Question about Gladiator Sound System

[Nevadabackroad]

Oh, yes. Adjusted fade and balance, equalizer settings, etc.
Like I've said, it isn't a 'bad' sound system. But it definitely is not as nice as the Wrangle Alpine.

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[Angler3]

Unf

Unfortunately, the window sticker had been removed during cleaning, and was not included with our packet. That was the reason for my question.

I couldn’t find my window sticker when I purchased it either . After the dealer detailed it. Then I opened the glovebox. Boom! There it was. Could barely see it, but it was there.

 

[Nevadabackroad]

I like the earlier post about finding it online. Good resource. But we actually found the original folded up with some other papers with the Owner's Manual. Definitely an Alpine system.

 

[jmdwifi]

It's subjective but just generally lacking the richness and fullness of sound in the Wrangler. We parked the two vehicles side by side and listened to music from the same Bluetooth source, same song and the difference really is apparent.
I also note that the front speakers in the Wrangler have the Alpine logo but the Alpine name is nowhere apparent in the Gladiator.

I'm guessing Jeep moved to a lesser Alpine system in the Gladiator.

If it has the subwoofer behind the back seat, it's premium sound. I had a JK 2015 with Alpine premium sound and the JT is nowhere near as good as that one was. If I had it to do over, I would have gotten the cheapest sound option and put in my own stuff. It's ok but not like the other for sure.

 

[Nevadabackroad]

I agree with your experience with the JT vs the JK. That's essentially what we've discovered.

And yes, we do have the subwoofer behind the rear seat. No doubt we have the Premium system, whatever that means now with the Gladiators.
But I'm not sure I agree with you that I'd have gone with the cheapest option and then upgraded. This system is not 'bad' by any description. It's just not as good as previous 'premium' systems. It does still have all the speakers, including the subwoofer, and the very good controls.

This system is good enough that I would not consider upgrading it at additional cost. Is it worth the $1600 over the next lower offering? Maybe not, but it's definitely an improvement over the lesser offerings.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I have the 8.4 Uconnect and upgraded Alpine sound system. I think it is pretty good for a factory sound system. I have purchased two speakers that are drop-in replacements for the front dash, and are supposed to provide much better sound quality. I haven't installed them, yet, but that will be likely be the only upgrade to the sound system. I have no issues with the sound system or audio quality. I read another post about what a difference changing those two speakers makes, and figured it was worth the $70 gamble.

 

[cbl1]

Sounds like with the cabin space on gladiator they had to move the sub to a less desirable location and it effect the sound a good bit.

 

[Nevadabackroad]

I have the 8.4 Uconnect and upgraded Alpine sound system. I think it is pretty good for a factory sound system. I have purchased two speakers that are drop-in replacements for the front dash, and are supposed to provide much better sound quality. I haven't installed them, yet, but that will be likely be the only upgrade to the sound system. I have no issues with the sound system or audio quality. I read another post about what a difference changing those two speakers makes, and figured it was worth the $70 gamble.

Please let me hear what you think after you install those. The front speakers seem to me to be part of the weakness of the system.

 

[OnEdge]

I have the 8.4 Uconnect and upgraded Alpine sound system. I think it is pretty good for a factory sound system. I have purchased two speakers that are drop-in replacements for the front dash, and are supposed to provide much better sound quality. I haven't installed them, yet, but that will be likely be the only upgrade to the sound system. I have no issues with the sound system or audio quality. I read another post about what a difference changing those two speakers makes, and figured it was worth the $70 gamble.

I was thinking about doing the same exact thing! Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

 

[SwampNut]

It's definitely inferior to my 2015 JKUR, and just barely acceptable. I would have preferred to save the money and buy a real system, but...Launch Edition, $8k off... It is what it is.

The worst part about it is that there's so little ability to tune it. I can't believe they only show three bands. It's software, with a DSP, it wouldn't take much to expose more bands. Crazy.

 

[MMMII]

Something that has made A huge difference for me is.....

I use my iPhone 99.7% of the time. I’ve found that a quick trip to settings-music-EQ can do wonders for stock systems. Depending on your general or primary type of music, you can choose an EQ preset on your phone that fits you.

This can make a noticeable difference by letting your phone be the EQ that stock systems sometimes lack (like our JT).

 

[OnEdge]

I have the 8.4 Uconnect and upgraded Alpine sound system. I think it is pretty good for a factory sound system. I have purchased two speakers that are drop-in replacements for the front dash, and are supposed to provide much better sound quality. I haven't installed them, yet, but that will be likely be the only upgrade to the sound system. I have no issues with the sound system or audio quality. I read another post about what a difference changing those two speakers makes, and figured it was worth the $70 gamble.

Hey Mr._Bill
Are those two speakers the KFC-X3C's by any chance?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hey Mr._Bill
Are those two speakers the KFC-X3C's by any chance?

Yes, they are the Kenwood speakers. I ordered from Crutchfield. They included the adapters to connect the speakers to the factory harness. I just need to find some time to get them installed.

 

[OnEdge]

Yes, they are the Kenwood speakers. I ordered from Crutchfield. They included the adapters to connect the speakers to the factory harness. I just need to find some time to get them installed.

That's what I thought. I tried to order them from Crutchfield and they are out of stock at the moment with no ETA

I hear it really only takes about 10 minutes to install them, are you sure you don't want to do it now - lol

Anxiously waiting to hear how they sound.

Thanks!

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Please let me hear what you think after you install those. The front speakers seem to me to be part of the weakness of the system.

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.

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