Custom Audio System Upgrade for 2018 Jeep Wrangler

The owner of this customized 2018 Jeep Wrangler recently contacted the team at Street Smart Automotive Solutions for help upgrading his audio system. He had been to another local shop but wasn’t happy with the progress they were making. We met with the client to talk about his expectations for the sound system upgrade and discuss product and installation options. We created a quote that provided several performance levels and then let the client advise us what route to take. Once we had a plan in place, the client dropped the Jeep off and we set to work.

ARC Audio Amplifier Upgrade

A trick mounting plate was fabricated for the amplifiers.

The ARC Audio amplifiers were branded with the Jeep’s nickname.

The audio signals for the Jeep were processed with the Audison processor.

Easy access to the processor controls is via the console-mounted Audison controller.

The first step was to upgrade the power available to drive the speakers in the system. We created a custom acrylic plastic amplifier mounting panel in the storage compartment at the back of the vehicle. The mounting panel would be home to an ARC Audio X2 600.4 four-channel and an X2 1100.5 five-channel amplifier. We created openings in the mounting panel for the wiring that runs to and from the amplifiers to keep things looking neat and tidy.

The client calls the Jeep Banana Hammock because of its Hellayella paint. We used our laser engraver to add Banana Hammock graphics to the shrouds that cover the chassis of the ARC amplifiers, adding some personalization to the project.

We used a PAC Audio AmpPro interface to extract a clean audio signal from the factory radio. The output of the interface feeds into an Audison bit Nove digital signal processor. The processor is mounted in the center console on a panel similar to the amplifier rack. The controller for the process is attached to the center console for easy access. The client can adjust the subwoofer level easily using the controller.

Jeep Wrangler Speaker Upgrade

The next step was to upgrade the front speakers in the Jeep. The client chose a set of Focal ES 165 K2 component speakers. We created acrylic mounting adapters to place the tweeters in the factory speaker locations in the dash, and we integrated the 6.5-inch woofers into the speaker pods on either side of the dash.

The bit Nove processor divides the audio signals so that one pair of the channels on the X2 1100.5 powers the tweeter, allowing the second pair to power the woofers. This configuration, known as an active design, allows us to fine-tune the output of each speaker to create a very lifelike listening experience in terms of system frequency response.

Custom Smart Box Subwoofer System

Rivetnuts were added to the side of the wheel arch for securing the enclosure.

Our custom enclosure took up minimal space and provides great-sounding bass.

An important element of upgrading the sound in any vehicle is to ensure that the system has great bass reproduction capabilities. We created one of our Jeep Wrangler Smart Box subwoofer solutions for the client’s Wrangler. This subwoofer enclosure is home to a single Audison Prima 10-inch subwoofer. The enclosure fits neatly behind the driver’s side rear seat and features our Smart Coat finish for added durability. The client still has room for all the luggage or cargo he’ll want to carry in the back of the vehicle.

Party Speaker Upgrade

The last part of Project Banana Hammock was to install a set of marine tower speakers to the back of the vehicle so that he can open the doors and crank his music when hanging out with friends. We welded together a custom mounting bar for the Kicker KMTC 9-inch speakers and added quick-disconnects to make the system easily removable. The rear speakers are powered by the four-channel ARC X2 600.4. The amplifier is wired in a bridged configuration and delivers up to 300 watts per speaker.

Jackson’s Mobile Audio Enhancement Experts

With the equipment integration complete, our team set to work tuning the signal processor to create a realistic soundstage across the dash of the Jeep. Listening to music in this Wrangler is like sitting at the console of a world-class recording studio. The client was thrilled with the results! He loved the way everything looks and the way it sounds. If you are interested in a truly bespoke mobile listening experience in your vehicle, we invite you to visit Street Smart Automotive Solutions in Flowood, Mississippi. You can reach us by e-mail to schedule a personalized consultation using our online contact form.