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Would upgrading the stock 130 to 430 increase audio quality?

10K views 21 replies 13 participants last post by  mediumrarechicken 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

Just bought my first JK about a month ago.
I'm looking to eventually replace all of the stock sound system for something with a little more kick. I'm wondering if buying the Mopar nav upgrade would do anything on its own to improve sound quality?
And if not, would it do anything for sound quality when eventually paired with better speakers and an amp?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but until recently I lived in New York, and never needed a vehicle, so my knowledge is limited.
 
#2 ·
Short answer... No


The speakers are crap. If you switch speakers and the add an amp, it'll help. In that case, a 430 most likely wont give you any better audio than the 130. I just switched from a 130 to a 430 rbz, and will have to redial in my amp, but sound quality doesn't seem to have changed much.

I'm using the oem head unit to a jl 700/5 amp to aftermarket speakers and sub
 
#3 ·
I have to disagree with vacca, as sound is subjective. I swapped my 130 for a 430N and it was noticeably louder and clearer. From what I understand is that the 430 has a higher output than the 130. I have the alpine 7 speaker OEM system though, so I cant speak for the 6 speaker system. Though I think the stock Premium sound in my '08 was better than the Alpine in my 2013...
 
#6 ·
i have to disagree with vacca, as sound is subjective. I swapped my 130 for a 430n and it was noticeably louder and clearer. From what i understand is that the 430 has a higher output than the 130. I have the alpine 7 speaker oem system though, so i cant speak for the 6 speaker system. Though i think the stock premium sound in my '08 was better than the alpine in my 2013...
+1
 
#4 ·
Save yourself some cash, stick with the 130 and add an Alpine power pack behind the dash and some new speakers and enjoy...
 
#7 ·
430 does have more power output at the HU, however its marginal. The 430 is typically partnered with the premium amp, which is garbage. Not partnered with the amp means it is at least outputting all channels through the head unit rather than the amp controlling them all. Makes it easier in the long run to use a 430 without the amp ever being installed in your Jeep, and then adding an amp of your own later on.

If you are upgrading and buying the 430, skip it. You can get a better nav/head unit from an aftermarket head unit than it typically costs for the 430. Ive got the 430N and will be getting rid of it as fast as I can so I can get a real head unit that functions like I want it.
 
#9 ·
Last month I did the 130 -> 430 RBZ (non-nav) swap, and the sound quality was greatly improved. I have the 2013 JKU Sport S....without the Alpine Upgrade. On the 6 speaker system, the sound is vastly improved. My wife even made a comment after the swap that it "actually sounds good". From her that is a ringing endorsement. I like that it improved the sound, while at the same time was a seamless change for the uConnect and steering wheel controls. $300 on eBay for a green buttoned unit was also tough to pass up. I cannot see going with OEM NAV....but for a touchscreen seamlessly integrated solution..the RBZ is nice.
 
#10 ·
Stick with the 130

For better audio, the 430 and the 130 suck. Jeep uses 2-ohm cheap speakers and a cheap HU. I have a 130N premium system. I replaced all 7 speakers, put in a power amp, and the appropriate parts to use 4-ohm speakers. I used very high-grade speakers, including the sub-woofer. All my controls on the radio, and steering wheel still work, and I put a controllable sub-woofer knob inside the console. You would never know I changed anything until I turn on the system. My audio now ROCKS. See below what I did:

o (2) 6.5” Hybrid Audio Imagine Speakers for Dash 161-2
o (2) 6.5” ARC Audio Speakers for Light Bar XD1602
o (2) Hybrid Audio Tweeters going into Dash Tweeters (from Hybrid Speakers - just pull them out and use for tweeters)
o Kenwood 5-Chan Amplifier under Passenger Seat x700-5
o 8” JL Audio Subwoofer 8W1v2
o Stinger 8 GA Pro wiring kit SPK5681R
o Stinger 12’ 4chan RCA SI4412
o PAC RCA Line Level Controller LC1
o AAMP Gold RCA Couplers GRCAS
o PAC 2ch Adj LOC with Auto Remote SOEMT
o PAC 4ch Line Output Converter SOEM4
 
#12 ·
For better audio, the 430 and the 130 suck. Jeep uses 2-ohm cheap speakers and a cheap HU. I have a 130N premium system. I replaced all 7 speakers, put in a power amp, and the appropriate parts to use 4-ohm speakers. I used very high-grade speakers, including the sub-woofer. All my controls on the radio, and steering wheel still work, and I put a controllable sub-woofer knob inside the console. You would never know I changed anything until I turn on the system. My audio now ROCKS. See below what I did:

o (2) 6.5” Hybrid Audio Imagine Speakers for Dash 161-2
o (2) 6.5” ARC Audio Speakers for Light Bar XD1602
o (2) Hybrid Audio Tweeters going into Dash Tweeters (from Hybrid Speakers - just pull them out and use for tweeters)
o Kenwood 5-Chan Amplifier under Passenger Seat x700-5
o 8” JL Audio Subwoofer 8W1v2
o Stinger 8 GA Pro wiring kit SPK5681R
o Stinger 12’ 4chan RCA SI4412
o PAC RCA Line Level Controller LC1
o AAMP Gold RCA Couplers GRCAS
o PAC 2ch Adj LOC with Auto Remote SOEMT
o PAC 4ch Line Output Converter SOEM4
I am a complete noob when it comes to stereo...That list is intimidating and I wouldn't have the slightest idea where to begin. Hate to say it but I'll probably end up spending 3-4K and have a audio installer do it all for me :9lame:
 
#13 ·
I replaced my 130 with a 430N RBZ unit today, and I honestly can't tell much of a difference in the sound quality. Prior to the swap, I had already replaced all four stock speakers with Kickers and stuffed the sound bar and front speaker boxes with polyfill. Those changes made a big difference, so maybe there wasn't much more improvement available.

I'm really happy with the swap. The touch screen is much easier to use, especially with my iPod.
 
#14 ·
My buddy swapped. 430 is nice, no sound difference whatsoever. I think people who swap like to tell themselves that because it makes them feel better about the purchase. I was on the fence, because I like the ipod integration, and sirius readout on the 430 much better. Just don't think it justifies the price.
 
#18 ·
Awesome Woansleftpeg! I think I'll stick with the vanilla wiring then, and probably skip the 'woofer as I'd rather not kill what little space I have :)

Also, I think I'll get the 430 RBZ (non-nav) and install that. Not for audio fidelity increase, but simply to have the touchscreen and nicer interface. I'll see if I can grab one off ebay for a reasonable price. Almost 2K for the nav version is insane.
 
#19 ·
Wires and Nav

For home sterio I have all monster cables. For my Jeep upgrade, I used new wires (not real expensive types) since all the wires from the speakers no longer went to the HU, they go to the amp which is under my drivers seat. The system sounds awesome. I already had a sub but had to re-route the wires to the amp, so I used new wires. My friend, who runs an audio store said he would have charged about $250 to do it. I conferred with him before I did anything to make sure I was doing it the correct way. If you are not going to use a sub (I sure like mine), you won't need a 5-Chan amp, only a 4-Chan.

As far as the Nav unit you got, no problem. I'm glad you stayed away from the one that has GPS. Many don't know (I believe it is the 430N), you will be paying $80-90 4 times a year if you want database (new maps) upgrades. Also, you can't put in programmed POI's into it and you can't put Lon/Lat into them. Stay with an external GPS.

The main thing to take away from this is you can use other speakers than I did. I went with Hybrids because they are rated the number one speaker in England. Also, they are near water proof, which makes them almost near dust proof, plus they sound incredible. But whatever speakers you use, make sure they are 4-ohm, not 2-ohm and you use another amp - don't use the amp that is part of the HU. The sterio place should know what to do.
 
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