Stereo Options

[MysticRob]

Since my 88 had a ratty old no-name 1-DIN CD player in it when I bought it (and no speakers anywhere), and because I'm almost ready to make a long distance move, I figured it was time to research stereo options. I'm not into high-dollar or multi-DIN stuff, just something simple, unless something really makes sense.

I'm looking at this particular unit, as it has a built-in "Qi" charger & holder (pronounced 'Chee' apparently) for my Pixel 3XL phone, and all the usual bluetooth streaming and app options common these days. Also kinda cool/funny how it's a Jensen, which is still shown on all 4 of my speaker grills.

https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-Character-Motorized-Assistant-Bluetooth/dp/B0846LGY45/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Curious what everyone else is running in their rides.

[Heep-J4000]

Was running a standard no name radio cassette player with two knobs that was in the j-4000 when I bought it.
Made a nice stainless dash plate for it.

It was mostly for show because driving with side pipes and no door cards made it useless!

[Cliff]

I would call Crutchfield. Been a customer for 30 years, almost every audio (and video) piece I own came from them. They know how to match a stereo to a particular vehicle better than anybody, and you get free tech support for life.

https://www.crutchfield.com

[MysticRob]

I would call Crutchfield. Been a customer for 30 years, almost every audio (and video) piece I own came from them. They know how to match a stereo to a particular vehicle better than anybody, and you get free tech support for life.

www.crutchfield.com

I'm looking more for examples of what everyone has already used and avoid what others are attempting to sell me. I'm not looking for a 'dope ass' system, just 4 speakers and a decent deck I can bluetooth my phone through.

I know the front and rear speaker mounts supposedly fit 5.25" speakers, but there are always slight differences in speakers and mounts that big-box stores likely aren't aware of (especially on a low production Wagoneer), and I'd like to use something tried-and-true that others on here have used.

[Brynjminjones]

I've spent a lot of time swapping head units in and out of mine, and I've finally settled on what I think will stay.

I've got an original Jeep head unit, to which I added a 3.5mm aux-in from Jeremy's Radio Emporium.
I've got a Bluetooth module connected to that, which powers on with the ignition.

This all feeds into a Clarion XC1410 mini amp through the speaker-level input.

Hooked up to that I have 4x 5.25" Rockford Fosgate T152s.


I'm pretty happy with it so far, my only complaint being that the sound from the cheap eBay Bluetooth module isn't the best. I'm looking for a better one but no luck so far!

[backroadin']

Jensen head units are factory from Case in our loaders and backhoe at work. I remember when Jensen was one of those low buck box store brands, but they've been around for awhile and are probably decent. Go with it! I can't help with speakers. I have d0dge 6x9's in speaker boxes in the back that I never listen to cause it's too loud in the jeep!

[MysticRob]

I researched the heck out of speakers last night and decided on the 5.25" Rockford Fosgate R1525X2 both front and rear. They're supposed to be an excellent budget speaker and should fit well given their dimensions.
Got a great deal on Amazon for both pairs:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VH9H3MF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought that Jensen deck I linked to earlier from Amazon (best price I'd seen), as I like the idea of being able to both see the Nav app as I drive, and be able to charge it wirelessly. I'll be doing the install myself, as I figure it can't be all that difficult, plus I don't trust anyone else to not mess up my rig.

I went to a local stereo store yesterday, and they said I missed seeing an 89 Wagoneer there by about an hour. I haven't even seen another one in Boise yet, so that was interesting. Poor store was seriously inventory restrained due to the Wuhan Clan virus causing all sorts of production delays.

I travel for work the next 2 weeks so will have to wait on doing the install. I'm not sure the stock speaker wiring even works, but no reason to believe it won't at this point since everything but the left rear door wiring has been in good shape. It is VERY thin gauge stuff though, so I will likely run the speaker wire that came with the kit.

The deck puts out 18W RMS, up to 50W max, and the speakers are rated up to 80W, and all are 4 ohms, so I'm hoping I can make do without an amp of some sort. I don't really crank my devil worship music all that loud anymore, as I'm 50 and don't want to ruin myself with whatever time I have left on this marble.

[backroadin']

Interested in hearing how those rockfords sound when it's all done - I've been thinking of getting some new door speakers for my daily driver.

[rang-a-stang]

I would call Crutchfield. Been a customer for 30 years, almost every audio (and video) piece I own came from them. They know how to match a stereo to a particular vehicle better than anybody, and you get free tech support for life.

www.crutchfield.com

Agreed. 100%.

Honestly, my deck is a factory deck that does not (and probably will not ever) work. It's probably a little late at this point to be a consideration for you but I do not plan to run a deck at all. I plan to run an amp with a bluetooth controller like this:

https://www.mtx.com/awbtsw-rocker-switch-bluetooth-receiver-and-control

There are several versions of them at Cructhfeild to pick from, too. This way you don't have to mess with the factory dash, can just run sound from your phone, and an amp+4 speakers is usually a little cheaper than a deck+4 speakers.

I would probably have already started buying parts to start my sound system if I could keep my turd off the back of a tow truck but I have to spend my money fixing catastrophes rather than doing fun stuff like stereos.

['89_Wagon]

I run an Alpine UTE-73BT. I got it because it's a good brand, has all that blue-tooth stuff, and it's fairly simple look.... as far as aftermarket stereos go in a reasonable price range. I gave up the search for OEM look after looking at some of the pricing/availability of other stuff. I just settled for something I though was the least tacky. I bought mine for $100 before COVID and picked up another recently for the same price for another car. I'll see if I can upload a pic later today of it installed. It has RGB lighting so the display and buttons can be as obnoxious or relaxed as you want. I have mine setup to turn off the display and backlights after 5 or 10 seconds.

Product page

https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/ute-73bt

['89_Wagon]

Here's mine installed. Alpine UTE-73BT.

[MysticRob]

Agreed. 100%.

Honestly, my deck is a factory deck that does not (and probably will not ever) work. It's probably a little late at this point to be a consideration for you but I do not plan to run a deck at all. I plan to run an amp with a bluetooth controller like this:

https://www.mtx.com/awbtsw-rocker-switch-bluetooth-receiver-and-control

There are several versions of them at Cructhfeild to pick from, too. This way you don't have to mess with the factory dash, can just run sound from your phone, and an amp+4 speakers is usually a little cheaper than a deck+4 speakers.

I would probably have already started buying parts to start my sound system if I could keep my turd off the back of a tow truck but I have to spend my money fixing catastrophes rather than doing fun stuff like stereos.

Huh, interesting. I hadn't really thought about it but mostly because I still want to fill the hole in the dash, plus have the usual hands-free calling options. The new deck has a built-in phone mic and of course still runs the calls thru the speakers, so that's another plus.

LOL @ "turd catastrophes", as I'm still debating whether I should've spent the money on troubleshooting the A/C system, but I'm living dangerously for the time-being!

[MysticRob]

Here's mine installed. Alpine UTE-73BT.

Exactly what I'm going for. Looks great!
I'll update the thread once I get back to Boise in a couple weeks and start my install.