Factory audio vs Alpine

[DriveAJeep]

I am about to pull the trigger on a 2025 2 door Willy. 2 different dealers with a spec I like, except one has the Alpine system. The Alpine dealer isn't offering as large a discount. With that in mind, would I be able to put approx $2200 (different in cost between discount + alpine) into the factory system to sound as good or better than the Alpine system? I have seen people put a sub under one of the front seats, but have heard that can limit leg room for people in the rear. It's mostly me and my wife in the car and pretty rare anyone would ever sit in the back seat. If they do, it would be one of our adult daughters (shorter) for a short trip somewhere.

I don't mind doing the work and tinkering, but wasn't sure 1) how bad the JL system is compared to the JK. 2) if it's easier to build off the Alpine system or factory system. Some of my vehicles in the past it was near impossible to work with a factory upgraded system. Others it was easier if it already had the upgraded system.

If it's easier to just get the Alpine, I will try to work that deal more. I had a 2018 JK and the stock system was terrible. I upgraded to the Alpine speakers (no amp) and it made a huge improvement, even thought they still weren't that great overall. I am not an audiophile, but I am a little hard of hearing and have to listen to stuff a little louder than most.

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[YGBSM392]

The dealership I use had both an Alpine and stock radio Jeep that we sat in and listened to. I say that the Alpine is worth the money unless you plan on just swapping the whole thing. Even though I went with the Alpine I did what you're doing and swapped the speakers for a big improvement. Even the dash tweeters made the system so much better. Try those first. I had already ordered the sound bar speakers when I ordered the dash tweeters but I don't think I would have after hearing just the tweeters. And as for the knee speakers... you're going to have to take the whole dash off to get to them. You'll need all the missing 10mm sockets, and old priest and a young priest, some Tibetan Yack water, and a Jeep tech to remove them.

 

[Max Headroom]

I can't say if it's worth the money or not because I bought my Wrangler used and it came with the Alpine system.
But I can say it sounds good, and I'm glad I have it. No complaints. Plenty of volume, decent bass response, pretty clean sounding overall.

 

[DriveAJeep]

I can't say if it's worth the money or not because I bought my Wrangler used and it came with the Alpine system.
But I can say it sounds good, and I'm glad I have it. No complaints. Plenty of volume, decent bass response, pretty clean sounding overall.

I would think that the Alpine would be enough for me to not want to upgrade more. Not sure.

The dealership I use had both an Alpine and stock radio Jeep that we sat in and listened to. I say that the Alpine is with the money unless you plan on just swapping the whole thing. Even though I went with the Alpine I did what you're doing and swapped the speakers for aq big improvement. Even the dash tweeters made the system so much better. Try those first. I had already ordered the sound bar speakers when I ordered the dash tweeters but I don't think I would have after hearting just the tweeters. And as for the knee speakers... you're going to have to take the whole dash off to get to them. You'll need all the missing 10mm sockets, and old priest and a young priest, some Tibetan Yack water, and a Jeep tech to remove them.

If you pay for the Alpine upgrade, and pay again to upgrade those speakers, is it really worth the initial up-charge? Not sure what the benefit is at that point other than an amp and sub already connected.

 

[Apples491]

The Alpine system comes with an amp that can push all the power it needs. As it sits, it handles volume with no trouble and the soundbar speakers sound good even with the SOT roof open. What suffers, and what the tweeters fix, are the highs which get clipped pretty badly with the stock speakers. The $200ish that the Terra Acoustic replacement tweeters go for makes an outsized improvement on the system for the cost.

Looks like TA is dead though. There's a carbon copy kit (even down to the included tools) being sold by a company called Audio Uprising. No idea if that's the spiritual successor of TA or what.

https://audiouprising.com/products/...tage-speaker-upgrade-polished-aluminum-accent

If it came down to the two options and how difficult is seems to be to upgrade the audio in the Wrangler (remember that screen also handles an awful lot of vehicle info), I'd spend the money on the Alpine system. It's excellent for a factory option. Because audio quality is so subjective, I'd also recommend driving it stock for a while to see if you even notice the systems weaknesses.

 

[YGBSM392]

I would think that the Alpine would be enough for me to not want to upgrade more. Not sure.



If you pay for the Alpine upgrade, and pay again to upgrade those speakers, is it really worth the initial up-charge? Not sure what the benefit is at that point other than an amp and sub already connected.

I was out $65 for the tweeters and it made a difference. No, you don't have to replace them. I only did because a car stereo guy told me years ago that sound coming from the front is important and requires clarity. I have had Jeeps without the Alpine system and have upgraded them with amps and speakers but was happier with the Alpine and the twist of front tweeters.

 

[Twojayhawks]

The Alpine is a $1595 (list) upcharge. I have it & would get it again. Maybe make an offer to the dealer that has the Alpine & hasn't discounted as much? But, yes you can likely improve the standard system for less than the $2200 difference. If it were me I would get the OE Alpine.

 

[DriveAJeep]

The Alpine system comes with an amp that can push all the power it needs. As it sits, it handles volume with no trouble and the soundbar speakers sound good even with the SOT roof open. What suffers, and what the tweeters fix, are the highs which get clipped pretty badly with the stock speakers. The $200ish that the Terra Acoustic replacement tweeters go for makes an outsized improvement on the system for the cost.

Looks like TA is dead though. There's a carbon copy kit (even down to the included tools) being sold by a company called Audio Uprising. No idea if that's the spiritual successor of TA or what.

https://audiouprising.com/products/...tage-speaker-upgrade-polished-aluminum-accent

If it came down to the two options and how difficult is seems to be to upgrade the audio in the Wrangler (remember that screen also handles an awful lot of vehicle info), I'd spend the money on the Alpine system. It's excellent for a factory option. Because audio quality is so subjective, I'd also recommend driving it stock for a while to see if you even notice the systems weaknesses.

That makes sense then. A $100 speaker swap isn't too bad. I was under the impression people were changing a lot more. I got the upgraded speaker on my X5 because I had an 7 series loaner with the upgraded stereo. I was amazed at how clear the highs were when cranking the volume. I had to have it on my X5. Sadly, it's not as good as the 7 series was, but still damn amazing. I just checked and there's 40 speakers @ 1965 watts into 32 channels on the 7 series. Sadly, only 20 speakers and 1500 watts in 10 channels on my X5.

 

[SlickRicksWilly]

We have a 2018 and 2024, both with the alpine unit. While I can't say how it compares to the stock unit, I can say it is good enough to not make me upgrade. On the 2018 we did change the front upper dash speakers with some Kenwood's for around $80 a few years in because one was damaged.

My deciding factor to go with Alpine of both was it's just easy and if I am going to spend money upgrading the Jeep I want it to be on off-road goodies. And just changing speakers for an upgrade is much easier than installing an amp and all that stuff.

Just for context, all my previous vehicles (except one) I have installed, amps, aftermarket head units, subs. Newer vehicles with "premium" systems are pretty decent and to me negate the need for aftermarket, that is unless you want to let the neighbors know you are driving by and rattle their houses.

 

[Wabujitsu]

My wife and I each have JLUs. Her Sahara has the basic sound system; my Rubicon has the Alpine. Hers sounds good for a basic system, but the Alpine sounds fantastic! There’s more volume than I need, and the bass vibrates all three mirrors quite noticeably. Keep in mind that the more powerful Alpine also sounds much better than the base system at lower volumes, too.

I too replaced the dashboard speakers in both Jeeps, $70 each Jeep. It made a drastic improvement to both systems, and it was easy to replace them.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Personally I would go with the Alpine it's a $1,600 option, so you are at a $600 difference.

I had a 2007 with the Alpine, then a 2015 without the Alpine, and it was the only thing I completely disliked with the 2015, after that I specifically seek out the Alpine.

 

[jollycj]

I opted not to get the Alpine system when I bought my Jeep. I upgraded all the speakers and added an amp and under-seat subwoofer. Spent about $1200 and did all the work myself. I'm happy with the results but if the cost was close would have just gotten the Alpine system.

 

[Chopperz1]

Get the alpine!

 

[wranglerbro]

Sad to hear about Terra Acoustics. I'm extremely happy with their product as it made an immediate impact to the front soundstage.

That said, the Alpine system is great and would absolutely pay for the upgrade again.

 

[dkisler]

I am about to pull the trigger on a 2025 2 door Willy. 2 different dealers with a spec I like, except one has the Alpine system. The Alpine dealer isn't offering as large a discount. With that in mind, would I be able to put approx $2200 (different in cost between discount + alpine) into the factory system to sound as good or better than the Alpine system? I have seen people put a sub under one of the front seats, but have heard that can limit leg room for people in the rear. It's mostly me and my wife in the car and pretty rare anyone would ever sit in the back seat. If they do, it would be one of our adult daughters (shorter) for a short trip somewhere.

I don't mind doing the work and tinkering, but wasn't sure 1) how bad the JL system is compared to the JK. 2) if it's easier to build off the Alpine system or factory system. Some of my vehicles in the past it was near impossible to work with a factory upgraded system. Others it was easier if it already had the upgraded system.

If it's easier to just get the Alpine, I will try to work that deal more. I had a 2018 JK and the stock system was terrible. I upgraded to the Alpine speakers (no amp) and it made a huge improvement, even thought they still weren't that great overall. I am not an audiophile, but I am a little hard of hearing and have to listen to stuff a little louder than most.

look at Dirt Road Cred YouTube on removing the dash to change the system. I would gladly pay for the factor installed Alpine verses upgrading yourself. It is a nightmare to change out the 2024 and newer stereo systems.

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