Amp for aftermarket speaker

[Duckdad16]

I have been reading through a lot of the threads about upgrading speakers. I have determined i do not want to mess with the kick panel speakers. I do want to change the roll bar speakers first. Question though, why does it seem like nobody adds a 4 channel amp? The stock head unit (non alpine) has no amp built in. If i am missing something please help me. I would think that adding an external amp would help alot with the problems everyone has.

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[Thunderspud]

TL/DR......don't underestimate the role of the dash speakers in overall sound quality.



This is mostly subjective, as sound systems usually are, but.......

Having had a few JT/JL's, with varying combinations of UConnect headunits and OEM speaker configurations.....I can honestly say that the upgrade that has made the LEAST difference in sound quality has been the overhead sound bar speakers. Seems counterintuitive, but if I had to rank the enhancements we have done in order of overall sound, it would be:

1. Subwoofer (maybe even if already equipped). I settled on a powered Kicker HS10 on the current truck. Mainly for ease of install, and I am not looking to rattle windows at red lights.
2. Dash speakers. I would wager that most of the sound you hear is produced by these, not the overhead speakers.
3. Headunit. Currently have a Stinger Horizon10. They look almost OEM, if you care about that, and have plenty of continuous power to supply the Kenwood Excelon dash speakers we chose this time around.
4. Everything else.

Sure, other folks will have different opinions, but if you were discounting the effectiveness of the dash speakers for overall sound quality (like I did), you might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[jebiruph]

My factory head unit provides adequate power for my upgraded dash tweeters and 6.5" soundbar speakers, with all speakers (including factory knee panel) contributing to the over all sound. Here's a link https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/base-system-speaker-upgrade.75015/post-1562924

 

[In3briatedPanda]

because im lazy.
ive had a four channel amp for months now and i just havent. i run two tens under my seat, its fine for my needs.
replaced my soundbar speakers with the mb quarts 6x9 upgrade it was not as noticeable as the front dash speaker replacement.

I want more but ive been happy with just speaker replacement as this time. i went jbl in the front dash bc everything else was backordered during covid.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have been reading through a lot of the threads about upgrading speakers. I have determined i do not want to mess with the kick panel speakers. I do want to change the roll bar speakers first. Question though, why does it seem like nobody adds a 4 channel amp? The stock head unit (non alpine) has no amp built in. If i am missing something please help me. I would think that adding an external amp would help alot with the problems everyone has.

I’ve done the exact project you’re looking at. I didn’t touch the knee panel. I replaced roll bar and dash speakers, I added an amp to power them without changing my head unit, and I added a powered sub to round it out. It’s been literally perfect. I couldn’t be happier. I’ll happily discuss in detail if you want. Send me a pm with your number and I’ll do the same. I started with a non-alpine 7” system.

 

[GAJeff]

I am looking to do the same with my non amplified 7 inch stock system. My question is for you to add a amp to the stock head unit did you use a PAC adapter for adding the amplifier? If not I would love to know how you added the amp without as it's my understanding that you need that to add a amp.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I am looking to do the same with my non amplified 7 inch stock system. My question is for you to add a amp to the stock head unit did you use a PAC adapter for adding the amplifier? If not I would love to know how you added the amp without as it's my understanding that you need that to add a amp.

I used a small 200w Alpine amp that accepts speaker level inputs. I then used inline load resistors to trick the head unit into thinking it was still directly connected to the speakers. It works perfectly.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I am looking to do the same with my non amplified 7 inch stock system. My question is for you to add a amp to the stock head unit did you use a PAC adapter for adding the amplifier? If not I would love to know how you added the amp without as it's my understanding that you need that to add a amp.

Happy to help in any way I can. Mine sounds great and looks completely Oem.

 

[JT1]

I used a small 200w Alpine amp that accepts speaker level inputs. I then used inline load resistors to trick the head unit into thinking it was still directly connected to the speakers. It works perfectly.

Just curious, does the amp you used have an RCA for sub frequencies?
I keep hoping someone will make an easy button to amplify all the cabin speakers and give sub RCAs to keep it super simple.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Just curious, does the amp you used have an RCA for sub frequencies?
I keep hoping someone will make an easy button to amplify all the cabin speakers and give sub RCAs to keep it super simple.

No, but it’s still SO easy. I’m sending you a dm.

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