Upgrading the Alpine System

[bipock]

I've read a lot of threads on here regarding the Alpine, as well as the non-Alpine, systems and various upgrades that people have done. I'm looking to get my music crisper and less mushy, as well as move some of it to the front dash as opposed to it sounding like all of it comes from behind me.

I know some have gone with MB Quart and I've looked at that system. In doing so, I also found this one that I haven't seen anyone discuss - https://oemaudioplus.com/product/jeep-wrangler/.

Anyone using this as a replacement? I'd be an extra $2-300 after I replace the trunk parts that are needed, but it seemed like a pretty well rounded plug and play set up.

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[J2K66]

I've been looking at both this and the MB Quart offering, but haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. I talked to somebody at a local shop and they said the single best thing to replace is the head unit... which I'm hesitant to do because so many vehicle functions are accessed via the HU.

I haven't replaced any audio components in a vehicle since the late 90's... so I'm a bit behind the times and looking for something that's easy, but it also needs to be worth it.

Right now I'm in a "wait and see" mode until Quart comes out with their drop in sub. That may be a deal breaker for me, if the system can keep a completely stock look.

 

[bipock]

Looked at the Quart one too. Considering the head unit, but the only one I’d consider is the new Alpine I-509 made for the JL/JT. That’s a tough one to swallow due to price, but it keeps all the functionality from the current HU.

 

[J2K66]

Yes, either the Alpine or Stinger are about the only 2 units I'd consider. Both of those essentially double the cost of an upgrade though... but also add wireless carplay, which would be nice (but still not worth $2k).

 

[GATORB8]

FYI, you can add wireless carplay to the stock setup. Check out CarLinkit

Without personal experience with either, I would expect the MBQ to outperform the OEMA+ if you are not using a DSP and separate amps. The stock dash speakers are almost full range, they aren't tweeters. The stock knee panels are mid-basses. You'd be driving the dash too low with just tweeter replacements.

Since the OEMA+ with amps would move more of your midrange into the knee panels, it'd probably lower the soundstage.

 

[bipock]

FYI, you can add wireless carplay to the stock setup. Check out CarLinkit

Without personal experience with either, I would expect the MBQ to outperform the OEMA+ if you are not using a DSP and separate amps. The stock dash speakers are almost full range, they aren't tweeters. The stock knee panels are mid-basses. You'd be driving the dash too low with just tweeter replacements.

Since the OEMA+ with amps would move more of your midrange into the knee panels, it'd probably lower the soundstage.

GATOR, you have any personal suggestions? I called Crutchfield and he suggested a very similar Kenwood set up with 6.5s in the knee and 1" on the dash. That didn't quite seem right to me, but I'm not an audio expert - just know what's missing and where to my ear.

 

[GATORB8]

GATOR, you have any personal suggestions? I called Crutchfield and he suggested a very similar Kenwood set up with 6.5s in the knee and 1" on the dash. That didn't quite seem right to me, but I'm not an audio expert - just know what's missing and where to my ear.

Unless you reamp, you'll likely be wasting money on the mid basses. Some guys have had success with replacing the dash and smaller sound bar speakers with same size aftermarket coaxials. Very subjective though, as some find them harsher. It's a pretty cheap and easy swap to see what you think.

Are you happier when you fade forward? You may want to try just the dash with some higher sensitivity and leave the soundbar stock.

 

[bipock]

Unless you reamp, you'll likely be wasting money on the mid basses. Some guys have had success with replacing the dash and smaller sound bar speakers with same size aftermarket coaxials. Very subjective though, as some find them harsher. It's a pretty cheap and easy swap to see what you think.

Are you happier when you fade forward? You may want to try just the dash with some higher sensitivity and leave the soundbar stock.

I've tried the fade forward and it goes from nothing to too much. Even then, it shifts clarity forward, but the rear becomes a worse mangled mess of goo.

My issue, even with the top down isn't volume, it's a lack of anything other than thump. I can get the volume, but I can't get the clarity.

 

[GATORB8]

I've tried the fade forward and it goes from nothing to too much. Even then, it shifts clarity forward, but the rear becomes a worse mangled mess of goo.

My issue, even with the top down isn't volume, it's a lack of anything other than thump. I can get the volume, but I can't get the clarity.

Sounds like a set of decent dash 3.5 coaxes, may be the ticket. Big plus is it’s an easy and inexpensive swap.

There are a couple of threads on here with some options.

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