soundbar upgrade - better or bigger?

[crash3400]

speaker upgrade time! anyone have thought's on better vs bigger in the soundbar?
i've done plenty of forum searching, and looks like most people are putting in bigger speakers in the soundbar.

i'm not opposed to it, but anyone just put better speaker/tweeters of the same size? done both? i know i'll notice a difference either way compared to the factory trash, but would there be a noticeable enough difference to chop up the soundbar?

i'm already going 6.5 for the knee speakers, since i'll have to rip the dash out anyway.

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[Dougstdig]

 

[jebiruph]

speaker upgrade time! anyone have thought's on better vs bigger in the soundbar?
i've done plenty of forum searching, and looks like most people are putting in bigger speakers in the soundbar.

i'm not opposed to it, but anyone just put better speaker/tweeters of the same size? done both? i know i'll notice a difference either way compared to the factory trash, but would there be a noticeable enough difference to chop up the soundbar?

i'm already going 6.5 for the knee speakers, since i'll have to rip the dash out anyway.

Yes, you will get noticeably more bass from a larger speaker.

 

[crash3400]

nice! i've seen the mb quart one, but also how the company has "gone downhill". i'm mostly concerned with their paper cones vs the poly cones kicker uses. i've never had a kicker that didn't, uh... kick it.
edit: i noticed on the website the option only goes up to '23 - the 24+ soundbar is different apparently, any idea how/if these will work on a '25?

 

[crash3400]

Yes, you will get noticeably more bass from a larger speaker.

i kinda figured, but with a sub i wasn't sure how much of difference it would make. i'm all for it though

 

[Dougstdig]

nice! i've seen the mb quart one, but also how the company has "gone downhill". i'm mostly concerned with their paper cones vs the poly cones kicker uses. i've never had a kicker that didn't, uh... kick it.
edit: i noticed on the website the option only goes up to '23 - the 24+ soundbar is different apparently, any idea how/if these will work on a '25?

 

[Chasm]

better vs bigger in the soundbar?

I went with "Better", with frequency filters, because I planned to add a sub anyway. I didn't want the visual change of going to bigger (at least until there are more options).

First I did just the two on the dash (not the knees) and had to drive around like that for a few days. Just that was a huge improvement. Then I did the four in the sound bar and for the first time I had more volume than I could stand, even with the freedom panels out.
In stock form, "freedom panels out" basically meant "don't bother with turning on the stereo"

I didn't do the knee speakers because on a truck that was only a week old I didn't like how much had to come off! Eventually though.

I'm very satisfied with what I've got now,and would recommend, but if you're searching for peak performance, bigger is still the way to go.

 

[crash3400]

I went with "Better", with frequency filters, because I planned to add a sub anyway. I didn't want the visual change of going to bigger (at least until there are more options).

First I did just the two on the dash (not the knees) and had to drive around like that for a few days. Just that was a huge improvement. Then I did the four in the sound bar and for the first time I had more volume than I could stand, even with the freedom panels out.
In stock form, "freedom panels out" basically meant "don't bother with turning on the stereo"

I didn't do the knee speakers because on a truck that was only a week old I didn't like how much had to come off! Eventually though.

I'm very satisfied with what I've got now,and would recommend, but if you're searching for peak performance, bigger is still the way to go.

good to know! and that's the main reason i'm asking. going topless negates the stock system. i've got a sub, so i'll probably price both and see what kinda bang i can get for my buck.

 

[crash3400]

score! that's awesome. all my previous jeeps have been kicker exclusive, i'm definitely checking these out!

 

[Craig the old guy]

Welllll, I also researched and decided to upgrade speakers only (not tweeters) in my soundbar. I contacted my go to source over the years, Crutchfield, and ordered a set of direct replacement Alpine speakers. The notation was you only have to redrill the mounting holes. As I said in my review for those speakers, they may fit someone's Gladiator but they sure didn't fit mine. Not even close.

I looked at the complete retrofit kits and the installation instructions requiring major cutting and I said, no.

Finally, looking around on eBay, I found a complete set of factory Alpine speakers from a 2022 donor Gladiator. I replaced all the OEM speakers and tweeters in mine and found the Alpine speakers to weigh about half again more. The sound is very acceptable for me, cost was $100. No cutting.

 

[crash3400]

Welllll, I also researched and decided to upgrade speakers only (not tweeters) in my soundbar. I contacted my go to source over the years, Crutchfield, and ordered a set of direct replacement Alpine speakers. The notation was you only have to redrill the mounting holes. As I said in my review for those speakers, they may fit someone's Gladiator but they sure didn't fit mine. Not even close.

I looked at the complete retrofit kits and the installation instructions requiring major cutting and I said, no.

Finally, looking around on eBay, I found a complete set of factory Alpine speakers from a 2022 donor Gladiator. I replaced all the OEM speakers and tweeters in mine and found the Alpine speakers to weigh about half again more. The sound is very acceptable for me, cost was $100. No cutting.

good info, thanks! i'll be going with something other than alpine, but i'll make sure to pay attention to reviews

 

[Chasm]

I went Crutchfield as well, but Kicker. Still had to drill a screw hole for each in the soundbar because the factory uses some offset three tab that no one else makes.
The magnets on the Kickers were about 4 times the mass of the factory ones.

 

[Craig the old guy]

I went Crutchfield as well, but Kicker. Still had to drill a screw hole for each in the soundbar because the factory uses some offset three tab that no one else makes.
The magnets on the Kickers were about 4 times the mass of the factory ones.

One thing I forgot to mention....while looking over the Crutchfield options, I looked at aftermarket replacements for the radio. Crutchfield strongly advises NOT to replace the factory radio/display, and offer no options even if you did decide to ignore their advice.
As I said in a previous post, this 2025 Gladiator is a major learning experience for me.

 

[Chasm]

One thing I forgot to mention....while looking over the Crutchfield options, I looked at aftermarket replacements for the radio. Crutchfield strongly advises NOT to replace the factory radio/display, and offer no options even if you did decide to ignore their advice.
As I said in a previous post, this 2025 Gladiator is a major learning experience for me.

From what I gather, the head unit changed in 24 and there aren't really any suitable aftermarket options. At least a few people on here mention replacing theirs on 23 and older.

 

[RubiNewbCB]

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