NewKindOfClown

I'm gonna get my girl some stereo equipment for her 2004 WJ. I've never set up a system with an OEM amp or with steering wheel controls, and I want to make sure I order the right components.

We're satisfied with the speaker clarity and volume through the stock Infinity system, but she wants a sub and Bluetooth. I'm not familiar with steering wheel control adapters or line output converters, but here's what I'm looking at:

- Kenwood KDC-X599 deck
- Metra 99-6503 install bezel
- Metra 70-6502 wiring adapter
- Metra 40-CR10 antenna adapter
- Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel control adapter (confirmed to work w/vehicle and deck)
- Sub to be determined
- Mono amp to be determined

I understand a Line Output Converter is required to wire a sub+amp to the OEM head unit, but I don't think I'll need one if I install the Kenwood.

Can I install the Kenwood deck, use the Metra wiring harness into the OEM radio harness (in the dash), so speaker audio still passes through the stock Infinity amp? Then use the Subwoofer pre-amps on the Kenwood to hook up a separate mono amp for the sub.

Thoughts?
And is there any reason why I should NOT install the sub in the spare tire cavity?

abe froman

re: adding bluetooth/sub

i've been out of the car audio game for awhile so not really up on all of the new interfaces and such but your plan seems like it should work. might be worth paying a few extra $$ and ordering from crutchfield as they're known for pretty good customer service and tech support. or just call them and say, "i'm thinking of ordering..." and they'll probably get you a tech specialist to answer questions on how the adapter works and where the factory infinity amp(s) receive a signal from.

correct, no need for a line out converter when using an aftermarket deck.

alternatively, have you looked for a bluetooth adapter that could be wired direct to the factory head unit? if that adapter is available, it'd be the simpler approach although then you might need the line output converter depending on the inputs of your sub/amp combo. i think they make alot of these exclusive to iphones but not sure about android compatibility or if that's an issue. pretty sure you've mentioned being an android user but not sure about your gf.

sub should work fine from the spare tire cavity if it's nice and dry...bass might be somewhat muted...or vibrate the spare tire cover. only one way to find out. you might want to consider using a free air/infinite baffle sub (i think there are a few companies still making these) mounted into the cover for the spare tire...so the basket of the woofer would hang down into the tire cavity and eliminate the need for a box if you're trying to save space. then just put a grill guard over the sub to protect it. that's getting slightly exotic though and would suggest mucho research before rolling the dice on it.

if looking to save space the infinity basslink is pretty small and i've heard nothing but good things about it. supposed to hit pretty hard for an all in one sub.

perhaps not the exact answers you're looking for but some things to consider.

abe froman

scratch that thought on using a free air sub in the spare tire well...should have googled it before suggesting it.

Fred/N0AZZ

If I might suggest one thing I have the same setup in my 04 WJ and for the answers I would call Best Buy car audio dept and ask them about the head unit. Or check online first if they sell the other items if so then call about what you need to "Order" on line to get the correct items. If not call Crutchfield to find the correct answers before you order anywhere.


I do this because I hate having to return wrong items and reorder, just what I do being no one answered you.

NewKindOfClown

That's a good reminder

My local Best Buy does have a good audio group, and there's a local audio shop that I have a good relationship with. Plus, I'm ordering from Crutchfield.

I didn't think about asking them, but I will

Fred/N0AZZ

That should make your girl a nice system for sure. Yes over the years have ordered so many things I thought were correct only to find they were not I triple check anymore. Shame you have to get old to learn a lesion