Best Upgrade for the Money

[MI4Runner]

I have a new Pioneer Avic D3 navigation unit. In addition to the unit, I purchased the Ipod/Bluetooth adapter. The Ipod/Bluetooth adapter also came with a remote control.

I received a $50 store credit from the car audio store as part of my purchase. I want apply the $50 toward another upgrade.

What would be the next best upgrade (i.e. front door speakers, rear door speakers, an amp, etc.) that would improve my system?

Please keep in mind that I do not want to spend a ton of money on the upgrade. I am basically considering it because I have the $50 store credit that I can apply toward my next purchase.

 

[004Gunner]

What else is in there? Year/model? Could use a more info but you should probably save that $50 until you can do a nicer setup.

 

[MI4Runner]

What else is in there? Year/model?

My 4Runner is a 2006 SR5. At this point I have the D3 (brand new) with stock speakers and no amp.

...you should probably save that $50 until you can do a nicer setup.

Are you meaning a nicer navigation system than a D3? The reason I ask is because I just purchased it. I know there are perceived better models out there; but, for the money, I think the Pioneer does a great job. It is built in (no hanging wires and nothing blocking my view), it matches my cluster lights (amber), its navigation is dead on, it plays CD, MP3, DVD and my video Ipod. Additionally, it has bluetooth built in.

What set-up should I save up for?

 

[004Gunner]

No I meant the whole system. . . amp and subs if you want them, maybe a speaker upgrade, add satellite, etc. That h/u is a great deal and I was glad to see it will fit in mine whenever I decide to upgrade again. If you havn't had a satellite subscription yet I would recommend that. I just hooked up XM a few months ago and I can't believe I had to be talked into getting it, it's badass!

 

[MI4Runner]

Maybe I will buy the XM adapter for the D-3. The system has the capability of XM or Sirius radio and XM real-time traffic.

If not, I will probably put some new speakers in. I do not want to put a sub in because I don't want to lose the space and I don't think an amp will give me much better sound with stock speakers.

Thanks.

 

[tomhaney1]

A new amp could very well blow the stock speakers. You should do both at the same time.

 

[nserpa9248]

if you are looking at only spending appx $50 then xm is going to be the closest "upgrade" you can get for that money.

Think about what the system lacks for you though. Do you want more music? Want higher end audio?

If you want more variety, get XM / Sirius. The interface with the D3 is great btw.

If better sound quality is what your looking for, new speakers and an amp are a great investment. The amp is not completely necessary at first either.

I would suggest (if you want better sound) picking up two pairs of some good ROUND coaxial speakers, or if you don't mind spending the money for a better speaker, get some component speakers (at least for the fronts). The only downside of components, is that you really should add an amp if you get them.

Anyway, two pairs of 6.5" coaxial speakers would be great. I recommend polk, eclipse, or infinity.

One thing to mention, your speakers now are 6"X9" but i personally recommend going with a 6.5" round speaker. They have less cone flex, and sound better when played louder, and respond well to being amplified. 6"X9" speakers are louder because of their increased size, but will have cone flex when you add an amplifier, or play them at higher audio levels.

Good luck,
-Nick

 

[MI4Runner]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I didn't think I could get an upgrade for only $50. I am trying to use a $50 gift certificate in addition to my own money. I just didn't want to invest a ton of money just to use the $50 certificate.

Initially, I thought I should get a pair of front speakers (and possibly rear speakers) but the salesperson at the car audio store said that the stock speakers were decent. So, I thought I would seek other suggestions from people who know more about car audio than myself.

I am looking more for sound quality than music quantity as I use my Ipod most of the time. Will there be a noticable difference in sound qaulity if I go with Infinity speakers without purchasing an amp with it?

 

[004Gunner]

After running Infinity throughout my entire old T4R I can say that they are definitely great speakers and are comparable to Polk and Boston alike within the same price range. But your factory speakers should sound very good especially with your aftermarket h/u. You really wouldn't notice a difference until you ran the speakers off an amp. This is where the aftermarket speakers will sound better. They can go louder and handle the higher input gracefully where the factory speakers would distort. The amp will also give you more control over sound filtering. If you know you will add an amp later then you may want to upgrade the speakers, but until the amp comes into play you will not hear much improvement.