A client from down in Timonium recently contacted the Westminster Speed and Sound team to ask about upgrading the stereo system in his 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Even though the SUV had been outfitted with the premium audio system from the factory, the client wasn’t impressed with the clarity, how much bass it produced or how loudly it would play. After listening to the SUV and agreeing with his assessment, we put together an upgrade package that includes a subwoofer, new speakers and a high-power amplifier.
Grand Cherokee Stereo Upgrade
We started the project by integrating a PAC AmpPro4 interface with the factory source unit in the Jeep. This interface provides a full-range preamp output that we can feed to a new high-power amplifier. This interface’s sound quality and performance are significantly better than using the speaker outputs of the OE amplifier.
For this Jeep, we used an ARC Audio X2 1100.5 five-channel amplifier to power the new speakers and a subwoofer. The amp produces an impressive 150 watts per channel from the four mains and 500 watts from the subwoofer channel. We mounted the amp on a custom plate attached to the right rear corner of the Jeep. The amp will be concealed behind the trim panel but, thanks to its computer-controlled cooling fan, won’t have any problems staying cool, even with the volume cranked.
We mounted the included remote level control into the center console so that the owner can adjust the output of the subwoofer to match the music that’s playing.
Jeep Speakers and Subwoofer Add Clarity and Impact
We replaced the front speakers with a set of BLAM Audio Live-Series L165LSQ 6.5-inch component speakers. The woofers from the set are mounted on custom-made expanded PVC plastic brackets in the doors, and the tweeters fit nicely into the factory locations in the sail panels.
The client wanted the stereo in the Jeep to deliver solid bass performance. As such, we suggested the JL Audio SB-J-GCHWK2/10W3v3/BK Stealthbox. This fiberglass enclosure is designed to replace the OE subwoofer in the Jeep and includes a single 10-inch 10W3v3 subwoofer.
Baltimore’s Best Car Audio Upgrades
With the new equipment installed in the Jeep, our technicians set to work configuring the crossovers and sensitivity controls on the ARC Audio amp to deliver a smooth transition between the sub and the door speakers. The client was thrilled with the way the SUV sounds. If the factory stereo in your car or SUV doesn’t give you goosebumps, drop by Westminster Speed and Sound and speak with a member of our award-winning team. You can also reach us by phone or email using our contact form.
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