Opinion/Poll: New HeadUnit or Speakers first?

[jeffjcalweb]

'13 4runner, non-nav, not JBL... i'm looking at the Pioneer 5500BHS (maybe not exact right on number but close enough). Anyway, going to a few local shops to get some input on speaker selection, a few shops are saying "replace head unit first...then deal with speakers after".

so a bit curious as to what you all would do if you could only do one upgrade 'first': replace all 8 factory speakers or replace head unit and keep factory speakers. i'll likely end up doing both, but if i was going to start with just one thing sort of wondering what makes the most sense.

thanks

 

[RubiconSS]

If you know you are going to do everything anyway then I'd say just go ahead and get it over with but if you are simply looking for an improvement - most find swapping out the front speakers to be the most noticeable improvement.
(spoken as a recovering audiophile)

 

[nosamk]

I'd say speakers first. The non JBL speakers are so cheap and shitty it will amaze you

 

[Auntie Soshul]

I have the same audio setup and replaced all 8 speakers within three months of buying the 4R. To me, replacing the speakers was a must. The sound is much improved, even pretty decent. Still, the thought goes through my head occasionally to replace the head unit or add a DSP, amp or powered sub. I haven't convinced myself yet, though, that the possible improvement in sound quality would be worth the cost and effort.

 

[jeffjcalweb]

thanks all. while i'm sure i'll end up doing all of it, i am ok with just doing some now and some later.

Auntie, what did you go with (speaker brand/model)?

 

[Moving Chicane]

I was going all speakers and my preferred shop basically didn't want the business as they believe the head unit (Pioneer model) would be the better bang for the buck. I haven't done anything at this point as a result....

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

I'd say speakers first. The non JBL speakers are so cheap and shitty it will amaze you

I was amazed at how cheap and shitty the JBL "Premium" speakers are. I don't know if they are any better than the basic system. The Infinity Kappas are by no means high end but light years better than stock. Bought off Amazon. Amazingly cheap so I got them just to fool around until I got better speakers. Started with the dash and ended up replacing all. 3 years later and I'm still running them. I am now running a Helix DSP and Helix amps and the sound is amazing. Wife just got a new Lexus GS 350 with Mark Levinson stereo. The 7.1 surround is impressive but overall, I think my system sounds cleaner and more alive. I jokingly made a comment to her and she agreed. She has really good musical ears. She asked if we should have my stereo shop friend fix it up. I'm still hurting over the $$$ so I told her "no. After the Levinson breaks in it will sound much better than the 4unner". Not sure it will come true but at least we're not spending any more money for now.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I'm going against the grain here and say that I only noticed a marginal improvement when replacing my stock non-JBL speakers and adding an amp.

Once I installed my pioneer HU the difference was dramatic.