8.4 Premium Audio Upgrades

[LoJac963]

Let me preface this with, I have read months worth of articles on the topic but everything seems to be piecemealed together.

Curious what anyone has done to upgrade their 8.4 system? I've head about adding the Kicker sub in addition to the factory sub and/or replacing individual speakers. I'd prefer to keep the OEM 8.4 head unit. I think the system is absolutely badass for a stock system but I want more. I would prefer a system which integrates easily vs replacing individual components, using all sorts of PAC interfaces, etc.

MB Quart Stage 6 setup specifically for the JT which uses the OEM source (head unit) for $2,200. This setup basically only replaces the oem speakers and adds 6x9s to the soundbar. Additional subs/amp would be additional.

Probably the most expensive setup OEM Audio Signature Series at $3,049 but is completely plug and play. You'd lose the factory sub but gets replaced with a 10" sub and large box. Would have to buy non-Alpine rear trim to mate with their sub enclosure adding to the cost

Soundbar only options, but apparently the speakers used in these upgraded soundbars are full range, not subs so I doubt they would add a lot more base to the factory sub. They would also need an interface to pull high inputs I'm assuming for a feed to the amp?

-American soundbar Kicker setup with four 8" midrange speakers and up to 4 tweeters with amp for $1,421.

-DS18 soundbar similar to American yet for some reason that setup is $2,200

Even another thought is to just add an amp (interface to pull high inputs) and rear under seat subs to add more bass and use the factory system for the mids and highs, I feel that is the most cost effective option and least invasive.

Thoughts?

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[Docharrison]

Let me preface this with, I have read months worth of articles on the topic but everything seems to be piecemealed together.

Curious what anyone has done to upgrade their 8.4 system? I've head about adding the Kicker sub in addition to the factory sub and/or replacing individual speakers. I'd prefer to keep the OEM 8.4 head unit. I think the system is absolutely badass for a stock system but I want more. I would prefer a system which integrates easily vs replacing individual components, using all sorts of PAC interfaces, etc.

MB Quart Stage 6 setup specifically for the JT which uses the OEM source (head unit) for $2,200. This setup basically only replaces the oem speakers and adds 6x9s to the soundbar. Additional subs/amp would be additional.

Probably the most expensive setup OEM Audio Signature Series at $3,049 but is completely plug and play. You'd lose the factory sub but gets replaced with a 10" sub and large box. Would have to buy non-Alpine rear trim to mate with their sub enclosure adding to the cost

Soundbar only options, but apparently the speakers used in these upgraded soundbars are full range, not subs so I doubt they would add a lot more base to the factory sub. They would also need an interface to pull high inputs I'm assuming for a feed to the amp?

-American soundbar Kicker setup with four 8" midrange speakers and up to 4 tweeters with amp for $1,421.

-DS18 soundbar similar to American yet for some reason that setup is $2,200

Even another thought is to just add an amp (interface to pull high inputs) and rear under seat subs to add more bass and use the factory system for the mids and highs, I feel that is the most cost effective option and least invasive.

Thoughts?

I believe MB Quart offers an underseat 8" custom fit box to complement the Stage 6. Check it out at their website: https://mbquart.com/shop/mobile/mob...ep-gladiator-jt-tuned-dual-subwoofers-system/ or at Crutchfield.com. I haven't read any reviews but this is two tuned 8" subs with a passive radiator and a 400 W amp. I'm in the same boat as you; I want more volume but I think the UConnect set up is perfect and seems to deliver enough power for the 7 speakers out of the box.

 

[Mac Attack]

I believe MB Quart offers an underseat 8" custom fit box to complement the Stage 6. Check it out at their website: https://mbquart.com/shop/mobile/mob...ep-gladiator-jt-tuned-dual-subwoofers-system/ or at Crutchfield.com. I haven't read any reviews but this is two tuned 8" subs with a passive radiator and a 400 W amp. I'm in the same boat as you; I want more volume but I think the UConnect set up is perfect and seems to deliver enough power for the 7 speakers out of the box.

Hey, back in my day 50 watt speakers were top-of-the-line...a 400watt speaker, OMG (still kinda connected or not totally disconnected...I do know what OMG means)...that could blow your mind or at the very least a blood vessel! Impress your buds and the girls, but watch your hearing...for the long run...your future wife, children and grandchildren will appreciate your hearing them...believe me. TCGB.

 

[NinaFox317]

I had the DS18 soundbar installed in my Jeep back in August. It has had interferance when I turn on my heated seats since the day it was installed. DS18 and their installer won't pay to have it fixed or refund any of my money. Worst experience I have ever had with a company.

 

[aevgladitorrubi]

Let me preface this with, I have read months worth of articles on the topic but everything seems to be piecemealed together.

Curious what anyone has done to upgrade their 8.4 system? I've head about adding the Kicker sub in addition to the factory sub and/or replacing individual speakers. I'd prefer to keep the OEM 8.4 head unit. I think the system is absolutely badass for a stock system but I want more. I would prefer a system which integrates easily vs replacing individual components, using all sorts of PAC interfaces, etc.

MB Quart Stage 6 setup specifically for the JT which uses the OEM source (head unit) for $2,200. This setup basically only replaces the oem speakers and adds 6x9s to the soundbar. Additional subs/amp would be additional.

Probably the most expensive setup OEM Audio Signature Series at $3,049 but is completely plug and play. You'd lose the factory sub but gets replaced with a 10" sub and large box. Would have to buy non-Alpine rear trim to mate with their sub enclosure adding to the cost

Soundbar only options, but apparently the speakers used in these upgraded soundbars are full range, not subs so I doubt they would add a lot more base to the factory sub. They would also need an interface to pull high inputs I'm assuming for a feed to the amp?

-American soundbar Kicker setup with four 8" midrange speakers and up to 4 tweeters with amp for $1,421.

-DS18 soundbar similar to American yet for some reason that setup is $2,200

Even another thought is to just add an amp (interface to pull high inputs) and rear under seat subs to add more bass and use the factory system for the mids and highs, I feel that is the most cost effective option and least invasive.

Thoughts?

OEMaudioplus.com-- plug and play...

 

[mx5red]

Depends on what your goals are. If you’re pretty happy with stock then adding a kicker sub under the driver seat or whatever is easy and relatively cheap. I currently have a cheap slim sub under driver seat and like feeling it thump.
I’m not sure how some of your other options sound plug n play. I replaced my speakers with decent infinity’s and was not impressed… the alpine system does some funny tuning so I didn’t think it sounded right.
I ended up adding a Rockford DSR-1 (discontinued) that would integrate via harness, and is a DSP to tune the channels.. and added an amp.
The amp and DSP greatly increased the cost, but by far was the most impressive change. Sound totally transformed.
I can’t speak to the MB quart or similar but I’m guessing the amplified add-ons would sound pretty good since they’re designed for the Jeep.

I went through this in steps chasing my tail. If I had to start fresh I’d either just add a cheap sub, or add a DSP and amp and speakers and go all out. There’s a reason a lot of people have added the PAC and amp or similar setup, because it sounds better!
And if I were paying to add an amp, I’d for sure integrate a DSP. Whether it’s in the amp, or some other unit tied in. Worth the cost.

 

[blau iii]

I went down much of the same path as you. I have the prem audio and 8.4. I ended up with the following:
- 3.5" JL C2 for the dash powered off the oem amp
- JL C2 6.5 in the metra box for the knee powered off the kicker 4x50 dsp amp
- JL C1 6x9 in the soundbar powered off the kicker amp
- 2 Kicker Comp Shallow subs in a homemade box behind the rear seat powered off a kicker 800x1 amp so each sub gets 400w

I'm using the PAC audio gizmo to get the signal to the amps. Overall, I spent way more than I planned to and building the box humbled me a bit but I'm really happy with the sound quality. I also put the generic amazon dynomat down through the whole truck floor. The stereo bumps when I want it to but isn't obnoxious.

 

[Dqban]

Im just finishing mine. Ended up with
Mb quart 3.5 in dash 4ohm. These connect in parralel to 4 ohm 6.5 kicker coaxials in th kick panels. These run at 2ohm for 115watts.
The soundbar has infinity 6x9 3 way 2ohm also @ 115 watts. Im using the jl audio under seat subwoofer which had 2 10s down firing. This is running off a 5. Hannel audison that puts 550 to the subs. I had originally used a rockford amp but wanted more sub power.

the amp is under the front driver seat. Ill post some pics later....very happy overall after applying the audison amp.

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