Looking for ideas of what works and doesn't. I need a new center speaker and would like an updated radio. Just not looking to spend a fortune. What speakers did you use? Is it as simple as swapping out same size speakers? Subwoofer?

 

Apparently the center speaker is better repaired than replaced with anything aftermarket because of the ohms on it. There is a write up somewhere on here.

Crutchfield had the radio and the mounting kit for a decent price. They suggested a euro to us antenna conversion to hook the stereo up to your powered antenna. The size they give you, 7", is not long enough. I had to go on amazon and get a 20"+ cable to make it reach to an already existing connection under the shifter.

Any stereo upgrade, unless you're going to rewire everything, is going to need a fiber adapter. I bought the Xtrons MOST Fiber optic adapter off of amazon, and it serves it's purpose. Quite a few people went the android radio route as an alternative and to keep the stock look. Some of those come with the fiber adapter. I personally just went with a decent Kenwood Excelon (DMX706S). It's a digital receiver only so it's only half the normal size. And I'm glad I did that because it allowed me to tuck the fiber adapter behind it along with all the other wires.

I haven't done the speakers yet nor a sub, but I'll be doing it soon. I'm selling my Wrangler so I'm taking all of my focal equipment and my JL stealthbox and amp out. I'm going to try to actually just install the stealthbox in the trunk. I have no idea if it'll work, but it looks like it'll nestle up right behind the seat, so maybe it'll work. There are a few youtube videos out there that show how to remove the stockers and then solder the connections on to the new speakers. I'd personally give your stock speakers a try with a new radio first though. depending on what you're used to, it's not bad.

The wiring is not difficult if you've done this before. I had to rely on a few youtube videos to make sure it I did it right though. And I haven't touched the canbus to hook up the steering wheel controls, which I need to do soon.

 

There is a spot to hook up to the OEM antenna under the shifter? I thought you had to run a wire to the trunk O.o Any chance you have any pics?

 

That's what I thought too. So I actually bought a 20' antenna cable and ran it down the cable channels to the back of the car. Then I pulled the damn shifter up and it was just sitting there. I hooked it up and it worked perfectly. I'll try to pop it off tonight and take a picture.

 

Wow, very cool thanks! I can dig into it at some point it's all good. I didn't want to run a wire back and tried an aftermarket antenna that is garbage

 

The maroon rectangular box is the antenna cable. I have no idea if it's on every W211, but for me it was just sitting there.


Antenna cable below shifter