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Question Regarding Audio Device For Jeep Cj

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by bigbendhiker, Aug 2, 2020.

  1. Aug 5, 2020
    Xtevan Austin

    Xtevan Austin New Member

    Central Texas
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    Aug 5, 2020
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    Find a D class amplifier with bluetooth, most are 12volt with wall wart power supply-
    random example https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Blu...TE1WND7559Q&psc=1&refRID=FZ7M9944GTE1WND7559Q

    I have a '25watt' class d amps that sound pretty well with bookcase speakers & 12 v gel cell battery in my camping trailer, I bought one a while back before the bluetooth ones were available. the wattage ratting are optimistic
     
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  2. Aug 5, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

    U.S.
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    Thanks, I had looked at several of these and was wondering about the power supply. The one you linked to shows the wall wart as supplying 19 volts. I suppose it might work at 12-13 volts but at lower output? I think most of the ones I looked at put out 19 to 24 volts.
     
  3. Aug 5, 2020
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

    Silverton, OR
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    The Pioneer Digital Stereo I mentioned has 50watts per channel at 8ohms to 4 speakers. If you can't hear that you need hearing aides.
     
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  4. Aug 5, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I would suggest ... blasting a radio or whatever loud enough to be heard over Jeep noise on the road or highway seems like ... immature bad behavior? You could get some high-quality ear buds that will both bring the sound to your ears and cancel most outside noise. Wearing cans on the highway is illegal in some (most?) locales but the ear buds are probably sufficiently discreet to keep you out of trouble. I could imagine a dash switch that would switch to ambient noise and blank the music, if you wanted to hear what's going on around you.
     
  5. Aug 5, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    I'm not one to blast music, ever. I can't stand sitting at a traffic light and having someone pull up beside me music blaring. Even worse is when the bass is so loud it makes the metal panels in my JK vibrate. I don't even want to think about what it sounds/feels like in their vehicle. I can't imagine that it sounds good. I think some of these folks do it for the "Look at me" effect. I don't plan on much highway driving, mostly around town. Most of the time I listen to a local sports talk radio station. Sometimes I just like the background sounds. It wouldn't need to be real loud for my use and by mounting the speakers on the roll bar right behind my ears it wouldn't need to be very loud for me to hear it.
     
  6. Aug 5, 2020
    Xtevan Austin

    Xtevan Austin New Member

    Central Texas
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    The one I have did fine off a 5AH 12volt gel cell. Have you measured your alternator output with a meter? My project jeep just arrived Saturday with a flatbed of other jeep stuff for my brother, It is sitting at my family ranch 120 miles away so I can't check. I am guessing probably 14Volts, if mine doesn't have a functioning stereo(there is a center console/stereo locker & 6x9 speakers on the roll bar) this is the route I will probably go
     
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  7. Aug 5, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
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    Food for Thought.... Not knowing budget...which would help provide better info. So much of this may be overkill but maybe useful for someone else. Assume you do not want to cut dash up, and you want it too be "Stealth". You should consider Marine audio. Which have come along long way.

    Marine is built for high moisture, heavy bouncing/vibration, and small footprints. In my boat I have all JLAudio which is ok... But I really like Wet Sounds and Fusion as much as JL. As some mentioned you need power to hear with the top off (like a boat). But don't look only at Watts. Impedance is what also keeps sound "Clean when Loud". High watts and bad impedance sounds like sh*t when turned up to counter Wind noise. Good equipment, well planned install equals no vibration or bad sound, and a sub is not meant to pound the car to death or rattle. It provides a huge amount of the sound stage and music quality. A small 6.5" sub (DC Sounds great example) adds huge sound quality, music sounds hollow and tinny without a sub.

    Since you said bluetooth sounds like you don't want a head unit which only draws attention to steal, or the need for a cut DIN dash. Today the Phone acts as that head unit. Get a good "Black Box". Both JL and Fusion make one. In boats it is the hub of everything. Small and mounted out of sight and sealed (Mount up in Cowl). You Bluetooth to it via phone, or USB which can be hidden in a modified Cigarette lighter. Both JL and Fusion also offer a small (3x3" or smaller) Head Unit to connect to the box when phone isn't wanted. The Black box is low on watts. So I'd suggest hiding a class D amp (intermediate's tool box) after the black box to power your speakers. They all have great 4+1s amps that power your entire system and are only around 5x8x2" (very small). Check out Crutchfield Marine section... Most of this stuff is there. One thing to add about Marine systems. You'll see them talk a lot of "Zones". On a boat it is critical to have zones. Below Cabin, Cockpit, Swim Platform are examples of 3 zones. They have independent volume and sometimes independent inputs, Pandora below and Sirius at swim platform for the drunks out floating in the water (me). For a Jeep not needed. But the zones can be combined so power output summed up.

    I should add... if you want to stay with auto and not marine. Look into DSPs (Digital Sound Processors). They act like the brain. Most bluetooth to your phone for direct play. Very small, but still need an Amp before speakers. BUT are not weatherproof. Most are sirius, pandora ready so phone only acts as the interface for control.

    My goal for my jeep's sound are: you won't "see" anything except maybe two speakers at the kick panel. The dash will not be cut at all. Will have Tweets, Mids, and a Sub all hidden. Black Box w/ phone. And marine. I've already added the HO Alternator for all this future work. Favorit Band...so you know kind of music I like. Pink Floyd. It's not about loud pounding sub's and annoying rattle, but well designed sound stage and HIfi quality. But should still hit hard and low when Chronic played. Jeep makes this hard to achieve. But I'm up for the challenge.
     
  8. Aug 6, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Chris, good write up. Thanks. After considering everyone's suggestions, I'm leaning towards a marine unit. The ones I've been looking at are in the $140 - $170 range. These were on Crutchfield's site I believe. I'm leaning towards mounting the head unit between the front seats either on a stalk with the base mount under the front seat support or else some sort of console. Then I could incorporate a cup holder and 12 volt power port and USB charger. This is my preferred option right now. The removable ammo type box would also be a possibility. Then I would need speakers.

    I'm not looking at anything high end or elaborate. I mostly listen to talk sports radio or Bluegrass Junction on Sirius FM. I can access Sirius FM from an app on my phone and bluetooth it to the stereo, so no need to have that capability in the head unit. I do however like Pink Floyd! You would need a system capable of crisp, clean sound to properly listen to their music.

    I looked at the alternator, but couldn't find a label anywhere. According to the voltmeter it's putting out around 13.8 volts when charging.

    As an aside I got an AMC Jeep key fob off EBay for my keys. I also got one with the Kaiser colors for the Jeepster Commando. The plain key rings looked very similar, this makes it easier to distinguish one from the other.

    Good luck on your system and keep us informed as you progress.
     
  9. Aug 6, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Here’s the head unit and placement I chose for mine. I can’t vouch for sound quality yet, but it got good reviews.

    Varg In Jeep's Clothing
     
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  10. Aug 6, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Yes, that's one of the ones I'm considering. From what I remember it gets good reviews and I think it's a good looking unit. Post up when yours is operational. I'm sure you will. ;) And thanks!
     
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  11. Aug 6, 2020
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    Since this is relevant to the topic, does anyone know the legalities of those aviation type intercom systems that are on firetrucks or aircraft? I think I remember seeing the cj6 at last year's ultimate adventure have them onboard. It would allow you to cancel out noise and also talk to your passenger. I think they make them for motorcycles too, but it would be weird without a helmet (I suspect).

    Any insight?
     
  12. Aug 6, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
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    Talk radio too...100 & 101 :). I'll have to tune into Bluegrass tomorrow to see what that's all about. Fitting since I live in NC.

    For complete "Stealth" this is one of my favorites, Fusion 'black box' (see link) $280. Has no display. Phone App to control. USB input. Just a small remote. Probably don't even have to use the remote part... I'd pair that with a JL amp that fits your needs (2x1 sounds right) since cost is reasonable. When funds available build out: Audio Frog tweeters flush mounted high on windshield frame/corners...or hidden in the visors if not worried about 'stock' look. JL-c5 Mids "hidden" in custom kick panels. DC-Audio 6.5 or 8 in custom box either under driver seat or behind bench seat. One thing, it is better to have speakers in front of you instead of behind you on your roll bar. Especially if these are the only speakers in your system...creating a front sound stage is key. Fusion MS-BB100V2 Marine Black Box Receiver 2-zone hideaway marine digital media receiver with Bluetooth® (does not play CDs) at Crutchfield.

    The Varg link...Clarion is a great company in Auto I had two head units of theirs in my trucks in the past. And loved them.

    Your Alternator volts don't impact the audio side. For your radio you've described, the stock will do. But for more advanced systems, it's all in the output Amps... I went with a Powermaster 150a alternator. Per their bench test tag: 108 at idle, 128 at cruise, 164 at top end. Enough to power an amp or two without dimmed headlights or clipping due to low output. Does require updated wiring.

    post some pics of a center console if you modify one for you needs. I'm looking for a console too for my coffee cup! Assume I'll have to modify it to fit around the seat mounts.
     
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  13. Aug 7, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Ima throw my two cents in....the Jeep is the audio device it’s mechanical music. That said I have an 1/2 depth din Jvc marine media player with an amp and mtx/fosgate speakers. 90% of the time it’s not on
     
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