Norfolk Client Gets Jeep Wrangler Audio and More!

A client from Norfolk sent us an e-mail about doing some 2016 Jeep Wrangler audio upgrades and a few other things. He wanted a cool audio system, upgraded lighting and a few other accessories installed. We exchanged several e-mails to develop a plan for the system before we met to make a decision about items like speakers. With the plan finalized, we started work as soon as the client left.

Premium Speaker Upgrades

The client wanted a system that sounded great. He chose the Focal 165KRXS shallow-mount components for the front of the trunk and the Focal 165KR components for the overhead sound bar. We machined mounting adapter plates on our router for the tweeters from a sheet of ABS. Each speaker in the system has its own dedicated amplifier channel assigned to it. That means we didn’t use the passive crossover networks that came with the speakers.

Under-seat Subwoofer Solutions

The client chose a set of Sundown SD3 series 10 inch subwoofers. These subs are designed to produce a great deal of output from small, sealed enclosures. They use a large-diameter single magnet to minimize mounting depth requirements. Sundown rates the subs for 500 watts of continuous power handling. The enclosures for the subs are under the seats and have a tough and durable truck bed liner coating.

Source Unit and DSP Controller

The client wanted a great-sounding head unit. He chose a Pioneer DEX-P99RS unit, and we mounted it in the upper half of the factory radio location. In the lower half, we mounted a Helix Director controller. This large controller allows the client to make adjustments to the menu of his Helix DSPPro processor. To finish up the dash panel, we cut and mounted an acrylic panel to the right of the Director and installed a USB port and auxiliary input jack in it.

Amplification and Processing

Proper grounding is critical for amplifier performance, our team securely grounded all three amplifiers.

The Helix processor was mounted in the rear storage compartment a cover (not shown) also the unit to be protected.

The amplifiers were mounted in a trick enclosure on the driver’s side of the Jeep.

Our fabricators created this custom grill which protects the amplifiers and allows their hot air to escape.

The fuse holder mounting bracket was custom fabricated out of ABS plastic.

We mounted the Helix DSPPro in the storage compartment under the “trunk” floor. A trim panel conceals and protects the processor, and lets the client use the remainder of the storage area.

The client wanted something a little unique for his amplifiers. He chose three Arc Audio KS series amps – a KS1200.1 for the subwoofers and a pair of KS300.4 four-channel amplifiers for the front and overhead speakers. We created a custom amp rack that fits behind the left-hand rear seat. The amps are stacked inside and a pressed mesh grille trimmed in the same green as the truck adorns the front of the enclosure. The amps are easily accessible by removing the access panel that is held in with magnets.

We fed the amplifiers with Stinger 1/0 AWG power wire, dual 1/0 AWG distribution blocks and triple ground connections. We also created a custom ABS plastic mount beside the battery to house the Stinger fuse holder.

Lighting and Accessories

The LED lighting addition to the front of the Jeep helps light the way at night.

The Genesis controller give the client control over both batteries.

The Jeep features a Genesis Dual Battery isolation system and a Genesis G-Screen controller. We flush-mounted the controller in the driver-side A-pillar. The controller lets the client switch between the main and auxiliary batteries or connect them together for high-current requirements.

The client had us mount a pair of Rigid Industries D2 spotlights at the base of the windshield. Controlling power for the D2 lights and two sets of rock lights is a six-switch sPOD and Source power distribution system. We added control for a Blackvue dashcam to one of the available channels. The sPOD makes controlling medium-current circuits like lights very easy.

We wrapped up the installation portion of the project by integrating a Compustar alarm, T11 remote control and DroneMobile cellular interface into the Jeep. The icing on the cake was to treat the windows with 3M Crystalline tint.

With the system installed, we used our oscilloscope and REW software to configure the amplifiers and processor. We fine-tuned the initial settings by listening to our selection of music tracks.

Client Is Blown Away by his Jeep Wrangler Audio Upgrades

After six days of hard work, it was time to deliver this jeep back to the client. The client was very excited to return to Extreme Audio to check out his pride and joy. He loved the way the new system looked, and the sound blew his mind. He was delighted with the amazing realism and detail, as well as the excellent imaging and staging.

If you are looking for help with your automotive project, drop by our Mechanicsville or Midlothian location, or contact us here.