Author Topic: Car Stereo System Help... (Read 283 times)

Cobra412 · « **on:** May 12, 2005, 02:11:07 AM »

Well I've got a small problem to deal with. I'm trying to decide the best way to hook up my car stereo system.

98 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.9L. The vehicle originally came with a 10 speaker Infinity Gold system. After picking up the vehicle I automatically noticed I had some blown speakers. After pulling the door panels I found 4 out of 4 of the 6.5s blown. Not surprising considering I read a few posts on the net that had the same issue. The set of 5.25s were fine and so were the 2 sets of tweeters. Here's what I plan on replacing them with. I've got all of these components on hand.

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979, KAC-X501F 4 Channel x 2, KAC-859 4 Channel, JL Audio XR-653 CS 3 way components (6.5, 4, 1), JL Audio VR-650 CSi 2 way components (6.5, 3/4), and JL Audio 10W1 x 2. I've got the VR set in the dash and the front doors. Even though they are a step down compared to the XRs they are right in your face I didn't see the need to spend another 400 bucks on a set of XRs. I've got the XRs in the rear doors and sound bar due to the fact they are far away from the front of the vehicle.

Now I can make it extremely simple and run one of the X501Fs to the passive crossovers for the front and rear sets and wire the JL 10s off of the other X501F. What I'd like to do is power each sets if speakers individually so I can have a little more control over them. Now I've considered purchasing either another 2 channel, a Mono D and the KEC-600 crossover. I could however use the KAC-859 to power the last 2 sets of speakers (Most likely the 4s and the 10s).

I'm not a huge fan of massive bass systems. I want it to be clean and loud but not too over powering.

Chairboy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:25:21 AM »

When in doubt, remember one thing: You gotta have more cowbell.

rpm · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:45:22 AM »

Does it have an 8-Track?

Lazerus · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:50:41 AM »

Turn off the stereo, hum a tune if ya gotta. Drive as fast as you can to a local bar/pub. Make sure they have live music that night. Grab a seat, enjoy as needed.

I used to spend money on audio equipment in my car. I have never been into the "thump", but 100db of good solid rock was a must for me. After a job that had me driving about 30k miles a year without leaving the relatively small town that I was working in ruined my view of driving as a source of entertainment, I learned to turn off the radio in my car and used the time alone to do just that...be alone. After I started doing that, my propensity to develop road rage disappeared. I wasn't white knuckled by 3 in the afternoon. I was able to perform my duties much more consistently. Most importantly, I was in a better mood when I got home.

Since you're asking for advice, the best I can give is: Stop worrying about the sound system in your car. Invest the money in a home entertainment system if you want to spend money on that luxury. Any money that you put into a car will be lost. Absolutely, emphatically, and without a doubt.

OK, lecture mode is off.

Crank it up!!

Cobra412 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2005, 01:49:58 PM »

I've got a Harman Kardon system in my house already.

This vehicle is also families primary vehicle. Music is a must for all of us whereever we go. We use this vehicle for our long drives to our parents homes and to our othe friends and relatives. I will also be converting the vehicle to accept a portable DVD player. This will help out alot later when my daughter is born and we are on long trips.

Since I already have the items on hand I don't plan on wasting them. The deck was 450, the 2 Excelon 501Fs were 800 apiece, the 859 was 300, the JL 653s were 550, JL 650s were 300, and the 2 JL 10W1s were around 200 apiece.

Steve · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:57:27 PM »

Will the stereo make it faster? That would really be cool.

RightF00T · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:17:58 PM »

He's got a 5.9....it's plenty of fast

Would you mind posting pics Cobra?

For your audio question:

jeepforum.com

Then go to the audio section and do a search for your problem. You might also find the answer in the Grand Cherokee Technical Forum. Good luck.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:32:01 PM »

You need a fully active system with DSP. Otherwise you can forget any stereo imaging in a car.

Steve · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:51:46 PM »

Quote

He's got a 5.9....it's plenty of fast Would you mind posting pics Cobra?

Athough I'm sure it does a great job at what it's designed for, I've never actually seen a fast Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Cobra412 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:07:36 PM »

Kenwood KDC-X979 w/DSP

The 5.9L isn't fast by any means. It will throw you back in the seat if you punch it though.

RightFoot I'll have to see if I can find the camera. Needs a little work but the interior is very clean. Only one issue and thats a small rubbing mark in the carpet on the drivers side. The exterior has some nicks and a few scratches. Original rims that had never been used. Guy had customs on it right from the get go.

Steve · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:52:21 PM »

Quote

The 5.9L isn't fast by any means.

That's ok Cobra, I'm sure the jeep fills it's role admirably.

I have a fast car but it won't seat 4 to 6 comfortably for even 5 seconds, say nothing of a long trip to my parents house.

RightF00T · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2005, 07:41:22 PM »

It's the fastest of the old style ZJs thats for sure