FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Had my 2014 Journey R/T a little over a week and I am pretty happy with it. When I test drove it, they didn't have my car on the lot, so I drove a different one without the "premium" Alpine sound package in it. I thought the radio sounded good in that one, so the next day when I got mt R/T, I didn't even bother trying out the stereo. I figured, hey if the stock radio sounds good, then the premium package has to sound even better. Well, I wish I had listened, because I honestly wouldn't have purchased my car. I couldn't be more disappointed in an audio system. The bass, even with the 8" sub in back, is non existent. I have the bass turned all of the way up on the receiver, and there is still barely any bass from the speakers, or the sub in back. My wife has a '14 Dart with the standard audio, and it literally sounds 10x better. If you were to listen to both of our vehicles, you would swear she had the premium audio and I had the base crap audio. So yesterday, in hopes to fix my problem, I installed new speakers, hoping for more output. These speakers sound exactly the same, no additional bass at all. So this leads me to the next obvious issue, the amplifier. The crossovers in the Alpine amplifier have to be set in such a way that they are cancelling out basically all of the bass frequencies from the speakers. I can't handle this. I can't own a car for the next 3 years with poor audio quality. I want to return this damn car, I'm so upset about it. How you can call this a premium sound option blows my mind. Honestly, the stock speakers in my 02 Aztek I had before this car sound ten times better. But I digress. Is there a way to bypass the premium amplifier? If I have to install my own amplifier, I'm fine with that. Is there a harness I can purchase where the factory wiring harness going into the amplifier can unplug from the amp, plug into the new harness, and I can run signal from there into my new amp? I had purchased the Audio Control LQ2i in order to install an amp for a new subwoofer, however this has only 2 channels of output. Any ideas? In summary, I want to replace my factory amplifier without cutting wires since it is a lease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 So after doing some reading around multiple message boards and websites, I have come up with the following solution I think will work fine for my end goal. Bypassing the factory amp doesn't seem like an option. PAC makes a unit that could have possibly done this, but in turn you would lose bass/mid/treb control at the radio itself, which is a big deal. Ultimately, I've decided to go with the Audio Control LC7i. It installs after the OEM amplifier. The feature that sold me on it was the internal channel summing. Since my biggest complaint with the OEM amplifier was the obvious crossover settings that totally eliminated lower frequencies (and therefore eliminated bass) from all speakers except the (terrible) sub in back, the internal channel summing will bring all of those channels together, and bypass the xover in the OEM amp. So, LC7i to bypass (but not remove) the factory amp, a 5 channel amp to power my main speakers and my new subwoofer. Now, my next question is, does anyone know the color codes of the wiring coming into the amplifier? Would be nice to know what wires go to what speakers and whatnot. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedeyeJedi Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 So wait...you base your vehicle purchase on sound quality?? ** Im happy if my radio can drown out the kids ** jkeaton, 2late4u and rolly 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Check crutchfield. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 So wait...you base your vehicle purchase on sound quality?? ** Im happy if my radio can drown out the kids ** If I have to pay over $1000 more for a premium audio feature that doesn't sound as good as the base audio system, then yes, that is something that would make me not want a vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Check crutchfield. I was under the impression you can only get diagrams if you purchase from them? Also, I've never heard of them having PIN connector diagrams. Correct me if I'm wrong, I would love to be able to locate these! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedeyeJedi Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 If I have to pay over $1000 more for a premium audio feature that doesn't sound as good as the base audio system, then yes, that is something that would make me not want a vehicle. I hear ya, I "upgraded" my charger to the MyGig BS system, that plays DVD's (in park only) and Navigation that works in (park only). Worst money spent ever. So this time I didn't get suckered into a bunch of useless crap. No backup camera, I have 3 working mirrors, and I know how to use them. Didn't get the "full leather", two tone is fine. No upgraded sound, factory upgraded sound is still sub par to almost any aftermarket system (even a cheap one). No navigation, not dealing with that crap again, or having to talk to a voice recognition system....I have google maps on my phone, it works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 (edited) I hear ya, I "upgraded" my charger to the MyGig BS system, that plays DVD's (in park only) and Navigation that works in (park only). Worst money spent ever. So this time I didn't get suckered into a bunch of useless crap. No backup camera, I have 3 working mirrors, and I know how to use them. Didn't get the "full leather", two tone is fine. No upgraded sound, factory upgraded sound is still sub par to almost any aftermarket system (even a cheap one). No navigation, not dealing with that crap again, or having to talk to a voice recognition system....I have google maps on my phone, it works great. It's a joke, really. I like having the navigation, the back up camera is a cute little commodity that is a great show off piece, but is rarely used. They didn't have an R/T without the premium sound, or I wouldn't have gotten it. I've always been really big into car audio up until a few years ago. I know the kind of system you can get for 1/4 of the price of one of these "premium" audio systems. The thing that puts me over the edge though is the fact that my wife's Dart, with the base speakers, has soooo much better bass output than my car does. If you had told me she had a premium system with 8" subwoofer, I'd believe it. My Journey basically sounds like I have tweeters in the car, and all of my bass coming from a 3.5" speaker located somewhere under a seat. Edited June 27, 2014 by FFemerson RedeyeJedi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedeyeJedi Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I was debating between a 2014 Mercedes GLK and the 2014 DJ ( I know, big difference ). The GLK was stickered at just over 42k for basically a base model with minor upgrades. That being said, it was standard with "pleather", tiny in dash screen that was basically a radio display, no available 3rd row seats ( no room for it ) but did have standard AWD (4-matic). You wanna talk about let downs, that vehicle was unimpressive for the price. EVERYTHING is an upgrade, and a big money one at that. You want real leather? Shell out another $1850. Want an actual radio? How about a sunroof, auto dimming mirrors and a built in garage door opener ( standard on crossroads ) That'll be another $3650 with Benz. Rear view camera with a whopping 7" screen, voice control, and navigation? Another $3000.... So it was really a no brainer. The features included on a DJ were just better. There was no "wow" factor with the MB, and for the money they're asking, there should be. The ride quality wasn't even that good. For over 50k my butt should feel like its floating on a pillow. The DJ actually had a nicer ride quality, more features and roughly half the price. Theres a couple things im not a fan of, but not gonna lose any sleep over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I love my Journey so far. I'd rather pay $31k for every feature available (minus the sunroof) than $42k for a base model, where you are basically just paying for a name. Only things I don't like is this terrible audio system, and the gas mileage so far isn't too impressive. But besides that, I'm happy. The interior layout is my favorite by far, it is just an expensive looking vehicle inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedeyeJedi Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I love my Journey so far. I'd rather pay $31k for every feature available (minus the sunroof) than $42k for a base model, where you are basically just paying for a name. Only things I don't like is this terrible audio system, and the gas mileage so far isn't too impressive. But besides that, I'm happy. The interior layout is my favorite by far, it is just an expensive looking vehicle inside. For some reason, gas mileage gets better with time. First few tanks sucked for me, now we're averaging 21'ish and that's mostly around town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I was under the impression you can only get diagrams if you purchase from them? Also, I've never heard of them having PIN connector diagrams. Correct me if I'm wrong, I would love to be able to locate these! They give you everything needed to install an aftermarket head unit or speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FFemerson Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 They give you everything needed to install an aftermarket head unit or speakers. Yeah, but I'm not buying anything from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecrazyfoo4u Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 You should check with the dealer. I recall hearing some issues in the past that the stock amplifier wasn't actually turning on or working. See if there's an issue with the stock system first at the dealer. I have the "premium" audio as well, and you can still hear some decent bass. Of course it's pathetic compared to most systems, but it's at least something. Your amp may need replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B4ZINGA Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 FWIW, we have two Journeys (my 2014 R/T Rallye AWD with Alpine audio and my other half's 2014 SXT Blacktop 2.4L FWD with base audio) and my Alpine system has a lot more bass to it. I feel like there could certainly be more, but when my show vehicle (2002 Chrysler 300M Special) has a completely upgraded audio system with custom 6.5" Infinity Kappa components front and rear, Infinity Kappa Perfect 10" subwoofers, Kenwood 400w 4-channel amp, Infinity 600w 2-channel, RF 3SIXTY.3 DSP, and a Nexus 7 in place of the radio... I can't really trust my own judgements for audio. In all probability, my Alpine system in my Journey probably would more than satisfy the majority of consumers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journeyman425 Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 I have to say that I'm kind of mystified by the number of complaints on the audio system. I find the sound to be clear, articulated and relatively natural - with the right source material. My biggest disappointment was with the quality of the satellite radio. This is my first experience with it and the quality is terrible, but researching the issue about compression of satellite bandwith has answered that question - not that I'm happy about it, but at least I understand. But, with a CD or with my phone connected via USB, I find the sound to be quite excellent. If I had one complaint, it's that it won't play loudly enough - there are times when I really want to crank it up but the output is electronically limited. I'm not one to drive an amp into clipping, but let me have the option of doing so rather than blocking it altogether. Now, about the wiring connectors - try this: AMPLIFIER-RADIO C1 Harness Family: Body Cavities: 40 Color: NATURAL Gender: FEMALE Part Description: 13592526 Engineering Name: Mod_Audio_Amplifier_12_Ch_8_Ch Connector No: D3804A Option: Standard Available Views: Location View Pin Circuit Wire Color Gauge/Size Function Option 1 Z908 BK/GY 1 GROUND 1 Z908 BK/GY 16 GROUND 1 Z908 BK/PK 16 GROUND 2 D467 GY/DB .35 CAN(+) PRIVATE BUS FOR AUDIO TELEMATICS 2 D467 GY/DB 22 CAN(+) PRIVATE BUS FOR AUDIO TELEMATICS 3 NO N/A No Connect 4 X51 DG/DB .50 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (+) 4 X51 DG/DB 20 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (+) 5 X52 GY/DB .50 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (+) 5 X52 GY/DB 20 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (+) 6 X53 DG .50 RADIO LEFT FRONT AUDIO (+) 6 X53 DG 20 RADIO LEFT FRONT AUDIO (+) 7 X54 GY .50 RADIO RIGHT FRONT AUDIO (+) 7 X54 GY 20 RADIO RIGHT FRONT AUDIO (+) 8 X298 GY/LG .80 AMPLIFIED RIGHT I/P SPEAKER (-) 8 X298 GY/LG 18 AMPLIFIED RIGHT I/P SPEAKER (-) 9 X299 GY/YL .80 AMPLIFIED LEFT I/P SPEAKER (-) 9 X299 GY/YL 18 AMPLIFIED LEFT I/P SPEAKER (-) 10 NO N/A No Connect 11 NO N/A No Connect 12 A931 RD 1 FUSED B(+) 12 A931 RD 12 FUSED B(+) 12 A931 RD 16 FUSED B(+) 13 D466 GY/YL .35 CAN(-) PRIVATE BUS FOR AUDIO TELEMATICS 13 D466 GY/YL 22 CAN(-) PRIVATE BUS FOR AUDIO TELEMATICS 14 NO N/A No Connect 15 X57 DG/OR .50 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (-) 15 X57 DG/OR 20 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (-) 16 X58 GY/OR .50 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (-) 16 X58 GY/OR 20 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (-) 17 X55 DG/BR .50 RADIO LEFT FRONT AUDIO (-) 17 X55 DG/BR 20 RADIO LEFT FRONT AUDIO (-) 18 X56 GY/BR .50 RADIO RIGHT FRONT AUDIO (-) 18 X56 GY/BR 20 RADIO RIGHT FRONT AUDIO (-) 19 X208 GY/DG .80 AMPLIFIED RIGHT I/P SPEAKER (+) 19 X208 GY/DG 18 AMPLIFIED RIGHT I/P SPEAKER (+) 20 X209 GY/OR .80 AMPLIFIED LEFT I/P SPEAKER (+) 20 X209 GY/OR 18 AMPLIFIED LEFT I/P SPEAKER (+) 21 NO N/A No Connect 22 NO N/A No Connect AMPLIFIER-RADIO C2 Harness Family: Body Cavities: 28 Color: BLACK Gender: FEMALE Part Description: 175966-2 Engineering Name: Mod_Audio_Amplifier_12_Ch_8_Ch Connector No: D3804B Option: Standard Available Views: Location View Pin Circuit Wire Color Gauge/Size Function Option 1 NO N/A No Connect 2 NO N/A No Connect 3 X301 GY/WT .80 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 2 (+) 3 X301 GY/WT 18 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 2 (+) 4 X206 DG/LG .80 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (+) 4 X206 DG/LG 18 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (+) 5 X295 GY/DG .80 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (-) 5 X295 GY/DG 18 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (-) 6 X390 DG/BR .80 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 1 (-) 6 X390 DG/BR 18 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 1 (-) 7 X202 DG/VT .80 RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER (+) 7 X202 DG/VT 18 RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER (+) 8 X201 GY/VT .80 LEFT FRONT SPEAKER (+) 8 X201 GY/VT 18 LEFT FRONT SPEAKER (+) 9 NO N/A No Connect 10 NO N/A No Connect 11 X391 DG/WT .80 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 2 (-) 11 X391 DG/WT 18 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 2 (-) 12 X296 DG/GY .80 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (-) 12 X296 DG/GY 18 RIGHT REAR SPEAKER (-) 13 X205 GY/LG .80 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (+) 13 X205 GY/LG 18 LEFT REAR SPEAKER (+) 14 X300 GY/BR .80 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 1 (+) 14 X300 GY/BR 18 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER 1 (+) 15 X292 DG/YL .80 RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER (-) 15 X292 DG/YL 18 RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER (-) 16 X291 GY/YL .80 LEFT FRONT SPEAKER (-) 16 X291 GY/YL 18 LEFT FRONT SPEAKER (-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journeyman425 Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 When I copy and paste from the dealer website to this forum, it kind of jumbles the info together - must be a copyright issue - sorry. I tried to save the image to my desktop and then load it to Photobucket but that didn't work either. Hope this helps somewhat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milous Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 When I copy and paste from the dealer website to this forum, it kind of jumbles the info together Use "Print to PDF" (see attached file). 2014_JC_Amp_Pinouts_01.pdf Mcgusto82 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqua Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 I would have taken it back to the dealer and tell them you have a issue, when they say they don't hear anything tell them they are right you can't hear the bass, but all kidding aside I would take the trip to them espcially after paying a extra 1000$ for the up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhh3 Posted October 9, 2014 Report Share Posted October 9, 2014 I was debating between a 2014 Mercedes GLK and the 2014 DJ ( I know, big difference ). The GLK was stickered at just over 42k for basically a base model with minor upgrades. That being said, it was standard with "pleather", tiny in dash screen that was basically a radio display, no available 3rd row seats ( no room for it ) but did have standard AWD (4-matic). You wanna talk about let downs, that vehicle was unimpressive for the price. EVERYTHING is an upgrade, and a big money one at that. You want real leather? Shell out another $1850. Want an actual radio? How about a sunroof, auto dimming mirrors and a built in garage door opener ( standard on crossroads ) That'll be another $3650 with Benz. Rear view camera with a whopping 7" screen, voice control, and navigation? Another $3000.... So it was really a no brainer. The features included on a DJ were just better. There was no "wow" factor with the MB, and for the money they're asking, there should be. The ride quality wasn't even that good. For over 50k my butt should feel like its floating on a pillow. The DJ actually had a nicer ride quality, more features and roughly half the price. Theres a couple things im not a fan of, but not gonna lose any sleep over it. My 2014 Crossroad did not come with a sunroof, auto dimming mirrors (except the one inside) and a built in garage door opener. These must be options. My garage door opener clips fine to the sunvisor, and since I keep the Heat/AC on auto, I don't need a sunroof. In fact, I never even open the windows. Excellent system. As far as music, I added 4 6x9 Alpine 2-way speakers to my stock system and the sound is 100% better. Now I am looking for the underseat amplified sub that Kicker makes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobitz68 Posted October 9, 2014 Report Share Posted October 9, 2014 My 2014 Crossroad did not come with a sunroof, auto dimming mirrors (except the one inside) and a built in garage door opener. These must be options. My garage door opener clips fine to the sunvisor, and since I keep the Heat/AC on auto, I don't need a sunroof. In fact, I never even open the windows. Excellent system. As far as music, I added 4 6x9 Alpine 2-way speakers to my stock system and the sound is 100% better. Now I am looking for the underseat amplified sub that Kicker makes. This sub is specific to the DJ, or are you just talking about one designed for under seat use that is not vehicle specific? dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwin99 Posted December 24, 2014 Report Share Posted December 24, 2014 I'm in agreement with those who believe the components of the "premium audio system" is neutered, and having read most of the posts I haven't seen any positive outcome. Has anyone actually done anything on/about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcgusto82 Posted December 28, 2014 Report Share Posted December 28, 2014 Use "Print to PDF" (see attached file). NICE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhh3 Posted December 28, 2014 Report Share Posted December 28, 2014 (edited) This sub is specific to the DJ, or are you just talking about one designed for under seat use that is not vehicle specific? Universal - made to fit in tight spaces. It will even fit under my powered seat. I'm even thinking about getting a system amp. I think that Alpine makes a small one, but with good power numbers Edited December 28, 2014 by dhh3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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