I want to piecemeal upgrade my audio, starting with soundbar. I want SQ & high volume & bass

[msheets]

• I have the not amplified, not premium stock 7” system.
• Is upgrading the SIZE of the soundbar speakers worth it? Going from 3.5” to 6.5”?
• I am looking for LOUD, sound quality and bass. I am willing to add amp & sub at a later date.
• Considering 6.5” one of the following: Kicker, JBL, or Infinity. Does anyone have a preference from either of those?
• Is the Dodge Dart speaker upgrade still a thing?

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[ChrisNLA]

I don't have anything to add, other than I actually added a sub first (an HS10 behind the back seat), and it made such a big difference in the sound system that the factory non premium speakers are actually livable for a lot longer. I was able to let them transmit what they could actually produce (bass turned all the way out, to the sub only). I feel like had I did speakers first, I'd still be totally missing any bass and for me that was the real problem.

Your needs may vary, of course.

 

[msheets]

Thank you! Unfortunately, one of my soundbar speakers are blown. So that’s why I am starting there first. I actually thought the stock speaker sound was pretty decent, but that buzzing is driving me crazy

 

[ChrisNLA]

Thank you! Unfortunately, one of my soundbar speakers are blown. So that’s why I am starting there first. I actually thought the stock speaker sound was pretty decent, but that buzzing is driving me crazy

Mine buzzed and rattled constantly. It was because the bass was too high and the speakers couldn't handle it. Turned em down before one blew

 

[Warrantw5]

This is what I did. Very big difference. I do have the Alpine Premium system though. I didn’t do the lower dash (knee) speakers. Too much work. You don’t need crossovers for the sound bar.

 

[Warrantw5]

Sorry for the duplicate photos. I put Polyfil in the speaker cavities. Walmart, $6.00.

 

[Conrad101st]

Slightly off topic but my rubicon sound system is so stunningly good compared to other vehicles that I have owned to include Ranger rover, Mercedes and Porsche that I still can’t believe it. I have never upgraded a system, but I would see if you can just match the rubicon sound system.

 

[msheets]

This is what I did. Very big difference. I do have the Alpine Premium system though. I didn’t do the lower dash (knee) speakers. Too much work. You don’t need crossovers for the sound bar.

Does it matter that you had the Alpine premium system vs I did not? Or does yours have an amp? I’m starting to really consider the Infinity brand. They are twice as much as the Kickers I was looking at though

 

[Thunderspud]

I don't have anything to add, other than I actually added a sub first (an HS10 behind the back seat), and it made such a big difference in the sound system that the factory non premium speakers are actually livable for a lot longer

This was essentially my exact experience as well. I did end up changing the dash speakers but once those were in I saw no need to even mess with the sound bar.

On the last truck, I did change the sound bar speakers and was a bit disappointed in how little difference it made to overall sounds quality/volume.

 

[msheets]

This was essentially my exact experience as well. I did end up changing the dash speakers but once those were in I saw no need to even mess with the sound bar.

On the last truck, I did change the sound bar speakers and was a bit disappointed in how little difference it made to overall sounds quality/volume.

What did you put in the soundbar? One of mine is blown so I def need to replace but I don’t want to spend a bunch of money only for it not sound any better

 

[Thunderspud]

What did you put in the soundbar? One of mine is blown so I def need to replace but I don’t want to spend a bunch of money only for it not sound any better

I believe they were Kenwood eXcelon. Same as what I used for the dash speakers, if I recall.

But it's worth reiterating that the location is the takeaway here instead of the speaker quality or lack thereof. The dash speakers are doing the majority of the work between the two in my opinion.

 

[vicsvx]

Did all speakers with except lower dash...ballimg a budget I went with Pioneer A series and they sound great then I added the preloaded 8in sub behind the back seat. Happy camper.

 

[Warrantw5]

Does it matter that you had the Alpine premium system vs I did not? Or does yours have an amp? I’m starting to really consider the Infinity brand. They are twice as much as the Kickers I was looking at though

I don’t think it matters. It’s still going to be an improvement.

 

[WILDHOBO]

• I have the not amplified, not premium stock 7” system.
• Is upgrading the SIZE of the soundbar speakers worth it? Going from 3.5” to 6.5”?
• I am looking for LOUD, sound quality and bass. I am willing to add amp & sub at a later date.
• Considering 6.5” one of the following: Kicker, JBL, or Infinity. Does anyone have a preference from either of those?
• Is the Dodge Dart speaker upgrade still a thing?

I started with your exact setup. I couldn’t be happier with my upgrade, and would do it again the same way.

Alpine 65-spv-jlt for the sound bar
Alpine 1” tweeters in the dash. I can lookup the part number
Alpine 200w mini amp behind the glove box to power fronts and sound bars, speaker level input with load resistors
Powered slim sub behind one of the rear seats, also speaker level input, from the front channel. They way if you have someone in the back that wants less volume, you can adjust the fade forward and not lose your bass.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Sorry for the duplicate photos. I put Polyfil in the speaker cavities. Walmart, $6.00.

I used poly fill as well. Sound bar and dash.

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