Speaker Upgrade Help--TOO QUIET

[mstrpoz]

I am NOT an audio expert, but knew I needed an upgrade 1 week in the JT.

I have the stock 7" and ordered two pairs of the Kenwood Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C. Was planning to put a pair in the dash and a pair in the sound bar.

The dash seems straight forward but want to confirm I shouldn't use the capacitor with the install.

For the soundbar, is one set of the Kenwood's enough? I did not realize there were multiple speakers under the grill. . which speaker do I replace?

Appreciate the input.

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[Medical_Bartender]

In for this info too as I’ll be upgrading mine soon.

 

[TreyK42]

 

[mstrpoz]

I was literally watching this as you posted it!

So what if you dont have that polarity tester? Can we assume the colors match the video?

 

[Kevin_D]

I was literally watching this as you posted it!

So what if you dont have that polarity tester? Can we assume the colors match the video?

You can trust the wire colors he’s using.
If you decide to use the Metra adapters for the Jeep, you’ll need to reverse the polarity (cut & swap the wires on the adapter) as they’re reversed.
You can search the forums for more info.

Kevin

 

[mstrpoz]

You can trust the wire colors he’s using.
If you decide to use the Metra adapters for the Jeep, you’ll need to reverse the polarity (cut & swap the wires on the adapter) as they’re reversed.
You can search the forums for more info.

Kevin

Thanks, I did get the Metra adapters, i'll search for info on swapping.

 

[mstrpoz]

I swapped the speakers and things sound real quiet until I crank it to about 22-25...I did take the capacitor or was that the wrong move??

 

[jjdustr340]

I am NOT an audio expert, but knew I needed an upgrade 1 week in the JT.

I have the stock 7" and ordered two pairs of the Kenwood Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C. Was planning to put a pair in the dash and a pair in the sound bar.

The dash seems straight forward but want to confirm I shouldn't use the capacitor with the install.

For the soundbar, is one set of the Kenwood's enough? I did not realize there were multiple speakers under the grill. . which speaker do I replace?

Appreciate the input.

From what I recall, the caps should be used with standard system and not used with the Alpine. Also, iirc, there is a bigger cap in the foam of the package with the Kenwoods (I may be confusing with the Kickers tho)
Edit—-scratch that, the Infinity’s had the cap in the foam packaging. Not sure about the Kenwoods.

You can trust the wire colors he’s using.
If you decide to use the Metra adapters for the Jeep, you’ll need to reverse the polarity (cut & swap the wires on the adapter) as they’re reversed.
You can search the forums for more info.

Kevin

I believe there was a batch or run of the metras were the wires were reversed. Some had the issue some didn’t. Mine were correct about a year and half ago. As long as they’re paying attention to which wire is connecting to which terminal, that’s what matters most.

 

[mstrpoz]

Ok, so I checked the wiring and I had to swap the metra connectors back around on the front and it sounds better...still confused for the back speakers as the truck's harness is black/grey and white wires - do you match the colors to the metra connector??? ex: black harness to black metra or does it need to be black harness to white metra?

 

[Kevin_D]

You have black wires for the speakers in the soundbar?
Regardless, if the front Metra adapters needed changed back, the rear ones probably need changed back, too.

Kevin

 

[mstrpoz]

You have black wires for the speakers in the soundbar?
Regardless, if the front Metra adapters needed changed back, the rear ones probably need changed back, too.

Kevin

Yeah, looks like a grey and a white on both sides...I swapped them and did not notice much difference.

What is a good app to check everything with?

 

[Kevin_D]

I don't know about an app...
You can test the polarity of the stock speakers with an AA battery. Pick either terminal as +, touch the battery to the speaker terminals (+ to +, - to -,) and see/feel which way the speaker moves (in or out.) Then take the new speakers, and test one of them the same way, noting which way causes the speaker cone to move the same direction as the stock speaker.
You now have matched the polarity on the speaker sets.
Look at the stock speaker connections, and note which wire goes to the terminal you marked +. You'll want this same wire to go to the + terminal on the new speakers, so make sure the Metra adapters are wired correctly to achieve this.

BTW, do you have the upgraded Alpine speakers?

Kevin

 

[ShrimpHappens]

@mstrpoz Did you ever get this sorted out?

 

[mstrpoz]

@mstrpoz Did you ever get this sorted out?

As far as I can tell. I ended up going with what sounded best/loudest. I would still like to add an amp and/or powered sub eventually.

 

[ShrimpHappens]

As far as I can tell. I ended up going with what sounded best/loudest. I would still like to add an amp and/or powered sub eventually.

Do you have the factory Alpine system or not, and did you use the capacitors with the speakers or not?

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