Best 3.5" dash speakers? (direct replacement, no amps, no other speakers)

[19Delta]

You don't determine the polarity of a speaker with a DC voltmeter. The polarity a speaker relates to whether voltage applied to that terminal will push the speaker out or pull it in. For the best sound, you typically want all the speakers in synch, all pushing out and pulling in at the same time. Having some speakers push out while others pull in tends to distort the sound.

There are different ways to test for speaker polarity, but I could hear the difference when I rewired my metra adapters.

I found some how-to-videos on how to test for the polarity. It seemed to make sense, but I don't know for sure. I also found an app, and that seemed to work pretty well. I figure between those 2 things, and looking at the wiring diagrams, I have it right. If it is wrong, I sure can't tell. It sounds a lot better than the factory speakers!

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[SargeDiesel]

You don't determine the polarity of a speaker with a DC voltmeter. The polarity a speaker relates to whether voltage applied to that terminal will push the speaker out or pull it in. For the best sound, you typically want all the speakers in synch, all pushing out and pulling in at the same time. Having some speakers push out while others pull in tends to distort the sound.

There are different ways to test for speaker polarity, but I could hear the difference when I rewired my metra adapters.

Don't confuse polarity with phase, they are different.
Polarity is a function of positive and negative wiring, while phase is a function of time.

I DISAGREE with your statement ...... "You don't determine the polarity of a speaker with a DC voltmeter"
*You basically explained why you CAN use a multimeter in your explanation of why you "think" you can't use one.

There are several ways to determine polarity of a speaker and yes , one of them is using a multimeter, it is a 100% accurate way to do it.... but not the only way.

But either way, we are achieving the same results for the same reason.

If you are interested in the multimeter method, this was one of the first of many articles that popped up.... plenty of Youtube videos also.

https://electrouniversity.com/how-to-test-positive-and-negative-speaker-wires-with-multimeter/#:~:text=To test the polarity of,wire, and vice-versa.

another article that discusses the difference between polarity and phase.

https://audiouniversityonline.com/p...erence between polarity,is a function of time.

 

[SargeDiesel]

***update***
I used this android app and it worked. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dwa_ict.polaritychecker

I checked the driver's with a volt meter to confirm polarity, and the app said the same thing. The metra adapters were correct for my 2022 Mojave. No need to repin.

Thanks to everyone for the info and opinions! The new infinity speakers in the dash made a substantial difference in the sound. It's not louder, it just sounds much higher quality.

FYI, I did have to trim the ears on the speakers to fit. Real easy with side cuts. Also these are slightly deeper than stock, so they don't seat all the way down as they are hitting the duct to the vent. But the duct tube is a bit flexible, so I don't believe it will conduct sound or vibrate. (Hasn't yet) The face of the new speaker is still well below the grill.

how did you connect your phone to the JT so you could still use the apps microphone ?

 

[19Delta]

how did you connect your phone to the JT so you could still use the apps microphone ?

Via Bluetooth. Samsung Galaxy S22

 

[SargeDiesel]

Via Bluetooth. Samsung Galaxy S22

Finally worked for me. I was able to confirm the polarity that I had already tested with a multimeter and as I thought, the way I have it connected is correct. The application popped green for the upper dash and knee panel speakers. One thing I did notice (I have not upgraded the sound bar yet, so it is still OEM) on both sides.... the 3 1/2" speakers popped red and the 4" speakers popped green. I believe this is done on purpose from the factory , but I am still researching. But I plan on replacing the 3 1/2" speakers with the same ones I used to replace the dash speakers.... the JBL Club 322F. Still searching for a 4" replacement. Most likely will go with the JBL Club 422F.

 

[jebiruph]

Don't confuse polarity with phase, they are different.
Polarity is a function of positive and negative wiring, while phase is a function of time.

I DISAGREE with your statement ...... "You don't determine the polarity of a speaker with a DC voltmeter"
*You basically explained why you CAN use a multimeter in your explanation of why you "think" you can't use one.

There are several ways to determine polarity of a speaker and yes , one of them is using a multimeter, it is a 100% accurate way to do it.... but not the only way.

But either way, we are achieving the same results for the same reason.

If you are interested in the multimeter method, this was one of the first of many articles that popped up.... plenty of Youtube videos also.

https://electrouniversity.com/how-to-test-positive-and-negative-speaker-wires-with-multimeter/#:~:text=To test the polarity of,wire, and vice-versa.

another article that discusses the difference between polarity and phase.

https://audiouniversityonline.com/polarity-vs-phase/#:~:text=What's the difference between polarity,is a function of time.

Polarity means different things in different contexts, it means something different for magnets and something else for batteries. In audio systems, polarity means the same thing as phase. Here the + and - polarity labels are not a reference to voltage, they are a reference to signal phasing. That's why these testers on Amazon are called Speaker Phase Meter Polarity Testers https://www.amazon.com/Actopus-Speaker-Polarity-Tester-Phasemeter/dp/B01M2C4VI7/ref=sr_1_7?crid=63GH902ZOEH6&keywords=automotive+speaker+polarity+tester+phase+meter+tool&qid=1665446708&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ==&sprefix=automotive+speaker+polarity+tester+phase+meter+tool,aps,509&sr=8-7

You are correct that there are many videos on YouTube of people measuring the DC bias voltage on AC speaker circuits and assuming that is also the signal phase, but voltage polarity is not the same as audio signal polarity. I would have to hear from a more authoritative source than random Youtube videos that a positive DC bias voltage is always present on the + phase speaker wire.

The factory wiring diagrams have the audio signal polarity of the speaker wires labeled, no testing is needed.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Polarity means different things in different contexts, it means something different for magnets and something else for batteries. In audio systems, polarity means the same thing as phase. Here the + and - polarity labels are not a reference to voltage, they are a reference to signal phasing. That's why these testers on Amazon are called Speaker Phase Meter Polarity Testers https://www.amazon.com/Actopus-Speaker-Polarity-Tester-Phasemeter/dp/B01M2C4VI7/ref=sr_1_7?crid=63GH902ZOEH6&keywords=automotive+speaker+polarity+tester+phase+meter+tool&qid=1665446708&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ==&sprefix=automotive+speaker+polarity+tester+phase+meter+tool,aps,509&sr=8-7

You are correct that there are many videos on YouTube of people measuring the DC bias voltage on AC speaker circuits and assuming that is also the signal phase, but voltage polarity is not the same as audio signal polarity. I would have to hear from a more authoritative source than random Youtube videos that a positive DC bias voltage is always present on the + phase speaker wire.

The factory wiring diagrams have the audio signal polarity of the speaker wires labeled, no testing is needed.

Although I agree with a couple of your points, I still have to disagree with your overall statement.
But I will agree to disagree ?
???
Here is a decent article on polarity/phase, it's better and maybe a "more authoritative source than random Youtube videos".
https://audiouniversityonline.com/p...erence between polarity,is a function of time.

But the video is great also:

 

[Jgfromthesip]

So here’s some more pics ….so I checked the stock speaker with a 9 volt battery to check polarity … battery test determined the right side is positive …as you see the green wire is on the right ….so on the factory harness the green wire should be attached to green /violet for positive … but as you see it’s attached to green yellow .. which means jeep wired it wrong ..I used the polarity app to the Check polarity before install and it was negative while all the rest were positive … I did swap the wires around in the Metra harness to make make the new speaker polarity positive …

 

[am1978]

I have never been a car audio expert and won’t try to be. I have two problems with my factory 8.4 with alpine upgrade.

1. iPhone BT music sounds terrible—scratchy/staticky. Scenario: my IPhone 12 ProMax, current iOS, is plugged in for CarPlay navigation and the wife inevitably decides to take over my radio to play something from her iTunes library on her iPhone 12 Pro, current iOS, and I don’t allow UConnect to switch devices because I want my navigation on the screen. I assume her phone is playing via BT. If I go over volume 13 I can hear it. Not sure how to resolve it.

2. My wife has a 2018 JLU Sahara with the 8.4 and Alpine upgrade and her audio blows mine away in clarity and max volume. Mine sounds muted. Volume level 15-20 in mine is required to hear it and still talk above it. In her JL, a volume of 20 is loud enough to hear well with the doors off. My JT would have to be at 27-28 for that.

I have 22K miles on it. Should I complain to the dealer first or just swap out some speakers? I welcome any input?

 

[Matts4313]

I have never been a car audio expert and won’t try to be. I have two problems with my factory 8.4 with alpine upgrade.

1. iPhone BT music sounds terrible—scratchy/staticky. Scenario: my IPhone 12 ProMax, current iOS, is plugged in for CarPlay navigation and the wife inevitably decides to take over my radio to play something from her iTunes library on her iPhone 12 Pro, current iOS, and I don’t allow UConnect to switch devices because I want my navigation on the screen. I assume her phone is playing via BT. If I go over volume 13 I can hear it. Not sure how to resolve it.

2. My wife has a 2018 JLU Sahara with the 8.4 and Alpine upgrade and her audio blows mine away in clarity and max volume. Mine sounds muted. Volume level 15-20 in mine is required to hear it and still talk above it. In her JL, a volume of 20 is loud enough to hear well with the doors off. My JT would have to be at 27-28 for that.

I have 22K miles on it. Should I complain to the dealer first or just swap out some speakers? I welcome any input?

I would complain to the dealer first because issue 1 sounds like there is a bug/defect in the system. The next step is to order the dodge dart speakers. They are kickers and are a noticeable upgrade for little money.

If you are like me and drive the Jeep naked 95% of the time, than the Dart speakers might not be enough. They arent for me, hence all 4 are about to be pulled (and sold on here) for replacement. Doors on? Fantastic! Doors, top off, driving 75? They are underwhelming. I am going with a full on Hertz/Audison swap, but you might look for the Alpine speaker bar upgrade (its 6x9 IIRC) if you have a premium set up. I think its plug an play, tho a little more pricey.

 

[Lunentucker]

I went with the JBL 322s and its a huge difference, they will also go right in the roll bar as well as the dash.... but I only payed $45..... dont fall for Crutchfield prices.

And yet you post no link to the magical pricing? ???‍?

 

[Matts4313]

And yet you post no link to the magical pricing? ???‍?

Just earlier this month I got them for $50 on Amazon. Surely you can get them for that price again on black friday. For me personally? The kicker dodge darts were much, much better. Even after adjusting the frequencies sent to the jbls, they still sounded too tin-y for my taste.

The JBLs also clipped at full volume. The Kicker/Dart speakers never did. You can pick those up for less than $70 a pair.

 

[Lunentucker]

Just earlier this month I got them for $50 on Amazon. Surely you can get them for that price again on black friday. For me personally? The kicker dodge darts were much, much better. Even after adjusting the frequencies sent to the jbls, they still sounded too tin-y for my taste.

The JBLs also clipped at full volume. The Kicker/Dart speakers never did. You can pick those up for less than $70 a pair.

These?
https://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade-77KICK25AB/dp/B008I2UYPI

 

[Matts4313]

These?
https://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade-77KICK25AB/dp/B008I2UYPI

Thats the ones. They are a very solid upgrade that is plug and play. It uses the same harness and screws.

If you wait a couple weeks till my new speakers come in, you can have mine for $50+ shipping (for all 4 of them, instead of 2). But if you prefer new then definitely grab those of Amazon. I paid $123 after tax roughly 12 months ago for them, so $130 (for 4) seems fair.


**Not sure if you are aware, these fit in the dash and the rollbar, so you will want 4, not 2. **

 

[Lunentucker]

Thats the ones. They are a very solid upgrade that is plug and play. It uses the same harness and screws.

If you wait a couple weeks till my new speakers come in, you can have mine for $50+ shipping (for all 4 of them, instead of 2). But if you prefer new then definitely grab those of Amazon. I paid $123 after tax roughly 12 months ago for them, so $130 (for 4) seems fair.


**Not sure if you are aware, these fit in the dash and the rollbar, so you will want 4, not 2. **

Thanks!
I'm still debating what to do if anything.
I have the Alpine setup and it's not bad. I just wonder if it could be better.

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