JL Audio Stealthbox Installed

techguy926 · Feb 25, 2021

I've actually already posted this in reply on another threat but wanted to post alone so people wouldn't have to dig into multiple pages to find it. I installed the JL Audio Stealthbox with 2 - 10" (Part # SB-D-5GRAMCCR/10TW3) in my TRX. I ordered the parts from Crutchfield and spent around $1900. List of parts I ordered below. I went with the JL Audio XD600/1 amp because you can purchase adapters to tap the speakers without the need for Line Output Converter since its basically built into the amp. Also, it uses the taps to signal the amp to turn on so no need to run an additional cable to fuse box or amp under the drivers seat.

For install be ready for some work, you have to remove the rear seats completely to mount the box. Running power cable through firewall by the neutral release pull and down the drivers side under the trim is fairly easy. I used a ground bolt in the middle rear area that was already there along with disconnecting the factor sub and using that as my speaker tap.

All in all I'm very happy and the bass is amazing but the ANC (Auto Noise Cancellation) mics do NOT play well with aftermarket subs. I get humming and some issues with the ANC system trying to filter in white noise to make the cabin quieter. There are companies out there that make bypasses for the ANC system that are plug in play like this one:

https://lljcustoms.com/store/ols/products/2019-ram-anc-bypass

Which I'm currently waiting for mine to arrive and hopefully that will take away that problem and everything will be perfect!

JL Audio Stealthbox - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
JL Audio XD600/1 Amp - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698604/JL-Audio-XD600-1v2.html
JL Audio RCA/Speaker Taps - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XDCLR2S/JL-Audio-XD-CLRAIC2-SW.html
*Note - you only need to use one if tapping the sub and use the Left channel on the amp or use a Y RCA splitter to plug into both for the amp. Comes straight from the JL Audio amp user guide.

Outside of the list above, just need a 4 ga wiring kit, RCA cable, RCA Y splitter cable and some time. Took about 6-8 hours.

Jackson · Feb 25, 2021

Great info! Okay.... Tell me more about the feedback you're getting? I must not understand the auto noise cancelling system built into the truck. You're getting humming through the subs?

Nice looking install by the way!

J

techguy926 · Feb 25, 2021

Yeah

Jackson said:
Great info! Okay.... Tell me more about the feedback you're getting? I must not understand the auto noise cancelling system built into the truck. You're getting humming through the subs?

Nice looking install by the way!

J

Yeah, at startup there is an audible hum in the subs sounding in sync with the exhaust almost. Thats the most annoying one, other than that there can be distortion from the ANC trying to compensate because it hears so much bass and tries to compensate for that also. I have the JL Bass Boost control knob too so I can alleviate that but gets annoying messing with so often.

Jackson · Feb 25, 2021

Are you sure it's not feedback from the grounding of your amp? I don't mean to second guess you, just curious if you have a feedback loop. I wasn't sure from your description of the install if you had the shortest possible ground and directly to the chassis.

J

techguy926 · Feb 25, 2021

Jackson said:
Are you sure it's not feedback from the grounding of your amp? I don't mean to second guess you, just curious if you have a feedback loop. I wasn't sure from your description of the install if you had the shortest possible ground and directly to the chassis.

J

Honestly it is possible, I'm using a ground on a bolt that was used by another ground in the rear. I'll have to take a look and see if I can try another source for the ground. It was easiest because it right by the back of the seats and amp.

RetroShop · Feb 25, 2021

The ANC system is your issue. I've had 2 trucks with it, and subs.....get the bypass for it and you'll be set.

thewrx · Feb 27, 2021

So that entire underseat enclosure is the sub box?

thats pretty clean if so, just needs a shroud over that amp that still allows airflow.

2crazy2stop · Mar 2, 2021

Looks great, that will be one of my 1st upgrades when I finally get my truck...been waiting over 6 months at this point...

IA_TRX · Mar 17, 2021

@techguy926 I'm eagerly awaiting to hear whether or not the ANC bypass resolves your issue.

ekaz · Mar 17, 2021

PAC Audio makes a bypass as well, didn't click on the link, not sure if its the same one

Jackson · Mar 17, 2021

Did y'all see my note about removing the #1 and #6 pin out of the wiring harness to cancel the factory mics?

I think it's on my truck thread but can't remember. I'll get deets and post them again.

J

Superbrowndude · Mar 17, 2021

techguy926 said:
I've actually already posted this in reply on another threat but wanted to post alone so people wouldn't have to dig into multiple pages to find it. I installed the JL Audio Stealthbox with 2 - 10" (Part # SB-D-5GRAMCCR/10TW3) in my TRX. I ordered the parts from Crutchfield and spent around $1900. List of parts I ordered below. I went with the JL Audio XD600/1 amp because you can purchase adapters to tap the speakers without the need for Line Output Converter since its basically built into the amp. Also, it uses the taps to signal the amp to turn on so no need to run an additional cable to fuse box or amp under the drivers seat.

For install be ready for some work, you have to remove the rear seats completely to mount the box. Running power cable through firewall by the neutral release pull and down the drivers side under the trim is fairly easy. I used a ground bolt in the middle rear area that was already there along with disconnecting the factor sub and using that as my speaker tap.

All in all I'm very happy and the bass is amazing but the ANC (Auto Noise Cancellation) mics do NOT play well with aftermarket subs. I get humming and some issues with the ANC system trying to filter in white noise to make the cabin quieter. There are companies out there that make bypasses for the ANC system that are plug in play like this one:

https://lljcustoms.com/store/ols/products/2019-ram-anc-bypass

Which I'm currently waiting for mine to arrive and hopefully that will take away that problem and everything will be perfect!

JL Audio Stealthbox - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
JL Audio XD600/1 Amp - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698604/JL-Audio-XD600-1v2.html
JL Audio RCA/Speaker Taps - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XDCLR2S/JL-Audio-XD-CLRAIC2-SW.html
*Note - you only need to use one if tapping the sub and use the Left channel on the amp or use a Y RCA splitter to plug into both for the amp. Comes straight from the JL Audio amp user guide.

Outside of the list above, just need a 4 ga wiring kit, RCA cable, RCA Y splitter cable and some time. Took about 6-8 hours.

Thanks for posting this!

techguy926 · Mar 20, 2021

IA_TRX said:
@techguy926 I'm eagerly awaiting to hear whether or not the ANC bypass resolves your issue.

The bypass I ordered did work and does take out the sub drone at startup and while on the highway from the ANC mics. I'm still having a few issues but thinking I just need to toggle a few things but overall its great!

IA_TRX · Mar 20, 2021

techguy926 said:
The bypass I ordered did work and does take out the sub drone at startup and while on the highway from the ANC mics. I'm still having a few issues but thinking I just need to toggle a few things but overall its great!

Thanks for the update. What issues are you still having? Once somebody's confirmed an issue-free solution I'll pull the trigger.

fireman603 · Mar 21, 2021

Jackson said:
Did y'all see my note about removing the #1 and #6 pin out of the wiring harness to cancel the factory mics?

I think it's on my truck thread but can't remember. I'll get deets and post them again.

J

So does removing the factory mics disable the hands free calling from the uconnect?

Jackson · Mar 21, 2021

fireman603 said:
So does removing the factory mics disable the hands free calling from the uconnect?

Great question but no. The hands free operation still works well.

J

techguy926 · Mar 27, 2021

IA_TRX said:
Thanks for the update. What issues are you still having? Once somebody's confirmed an issue-free solution I'll pull the trigger.

I think it has more to do with the quality of the LineOut Converter built into JL's amps...its just some subtle issues like sub popping a bit when turning the volume up quickly and its catching some bass on highs when it shouldn't but its very minimal but overall the system is great.

Jackson · Mar 27, 2021

Did you reground the amp to the frame of the truck? I’ve never had issue with the JL audio step downs so I’ll be surprised if that is your issue. There’s something else going on in my opinion.
Do you have a flat signal leaving the head unit? Your factory speakers should be able to play that without clipping.