3rd gen speaker upgrade questions

[skywalker1020]

I have a 1999 T4R limited. I have replaced the factory double-din head unit with a low-level Pioneer cd player. I believe it has 50 watts x 4 channels. I upgraded mainly to have an auxilary input and usb/iPod input on the face.
Currently the sound begins to distort at medium volume. I would like to be able to turn the stereo up a bit more before the sound begins to distort. I am considering replacing the speakers.
Lots of questions:
I think that the stock front speakers are 6.75 inch separates with the tweeter on the inside of the side mirror piece. Correct?
I think the rear speakers are 5.25 inch speakers with no separate tweeter. Correct?
If I shine a flashlight through the grill of the front door speakers, the speaker cone is a metallic blue color, and appears to be a two-way speaker. Is this an aftermarket speaker? (I am the 4th owner.)
If I buy replacement speakers, should I get 6.75 inch separates for the front and 5.25 inch two-ways for the rear?
I am no audiophile, and want to keep the budget low. Again, I just want to be able to turn the stereo up a bit louder before it begins to distort.
What should I expect to spend on speakers that will make a bit of difference?
What speakers are good for the money?
Is there a better source than Crutchfield for speakers?
Is there anything else worth the money to improve the sound (e.g. Dynamat)?
Thanks for any help.

 

[MTDewX8]

I have done the same thing with the HU.

and have the same questions.

I did read that is prefered to run a 12g wire from the batter with a 25amp fuse for the power.

speaker wire if you feel inclined too.

I am still in the researching phase and that is all I know so far.

will be watching the advise as its given.

best of luck

 

[skywalker1020]

Come on people! I know you love to give advice! Help me out!

After looking deeper into the Audio & Electronics section, I see that the rear speakers are 4". It looks like some people have replaced them with 5.25" two-ways, and some have used 6.5" two-ways. Is it just as easy to install a 6.5" speaker in the rear door?

Also, if I am not using an amp, are the stock speaker wires good enough for the aftermarket HU and speakers? I think changing the speaker wires would double the time and effort on the install.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Baja Runner]

Interested in this myself.

I just want to replace the front speakers right now. I have a nice JVC head unit, but want some new speakers.

I measured the stock speakers and they are 6" from what I can tell, and I am assuming I can use 6.5" speakers.

I just want to use the stock speaker wires. What do I look for when buying? I'm on Crutchfield right now browsing. I dont know if I need 2 way, 3 way, etc?

 

[BrianSD_42]

I believe it has 50 watts x 4 channels.

More like 15W RMS per channel. The keyword here is RMS.

If you want quality sound you will need to get an aftermarket amplifier and put it under the front seat. Get something that is actually 50W RMS per channel and you will have really great sound.

The only head units that put out any decent current were the older Alpine V-Drive units @ 27W RMS and they stopped making them several years ago.

After looking deeper into the Audio & Electronics section, I see that the rear speakers are 4". It looks like some people have replaced them with 5.25" two-ways, and some have used 6.5" two-ways. Is it just as easy to install a 6.5" speaker in the rear door?

The factory rears are 4" speakers (terrible) but you can fit much larger in the hole, even cut it a bit yourself. Buy $25 worth of dynamat rubber to cover any gaps in the meter / make a gasket.

I have 6x9 in the back and the rear window hits at the last 2" but ohh well it is worth it. If you get 6" they might hit as well, it will depend on the size of the magnet. Better speakers = larger magnet (rule of thumb here) so JL-Audio, Infinity or Alpine and you have a larger magnet. To be on the safe side I would put in 5.25" good quality speakers.

Keep in mind that the rear speakers are not really heard by the driver. You will probably be hearing 85% front speakers and 15% rear speakers. I actually believe it is better to spend $200 on a great set of front component and skip the rears altogether than to spend $100 in front and $100 in the rear. Add the rear speakers down the road.

Go to Crutchfield.com, try to match up the speakers you buy with the RMS wattage of the stereo you will be running.

Is there a better source than Crutchfield for speakers?

Buy them *new* from a power seller off of EBAY. This is fine, there are sellers with 10,000 perfect reviews and the gear will be legit for 65% of the price. Most people do not realize that resellers like Crutchfield and Best Buy mark up the stereo equipment 100%. They buy it for $100 at factory direct pricing and sell it for $200. Ebay sellers make money by marking it up less.

:bat:

 

[ndcent]

I put 6.5's all around, they fit in the front doors perfect.

In the back door remove the plastic surround that held in the 4" speaker. The 6.5's I bought lined up with two of the stock holes no problem then I used a 1/4" self tapping metal screw for a third location where the speaker surround metal tab was overlapping the door metal. No need for the fourth screw, it was rock solid in the door.

Make sure you bypass the tweeter when installing new speakers up front unless you bought component speakers.

I used cheap azz Pioneer two ways that were $50/pair.