Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Stereo And Safety Upgrades For Midlothian Client

A client from Midlothian, Virginia, came into Extreme Audio to inquire about some stereo upgrades to his wife’s 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. His wife liked the Jeep, but wished the audio system sounded better.  Moreover, she wanted a backup camera. With that said, she also wanted to keep the Jeep looking stock- she was not interested in a new source unit. We deal with factory source unit upgrades nearly every day and knew exactly how to proceed. We showed the customer a few different speaker options and let him have a listen with the amplifier we had in mind. We also explained how we could add a backup camera to his factory source unit. He liked the plan, so we made an appointment to transform his wife’s Jeep into something that would sound amazing and add functionality.

OEM Radio Camera Integration

The client chose to keep his factory stereo, which was no problem for us.

Our new camera and integration module allowed the client to see behind him for safer backing.

It is hard to tell that there has been a camera added to the rear of this Jeep.

Safely tucked away in between the spokes of the wheel, the camera is safe from harm.

For the backup camera solution, we turned to a manufacturer called Echomaster. Echomaster is best known for backup sensor solutions, but they have introduced new camera solutions as well. For this Jeep, we used one of their OEM camera integration solutions. The kit includes a high-quality backup camera and an interface that mimics the function of a factory-installed backup camera. As soon as the transmission is shifted into reverse, the camera image appears on the screen.

We mounted the camera on the spare tire bracket. The camera peeks through the top opening of the wheel. This high-off-the-ground position provides an excellent viewpoint to ensure there is nothing behind the vehicle when backing up.

Arc Audio Amplifier for Better Sound

The small Arc Audio amplifier fit perfectly under the seat.

All of the wiring on the amplifier was neatly secured.

Before we started to install the Arc Audio XDi 450.4, we made some measurements to establish if the audio signal from the factory radio was going to work with the new speakers. We confirmed that the equalization in the radio was minimal, then set to work installing the amplifier under the seat of the Wrangler. Arc Audio includes RCA adapter pigtails that we can connect directly to the factory speaker wires, then into the amp. These adapters and the automatic turn-on signal sensing circuit make adding this 4×85 watt amplifier to a factory radio easy.

New Speakers for Better Clarity

The JL Audio speakers were a big audio improvement.

The Jeep has some pretty unique tweeter pods that place the tweeter up high on the dash.

The JL Audio C2 tweeters were a perfect fit in the factory tweeter pods.

The rear soundbar got some audio love from JL Audio too!

The client listened to several speaker options before choosing two sets of JL Audio speakers. For the front, he chose C2-650 components, and for the rear, he chose C2-650X coaxial speakers. We installed the front speaker set in the factory location in the dash. The woofer fits perfectly in the factory 6.5-inch speaker pod, and the tweeters fit nicely into the little pods on top of the dash.

The rear speakers in the Jeep are in an overhead pod that is behind the driver’s and passenger’s head. The JL Audio Coaxials fit nicely into the factory locations.

The new speakers are much better than the cheap ones installed from the factory. They sound better, have improved clarity and can handle a lot more power.

System Setup

Even though the audio upgrade was only two sets of speakers and an amplifier, we still took some time to ensure that these upgraded components would blend perfectly with the factory amplifier. We ensured all the speakers were in phase at the crossover points to provide a smooth and seamless transition to the output of the factory sub. We also set the sensitivity controls on the amp to allow the client to turn the radio up without the chance of the system distorting significantly. We always invest some time into tuning a system to make sure we get the most out of what we install, no matter how simple or complex it is.

Client Was Amazed With The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Stereo

With the installation complete, the client returned to Extreme Audio to pick up his Jeep and have a listen. He was amazed at the improvement the amplifier and speakers made to the sound of the system. It played much louder and was much clearer. The backup camera solution was seamless- there are no buttons to press or switches to flick, the camera image appears automatically. These were just the upgrades that he knew he wife would love!

If you are in the market for an audio or safety system upgrade for your Jeep, car or truck, then drop into one of our Richmond, Virginia, locations. You can also contact us via e-mail by clicking here for more information about any of our products or services.