Speaker Upgrade (Plug and Play)

[Obviousbicycleco]

Trail Seven makes a video with all three locations. Sell the kits plug and play with or without the knee/dash location. No cutting needed. Screw the knee ones in with an adapter plate. They sound louder, yes. But with the bass blocker style they use to cut out the lows, they’ll pop with the stock head unit if you have the mid and bass levels up to high. Going to a 4ohm speaker, full blast on a moderately warm day, you’ll only get approximately 45 minutes of play time out of them before the factory amp overheats.

Coming from my Caddy with a full custom $6500 JL audio stereo, these don’t add up with the factory head unit. Putting in an aftermarket headunit and amplifying these properly, they should put out nicely. Started my JL Jeep audio build truly today with an Alpine i509 Restyle. I’ll keep posted once I install and power the speakers off the new head unit. Theoretically, it should still sound better with the new head unit but bass from pairs of 3,5”, 4” coaxials, and a set of 6.5” component speakers is never going to happen.

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[Obviousbicycleco]

So it’s installed! Approximately 3.5 hours to install the head unit and screen. With the Kicker CS Plug and Play Bundle, it absolutely lives up to my high expectations. This is the basic system that every Jeep should come with from the factory. Gone is that crappy hard to use UConnect 7” screen. Retains full camera with backup lines (not that I use them), but they’re there. I got a deal on the front and rear DVR dashcams, but I didn’t put those in yet. I will probably have to make a bracket for the rear one as connecting to the glass in the back isn’t an option as I like to have the top off in the summer.

I look forward to riding in the summer and being able to actually hear lyrics coming from the stereo. Another plus, hasn’t overheated in the two days commutes, which it did everyday previously at about 40 minutes into my commute. If you install one though, make sure the front and rear speakers clips on the harness are connected properly. That’ll save you some time troubleshooting.

 

[lakerholic]

Just finished swapping out the factory Wrangler JL speakers for a Kicker speaker upgrade. No amp, just a quick and easy replacement of the OEM speakers to the factory head unit ...and they sound great.

Total time is 45-60 minutes (about 5-10 mins per speaker). I changed the 2 dash corner speakers and 4 soundbar speakers but left the knee speakers alone.

Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you. I copied your work to a "t" and I have to say, the difference is incredible! The sound is so good, I might try to jam one of the 4" sets into the knee panels or, possibly, just disconnect the knee panel speakers completely as they seem to now be very harsh/muddy compared to the clean sound from the new Kickers.

 

[6th Floor Mule]

Those 6.5s are the ones I ordered for the knee panels, I just wish they were not such a pain to install.

I see @tekkie hasn’t been around lately, but has anyone installed these same Kicker KS 6.5’s in the knee panels? I see Trail Seven offers them in a plug-n-play configuration with new pods. I need to take my dash apart to replace 3 broken AC vents, so contemplating taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the knee speakers while I’m in there. I have the Alpine with TA dash speakers and 6.5“ Kickers in the sound bar. I know sound is subjective, but looking for some opinions from those with similar setups.

 

[tekkie]

I see @tekkie hasn’t been around lately, but has anyone installed these same Kicker KS 6.5’s in the knee panels? I see Trail Seven offers them in a plug-n-play configuration with new pods. I need to take my dash apart to replace 3 broken AC vents, so contemplating taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the knee speakers while I’m in there. I have the Alpine with TA dash speakers and 6.5“ Kickers in the sound bar. I know sound is subjective, but looking for some opinions from those with similar setups.

still around

if you are already in there the speakers are worth it for sure, but you need an amp to take advantage of them because they are pretty quiet without it... i still have not installed the amp lol

 

[6th Floor Mule]

still around

if you are already in there the speakers are worth it for sure, but you need an amp to take advantage of them because they are pretty quiet without it... i still have not installed the amp lol

Thanks @tekkie, it looked like you were AWOL awhile ?.

I’m trying to avoid the slippery slope of audio upgrades by just sticking with speaker replacement. If I wasn’t already taking my dash apart, knee speakers probably wouldn’t even be a consideration. But then again, if I’m already in there, maybe an amp is fair game too ?

 

[tekkie]

Thanks @tekkie, it looked like you were AWOL awhile ?.

I’m trying to avoid the slippery slope of audio upgrades by just sticking with speaker replacement. If I wasn’t already taking my dash apart, knee speakers probably wouldn’t even be a consideration. But then again, if I’m already in there, maybe an amp is fair game too ?

you already know as soon as you replace one part it ends up being everything lol

 

[Midwestjeepguy]

I see @tekkie hasn’t been around lately, but has anyone installed these same Kicker KS 6.5’s in the knee panels? I see Trail Seven offers them in a plug-n-play configuration with new pods. I need to take my dash apart to replace 3 broken AC vents, so contemplating taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the knee speakers while I’m in there. I have the Alpine with TA dash speakers and 6.5“ Kickers in the sound bar. I know sound is subjective, but looking for some opinions from those with similar setups.

Yes, I installed the Kicker KS 6.5" in the knee panel. Used sound deadening tape and lined the new pods you'll need to fit the 6.5" speaker. I also added polyfil to the knee pods, under the upper dash speakers, and in the sound bar. The knee panels, upper dash corners, and sound bar all have Kicker KS. I kept the factory amp and subwoofer in place.

Upper dash corners are 3.5" coax with .75" tweeters. Went with plug and play sound bar pods, they have a 6.5" coax speaker and an additional .75" tweeter in them. No cutting needed. Knee panels have the 6.5" coax with .75" tweeter as well, BUT the factory amp is not wired to run a coax signal to the kicker panel so a good midbass speaker is all you need (lesson learned on my end). They still sound great though. If you plan to install your own amp then you can obviously wire all of them however you want. Huge step up in sound all around. No clipping or distortion from the KS series. I can clearly here the music now while the top is off and I'm driving. Also, sound deadening tape and polyfil took away all hollowness. So glad I did that.

Upper dash and sound bar swaps are quick. Yes, the knee panel speakers are involved with removing a lot of the dash, but you already have to so it's a no brainer to do the speakers while you're in there. Adding a 6.5" mid there will definitely up the music game for you.

 

[Midwestjeepguy]

Yes, I installed the Kicker KS 6.5" in the knee panel. Used sound deadening tape and lined the new pods you'll need to fit the 6.5" speaker. I also added polyfil to the knee pods, under the upper dash speakers, and in the sound bar. The knee panels, upper dash corners, and sound bar all have Kicker KS. I kept the factory amp and subwoofer in place.

Upper dash corners are 3.5" coax with .75" tweeters. Went with plug and play sound bar pods, they have a 6.5" coax speaker and an additional .75" tweeter in them. No cutting needed. Knee panels have the 6.5" coax with .75" tweeter as well, BUT the factory amp is not wired to run a coax signal to the kicker panel so a good midbass speaker is all you need (lesson learned on my end). They still sound great though. If you plan to install your own amp then you can obviously wire all of them however you want. Huge step up in sound all around. No clipping or distortion from the KS series. I can clearly here the music now while the top is off and I'm driving. Also, sound deadening tape and polyfil took away all hollowness. So glad I did that.

Upper dash and sound bar swaps are quick. Yes, the knee panel speakers are involved with removing a lot of the dash, but you already have to so it's a no brainer to do the speakers while you're in there. Adding a 6.5" mid there will definitely up the music game for you.

Forgot to add, make sure to seal every hole in the knee panel speaker pod or air will whistle through ANY hole left unsealed. Because the pods can take 6.5" or 6.75" speakers from multiple brands, you won't use all of the mounting holes. Seal them up or you'll have to get back into your dash again.

 

[6th Floor Mule]

Yes, I installed the Kicker KS 6.5" in the knee panel. Used sound deadening tape and lined the new pods you'll need to fit the 6.5" speaker. I also added polyfil to the knee pods, under the upper dash speakers, and in the sound bar. The knee panels, upper dash corners, and sound bar all have Kicker KS. I kept the factory amp and subwoofer in place.

Upper dash corners are 3.5" coax with .75" tweeters. Went with plug and play sound bar pods, they have a 6.5" coax speaker and an additional .75" tweeter in them. No cutting needed. Knee panels have the 6.5" coax with .75" tweeter as well, BUT the factory amp is not wired to run a coax signal to the kicker panel so a good midbass speaker is all you need (lesson learned on my end). They still sound great though. If you plan to install your own amp then you can obviously wire all of them however you want. Huge step up in sound all around. No clipping or distortion from the KS series. I can clearly here the music now while the top is off and I'm driving. Also, sound deadening tape and polyfil took away all hollowness. So glad I did that.

Upper dash and sound bar swaps are quick. Yes, the knee panel speakers are involved with removing a lot of the dash, but you already have to so it's a no brainer to do the speakers while you're in there. Adding a 6.5" mid there will definitely up the music game for you.

Thanks for the info and advice, much appreciated! Luckily I’ve got some time to weigh my options and construct a plan. I really don’t have issues with my current combo, but who doesn’t want a little more, right? ? As a side note, my wife thinks I’m going to be tearing everything apart to replace some dash vents . . . so whatever I can sneak in during the process is a plus ?. I normally don’t spend much time in this sub forum, but I suspect that’s going to change . . . . I’ve got some catching up to do!

 

[cwwjr1681]

With the Metra cables this was 100% plug and play. I went with the 4 inch Kicker KS speakers for the soundbar since it comes with a mounting bracket that perfectly fits the Wrangler JL (and it's their premium speaker). Then, I used the 3.5 inch Kicker CS speakers for the corner dash and soundbar because they do not require crossovers and fit perfectly (note: the 3.5 inch KS model requires crossover wiring and is a pain, so that's the main reason I went with the CS 3.5 inch models).

Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you. I copied your work to a "t" and I have to say, the difference is incredible! The sound is so good, I might try to jam one of the 4" sets into the knee panels or, possibly, just disconnect the knee panel speakers completely as they seem to now be very harsh/muddy compared to the clean sound from the new Kickers.

I know this is a 2 year old post But saw and I am doing the same thing to my 2022 Wrangler. I do NOT have the Alpine system. Just the Base non Amplified system. So I had a question for BOTH OF YOU. The OP (tpva_22) and lakerholic

Now on to my Question for you two. I installed the 4 Kicker CS 3.5 speakers and I am happy with them. As for the 4" speaker I have not replaced them yet. May pull the trigger on the KS series for the 2 4" speakers in the sound bar. Did the Kicker KS 4" speakers produce any noticeable gain or loss bass than the factory 4" speaker? I have read reports saying not to replace the 4" factory speakers in Wranglers without a sub or you will lose your Bass.

 

[tpva_22]

I know this is a 2 year old post But saw and I am doing the same thing to my 2022 Wrangler. I do NOT have the Alpine system. Just the Base non Amplified system. So I had a question for BOTH OF YOU. The OP (tpva_22) and lakerholic

Now on to my Question for you two. I installed the 4 Kicker CS 3.5 speakers and I am happy with them. As for the 4" speaker I have not replaced them yet. May pull the trigger on the KS series for the 2 4" speakers in the sound bar. Did the Kicker KS 4" speakers produce any noticeable gain or loss bass than the factory 4" speaker? I have read reports saying not to replace the 4" factory speakers in Wranglers without a sub or you will lose your Bass.

Definitely no gain in bass. You will need an amp for that for sure. I only replaced my 4" speakers because one of them was blown. These Kickers are louder/crisper but not heavy on bass at all. Sounds better now than it did though, especially with the top down.

 

[cwwjr1681]

Definitely no gain in bass. You will need an amp for that for sure. I only replaced my 4" speakers because one of them was blown. These Kickers are louder/crisper but not heavy on bass at all. Sounds better now than it did though, especially with the top down.

Thanks for the heads up. My current 4" factory speakers with my aftermarket head unit produce some bass. Its not subwoofer level bass but its decent. I read that if I replace those 4" speakers id lose that. I didnt want to lose what I do have.

This tells me stick with only replacing the 3.5" speakers. But thanks for confirming id lose the small amount of bass I do have if I replace them with an after market speaker

 

[Zandcwhite]

Thanks for the heads up. My current 4" factory speakers with my aftermarket head unit produce some bass. Its not subwoofer level bass but its decent. I read that if I replace those 4" speakers id lose that. I didnt want to lose what I do have.

This tells me stick with only replacing the 3.5" speakers. But thanks for confirming id lose the small amount of bass I do have if I replace them with an after market speaker

If you want bass from the sound bar you'd be better off replacing the 3.5 and 4" combo with a quality 6.5". Small speakers just don't produce bass well especially when under driven via head unit power.

 

[cwwjr1681]

If you want bass from the sound bar you'd be better off replacing the 3.5 and 4" combo with a quality 6.5". Small speakers just don't produce bass well especially when under driven via head unit power.

Tried that and it was was worse than replacing just the the 3.5s and leaving the 4". Im super happy with the sound Im getting now with the just replacing all 4 3.5" speakers with Kicker CS. I just was curious about also replacing the 4". Seem what I have been told was true. Many reports online from folks using after market head units saying "Do NOT replace the factory 4" speakers or you will lose your bass on the stock system"

It seems the JL soundbar is better tuned for the 3.5" and 4" set up. Im 100% sure if I had the premium system with the sub it would be a differant story. In that situation id just replace all my speakers with the kicker KS since all my base would come from the sub.

At some point Im going to get the Kicker 10" hideaway Sub/Amp to go with my Android head unit

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