Question about Gladiator Sound System

[OnEdge]

Installed the KFC-X3C's without the crossovers this morning using the Metra 72-7902 Speaker Wiring Adapters. As a comparison, the Alpines weighed 187 grams while the Kenwoods weighed 353 grams. I wouldn't say the difference is dramatic. The Alpines actually sounded louder at the same volume but the Kenwoods midrange and highs are clearer. I used my fader and switched back and fourth while I had one of each in. Nevertheless, I kept the Kenwoods.

Thanks, midironman!

Wondering if I should even bother now, since I haven't even purchased the speakers yet - they actually are still on backorder from Crutchfields.

Would you spend the money on the upgrade again, knowing what you know now?

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[Jay Gatsby]

Thanks, midironman!

Wondering if I should even bother now, since I haven't even purchased the speakers yet - they actually are still on backorder from Crutchfields.

Would you spend the money on the upgrade again, knowing what you know now?

Give me a couple days with them and I'll let you know.

 

[OnEdge]

Give me a couple days with them and I'll let you know.

Thanks! Have a great weekend!

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Thanks, midironman!

Wondering if I should even bother now, since I haven't even purchased the speakers yet - they actually are still on backorder from Crutchfields.

Would you spend the money on the upgrade again, knowing what you know now?

Had some time behind the wheel now. I'd have to say the front dash has come alive compared to the Alpines. More highs, clearer mids. Is it worth $70? I'd say yes, but it's subjective. Since I hear a positive difference... I'm happy. Kenwood are staying in. Now someone with younger ears or tighter budgets might feel differently. Hope that helps.

 

[OnEdge]

Had some time behind the wheel now. I'd have to say the front dash has come alive compared to the Alpines. More highs, clearer mids. Is it worth $70? I'd say yes, but it's subjective. Since I hear a positive difference... I'm happy. Kenwood are staying in. Now someone with younger ears or tighter budgets might feel differently. Hope that helps.

Thanks, midironman!

I think I'll jump in and try them also. I was slightly questioning the decision to move forward when you said they weren't quite as loud as the Alpines, as I seem to be playing music in my Gladiator ridiculously loud. I think the more highs and clearer mids will be welcomed. if it's not loud enough, I'll just spin the dial a little more - lol.

Thanks for the additional feedback! Have a great weekend!

 

[RSK]

I have the 8.4 Alpine premium and like many was disappointed with the sound. I Installed 3.5” JL Audio 350x In the soundbar and 3.5” Infinity 3022 in the top dash. Huge improvement over stock speakers and less that $200 total for much better sound IMO. I was going to do more speaker replacements and maybe add an amp, but sound improvement was good enough for the time being.

Here is the write up from a while back.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-do-to-your-gladiator-today.23705/post-418723

 

[OnEdge]

I have the 8.4 Alpine premium and like many was disappointed with the sound. I Installed 3.5” JL Audio 350x In the soundbar and 3.5” Infinity 3022 in the top dash. Huge improvement over stock speakers and less that $200 total for much better sound IMO. I was going to do more speaker replacements and maybe add an amp, but sound improvement was good enough for the time being.

Here is the write up from a while back.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-do-to-your-gladiator-today.23705/post-418723

Good to know also, I'll check it out.

Thanks!!

 

[OnEdge]

I have the 8.4 Alpine premium and like many was disappointed with the sound. I Installed 3.5” JL Audio 350x In the soundbar and 3.5” Infinity 3022 in the top dash. Huge improvement over stock speakers and less that $200 total for much better sound IMO. I was going to do more speaker replacements and maybe add an amp, but sound improvement was good enough for the time being.

Here is the write up from a while back.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-do-to-your-gladiator-today.23705/post-418723

Just curious, how did you pick those particular speakers? I just looked and the Infinity 3022 has been discontinued and Crutchfield tells me that the JL's don't fit the Gladiator The Kenwoods I was going to put in the dash have been out of stock with no ETA for quite a while...

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Just curious, how did you pick those particular speakers? I just looked and the Infinity 3022 has been discontinued and Crutchfield tells me that the JL's don't fit the Gladiator The Kenwoods I was going to put in the dash have been out of stock with no ETA for quite a while...

Hey Jeff, even though Crutchfield showed the KFC-X3C out of stock, I ordered anyway on May 15th and had them on May 21st. They showed on backorder 4 days then 2-day shipped.

 

[OnEdge]

Hey Jeff, even though Crutchfield showed the KFC-X3C out of stock, I ordered anyway on May 15th and had them on May 21st. They showed on backorder 4 days then 2-day shipped.

Good to know - thanks! I'm going to go ahead and order them. I think I want to try and replace the soundbar speakers with the JL Audio speakers at the same time.

 

[OnEdge]

Good to know - thanks! I'm going to go ahead and order them. I think I want to try and replace the soundbar speakers with the JL Audio speakers at the same time.

OK, I just looked at the JL Audio C2-350x reviews for rear replacements and a lot of people complain about their sound quality and others swear by them... I'm wondering if I should just do the Kenwoods up front and in the soundbar - any thoughts?

 

[RSK]

Just curious, how did you pick those particular speakers?

I just read a bunch of reviews and narrowed it down to these 2 speakers that didn’t break the bank. My plan was to just put a pair in the dash and ship the other or both back if I didn’t like them. I liked them both over stock (big difference), but liked the highs of the Infinity in the dash better. However liked the JL’s with more base too, so did quick swap in the soundbar and without question they make a great setup without spending a bunch on amps, head replacement, tearing my dash apart or full replacement speakers.

Crutchfield says they don’t fit because of the exact hole alignment I guess, but they are minor tweaks and do fit flush just fine as you can see from my pictures. I do recommend the wire adapters so you don’t have to cut your OEM wires. Crutchfield ships them free and Walmart has them online for about $10.

As many have said there are lots of opinions out there because everyone’s hearing/ears are different. Some love the OEM premium speakers and others like us do not. I feel the head unit is good enough and the replacement speakers with highs in the front and mid range in the SB sounds great to me. I was worried when I took the freedom panels and hardtop off I would lose the sound, but still sounds really good considering the top is off. Some of this is just personal preference and trial/error. I’m sure the Kenwood’s sound better too over stock. Just try a couple brands and make sure you get free shipping returns like though Amazon. I know Crutchfield charges $10 shipping on returns, but not bad to try out a pair of speakers.

I did want to replace the 4 inch speakers in the SB also, but couldn’t find a pair shallow enough height wise to fit. They were all to large or deep on the magnet. I think I found one high end brand that would work size wise on the 4” hole, but it cost $700+ for a pair which wasn’t worth it for me.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[OnEdge]

I just read a bunch of reviews and narrowed it down to these 2 speakers that didn’t break the bank. My plan was to just put a pair in the dash and ship the other or both back if I didn’t like them. I liked them both over stock (big difference), but liked the highs of the Infinity in the dash better. However liked the JL’s with more base too, so did quick swap in the soundbar and without question they make a great setup without spending a bunch on amps, head replacement, tearing my dash apart or full replacement speakers.

Crutchfield says they don’t fit because of the exact hole alignment I guess, but they are minor tweaks and do fit flush just fine as you can see from my pictures. I do recommend the wire adapters so you don’t have to cut your OEM wires. Crutchfield ships them free and Walmart has them online for about $10.

As many have said there are lots of opinions out there because everyone’s hearing/ears are different. Some love the OEM premium speakers and others like us do not. I feel the head unit is good enough and the replacement speakers with highs in the front and mid range in the SB sounds great to me. I was worried when I took the freedom panels and hardtop off I would lose the sound, but still sounds really good considering the top is off. Some of this is just personal preference and trial/error. I’m sure the Kenwood’s sound better too over stock. Just try a couple brands and make sure you get free shipping returns like though Amazon. I know Crutchfield charges $10 shipping on returns, but not bad to try out a pair of speakers.

I did want to replace the 4 inch speakers in the SB also, but couldn’t find a pair shallow enough height wise to fit. They were all to large or deep on the magnet. I think I found one high end brand that would work size wise on the 4” hole, but it cost $700+ for a pair which wasn’t worth it for me.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Thanks so much for the detailed information! I’ll try the kenwoods in the front and the JL’s in the sound bar and see how it goes.
Have a great memorial weekend!

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Update...
Initially I didn't install the crossovers that came with the speakers. Went with just the Metra adapters. Pulled the speakers and installed the crossovers yesterday and sounds even better! Definitely recommend you install the crossovers. Enjoy!

 

[OnEdge]

Update...
Initially I didn't install the crossovers that came with the speakers. Went with just the Metra adapters. Pulled the speakers and installed the crossovers yesterday and sounds even better! Definitely recommend you install the crossovers. Enjoy!

Good to know - thanks! Which ones came with the crossovers? Also, did you use bass blockers on JL’s in the SB? Many reviews on Crutchfields recommend them so I ordered a pair the other night just in case I need them, I should have them on Monday.

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