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Alpine radio worth it

DBravo

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So there’s a gladiator for sale near me that I’ve been stalking. It has all the options I kinda need but has the small display and I assume the crappy speakers. I’m not a big radio guy but I’m wondering if anyone else has less expensive sound system and if it’s sufficient
IMO -Yes. Rented a sport model with the basic radio and options back in '20 before actively pursuing the purchase of a Gladiator. I am a music guy and compared to stock - the premium Alpine system is a big step up. Performs well enough that I can't justify spending thousands to upgrade. I think I would definitely upgrade if I was stuck with the base system.
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I‘ve only ever heard the factory Alpine speakers that come with the 8.4, but I think they’re trash and couldn’t wait to get rid of them. IMHO it doesn’t matter what you get, as you should replace it all first thing.
 

Stan H

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So there’s a gladiator for sale near me that I’ve been stalking. It has all the options I kinda need but has the small display and I assume the crappy speakers. I’m not a big radio guy but I’m wondering if anyone else has less expensive sound system and if it’s sufficient
8.4 alpine hear 21 Rubicon , I had a 2015 Ram diesel with a slightly better system but the bass quality Nx overall sound is leaps and bounds about my former JKU . Very clear replication through Bluetooth also
 

BearFootSam

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So there’s a gladiator for sale near me that I’ve been stalking. It has all the options I kinda need but has the small display and I assume the crappy speakers. I’m not a big radio guy but I’m wondering if anyone else has less expensive sound system and if it’s sufficient
I haven't tested the standard system but having the alpine my impression is that it sounds decent but very bassy. When we reflect how noisy the jeep is I wouldn't be expecting audi quality but for what it is it works and is loud enough.

I think the Alpine scores a couple of extra speakers in the soundbar which probably do most of the heavy lifting.
 

Stan H

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I haven't tested the standard system but having the alpine my impression is that it sounds decent but very bassy. When we reflect how noisy the jeep is I wouldn't be expecting audi quality but for what it is it works and is loud enough.

I think the Alpine scores a couple of extra speakers in the soundbar which probably do most of the heavy lifting.
My Gladiator doesn't make any noises havent heard a one. Stereo is usually cranking ??
 

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Erievon

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I haven't tested the standard system but having the alpine my impression is that it sounds decent but very bassy. When we reflect how noisy the jeep is I wouldn't be expecting audi quality but for what it is it works and is loud enough.

I think the Alpine scores a couple of extra speakers in the soundbar which probably do most of the heavy lifting.
My 20 had a headliner, and I thought the Alpine sounded great. Bass was well balanced, it could have used a dedicated tweeter up front, I had planned to put a 2 way in the top dash, never got around to it. My 23 does NOT have a headliner, now the bass echos and the soundstage is a bit off. I had no idea but the headliner actually makes a huge difference.
 

FloridaMan655321

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I purposely ordered mine with the smaller screen and stock speakers. They work fine for audio books and podcasts. I personally don't think you would be looking at a Jeep if you were an audiophile either, so.....
 

Erievon

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Oh don't get me wrong, the fun and function of the Jeep far outweighs my need for high end audio. But...it's also my daily, so it might as well at least sound decent.
 

Wheelin98TJ

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I purposely ordered mine with the smaller screen and stock speakers. They work fine for audio books and podcasts. I personally don't think you would be looking at a Jeep if you were an audiophile either, so.....
The Alpine system isn’t for audiophiles or people who listen to talk radio. It’s for people somewhere in between who like music.
 

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Stuntman Mike

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The Alpine system isn’t for audiophiles or people who listen to talk radio. It’s for people somewhere in between who like music.
Exactly. For people like me.

I am very satisfied with the Alpine and also with 8.4 and would miss it.

And I thought that the bluetooth speaker in the back is a unnecessary gimmick until I used it for the first time. Now I have a different opinion about this box.
 

abe57

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I own a 2021 Mojave with the Alpine 8.4 premium sound system . It's ok to say the least , my 2005 Xterra had a Factory Rockford Fosgate system in it and was miles above this so called "premium " sound system. Some one back aways got a hold of speakers from both non premium and premium and they were the same . The only difference in the two is premium has a woofer under the back seats. I find it to lack in Bass big time and the factory head unit only has
3 EQ settings so adjustments there are very limited. So I upgraded the upper dash speakers with Cerwin vega 3.5" 2 way coaxial # H735 and got the larger pod kit for the knee speakers and replaced them with Cerwin vega 6 1/4" # V465's so now mid and highs are much better. Then installed 6x9's in the sound bar with Cerwin vega 3 way coaxial speakers # H7693 plus a aftermarket adapter kit. Now I have some Bass that you can hear and FEEL. I am now as I type this installing a Cerwin vega 10" powered subwoofer # VPAS10 V2 behind the left rear seat and it slides right into that space so well no mounting hardware needed. Now I should get what I am looking for with out spending to much for a
much better sound system.
 

Wheelin98TJ

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I own a 2021 Mojave with the Alpine 8.4 premium sound system . It's ok to say the least , my 2005 Xterra had a Factory Rockford Fosgate system in it and was miles above this so called "premium " sound system. Some one back aways got a hold of speakers from both non premium and premium and they were the same . The only difference in the two is premium has a woofer under the back seats. I find it to lack in Bass big time and the factory head unit only has
3 EQ settings so adjustments there are very limited. So I upgraded the upper dash speakers with Cerwin vega 3.5" 2 way coaxial # H735 and got the larger pod kit for the knee speakers and replaced them with Cerwin vega 6 1/4" # V465's so now mid and highs are much better. Then installed 6x9's in the sound bar with Cerwin vega 3 way coaxial speakers # H7693 plus a aftermarket adapter kit. Now I have some Bass that you can hear and FEEL. I am now as I type this installing a Cerwin vega 10" powered subwoofer # VPAS10 V2 behind the left rear seat and it slides right into that space so well no mounting hardware needed. Now I should get what I am looking for with out spending to much for a
much better sound system.
Are you putting an amp on the dash and sound bar speakers?
 

Erievon

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And I thought that the bluetooth speaker in the back is a unnecessary gimmick until I used it for the first time. Now I have a different opinion about this box.
This reminds me of an old photographer saying...the best camera is the one you have with you. (That Digital SLR isn't worth squat if you need a shot and it's sitting on the shelf at home)

I wouldn't have ordered the BT speaker, but I'm very glad the truck came with it. I have a JBL Flip 4 that I think sounds much better, but I've already had a number of times I've wanted a speaker and the Flip is sitting at home. Hey, I got one in my truck, and it's always charged. Jackpot! It gets louder then the flip for sure, but not as crisp.
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