CalPolyDM
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Doug
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2020
- Threads
- 28
- Messages
- 182
- Reaction score
- 359
- Location
- Cincinnati
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 Jeep Wrangler 2 Door
- Vehicle Showcase
- 1
- Thread starter
- #1
Hi All - I'm new to the forum, however I've been reading for a while. I searched up and down for options for the 2 door... very difficult to find, especially subs. I didn't want to mount large subs to the tailgate, I wasn't interested in removing seats, I don’t have the OEM sub and I wanted to keep the OEM look and feel - just be able to have better tunes, especially with the top off. I wanted to give back a little by doing this post so others could see options.
I had a couple key objectives; improve the sound, have decent volume when the top is off, and everything had to fit within the current layout without giving up critical space (this was the most difficult on the 2 door). This is not an audiophile sound system, and there were tradeoffs, but it's definitely better compared to the stock system. It's volume 30+ on the system, I usually run about 10 with the top on, 15 with the top off, and it's far loud enough with zero clipping. The bass sounds better with the top on and isn't obnoxious with the top off.
Headunit - I was able to secure the Alpine X409-WRA-JL head unit from a guy in Cali for an awesome price! I am still stoked about this system. I installed the system as directed, however, prepare for a full day... this thing is not an hour to install. It's pretty awesome though and I plan to add the extra modules to control lights/etc. I might also add the. module for additional cameras, we'll see.
Amps - I purchased two of the Marine SoundStream (SM4.1000D) amplifiers - one to run the front 4 speakers, one to run the back 4 speakers. I got the marine version so it was a little more weather friendly. At 4 ohms they are rated for 1000W max each, RMS 90 watts x 4... I don't think this is real, but they work. I went with these because of the size. I don't have the cold weather package, so I was able to mount them to the Alpine bracket and tuck them under the dash. The only problem is the wiring is fragile on these micro amps.
Before: (standard 7")
During: (yes, you have to totally take apart the dash)
After:
The Front Speakers: For the dash tweeters, I went with 3.5" Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C. There weren't many options but these seemed ok. I went with Focal Integration 6.5" speakers from Crutchfield for the front speakers. They are great speakers, were 1/2 price on sale, and I really liked the tweeters as I felt they would mount well in the Jeep. I switched out the speaker pods with the Metra pods (see in pic above), they worked really well. I lined them with Dynamat and filled them with filling. I mounted the tweeters just above the A pillar on the trim. Sound positing is good and they are out of the way. The black / gray trim looks OEM and matches everything else.
Speaker Bar: I again went with the Focal Integration 6.5" speakers and used the SSV kit to adjust the opening to fit. I lined the housing with Dynamat and added filler. I didn't use the factory wiring, instead I ran new wires for the tweeters and speakers. I did have to purchase the grills separately, but thanks to Ebay that was an easy feat.
Subs: This was one of the trickiest parts... there is so little space in the 2 door and options are very limited. The Alpine system you see in videos and online is good, but it eats up the space in the back seat. Since I have kids I wouldn't accept eating the space and not being able to put your feet down, so the sub had to fit under the seat without impacting the floor mat AT ALL. But - I found a fit after searching and searching. I ended up going with two Infinity Basslink Mini's, again on sale from Crutchfield, and put one on each side of the Jeep. I had to modify the heater duct a little, also had to really tuck the sub tight against the center brace, but they fit. I ran the remotes for the subs to the cubby hole in the dash where Rubicon owners have their Aux switches. With a little trimming, they fit well. First though, I lined the entire floor of the Jeep in front and the rear with Dynamat.
After all is said and done, I love the way it turned out. Everything looks OEM, it's all tucked away nicely, and it sounds great with the top off or on.
I had a couple key objectives; improve the sound, have decent volume when the top is off, and everything had to fit within the current layout without giving up critical space (this was the most difficult on the 2 door). This is not an audiophile sound system, and there were tradeoffs, but it's definitely better compared to the stock system. It's volume 30+ on the system, I usually run about 10 with the top on, 15 with the top off, and it's far loud enough with zero clipping. The bass sounds better with the top on and isn't obnoxious with the top off.
Headunit - I was able to secure the Alpine X409-WRA-JL head unit from a guy in Cali for an awesome price! I am still stoked about this system. I installed the system as directed, however, prepare for a full day... this thing is not an hour to install. It's pretty awesome though and I plan to add the extra modules to control lights/etc. I might also add the. module for additional cameras, we'll see.
Amps - I purchased two of the Marine SoundStream (SM4.1000D) amplifiers - one to run the front 4 speakers, one to run the back 4 speakers. I got the marine version so it was a little more weather friendly. At 4 ohms they are rated for 1000W max each, RMS 90 watts x 4... I don't think this is real, but they work. I went with these because of the size. I don't have the cold weather package, so I was able to mount them to the Alpine bracket and tuck them under the dash. The only problem is the wiring is fragile on these micro amps.
Before: (standard 7")
During: (yes, you have to totally take apart the dash)
After:
The Front Speakers: For the dash tweeters, I went with 3.5" Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C. There weren't many options but these seemed ok. I went with Focal Integration 6.5" speakers from Crutchfield for the front speakers. They are great speakers, were 1/2 price on sale, and I really liked the tweeters as I felt they would mount well in the Jeep. I switched out the speaker pods with the Metra pods (see in pic above), they worked really well. I lined them with Dynamat and filled them with filling. I mounted the tweeters just above the A pillar on the trim. Sound positing is good and they are out of the way. The black / gray trim looks OEM and matches everything else.
Speaker Bar: I again went with the Focal Integration 6.5" speakers and used the SSV kit to adjust the opening to fit. I lined the housing with Dynamat and added filler. I didn't use the factory wiring, instead I ran new wires for the tweeters and speakers. I did have to purchase the grills separately, but thanks to Ebay that was an easy feat.
Subs: This was one of the trickiest parts... there is so little space in the 2 door and options are very limited. The Alpine system you see in videos and online is good, but it eats up the space in the back seat. Since I have kids I wouldn't accept eating the space and not being able to put your feet down, so the sub had to fit under the seat without impacting the floor mat AT ALL. But - I found a fit after searching and searching. I ended up going with two Infinity Basslink Mini's, again on sale from Crutchfield, and put one on each side of the Jeep. I had to modify the heater duct a little, also had to really tuck the sub tight against the center brace, but they fit. I ran the remotes for the subs to the cubby hole in the dash where Rubicon owners have their Aux switches. With a little trimming, they fit well. First though, I lined the entire floor of the Jeep in front and the rear with Dynamat.
After all is said and done, I love the way it turned out. Everything looks OEM, it's all tucked away nicely, and it sounds great with the top off or on.
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