competed pretty regularly from 96 to 08, and have only competed a few time since 2008. I still have three amps, a DSP and multiple subs in my current car!

 

[CJ555]

Wow OK so you're even more impressive than I originally thought!
Sending PM now

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