Factory speakers
- Thread starter blairvt
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TheDurk
Elite Member
It really depends on how you want to use it. I've been running the factories since '99 and they are surprisingly good for their age at the volume I like. I also have a '99 BMW and those H-K's are long dead and were crap to begin with. An amp and sub will do wonders at the low end and I think I'm finally going to get around to it. But speaker for speaker you won't gain that much--as long as they are sounding good--unless you add some bottom.
I have been saving my money for a while and I would like to buy a new headunit OR new speakers in an effort to improve the sound quality in my 4Runner. This thread seems to suggest that the speakers are decent and a new headunit might be the way to go (or am I wrong and I should get an amp or something else!?) Help please!
jeremyc74
Banned
I would start with a new headunit to get some modern features. You really get a lot of bang for the buck with head units these days, and the installation is really simple in a 4Runner. A double DIN unit will bolt right in, and a single DIN just needs a basic install kit to fill the hole.
You won't see much improvement from upgrading the factory speakers and leaving the stock head unit in place. I'd do the front speakers after the head unit. The new head unit will have enough power built in to drive the new speakers at decent volume. Next would be a mono amplifier and sub. This is where you really gain a large improvement over stock.
You could always stick with the factory head unit and add a sub, but for me the modern features (Bluetooth, iPod, Sirius) were way more important.
It's a good idea to have a plan when you start shopping for the head unit. If you're planning on eventually adding a sub and amplifier for the factory locations you want a unit that has at least two pre-outs, but ideally one with a built in crossover built in.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Headunits are a great place to start. In my experience, the old stock units are underpowered (meaning your speakers won't sound all that good) and they start to have issues playing CDs and such.
A new head unit usually comes with a USB port and AUX port so you can play music off your phone or iPod. These start around $70, good ones are Alpine and Pioneer. At around $100 you can get the same features plus bluetooth if you use it.
That being said, my factory speakers are toast. The rear ones sound like someone put a blanket over them. I'm replacing them and the headunit since it doesn't work well anymore.
wc11
New member
Start with the head unit.
Today's radios have a plethora of adjustments from built in EQ's to time alignment. The only thing you may find lacking is bottom end since 5.25"s & 6.5"s can only give you so much bass.
And if your going to use MP3's like so many do these days, keep it at 128k or better. Any less and your essentially listening to tape again.
Today's radios have a plethora of adjustments from built in EQ's to time alignment. The only thing you may find lacking is bottom end since 5.25"s & 6.5"s can only give you so much bass.
And if your going to use MP3's like so many do these days, keep it at 128k or better. Any less and your essentially listening to tape again.
C-RAIG
New member
I just went through all of this. I bought speakers first and then a head unit. I ran the stock speakers off of the head unit for a few weeks and the sound was 10x better than what it was. I then installed an amp and components front and rear, next up is a sub. If I were going to do it again I would just get a new head unit and install coaxials front and rear. I spent days it seems like getting everything hidden so it looks factory.
3rzrunner
Member
if its a 96-02 it has 6.5" front 4" rear
Thanks!
jeremyc74
Banned
Crutchfield says the rears are 5.25, but require custom fitting. I haven't had the door panels off mine, so I couldn't say either way, but you might want to dig into it a little further before buying speakers.
3rzrunner
Member
5.25" Can be fit. but from factory they came with 4"
I personally have 5.25" Boston Pro Components in the back, but they required lots of fitting work
Metal fitting or plastic fitting? Just grinding bigger openings?
jstim
New member
Lots of the guys around here, have the powered subs under the passenger seat. I don't know how much you are planning on using the back for hauling. Just throwing that out there as an idea for you.
