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DS18 JLSBAR22LOADED Extremely Loud "Plug & Play" Sound Bar Package Review

johnh442

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Its a bad news, good news sort of thing.

https://ds18.com/collections/jeep-j...ud-jeep-jl-jlu-jt-plug-play-sound-bar-package

1. Much assembly required, nothing is assembled like the picture, all packaged seperately. Put in tweeters.. oops no mounting screws.. go to hardware store buy some. No wire connectors for tweeters -- either get those while you're getting bolts or get a soldering iron. Spend time putting it all together.... you plug, they play.
2. Bar itself is too long won't sit flat. between the frame, had to dremel the ends (about 1/4") to make it flat/flush to attempt to bolt it in.
3. Wait. The HOLES DON'T LINE UP RIGHT... get the dremel out again, as they were off just enough to not be able to start the bolts.
4. Stock Bolts won't work. Stock washers are two wide for the grooves in the bar mounting holes, and too short otherwise. Go to hardware store again to buy new bolts (just like the other reviewer mentioned).
5. DS18 BTC LED app won't even install on newer Android phones -- There's a new app coming, and "Happy Lighting" will work.
6. BTC Controller comes with ZERO instructions. What's the damn button for? Connecting with bluetooth I think, do you press it once or hold it down? IDK BECAUSE THERE'S NO INSTRUCTIONS. Worse yet it was determined my controller was messed up (kept the power on the WHOLE time), I am getting a free replacement.
Lastly why does the Controller need two 12 inputs (switch, battery), its 10A, I have a jeep with aux switches (15a), shouldn't need to run to the battery..

So fixes for gripes:
a. Would it really hurt to include what's really needed? Some tweeter screws and some longer bolts and washers (~$10).
b. Might want to measure again. Its very close but not close enough on the dimenisons.
c. Again no freaking directions at ALL. If you're not handy with electrical/stereos (I am), good luck. Good thing this is a plug and play kit -- wait its not.
Some instructions about fitment and bolts, etc would have been helpful, even just a "one pager"

Ok, yes it was a PITA to install, just don't expect to not have to work at it bit.

Good news:
Sounds great, it is loud (We like it loud don't we), and speakers have good bass response (pretty much dwarf the factory sub) and crystal clear on the highs.

You can crank it and hear at 50' Its loud enough that you can probably get a noise ordinance ticket with it, I can't imagine what the 4 speaker bar sounds like.

Shame really that they didn't put just a bit more thought and some directions into the package, or even on their website. A nice FAQ would have been helpful.
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Rahkmalla

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You have more patience for bullshit than i do.

If one were to send me a 'plug and play' product with major assembly, hardware store trips for bolts and washers, and dremel modifications required (that i'm sure they will claim voids your warranty if you had any problems), i'm sending it back immediately with zero remose.
 
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johnh442

johnh442

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You have more patience for bullshit than i do.

If one were to send me a 'plug and play' product with major assembly, hardware store trips for bolts and washers, and dremel modifications required (that i'm sure they will claim voids your warranty if you had any problems), i'm sending it back immediately with zero remose.
Only thing was I had already taken the factory bar out and all the trim off... and the thing was really close to fitting correctly... I didn't want to put it all back together and send it back.. ugh.

I did share this with DS18, and they responded with:
"It does say assembly required in the description, but the plug and play is meant for the soundbar to plug and play with the factory amp, not that the whole thing comes out of the box ready to go."
"Sometimes you will need to do a little trimming with a Dremel. Overall not much though."
And yes that's NOT plug and play. And had they had a one pager upfront and/or FAQ on the website would have been much better experience.

I did buy it through one of the their dealers: https://www.m2audio.com/ and they were easy to deal with, as the light BTC was broken and they are shipping a new one no fuss.
 

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naddy

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So I'm assuming you had the upgraded alpine system. Does this work well with factory amp and sub nothing else needed?
 
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johnh442

johnh442

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Yes the "upgraded" alpine system (which was amazingly bad IMO), for example the system in my 2013 RAM is way, way better than the Jeep system (not anymore though ;( )

Uses factory harness, plugs right into it, so nothing else needed there. You don't need a separate amp or lineout converters. That IS the one part that is plug and play.

No issues with it, highs are clear and lows truth be told, out power the factory sub.

I'd love to do the dash speakers next, but I don't want to take the dash out...
 

Blackjeepjk

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Yes the "upgraded" alpine system (which was amazingly bad IMO), for example the system in my 2013 RAM is way, way better than the Jeep system (not anymore though ;( )

Uses factory harness, plugs right into it, so nothing else needed there. You don't need a separate amp or lineout converters. That IS the one part that is plug and play.

No issues with it, highs are clear and lows truth be told, out power the factory sub.

I'd love to do the dash speakers next, but I don't want to take the dash out...
Thank you for this review. I’m a novice at this but wanting to upgrade as well.
I see a 4 speaker bar listed by them that comes with amp. Would it be plug and play with the alpine premium as well? Could I use factory alpine amp and forego installing new amp?
 
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johnh442

johnh442

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The one I have didn't come with an amp, it plugs into the factory system. This is the 4 speaker without an amp, "plug and play".
You'd have to check the aftermarket amp to see if its compatible...
 

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I know this is an old tread but where did you mount the LED controller? I just ordered this set up and haven’t been able to figure out where people are mounting the controller.
 

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johnh442

johnh442

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So the LED Controller went inside the sound bar, and just the wire with the bluetooth switch sticks out.
 

Firedanser

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I know this thread is really old, but where are your seat covers from?
 

Blackjeepjk

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Thank you for this review. I’m a novice at this but wanting to upgrade as well.
I see a 4 speaker bar listed by them that comes with amp. Would it be plug and play with the alpine premium as well? Could I use factory alpine amp and forego installing new amp?
I’ll continue resurrecting this old thread with a bump.
I ended up going with the ds18 complete sound bar package.
im running the factory head unit premium system, amp, sub, and front speakers and then used a line out controller to use the supplied amp with new 4x8’s. With top and doors off can hear and feel my music. (My hearing is probably now on the short list due to wind buffeting and the db’s Now) Amazing sounds and very happy now. Wifey likes the lights.

Jeep Gladiator DS18 JLSBAR22LOADED Extremely Loud "Plug & Play" Sound Bar Package Review IMG_8833
Jeep Gladiator DS18 JLSBAR22LOADED Extremely Loud "Plug & Play" Sound Bar Package Review IMG_8838
 

Mister Ed

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I don’t need or want fancy lights up there BEYOND the little LED’s BUT my SPORT came with a nice’ish big screen and I’d like to keep that. I’m wanting to ADD a subwoofer & HOPEFULLY 6x9’s in the sound bar. THE DEALERSHIP parts guy Shrugged his shoulders when I asked about the wiring/sub woof options… he’ll, every question I asked he replied “ yeah, ugh… not really”
Has anyone else done a light upgrade?
I did sell my RAM 1500 today and I put a great aftermarket system in it.
Any one ??
thanks, 73’
 

Mister Ed

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he’ll. Was HELL and LIGHT meant STEREO upgrade… I re-read my post and thought…. Lights ? Light! No, Speakers & Sub !
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