Jeep JL Speaker Upgrade - MB Quart Stage 6 Review

[@karissag7586]

I’m so so happy with the sound system, the whole process and the team at Sounds Incredible. You all did a magnificent job. I couldn’t be happier! Thank you!!!! ❤️❤️ P. S. And my Jeep is famous 😉

[@carstereochick]

Thank you so much Karissa!! We’re SO thrilled to hear how happy you are. We really appreciate you and James’s willingness to participate in this process. We are truly blessed to have such amazing clients 🙏 Thank you so much.

[@danielgulick5752]

Once again thanks for the inspiration to go for it and add the stage 6. I’m sure that you know that Quart finally took care of us JLU owners and made a sub that matches the factory unit. I installed that back in January and it is far superior to the factory sub. From the JL forum I bumped into Hal, HPC3, who was doing a similar build in his and he recommended replacing the AmpPro with a Rockford DSR-1 with the aCH4 adapter cable, and a PLC2, having used one in a prior WK Grand Cherokee build. Still tweaking the amp gains as the DSR-1 is a 4V out vs the AmpPro is 5v but he Punch EQ brings more out of the bottom end.

[@carstereochick]

Hi Daniel! So good to hear from you again, I'm so glad to hear you're loving the upgrade. Yes, you actually let me know about the MB Quart sub when you 1st got it. Based on your feedback and the experience I've had with the Gladiator sub box, I've let a few clients know about it, but so far no one has taken the plunge. I had one client really interested in it to replace his stock Gladiator sub, but I was told by MB Quart they're only selling it as a package with the amp. He already has a nice 5-channel we pulled from his last Jeep. Hopefully they'll start selling it separately for folks like that. There's a lot more audio control the DSR-1, that's for sure!

[@kl3271]

Nothing like a reaction video to really show how nice a stereo system sounds! Really enjoying your channel. I wish you were in my neck of the woods because finding a good installer is gold. I still have my 2005 mb quart separates in my 2005 Acura RSX and love them to death. They don't make them like they used to.

[@carstereochick]

Thank you K L :)

[@chrisbennett1154]

Excellent video! Such a great solution for all the Jeep enthusiasts looking for "more" and then some!

[@carstereochick]

Thank you Chris! I totally agree, this system is an awesome solution for Jeep JL/JT enthusiasts out there.

[@danielgulick5752]

Just an FYI, the stock rewired sub handles the Quart 400.1 amp nicely. Appreciate the tip.

[@carstereochick]

So glad to hear that!!! Enjoy :)

[@chriswhite4596]

Great Job my Friend !!!! There is so many skeptical of the MB QUART JEEP Specific Equipment , I was Pretty Impressed as well

[@carstereochick]

Thank you Chris! I'm happy to hear it wasn't just me : ) My last experience with MB Quart was ages ago when it was still made in Germany. I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised!

[@chriswhite4596]

@@carstereochick yes mamn 100% !!! I remember when they Launched the New Jeep Line @SEMA , but was Skeptical.. I think the 6x9 option in Overhead Soundbar is a WIN WIN

[@white33707]

Ok so it has been 17 to 20 years since I have heard MB Quart too. When I was the Car Audio Manager for Sound Advice in FL MB Quart was our top of the line Speaker for Mids and Highs. JL Audio for Subs. So huge question. We were going to do an entire JL Audio System similar to one of your videos but now seeing this my eyes got big! You have heard both now. What are your thoughts about which set up sounds better? Now, Second big question. What are your thoughts on the MB Quart miss and highs kit with amp and the 2 JL Audio 10" Stealth Subs and Amp?

[@carstereochick]

I will say that this is not the MB Quart of 17-20 years ago. From what I remember, those speakers sounded more similar to like a JL Audio C5 of today or Hertz MLK series. Soft dome tweeter, tons of mid, inefficient, but can handle a ton of power, very clean, smooth and directional. That's my memory of the series that we carried. But we didn't do a TON of it. Please tell me if you think that's an accurate recollection and if that's how you remember them. I would say the Stage 6 kit today reminded me more of being in between a Focal Access series and Flax series speaker in tonal quality, but able to handle the higher power. Based on price point I was comparing this to the Alpine PSS-24WRA kit and this blows it away (sorry Alpine). I do think it would sound fantastic with the two JL Audio Stealthboxes in a 4-door or Gladiator. I'm sort of always trying to work backwards from a clients budget to price out what I think will be the best sounding system for their money. I think what you're talking about is at a higher price point and a bit higher in quality/performance than this package, but it really depends on which JL speakers and amps you're thinking of. If you're doing JL C1 or C2, yeah, I think these are better performers. The JL VXI amps are great quality, but not enough power IMO. We ended up doing I think 3 amps in that 1st Jeep video (600 watts to the subs and we had two amps for mid's/high's so we could push 150x4 to the interiors). For what it's worth, the best sounding Jeep systems we have done so far were with a JL HD600/4, JL 750/1, two Stealthboxes, Focal KX2 speakers - either using aftermarket X409-WRA-JL or AP4-CH41 with JL Twk-88 DSP. But these systems are like 3-4 times the price as the MB Quart package we just did.

[@danielgulick5752]

Finally got it all set. Tried a 10TW3 which needed more space than was available. Seems the JLU enclosure is 0.35 cu ft. Dave at Quart measured it. Tried a 48CWRT104 and the bolt circle is about 1/2 inch too big. Sent that one back too. Quart is about to release a JLU drop in sub. In the meantime, I rewired the sub like you did and I am running it on a 400.1 quart amp. We will see how long it lasts...... Thanks for the tips.

[@carstereochick]

Nice job! And thank you for the heads up, I did not know they were working on a JLU drop in sub, that's exciting :)

[@j_w_t8367]

Annie, great vid as usual. What would you suggest for replacement speakers for the JK factory (2015+) Alpine system?

[@carstereochick]

Aww, thanks! Ooh, that depends on a variety of factors. Client's tastes, budget, how much power we have to work with. I like to have at least 100 watts RMS per channel in our Jeep installs, if not more, for really substantial power/output for the open air ride. If I have that much power - on the higher end side usually the Morel Hybrid or Elate series or Focal K2. On the other end of the spectrum Morel Maximo Ultra series, Kicker KS series or Alpine Type R. If we're somewhere in the middle power wise/budget wise, the Focal Flax Evo series, they're very efficient, very vibrant. This stuff is very subjective, everyone's ears are different. Some people are more sensitive to top end/harshness (myself) and need a very smooth, delicate, detailed tweeter. Some have top end hearing loss and need a very bright tweeter. I'm running 10 year old Hybrid Elate's in my 2014 JK. They're very smooth and detailed, but definitely lacking in mid range. Some prefer the punchy midrange and loud/clear tweeter of the Focal K2. Some prefer more upper mid and go for a 2.5" wide-band driver in the OEM tweeter spot and put a tweeter upright on the dash or a-pillar in its own separate pod. It just varies widely depending on the client's ears/preferences, budget and the power we're working with. I will say in general, I normally don't like to aim a tweeter up at the glass, but it worked well in this application/package. Normally in the 2015+ JK we are doing a traditional tweeter under the OEM grille aimed slightly at an angle (so not straight up at the glass) or we're doing pods on top of the OEM tweeter covers to get a more upright/coming at you/away from the glass sound stage.

[@willboyd8021]

Between MB quarts and the kicker, which one is better

[@carstereochick]

Each has their pro's and con's. Kicker has a few different series as well. At our shop we carry the Kicker KS series. Between the two, I would say Kicker has a smoother tweeter and MB quart has a richer/punchier mid. They're both good speakers, but different characteristics and everyone's ears are different. I do like the bundle MB Quart has, for a do-it-yourselfer, they really give you everything you need to make the job as straight forward as possible.

[@rubicond4590]

where did you install the amp for the bass

[@carstereochick]

It went right next to the MB Quart amps on the amp rack.

[@white33707]

Can I pick your brain? Building our 392 JLU and bought the wrong front speakers that sound muddy so going with JL Audio or MB Quart. Honest opinion for someone who likes high quality sound. Taking the C7s out of the choice due to trying to save some money, For fronts in your opinion what would sound better ran through an aftermarket amp and dsp. 1st option. JL Audio C3650 ran as Coax on front kick panel and then the C2350x on top dash, or 2nd option just running the C3650s as components and putting the tweeter on the dash and the woofer in the kick, or option 3 using the MB Quart factory replacements top and bottom. My amp puts out 75 watts per channel and i’m using the dm810 Audio Control DSP.

[@carstereochick]

What speakers did you buy that you feel sounded muddy?

[@white33707]

@@carstereochick Diamond Audio. THey honestly are made for motorcycles and I was referred to them by a past corp exec from my Car Audio Days saying they are closse to JL Audio. Personally not happy with the ressult but might have someting to do with lack of experience with tuning the DM810 by audio control.

[@carstereochick]

Wait, are you using the DM810 to get signal from the factory radio speaker level? Or are you going thru a PAC AP4-CH41R2? Or aftermarket head unit with the DM-810? My limited experience with Diamond Audio is with a motorcycle we did over the summer. It was their Pro series, the MP694. Honestly they were loud and clear, absolute screamers. I don't know which series you have, but even the older Diamond stuff I've heard I always found the mid to very loud, clear, in your face/punchy and super clear high's. A bit bright for my taste. Depending on your set up and how you have it wired, if possible you may want to just want to take the DM-810 out of line and listen to it flat thru whatever amps you're using/PAC pre-amp adapter or aftermarket head unit. I have had PLENTY of clients manage to make good equipment sound bad just due to general lack of experience setting up a DSP or amp gain/crossover settings, etc. It's not uncommon for clients to install equipment themselves and then come in and pay us to tune it. Might want to do that 1st and then re-evaluate?

[@danielgulick5752]

MB Quart says 2 hours for the speakers and 2 hours for the amps. Are they close to reality? Mine came today. Maxxsonics should be sending you referral checks.....

[@carstereochick]

😂 Umm, maybe if that’s what you do all day like on an assembly line? I don’t think that’s realistic. We do Jeep JL/JT systems all the time and front dash disassembly is a bear in these vehicles. It definitely helps to have the wiring all pre-terminated. I think a more realistic time is double that. We had this vehicle for 2.5 days but part of that is because it takes time to film and we also added in wiring up/retaining the stock sub. The reality is it’s going to vary widely depending on level of skill, comfort and speed at which one works. And thank you, I think they’re at least trying to send some clients our way! Are you doing the install yourself or taking it to a shop?

[@danielgulick5752]

I’m going to do it myself. I dremeled out the sound bar this morning. The rest of it looks reasonable. Going to see how I like it with the factory alpine sub and go from there. If I hack the sub, I’ll probably add another quart amp because the wiring is already setup for a third amp.

[@danielgulick5752]

Yeah. It took about three hours total for the soundbar including trip to store to get a new dremel. Took just under 6 hours to get the dash, soundbar wiring and the amps installed. I added a 400.1 and plan to add a 10TW3 JL audio sub in the stock enclosure. Can I ask where the gains were set for the front, rear and aub?

[@carstereochick]

@@danielgulick5752 that’s a great question, I’ll have to ask John I’d he recalls. Good job on the install!! I told you that front dash is a bear to disassemble 😉

[@danielgulick5752]

Doesn’t the factory sub have 4 voice coils? Did you wire all 4? Series or parallel?

[@carstereochick]

Yes, good question. Quad 8-ohm voice coils wired them all in parallel for 2 ohm final load.

[@danielgulick5752]

@@carstereochick thanks.

[@TheFryGuy99]

Would this speaker upgrade work with the Stinger HEIGH10 radio?

[@carstereochick]

Definitely. Just order the kit without the AP4-CH41R2.

[@chriswatson6799]

A Pioneer TS-W311D4 400watt rms ... I have a stereo amp certified @ 2 x 260 into 4 ohms and 2 x 400 into 2 0hms (stable ) without clipping . My car Bass head friends say i should series the sub ( 4 + 4) into a series 8 ohms to run the amp cooler and not to clip--- My Pioneer car deck goes up to 80 % without distortion. I value your knowledge .... Helllppp ... What can i do .. Can i bridge the amp to make 2x 400 = 800 into 2 ohms and will it deliver +/- 400 into 8 ohms

[@carstereochick]

Your friends are right. If you run it in parallel (sub acts as a 2 ohm sub) and then you bridge the amp, the amp sees 1/2 the load or 1 ohm. That's a very unstable load for most traditional 2-channel amps. The lower the resistance, the more power the amp puts out, but with less control which usually results in sloppy bass and the amp overheating. Not knowing what amp you have, I don't know if your amp is rated for that, but based on what you said, it doesn't sound like it is 1 ohm stable or it would have included that rating as well.

[@chriswatson6799]

@@carstereochick Oh ! thank you so much . This amp is a Starsound SSA-G350.2 (stereo ) still brand new (in sealed box) and was bought ten years ago and recently ( March ) given to me as a present. I had it dyno-ed and it is 2 ohm stable and not meant to drive a 1 ohm load. However, the dyno shows, (2 x 260 watts @ 4 ohms and 2 x 400 @ 2 ohms and stable without clipping.. I am 73 years old, and now a mini bass head . As for you , Beauty as well as Brains..... Wow, what a combination.. Peace and Joy always be with you as our Lord Jesus promised.

[@Sblack8123]

Did you run new speaker wire to each speaker?

[@carstereochick]

Yes, it's included with the kit. Great question!

[@mrjkjones1]

Any tips for wiring the alpine subwoofer for an amp?

[@carstereochick]

Quad 8-ohm voice coils wired them all in parallel for 2 ohm final load.

[@hakenkreuz7076]

Still waiting on the Big 3 video for 2018 JL Wrangler 🧐

[@carstereochick]

Funny you say that, I *just* had a client today ask about it, but for his 2018 JK. I have to convince John we need to do it for ours and we'll schedule it and get it done! Thanks for reminding me.

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

Well done 👍

[@carstereochick]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it.

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

@@carstereochick have a question does the escort cam max 360c have you seen them and the customers you have got what do they say about the drive smarter app I purchase one but don’t have yet but reading bad reviews about the app thanks Rob in Houston 😎

[@carstereochick]

Funny you bring it up, I *just* received one yesterday for a job we have scheduled in a few weeks. Haven't had a chance to try it yet. I have also seen the reviews about the app. Thinking about getting one for my 2013 BMW 135i. I like the idea of it, but not sure how well the DVR portion/app works. For me it's more about the radar/laser detection and the DVR is more of a bonus. I also like that you can add the ZR5 laser shifters to it.

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

@@carstereochick keep me posted I plan to have this radar ingratiate to my kenwood 997er 😁👍

[@PaulJohnson_PDJMWJ]

Terrible install video

[@carstereochick]

Can you elaborate and explain what you didn't like about it? Were you looking for more of a step by step install video? Constructive criticism is helpful as we're always looking to improve!