'05 audio upgrade ideas

[sbryan]

I have an '05 with the stock (basic) radio and speakers (non-JBL). I want to upgrade the system (speakers & HU) to improve the sound. Don't much care about NAV or video, just want improved sound from stock. Crutchfield says they don't have speakers that fit the front doors (too shallow) but obviously you guys and gals have solved that problem. So give me your favorite mods - convince me about your favorite upgrade. I don't want to take up cargo/nook and cranny space for a SW or amps so if you think I need to add amps/SW they need to go under a seat or some where else - I need all the rear space for storage. Hit me with your best shot folks!:bowdown:

 

[Koz]

I have an '05 with the stock (basic) radio and speakers (non-JBL). I want to upgrade the system (speakers & HU) to improve the sound. Don't much care about NAV or video, just want improved sound from stock. Crutchfield says they don't have speakers that fit the front doors (too shallow) but obviously you guys and gals have solved that problem. So give me your favorite mods - convince me about your favorite upgrade. I don't want to take up cargo/nook and cranny space for a SW or amps so if you think I need to add amps/SW they need to go under a seat or some where else - I need all the rear space for storage. Hit me with your best shot folks!:bowdown:

You can improve your sound by replacing the radio with a inexpensive Scion unit (under $100). Many are very happy with this unit.

Koz

 

[sbryan]

Re: Re: '05 audio upgrade ideas

You can improve your sound by replacing the radio with a inexpensive Scion unit (under $100). Many are very happy with this unit.

Koz

Does the Scion use a separate amp like the JBL system or does the head unit also furnish the power? Do you know what kind of power the Scion unit puts out?

 

[colo4runner]

Since you asked, here are my suggestions..

speaker size for front and back are 6.5" - Go listen to Alpine's new R series speakers - the 17LP's.

Then, for the amp, consider Alpine's 4 channel v power amp - the f240 - will have plenty of clean power and it is relatively small, will fit under the passenger seat.

For an inexpensive deck that has plenty of preouts and satellite ready, take a look at Alpine's deck- cda9847, or if you want more equalizer options, go with the next models up. Kenwood is another option for the deck, but I think the Alpine's are more user friendly.

You will be hard pressed to find better sounding 6.5" speakers than the R series, 17LP's.

I have been shopping for awhile myself, and will be going with the above system.

I would avoid the three or (more) way speakers they have these days. The signal is split too much, and Alpine's new r series will blow away any comparable size speaker ( (from what I have listened to). I would go with the Apline component R series speakers for the front if you wanted the separate tweeter.

My 2 cents - good luck with your decision - you can't go wrong with the above set up, especially if you want to save space with the amp. Go listen to them, they sound awesome.

 

[sbryan]

Since you asked, here are my suggestions..

speaker size for front and back are 6.5" - Go listen to Alpine's new R series speakers - the 17LP's.

Will these fit in the front door? Crutchfield says they have nothing that will fit which I don't really believe, but I haven't heard much from folks so far who have actually swapped out the OEM's. Thanks. Good recs. I like Alpine a lot.

 

[GYoter]

Re: Re: Re: '05 audio upgrade ideas

Does the Scion use a separate amp like the JBL system or does the head unit also furnish the power? Do you know what kind of power the Scion unit puts out?

Its got the amps in the HU, rated at 160 watts. Not sure if that rating is peak or RMS tho. It did make a big difference in sound with the stock speakers, especially with the addition of a amp/sub. If you are looking to add a sub without taking too much space you can check out the JL Audio stealthbox, but it is big $$$$.

 

[Koz]

Re: Re: Re: '05 audio upgrade ideas

Does the Scion use a separate amp like the JBL system or does the head unit also furnish the power? Do you know what kind of power the Scion unit puts out?

The Scion unit is Plug n Play for replacing non-JBL.

Koz

 

[colo4runner]

try a search on here on speaker size. I think that is where I saw the 6.5" speaker size - many of the guys on here also had photos, etc. I also had two places - ulitmate electronics here in Denver - very large chain, and best buy both tell me they would be 6.5" speakers. Neither one mentioned a concern of the 6.5" speakers when I was ready to buy.

Here is a link to one of the posts. Not sure if the adapted is needed or not, but will work. here is the thread

 

[sbryan]

try a search on here on speaker size. I think that is where I saw the 6.5" speaker size - many of the guys on here also had photos, etc. I also had two places - ulitmate electronics here in Denver - very large chain, and best buy both tell me they would be 6.5" speakers. Neither one mentioned a concern of the 6.5" speakers when I was ready to buy.

Here is a link to one of the posts. Not sure if the adapted is needed or not, but will work. here is the thread

Thanks. Interesting thread. Sounds like the OEM basic speakers are a glued-in, molded unit. No wonder they don't sound too hot .

 

[wrs]

Speaker sizes...

Do a search for "speaker enclosures" on the site...been there done that...I have the scoop on the speakers and can guide you on the ins and outs on the other components for an 05.

 

[sbryan]

Re: Speaker sizes...

Do a search for "speaker enclosures" on the site...been there done that...I have the scoop on the speakers and can guide you on the ins and outs on the other components for an 05.

Hey WRS,
Thanks for the offer. I may well take you up on it. So far I'm thinking 6.5" Infinities as speakers but perhaps the Quarks. Got to do a bit more research. Head unit? Still thinking on that one. The Eclipse is sounding awfully nice but a bit pricey. So many toys, so little time!:jester:
Shawn

 

[wrs]

You did mention you have a Sport

I have the SR5 they may be a little different but all in all I think they have the same seat bolt patterns etc.

I will also learn from your install.

I am still cleaning up my install. Building a better fuse block mount etc. I think the type of sound you like I.E. Base or highs will lead you to what you yourself will prefer. I went to a Tweeters to listen a variety of speakers..they had the best selection. Be sure to listen before you buy....there's a BIG difference in the sound of say 6.5" speakers from different manufacturers. I'll post the threads on the above mentioned thread for the rest of the installs after the holidays.

 

[tgrisham]

I modified my '05 4R in the following way. I added an USA Spec input through the CD changer input for my Sirius receiver, replaced the rear door speakers with Infinity components and put the tweeters on the post above and behind the rear seat passengers. I could never find an exact replacement for the front speakers because they are very shallow. However, the sound is very good! I will add a subwoofer and crossover the front speakers to direct the bass to the sub. I bought grills for the rear pillars but couldn't find a tweeter that would fit without extensive modifications. I did want to keep the functionality of the steering wheel controls and still don't trust the add-on controls to replace them. But, it is alot of fun, isn't it?

 

[wrs]

Sound Like if you've been buzzzy too...

The 1 1/2" mdf build up of the fronts will give you about 1" to make up in the door with some speakers (see pics in my post (Speaker Enclosures). I had a 2 1/4" depth PVC pipe in the front doors with no problemo and depth to spare with the Infinity Kappa Components. I have a 05 4runner myself...I had factory components in the front on the low end stereo. I'm not sure why you don't have something similar.

I passed on components in the back because I wanted rear fill w/zero tweeter sounds behind me (tweeters center). But to each their own...sounds like you have a good sound system for your wants....It is fun...

FYI

This is a web site for different types of speaker arrangements:

http://www.carstereo.com/help/speakers.cfm

 

[Bumpin' Yota]

Its got the amps in the HU, rated at 160 watts. Not sure if that rating is peak or RMS tho. It did make a big difference in sound with the stock speakers, especially with the addition of a amp/sub. If you are looking to add a sub without taking too much space you can check out the JL Audio stealthbox, but it is big $$$$.

That 160 is peak of course! Which really is kind of sad since the deck might be doing 15w rms across each channel....Still light years ahead of stock's ~4watts.

Hey WRS,
Thanks for the offer. I may well take you up on it. So far I'm thinking 6.5" Infinities as speakers but perhaps the Quarks. Got to do a bit more research. Head unit? Still thinking on that one. The Eclipse is sounding awfully nice but a bit pricey. So many toys, so little time!:jester:
Shawn

I own an Alpine CDA9835 (you know the 600 dollar one) a 9831, and a 7850. All I can say is BUY ECLIPSE!! Alpine's QC has really slipped as of late. Of those decks the 7850 sounds the best... Even Pioneer is slaughtering Alpine right now on quality. (I know I install the stuff on a daily basis...)


As far as speakers, the type R's do sound good however, for the money there is a LOT better out there. Do as much listening and shopping around as you can.

 

[MDRCD]

If it helps, my upgrades consisted of:

Alpine CDA 9835 (powering the rears); Alpine CHA -S634 Changer (in the glove box; with some cutting); MB Quart PCE 216s in the front (needed speaker plates); JL Evolution TR 650 CXi's in the rear (for fill); 2 JL 10w3v1s in the back (in JL spec box)

Powered by:
JL e2150 for the MB Quarts
JL e1400D for the 10W3sv1s

Two layers of Dynamat on all doors, the firewall,rear hatch, cargo floor, passenger rear panel, and two layers under the rear license plate.

The sound is super tight and clean.
I love the sound of the MB Quarts and have also considered putting in kickpanels to perfect the soundstage, but the only thing that deterred me is that you really need to custom build them for your vehicle to reap the full potential out of them and also to eliminate any rattle. All in all, I decided against because they would unlikely transfer and fit perfectly in a new vehicle. So, I have just recently considered replacing the MBs with Focal 165K2Ps to fill in slight frequencies missing.

 

[sbryan]

I own an Alpine CDA9835 (you know the 600 dollar one) a 9831, and a 7850. All I can say is BUY ECLIPSE!! Alpine's QC has really slipped as of late. Of those decks the 7850 sounds the best... Even Pioneer is slaughtering Alpine right now on quality. (I know I install the stuff on a daily basis...)


As far as speakers, the type R's do sound good however, for the money there is a LOT better out there. Do as much listening and shopping around as you can.

Hey Bump,
Thanks for the advice and info on Alpine. I was looking at Alpine HU's but am still leaning toward the Eclipse AVN nav unit because it seems to be a good fit, keeps existing controls without jury rigging and has good quality and power.
Shawn

 

[tp0908]

Front Door Speaker (2004 SR5)

I want to take a look at the speakers before I replace them. Where are positions of the screws for the door cover? I wanted to be sure that I removed all the screwes before prying off the cover - I might break something if there are remaining screws.

Thanks!!