Audio Upgrade Questions

[FoRunnuh]

I started out thinking I'd go with OEM Audio+ and emailed them asking a bunch of questions. Then I started looking at Tacotunes...then hit Crutchfield, and thought plug and play...then COVID-19 hit...after ripping all the interior out and deadening, I decided to go the full custom route.

I'm almost done. Speakers are:

Front: Focal Expert PS 165 F (separate 6.5" woofers in the door, and separate tweeters in the dash).

Rear doors and hatch: same speakers, except coaxial Focal Expert PC 165 F.

I have an SR5, so had to get the factory sub enclosure and mounted a JL Audio 8w3v3-4.

Head unit: decided on a Kenwood Excelon Reference DNX997XR.

Amp: JL Audio Vx800/8i with integrated DSP. Feeds 75w/channel for the speakers and 200w for the sub.

Working in the amp now. Just mounted the master volume/bass knob.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Fool-on-the-Hill]

I'm trying to decide what I want to do about a subwoofer. I am used to having a nice 10" filling out the sound with some decent punch, but I'd have to build a custom box without a really decent location for it in the 4R. Added complexity is we have and use the 3rd row seats. I am considering just going for easy and getting a compact powered subwoofer for under the front seat like the JBL Bass Pro Nano or something along those lines. I don't have any experience with these though. Can anyone who has comment on how well they fill out the sound? Any recommendations on particular units? I'm running Focals all around with the Performance PS 165F up front. Thanks.

 

[bugkillr]

I'm trying to decide what I want to do about a subwoofer. I am used to having a nice 10" filling out the sound with some decent punch, but I'd have to build a custom box without a really decent location for it in the 4R. Added complexity is we have and use the 3rd row seats. I am considering just going for easy and getting a compact powered subwoofer for under the front seat like the JBL Bass Pro Nano or something along those lines. I don't have any experience with these though. Can anyone who has comment on how well they fill out the sound? Any recommendations on particular units? I'm running Focals all around with the Performance PS 165F up front. Thanks.

I've never like the "pancake " style subs. I just bought a used OEM enclosure from Ebay and installed a Skar VD series 8" in it. Fits fine, fits factory enclosure volume specs, and was 65.00 shipped. I know a lot of people dislike Skar as a brand, but I tested the sub in another box and it sounds quite good imho.
I'm pairing it with an NVX micro amp that's rated at 500watts RMS @ 1 ohm. When it's finished, I'll post the honest results.

 

[Fool-on-the-Hill]

I've never like the "pancake " style subs. I just bought a used OEM enclosure from Ebay and installed a Skar VD series 8" in it. Fits fine, fits factory enclosure volume specs, and was 65.00 shipped. I know a lot of people dislike Skar as a brand, but I tested the sub in another box and it sounds quite good imho.
I'm pairing it with an NVX micro amp that's rated at 500watts RMS @ 1 ohm. When it's finished, I'll post the honest results.

I'll have to check out options for using the factory enclosure. I hadn't considered it, just because it doesn't seem to be worth the cost to only get an 8".

 

[bugkillr]

In my experience, an 8" in the proper enclosure, on enough power on reserve is usually sufficient for most people. It's usually when the woofer is in too small of an enclosure or underpowered when it's just not enough.

 

[shdw03]

I've never like the "pancake " style subs. I just bought a used OEM enclosure from Ebay and installed a Skar VD series 8" in it. Fits fine, fits factory enclosure volume specs, and was 65.00 shipped. I know a lot of people dislike Skar as a brand, but I tested the sub in another box and it sounds quite good imho.
I'm pairing it with an NVX micro amp that's rated at 500watts RMS @ 1 ohm. When it's finished, I'll post the honest results.

I actually had the vd8 originally in the OEM enclosure, but swapped for the JL 8w3. If I didn't live in Hawaii, I would have gone with a sundown sd3 or better sd4. Shipping here is like $60.

The 8w3 sounds much better and more controlled. I feel the vd8 was distorting at certain frequencies.

 

[4Person]

I am wanting to upgrade my 2016 4R (non-JBL) sound quality. It has been about 20 years since I was into the car audio scene, plus I have a terrible memory. Looking for advise or suggestions.

I'm pretty decided that I want to upgrade my front 6x9s and dash tweeters first, then probably amp since I don't think the stock head unit can push enough power to them. After that, if I don't feel that the fronts are enough, I'll get the 6.5" for the back doors. I don't really use my hatch speakers, so I probably won't get those and I'm not planning on getting a sub.

Equipment:

* **Front Door + Dash** - [Infinity Kappa 90csx](Infinity Kappa 90csx Kappa Series 6"x9" component speaker system at Crutchfield) 6x9 woofers, tweeters, crossover

* **Back Door** - [Infinity Kappa 62ix](Infinity Kappa 62ix Kappa Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield) 6.5" 2-way speakers

* **Amp under passenger seat** - [JL Audio JD400/4](JL Audio JD400/4 JD Series 4-channel car amplifier — 75 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield) class D amp, 100W RMS x 4 at 2Ω

[MENTION=266329]kadinh[/MENTION] I know you said you switched your amp after speaking with Crutchfield, but did you install the Infinity Kappa 90csx components? I just bought a pair for my 2015 LE with JBL and wanted to know what you thought of them?

I had the JL Audio C2-690tx (doors) and C2-350x (dash) installed for a couple of days before returning them. I know a lot of people on the forum really like that combo, but it didn't seem to work well with the JBL setup. I was surprised to see the Kappas actually look a bit bigger and sturdier than the C2s. I'm planning on installing them with a JL RD-400.4 amp and possibly fill in the back with the Kappa 62ix or Primus PR6512IS if necessary. Did you end up putting Kappas in your back doors also?

 

[kadinh]

[MENTION=266329]kadinh[/MENTION] I know you said you switched your amp after speaking with Crutchfield, but did you install the Infinity Kappa 90csx components? I just bought a pair for my 2015 LE with JBL and wanted to know what you thought of them?

I had the JL Audio C2-690tx (doors) and C2-350x (dash) installed for a couple of days before returning them. I know a lot of people on the forum really like that combo, but it didn't seem to work well with the JBL setup. I was surprised to see the Kappas actually look a bit bigger and sturdier than the C2s. I'm planning on installing them with a JL RD-400.4 amp and possibly fill in the back with the Kappa 62ix or Primus PR6512IS if necessary. Did you end up putting Kappas in your back doors also?

Yes, I put the Infinity speakers in the back and rear. I have been VERY happy with them. I was worried that they would sound "bright" or "tinny" bc of other peoples' opinions, but I think they sound great.

I ended up getting the Pioneer GM-D9705 4x100 + 600x1 (@ 2 ohms) and 2 RF P3D2-10 subwoofers. Honestly, I was thinking about sending the subs back after amping up the door speakers alone, they hit surprisingly hard! I built a sealed down firing sub box a little bigger than what was "optimal" (according to the manufacturer recommendation) to get a little louder sound. I disconnected the hatch speakers bc they are wired in series with the rear door speakers, creating 6.5 ohms of resistance (instead of the 2.5ohms of just the door speakers alone). I don't notice any loss in volume at all by disconnecting the hatch speakers (I was worried about that, even thought of sending back the 2ohm speakers and getting four 4ohm speakers and rewiring in parallel, but that would have been a big job in itself.

Overall, I'm happy with what I installed, glad my wife loves it too. I still need to adjust the EQ and crossovers, and put the sound deadening inside the doors and hatch. Hopefully that will make it even better.

 

[WarEagle4x4]

I'm one that is running the Kappa's and the JL's in the dash and the alpine under seat sub/amp. no issues with the treble being harsh, the speakers have 2 settings for this and the head unit does a fair job with the tuning. To drunk to read a novel at the moment, but tacotunes has the harness adapters as does amazon. I will try to find the post with the part numbers. Cant help with rear and minivan hatch speaker mounts, i gutted the stocks.

Did you have any issues getting the kappas to fit in the rear? Crutchfield says they mounting is too deep. Just install kappa 6x9s in my front doors with the kappa component tweeters and they sounds amazing. The polks in the rear aren’t cutting it for me though. Thanks

 

[WarEagle4x4]

Yes, I put the Infinity speakers in the back and rear. I have been VERY happy with them. I was worried that they would sound "bright" or "tinny" bc of other peoples' opinions, but I think they sound great.

I ended up getting the Pioneer GM-D9705 4x100 + 600x1 (@ 2 ohms) and 2 RF P3D2-10 subwoofers. Honestly, I was thinking about sending the subs back after amping up the door speakers alone, they hit surprisingly hard! I built a sealed down firing sub box a little bigger than what was "optimal" (according to the manufacturer recommendation) to get a little louder sound. I disconnected the hatch speakers bc they are wired in series with the rear door speakers, creating 6.5 ohms of resistance (instead of the 2.5ohms of just the door speakers alone). I don't notice any loss in volume at all by disconnecting the hatch speakers (I was worried about that, even thought of sending back the 2ohm speakers and getting four 4ohm speakers and rewiring in parallel, but that would have been a big job in itself.

Overall, I'm happy with what I installed, glad my wife loves it too. I still need to adjust the EQ and crossovers, and put the sound deadening inside the doors and hatch. Hopefully that will make it even better.

If you still have that extra set of rear Kappas and would consider selling let me know.

 

[osugsxr]

I started out thinking I'd go with OEM Audio+ and emailed them asking a bunch of questions. Then I started looking at Tacotunes...then hit Crutchfield, and thought plug and play...then COVID-19 hit...after ripping all the interior out and deadening, I decided to go the full custom route.

I'm almost done. Speakers are:

Front: Focal Expert PS 165 F (separate 6.5" woofers in the door, and separate tweeters in the dash).

Rear doors and hatch: same speakers, except coaxial Focal Expert PC 165 F.

I have an SR5, so had to get the factory sub enclosure and mounted a JL Audio 8w3v3-4.

Head unit: decided on a Kenwood Excelon Reference DNX997XR.

Amp: JL Audio Vx800/8i with integrated DSP. Feeds 75w/channel for the speakers and 200w for the sub.

Working in the amp now. Just mounted the master volume/bass knob.View attachment 362959View attachment 362960

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

How are the Focal PC 165 Performance 6-1/2? I came across a set at $400 for two pairs. Debating if i want them or not for the rear doors and hatch. Front will be focal 6x9 components for Toyota $251 plus tax. Will run off sony 8100 headunit.

 

[osugsxr]

thoughts on the following with no amp

front
Focal 6 x 9" 2-Way Component Kit (Pair) $270
Model: KITIS690TOY | SKU: KIT IS 690 TOY

rear/tailgate
2. Rockford Fosgate T1675. $260
Power Series 6-3/4" 2-way car speakers

$50 dollar coupon

$480 pre tax .....


or
Focal 6 x 9" 2-Way Component Kit (Pair) $270
Model: KITIS690TOY | SKU: KIT IS 690 TOY

2 power bass 6.5" coaxial $198

$468 pre tax

open to other ideas as well

 

[4RunnerKauai]

How much did it cost you at the end

 

[osugsxr]

How much did it cost you at the end

front :focal 6x9 components in toyota plug and play $250

trying to decide on one of the following, will get 10% off and then another $50 off. Ill be around $450-500 for all the speakers without amp or sub. Speakers listed below will run well of the head unit. Leaning towards the JL but not sure if they will fit.

Rear/hatch
JL Audio C1-650x
Focal ACX 165
Hertz DCX 165.3
Focal RSE-165

 

[Doughboy]

JL audio 10w6 in rear pocket

I made custom fiberglass enclosure for rear pocket. In front have 6.5" woofer and tweeter in front door using 6x9 adapters 4" midrange in dash . Rear doors 6.5" woofer and tweeter. I ran all new speaker wires into doors and dash from amp. the factory speaker wire is too small a guage to run amp power through. Not running any speakers in rear hatch i wasn't up to try to get new wires in there. Still have access to outlets.