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Alpine Premium Factory Audio System

37K views 63 replies 37 participants last post by  Arto 
#1 ·
I am surprised that I have not seen too much talk about the sound quality of the Premium Audio System.

Overall, I would consider the sound to be decent for a factory installed system. My three biggest gripes are (1) the lack of bass response; (2) the effect of the 3.5" center speaker on the sound, and (3) the lack of sound adjustments in the internal equalizer.

The bass response in the entire vehicle is definitely the weakest part of the entire audio system. &, no, I am not a heavy metal or rap bass booming youngster. When I test the sound in my garage and go into the rear storage area of the JGC, I can hear adequate bass. However, it definitely stays in the far rear and is not transmitted in enough db or dispersion to the front of the vehicle.

I assume that the inclusion of the center 3.5" speaker (try finding a replacement for this size driver) is to increase the # of speakers in the Jeep for advertising purposes or to be able to provide for a DD system. In the JGC, the inclusion of this center speaker seems to muddy the sound. I would prefer no center speaker so that when I adjust balance I can listen to the sound go from L to R. I do not hear this 3.5" speaker as offering a real benefit to the SQ.

Any owner who has used the internal equalizer understands the minimal adjustments offered here.

For now I have increased the Bass EQ on my Ipod Classic to offer up some bass boost.

I am thinking of replacing the Alpine Amp with a JL Audio XD700/5 amp and the front with a pair of JL ZR speakers and the passenger with JL C5 speakers. The 3.5" center & the two trunk 2.5" tweeters would for now be omitted from this upgrade because I am not yet ready to go to multiple amps, and my opinion is that these three speakers offer little benefit other than upping the # of speakers for marketing purposes. The 8 inch woofer will be a work in progress depending upon what I can fit in when I open up the trunk side where the woofer is open. However, I think that the higher end separate cross overs that come with the JL speakers will greatly assist the bass impact.

I will probably wait a month or so before undertaking the upgrade, but will report back upon completion.

Feel free to post your own opinions on the factory Alpine Premium Audio factory system.
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Personally, I find the system to be very listenable meaning it doesn't fatigue you with artificial peaks in the equalization. The staging is very good and the distortion seems to be kept pretty well in check.

I find the quality of the sound to be more tied to the source than any deficiencies in the reproduction. If I play one of my higher end, well mastered CD's the sound it very good, easily as good as some $2000 - $3000 aftermarket systems I've heard. The higher sampled mp4 audio sounds good as well but of course it falls a bit flat on FM, Sirius and some of the lower sampled mp3 tracks. Overall I'm very pleased with the system and see no need to invest a dime in it.
 
#5 ·
Personally, I find the system to be very listenable meaning it doesn't fatigue you with artificial peaks in the equalization. The staging is very good and the distortion seems to be kept pretty well in check.

I find the quality of the sound to be more tied to the source than any deficiencies in the reproduction. If I play one of my higher end, well mastered CD's the sound it very good, easily as good as some $2000 - $3000 aftermarket systems I've heard. The higher sampled mp4 audio sounds good as well but of course it falls a bit flat on FM, Sirius and some of the lower sampled mp3 tracks. Overall I'm very pleased with the system and see no need to invest a dime in it.
I agree that the SQ differs dramatically from source to source. Sirius is certainly disappointing. All of my music on my IPod is Apple Lossless because I have a Wadia ITransport as part of my home audio system, in order to bypass the 25 cent internal DAC in the Ipod. CD's also vary by disc, depending upon the original recording, but no way does the SQ of the factory Premium unit equal a well thought out after market system (and who wants to keep changing CD's in the single disc CD slot). I know that this is all subjective, but I will go out on a limb and suggest that our different perceptions of the factory premium stereo are likely to do with differing audio systems in our homes.
I am assuming you mean LOW bass (< 80 Hz)?? There is not bass below about 70 HZ or so but the mid/upper bass is sooooo boomy that I turned down the bass all the way and it still does not sound natural.
I agree, there is little to no low bass. No doubt, the bass issues are connected to the amplifier (no pun intended).
 
#4 ·
I am surprised that I have not seen too much talk about the sound quality of the Premium Audio System.

The bass response in the entire vehicle is definitely the weakest part of the entire audio system. &, no, I am not a heavy metal or rap bass booming youngster. When I test the sound in my garage and go into the rear storage area of the JGC, I can hear adequate bass. However, it definitely stays in the far rear and is not transmitted in enough db or dispersion to the front of the vehicle.

.
I am assuming you mean LOW bass (< 80 Hz)?? There is not bass below about 70 HZ or so but the mid/upper bass is sooooo boomy that I turned down the bass all the way and it still does not sound natural.
 
#6 ·
gostan4484, I tend to agree with you despite quality of music source, and I'm not a shake the street type listener. Given work hours and family commitments, the rig tends to be where I get the most music time. Though the system is solid, it just doesn't pop at either the high or low ends.

I'm waiting for warm weather as well, but will likely try another 8" subwoofer and perhaps a higher output amp. If the system is still a bit flat, I was then going to start with the tweets, dash, and front door speakers one at a time to chase it down a bit. Check out s search here, there were a few earlier threads on the subject. The wk2jeeps.com website shows decent steps to remove interior trim and whatnot to get at equipment, but it is a bit of a PITA with the plastic pins and connectors.

Agree with the commentary on the "equalizer" being short featured as well. As mjw said the sound stage is good, which you'd expect with 9 speakers, but the treble/mid/bass sets alone aren't quite cutting it.

In that regard, I thought about a new head unit as well, but the multi media functions are so good with the Mygig, that it would be hard to take that leap.
 
#7 ·
gostan4484, I tend to agree with you despite quality of music source, and I'm not a shake the street type listener. Given work hours and family commitments, the rig tends to be where I get the most music time. Though the system is solid, it just doesn't pop at either the high or low ends.

I'm waiting for warm weather as well, but will likely try another 8" subwoofer and perhaps a higher output amp. If the system is still a bit flat, I was then going to start with the tweets, dash, and front door speakers one at a time to chase it down a bit. Check out s search here, there were a few earlier threads on the subject. The wk2jeeps.com website shows decent steps to remove interior trim and whatnot to get at equipment, but it is a bit of a PITA with the plastic pins and connectors.

Agree with the commentary on the "equalizer" being short featured as well. As mjw said the sound stage is good, which you'd expect with 9 speakers, but the treble/mid/bass sets alone aren't quite cutting it.

In that regard, I thought about a new head unit as well, but the multi media functions are so good with the Mygig, that it would be hard to take that leap.
I wish it were flat, thats its problem. The freq. curve is all over the place.
 
#8 ·
I have a pretty competent home theater system (Denon/Paradigm), but I find the Alpine system just fine. It isn't ideal; the highs are a little muddy and the bass is boomy, but I've never considered a vehicle to be that great a listening environment anyway (bizarre acoustics of the cabin, intruding noise from outside).

I wouldn't be surprised if a speaker upgrade (not even touching the head unit or amplifier) would help, but I would expect the cost would be out of line with the results. Personally, I'm not going to drop a kilobuck-plus just to improve on it.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I mentioned that Sleeping Beauty sounded decent before in a video/park thread. I'll try an action flick for S&Gs to check out the quality.

As for any system, source is the culprit. GIGO. Dont't expect much with your ipoops and other lossy music you throw at it. It's a decent system at moderate levels and pretty much about the same can be said for most other stock car systems.

Sirius radio is not CD quality and a good strong FM station will have better sounding audio. I am dissapointed that there is only one slot for DVD and CD. Multi-media with one optical choice? You'll need to copy CDs uncompressed to the rather small HDD to enjoy better sounding music witthout having to swap out CDs.

The real flaw is not having a disc changer for music and a dedicated one for video. And of course at least a 100GB HDD to store uncompressed music. An even bigger HDD for movie rips would be a plus. I'll have to look at plugging in a TB+ HDD in the armrest to see if that works. The audio is okay as long as you have the right uncompressed sources.
 
#15 ·
I mentioned that Sleeping Beauty sounded decent before in a video/park thread. I'll try an action flick for S&Gs to check out the quality.

As for any system, source is the culprit. GIGO. Dont't expect much with your ipoops and other lossy music you throw at it. It's a decent system at moderate levels and pretty much about the same can be said for most other stock car systems.

Sirius radio is not CD quality and a good strong FM station will have better sounding audio. I am dissapointed that there is only one slot for DVD and CD. Multi-media with one optical choice? You'll need to copy CDs uncompressed to the rather small HDD to enjoy better sounding music witthout having to swap out CDs.

The real flaw is not having a disc changer for music and a dedicated one for video. And of course at least a 100GB HDD to store uncompress music. An even bigger HDD for movie rips would be a plus. I'll have to look at plugging in a TB+ HDD in the armrest to see if that works. The audio is okay as long as you have the right uncompressed sources.
The best source I have heard (and it is very source dependent) is an iPod loaded with WAV files (Lossless) not mp3s or other lossy formats driving the 730N via the iPod interface.
 
#16 ·
If the system perform better than the one into old WH, will be great for me. ( I still wait the new while running the old)
To have better sound may be will be necessary change all speakers, amplifier, wiring, power line, make mess all the inside of the car and spent over than 2K USD.
Than we will have better sound (may be) and a lot of rattle for free.
 
#18 ·
This is the one thing that has stood out for me, the sound on the 2011 JGC seems to be not as good as I had with my 08 limited. On my 08 JGC Limited I would have to turn down the factory bass as it would rattle the windows. Can't get that to happen on the WK2, even with the bass maxed out.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I've taken mine to 3 different installers in the Philly area and basically had 3 different answers. (two of which have been in business for many decades, the 3rd isn't as old but also has a good reputation)

Long story short, this isn't going to be an inexpensive upgrade.
Installer 1 wanted to use the JL CleanSweep hardware to flatten out the factory eq settings. (but for some reason they couldn't do the install without adding an additional knob to control the volume) That wasn't going to happen. (World Wide Stereo in Montgomeryville) The estimate? approx. 3K

Installer 2 basically told me that the CleanSweep product was garbage and that they had a better solution. Their solution was lower end JL speakers in the back and higher end Morel speakers in the front. (Perzan audio in Upper Darby) Approx. 3K

Installer 3 echoed the sentiments of installer 2 about the CleanSweep product. However, this one wanted to replace the entire system. They recommended Pioneer head unit AVIC-Z120BT (which will give me a better signal out) I think it's a 4ohm out system. He wanted to add Focal K2 speakers. (which sounded great) However, I do not want to replace the head unit. The approx. cost for the entire system rebuild? 5K. There was an alternative that he didn't recommend which was a Mosconi crossover/amp system. (sorry, didn't get the estimate in writing) and still retain the head unit for approx. 3K. The logic behind replacing the head unit (per the installer's opinion) was that even with the upgraded speakers and amp, it's still amplifying an inferior signal from the head unit. This place also does factory replacement installations for a local Jeep dealership (Sport Chrysler Jeep in Norristown PA) This installer was ASAP car stereo in Conshohocken PA.

At this point, I think I'm not going to be upgrading anything anytime soon. I'm looking to get more detail from lower volumes. What I mean by this, for example, is some songs that you can hear dialogue or very detailed things without crushing your eardrums. I'm not looking for a "thumper" system, but would like to have some more bass and midrange detail.

Footnote: Is there ANY detailed documentation for the factory installed Alpine system in our new Jeeps? (schematics, specs?) I'm having a difficult time finding any real information out there.
 
#23 ·
+1. I used to be the guy that spent thousands to upgrade but the OEMs have much nicer systems today I just don't see that the differences between stock and aftermarket systems is drastic enough for me to rip out the stock system and replace with an aftermarket system without dropping a butt load of cash which I don't plan to do in the near future. Maybe in the future after I've grown bored of the JGC, I may upgrade either the stereo or something else to renew my interest.
 
#24 ·
I am somewhat of an audiophile and will not be switching out the factory speakers any time soon. While tha alpine system is not great, it is good enough to leave in as-is.
 
#25 ·
I have a set of Focal speakers from my previous car (I totalled it so took them out). I know they are better speakers than the ones we have but I want to find out what will be the best way to do the exchange and see if it will improve the sound any.

I do feel the bass is lacking too and I do have an extra amp (Alpine 4000) and bass but dont know the wiring to even try to install them.

Basically waitting to see if I can get the schematics and take it from there to see if it is doable.
 
#26 ·
I must say that I'm very surprised to see people wanting more bass - You must be used to a car with a couple 12's in the back or something! Mine pumps pretty damn hard and I think I have the bass setting close to stock. In previous vehicles with stock systems I had to turn the bass up a few notches but in the GC it was far too overpowering.

Also no complaints about the Alpine system itself whatsoever. I'm no Accoustical Engineer but in my mind I think it's great considering it came from the factory.
 
#29 ·
I wonder how the system will be in the new WK2 SRT since it will supposedly have almost twice the power (and more speakers). If it's good, I wonder if any of it will be able to be swapped in to the current WK2s since the headunit will be the same. Not sure if the harness at the amp will be the same or if it will be bigger to accommodate more speakers. There is a chance that the harness will be the same and Jeep may just use passive crossovers, etc in locations to get more speakers, but I guess only time will tell.
 
#30 ·
I wonder how the system will be in the new WK2 SRT since it will supposedly have almost twice the power (and more speakers). If it's good, I wonder if any of it will be able to be swapped in to the current WK2s since the headunit will be the same. Not sure if the harness at the amp will be the same or if it will be bigger to accommodate more speakers. There is a chance that the harness will be the same and Jeep may just use passive crossovers, etc in locations to get more speakers, but I guess only time will tell.
It takes a lot more than lots of speaker and more power to make a system sound good. Heck, my main home system only has 2 speakers (8 drivers)and 60 watts and it blows away ANY car stereo (and most home ones for that matter).
 
#35 ·
I have an Overland Summit on order and I look forward to its arrival.

I recently sat in a Summit which had just arrived at a Florida dealership. I loved the mineral gray color (same as mine) and the saddle interior.

I then played the sound system . I brought with me the DVD audio demo disc which came with my Acura TL which has the ELS sound system.
The sound was o.k. in the Jeep but nothing like the sound delivered by the ELS system. The Jeep did not appear to have the true 5.1 surround sound
which the ELS system has. I then played the disc in my Acura. Even the Jeep sales guy was impressed!

For those not familiar with it, the ELSsystem must be heard to be believed. It blows away all previous OEM systems I have had including Mark Levinson and Bose.
 
#36 ·
I'm not an "audiophile" but I can say that the system in my 2011 Overland is hands down better than the Infinity system my 04 limited had. Comparing it to the Bose system in our Infinity G35..... Well there is no comparison, the Bose is garbage.

Bottom line, I'm happy and won't be changing anything.
 
#38 ·
Uh...what happend to the old Mopar days back in the 70s. When one would order a Hemi, or 440/6pak Chally or Cuda, trac-pak, and check off AM radio (2 watts) option. No one cared about radio's...!!!
 
#42 ·
Uh...what happend to the old Mopar days back in the 70s. When one would order a Hemi, or 440/6pak Chally or Cuda, trac-pak, and check off AM radio (2 watts) option. No one cared about radio's...!!!
If I had a 1971 440/6 pack 'Cuda I would not care about the radio either!
 
#41 ·
Is there a setting on the radio or evic to change from stereo to surround in the 2011 Summit? I remember on my 09 SRT8 there was an evic setting to change this. I accidentally had my ipod playing music in surround and sounded like crap. I have the RHB 430N in this Jeep and the sound is not amazing, Id like to add a sub with more kick. Anyone know how to do this easily?
 
#48 ·
The whole idea of the Stealthbox is to get rid of the factory sub!!
You get a JL sub that is a much better sub with the Box.

I am getting ready to redo the entire stereo. Replacing the head unit with an Alpine that has Nav, putting Focal in the front and replacing the factory amp with ARC units. No need for the rear speakers, center channel or rear pillars. They sound bad and replacing all of these for surround audio....why???
 
#63 ·
Did you get a chance to update your system yet?

I am getting close to start mine. One of the areas that I am concerned with is replacing the HU and the factory amp. Which wire harness system did you go with?

Best for now. :)
 
#54 ·
I've been sorely disappointed by the sound response out of the system. Bass is really boomy (i have it set at -1), however midbass is just not there, no matter how i mess with the built in EQ. When listening to hiphop/rap its not bad (no real midbass there, just lots of low bass), however when listening to jazz or EDM/Techno you really see the system's shortfalls in the mid bass area and imaging. My sound preference is for a real clean image and nice tight bass. boomy/messy bass is not my cup of tea. Hell even the JBL system out of my prius blows the "alpine premium" sound system out of the water. Having 9 speakers means nothing when they all sound like crap.
 
#55 ·
^ +1 to upgrading the alpine system. As you suggest frydry, the two biggest culprits are an underpowered system amp, and a plastic stock sub box enclosure. Otherwise the alpine speakers aren't horrible, though looks like chryco had a hand in diluting the system.

Check it out: http://jeepgarage.org/showthread.php?t=22295
 
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