Before I took delivery of my 2017 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S I sent it over to the audio shop for a new install. I replaced the 430 factory stereo with:
Alpine iLX-207 Head Unit w/ Maestro Controller, KAC-001 Accessory Controller, XM/Sirius module
JL HD905/4 Amplifier
JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System - Set of 2
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1L-2X12 2x12" subwoofer box
I had the shop install the speakers, amp and head unit while wiring up the KAC-001 to my light bar, front cubes and fog lights. After I got the Jeep back, I added the Sirius adaptor and an Amazon Fire stick to the unit myself.
The Setup
. Maestro Module. This plugs into the ODB-II port and gives you access to some of the system stuff. You can see tire pressure, a gauge panel and diagnostics if you trip something (I havent, so not sure how that works). I guess its kind of cool, but I havent really used it.
. Amazon Fire Stick. Adding the Fire Stick to have access to movies, live tv, etc was easy and took less than 30 minutes. Using a hot spot, I can use all of Amazon and the apps I downloaded. I have unlimited plans on both AT&T and Verizon to use. The sound through the stereo is great, although for movies you'll end up at a volume level around 30 at times, so be careful when you switch to something else. There is an HDMI source option you select. I bought the stick with voice and even with the device in the dash (pushed into an area to the right side by the vents) the remote works fine. You will want to use an extension cable as the one that comes with the stick isnt long enough IMO. I bought a 6' cable, but thats more than you need, if you can get a 1' extension cord, then go for it. I went longer not being sure if I could place it right there. I ran the USB cord back into the glove box where I have a dual smart usb port plugged into the lighter. The remote fits perfectly in the little net area in front of the shifter.
. Sirius module. This was also about a 30 minute install, the one thing that is a "gotcha" is that the antenna won't plug directly into the SXV300v1 module box. While the adapter is just $40 (and comes with 3 months free), I had to go back to the audio store to buy a $30 adapter to plug the Jeep satellite antenna into the Sirius module. Do yourself a favor and order it online and save a few bucks, they are around $15. Once it was wired up and I turned on the subscription, it worked right away.
. Accessory Controller. Looks just like in the promo page.
I did pay retail at the shop ($999) and then additional for the accessory module. I think the cost of the units was $1180 and the amp was $900. I got the speakers online off Amazon. Originally I was planning to use two RF amps I had (a 4 channel and a mono sub amp), but they wouldn't fit according to the installer, so I ended up buying the JL unit.
The Good
. While I didn't do the wiring, it all fits together without any modifications (except for the removal of the top screw bracket under the top tray). I've had it apart a few times to add new items and had no problem putting it all back together again.
. It sounds great! While I was disappointed I couldn't use my Rockford Fosgate Mono amp for the sub box (too big to fit under a seat), the output of the JL unit is plenty of power for me. Lots of bass - not like my 500 watt RF mono amp, but enough for my now older ears.
. Except for the item below about not being able to make Waze the default navigation app, I really like Android Auto and the ability to stream iHeartRadio, my police scanner app, Google Play, etc.
. I love having the Fire Stick option - I know, you arent suppose to watch movies while driving in the front seat, but I can and do throw up sports channels and the news from time to time.
The Not So Good
. The interface takes a bit of getting used to - there is a lot of poking around to be done to get everything working like you would expect. Instead of just simple buttons to do basic things, it seems like I spend a lot of time pressing option buttons. If you want to customize the sound, get out the manual and you may end up installing the Alpine TuneIt app on your phone. This isn't a plug and play stereo we're used to, with all the flexibility comes some effort.
. This isn't about the unit, but about Android Auto, the Navigation button continues to bring up Google Maps instead of Waze which is my preference. Even if I have Waze open in AA, if I go to music and then click on the navigation button, Maps get opened. Even after setting Waze as the default navigation app on my S7 Edge, it continues to open Maps. Hopefully Google will address this.
. I am not a fan of the Accessory Controller and regret buying it and having it installed. If I need to turn on the lights, I have to hit the Menu button, the Accessories button and then on the screen select the lights to turn on. I already purchased an a pillar switch kit with MicTuning switches that I will probably install in the next few weeks.
. If you look at the photo of the head unit, you'll see the top of the unit isn't flush with the console. I'm not sure why that is despite my best efforts to get it so. The right ride of the console pops up after a few minutes after being pressed in, I think its because the top bolt is removed to allow for all the wiring that goes in there, but it's annoying to me. I'm going to end up trying to figure out how to make it flush.
What's Next?
I'll add a backup camera, I just didn't like the Alpine solution that would remove the center hub of my wheels at the time, so skipped that part. I'll probably go with the Brand Motion solution that puts a camera inside the wheels, but was considering the license plate version even though its off to the side.
I've tried to cover my thoughts from the first week, if you have any questions, please ask,.
Alpine iLX-207 Head Unit w/ Maestro Controller, KAC-001 Accessory Controller, XM/Sirius module
JL HD905/4 Amplifier
JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System - Set of 2
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1L-2X12 2x12" subwoofer box
I had the shop install the speakers, amp and head unit while wiring up the KAC-001 to my light bar, front cubes and fog lights. After I got the Jeep back, I added the Sirius adaptor and an Amazon Fire stick to the unit myself.
The Setup
. Maestro Module. This plugs into the ODB-II port and gives you access to some of the system stuff. You can see tire pressure, a gauge panel and diagnostics if you trip something (I havent, so not sure how that works). I guess its kind of cool, but I havent really used it.
. Amazon Fire Stick. Adding the Fire Stick to have access to movies, live tv, etc was easy and took less than 30 minutes. Using a hot spot, I can use all of Amazon and the apps I downloaded. I have unlimited plans on both AT&T and Verizon to use. The sound through the stereo is great, although for movies you'll end up at a volume level around 30 at times, so be careful when you switch to something else. There is an HDMI source option you select. I bought the stick with voice and even with the device in the dash (pushed into an area to the right side by the vents) the remote works fine. You will want to use an extension cable as the one that comes with the stick isnt long enough IMO. I bought a 6' cable, but thats more than you need, if you can get a 1' extension cord, then go for it. I went longer not being sure if I could place it right there. I ran the USB cord back into the glove box where I have a dual smart usb port plugged into the lighter. The remote fits perfectly in the little net area in front of the shifter.
. Sirius module. This was also about a 30 minute install, the one thing that is a "gotcha" is that the antenna won't plug directly into the SXV300v1 module box. While the adapter is just $40 (and comes with 3 months free), I had to go back to the audio store to buy a $30 adapter to plug the Jeep satellite antenna into the Sirius module. Do yourself a favor and order it online and save a few bucks, they are around $15. Once it was wired up and I turned on the subscription, it worked right away.
. Accessory Controller. Looks just like in the promo page.
I did pay retail at the shop ($999) and then additional for the accessory module. I think the cost of the units was $1180 and the amp was $900. I got the speakers online off Amazon. Originally I was planning to use two RF amps I had (a 4 channel and a mono sub amp), but they wouldn't fit according to the installer, so I ended up buying the JL unit.
The Good
. While I didn't do the wiring, it all fits together without any modifications (except for the removal of the top screw bracket under the top tray). I've had it apart a few times to add new items and had no problem putting it all back together again.
. It sounds great! While I was disappointed I couldn't use my Rockford Fosgate Mono amp for the sub box (too big to fit under a seat), the output of the JL unit is plenty of power for me. Lots of bass - not like my 500 watt RF mono amp, but enough for my now older ears.
. Except for the item below about not being able to make Waze the default navigation app, I really like Android Auto and the ability to stream iHeartRadio, my police scanner app, Google Play, etc.
. I love having the Fire Stick option - I know, you arent suppose to watch movies while driving in the front seat, but I can and do throw up sports channels and the news from time to time.
The Not So Good
. The interface takes a bit of getting used to - there is a lot of poking around to be done to get everything working like you would expect. Instead of just simple buttons to do basic things, it seems like I spend a lot of time pressing option buttons. If you want to customize the sound, get out the manual and you may end up installing the Alpine TuneIt app on your phone. This isn't a plug and play stereo we're used to, with all the flexibility comes some effort.
. This isn't about the unit, but about Android Auto, the Navigation button continues to bring up Google Maps instead of Waze which is my preference. Even if I have Waze open in AA, if I go to music and then click on the navigation button, Maps get opened. Even after setting Waze as the default navigation app on my S7 Edge, it continues to open Maps. Hopefully Google will address this.
. I am not a fan of the Accessory Controller and regret buying it and having it installed. If I need to turn on the lights, I have to hit the Menu button, the Accessories button and then on the screen select the lights to turn on. I already purchased an a pillar switch kit with MicTuning switches that I will probably install in the next few weeks.
. If you look at the photo of the head unit, you'll see the top of the unit isn't flush with the console. I'm not sure why that is despite my best efforts to get it so. The right ride of the console pops up after a few minutes after being pressed in, I think its because the top bolt is removed to allow for all the wiring that goes in there, but it's annoying to me. I'm going to end up trying to figure out how to make it flush.
What's Next?
I'll add a backup camera, I just didn't like the Alpine solution that would remove the center hub of my wheels at the time, so skipped that part. I'll probably go with the Brand Motion solution that puts a camera inside the wheels, but was considering the license plate version even though its off to the side.
I've tried to cover my thoughts from the first week, if you have any questions, please ask,.