5th Gen Speaker Replacement and Amp

[H2O_Doc]

Hello All,

I could use some advice as I am a biologist who knows little about stereos, but I do like sound. I have a 2011 SR5 and was a little disappointed with the stock stereo, having come from an Xterra Off Road with a phenomenal (stock) Rockford Fosgate system.

Anyway, I added a 12 inch powered subwoofer and that did help a great deal, but I think I'd like to replace the door and tailgate speakers. I like the look and function of the stock head unit, so I am strongly leaning to replacing only the speakers (as mentioned) and adding an amp (but I am open to ideas).

In any event, I could very much use suggestions on speaker (6) replacements and an amp(s) to drive said speakers. I'd like to to be under $600 on parts if possible (save cables, connectors, and misc. doohickies). My musical tastes are broad (classical to rap, but no show tunes). I don't want to entertain the neighbors, just the vehicle occupants.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated and as much specificity as you can provide is great. Also, I'm a sucker for a good deal.

Thanks ahead of your reply (except for the guy who replies "this was covered in 12 years ago in such & such's post..")

 

[bergs]

I'll wait for the true audiophiles to chime in but you may want to consider adding a capacitor.

Not sure what you're pushing for power into that 12 but with the addition of more wattage, IMO, you are starting to approach a heavy tax on your alternator.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Not sure what you're pushing for power into that 12 but with the addition of more wattage, IMO, you are starting to approach a heavy tax on your alternator.

It is a Rockford Fosgate R300 (300 watt) powered subwoofer.

 

[axxman]

a good place to start is the infinity kappa thread for replacing just the dash speakers, did it myself, and for 50 bucks it is the most bang for the buck. I will try to find the thread and post it here.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/80426-what-unbelievable-difference-kappa-3-5-dash-speakers.html

Beyond that, I am sort of in the same boat as you, I guess the usual questions, do you want to change the Head Unit, that choice will determine where you go from there, not suggesting you do that first, but changing the HU will impact everything down the line.
That being said, after the dash speakers, I plan to change out the door speakers all the way around, there is another thread by Harper7 who changed all his speakers, I recommend getting some sound deadening, the doors on the 4runner have a quite a bit of sheet metal that conduct vibration.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102451-where-install-sound-deadening.html

Here is a good article, it is a previous generation 4runner but it is a good read:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/62400-replaced-jbl-sub-added-amp-install-pics-info.html

you already have the sub taken care of so I won't mention that.
You didn't mention which of the 3 stereos you have, the standard, JBL, or JBL with nav.

 

[H2O_Doc]

you already have the sub taken care of so I won't mention that.
You didn't mention which of the 3 stereos you have, the standard, JBL, or JBL with nav.

Apologies: I have an SR5 with the non-JBL non-nav system. While I normally go with the higher grade trim (had both a Tundra and 4th Gen 4Runner limited), I was otherwise quite impressed with the 5th gen SR5. I've been quite pleased with it esp. post-lift. I'm reluctant to go to an after market head unit, but reluctant doesn't mean unwilling to entertain the idea. The only thing I have seen that seems interesting is an App radio, but it seems like the execution (from what I have read) hasn't been great. I have an iPhone and an iPad and the nav works great and I can stream Pandora, Mog, etc. and have the clean look of the stock head unit. Therefore the drive to do to an aftermarket nav unit isn't as strong as it might otherwise be.

Thanks for your comments. I had looked at the Kappas and will revisit the idea.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Ok, a new look at this. What I'd like is advice on 2 pairs of 6.5s and 1 pair of 6x9s, and an amp to run it all for under $500 (excluding install - just these parts). Suggestions?

 

[axxman]

Crutchfield has a nice sale going on Focal 6.5s now, normally they are out of my price range, but I may pick 3 sets up.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Crutchfield has a nice sale going on Focal 6.5s now, normally they are out of my price range, but I may pick 3 sets up.

Thanks for the suggestion. Looking at the specs, they "sound" interesting. Of course, I have already conceded that I don't know too much about stereos.

I think I'll do the Infinity dash speakers written up elsewhere here, and will consider your suggestion. I currently have a decent sub and a bunch of paper speakers: the paper has to go. It is as if Toyota was trying to match the stock speaker quality to the stock tire quality.

Let me know how the install goes for you if you do it.

 

[riceandpho]

if u want better sound, dont get infinity brand speakers, u guys spend to much time in these big box stores. i suggest u to go to a private audio alarm shops and listen to what they have, if u are really into audio and budget dont matter look for some focal, polyglass series atleast, even the cheap access series will sound good, but the cheaper line of focal have a harsher tweeter. try the polyglass series, or better yet listen to the 165 krx2 , the k2 power series are better than the polyglass, or listen to some hertz hsk series. i run the k2 power in the front and polyglass in the back but i have a 4th gen, best setup everyone heard that knows me at work.