Tell me if my audio setup makes sense please

[JTS260]

I have a 2020 Sport, 7" touchscreen and non-premium audio. Wanted to upgrade the sound - nothing crazy, but definitely boost the bass and improve the sound quality from the speakers.

I scored a good deal on a set of 4 Kenwood KFC-X3Cs, which I've already installed in the dash and soundbar. Happy with the sound quality improvement over the stockers. I also got a Fox Acoustics box with 10" Memphis MB1024 sub already installed and wired for 2 ohms.

As I started looking into amps, Crutchfield recommended separate amps for the speakers and sub. Not wanting to wire up two different amps, I was looking at a 5-channel JBL Club A5055 instead. The power numbers line up (50 watts to each of the 4 speakers and 500 watts to the sub) but now I'm second-guessing my choice. I have read about many people tapping the soundbar wires on the passenger side pillar, running a LOC (I think I would need an LC6i for my setup if I'm converting 4 speakers?) and amplifying the soundbar speakers and of course the sub. But I don't see much out there about tapping the dash speakers. Should I even bother with amplifying the dash speakers? Or should my 5-channel idea work as long as I can tap into the dash speakers?

I've done basic audio stuff before like swapping head units, but this would be my first foray into amps/subs. Just worried that I'm overcomplicating it and would maybe be better off with a mono amp pushing the sub.

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[sergeantmerica]

I looked for info on this same stuff and found nothing worthwhile. I changed all of the speakers(some more than once) in my stereo. I'm also running an amp for highs and a amp for sub. if you are satisfied with the speakers on the factory head unit and just want more bass then you should just add the sub using a line converter off of your soundbar speakers. If you want everything louder, you should add two amps. This process is not easy or cheap. It will cost a lot more.

 

[JTS260]

Gotcha, I kinda wondered if that might be where I end up as well. Just don't see much out there about a 5 channel amp setup. Hearing that, I wonder if a good happy medium would be to go to 6.5s in the soundbar and add the sub with a LOC off the soundbar speakers. I think the highs are fine as-is, would just be worried about the sub overpowering them so maybe the 6.5s would balance that a bit

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I'd want the speakers amplified too. It sounds so much better and gives you a lot more volume.

5 channel amps are pretty common in higher-end factory audio systems for boats.

 

[JTS260]

Yeah I'm sure that's the best setup. Just can't find much info on the process for that in the Gladiator. I know I could always have it professionally done but I feel like you can learn how to do most things with enough research and YouTube videos nowadays.

 

[sergeantmerica]

i used this

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-H0CYd...MI0MezrPm5gQMV-xCtBh0tHAn2EAQYASABEgLD7fD_BwE

and changed my soundbar speakers to 6.5 with a 1 in tweeter.

 

[sergeantmerica]

i have two amps so i used a dual amp kit. both are mounted behind my back seat. there is a kit that allows you to mount them under the front seats. this amp kit comes with everything else.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120JPAMP2/T-Spec-JP-18AMP-2.html

 

[sergeantmerica]

there's also a one amp version

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120JPAMP1/T-Spec-JP-18AMP-1.html

 

[sergeantmerica]

stinger also makes one that comes with the amp kit

 

[dinosaurkun]

you may want to use a different amp.
you'll want to use 6 "channels" - R and L for the front dash, front kick panel, and rear fill in the soundbar.
that 5 channel setup may not leave enough power to drive the front speakers (dash + kick panel) as you'll need to split the power via crossovers.
you'll have to increase the gain to compensate for that...and that may decrease the quality of the sound you get.

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