Replacing factory speakers. What have you installed?

[OliviasDad]

I'm looking into replacing my factory speakers (front and rear) and I'm wondering what styles/brands others have chosen and whether or not they are happy with the results?

I'm leaning towards Rockford Fosgate or JL Audio, but haven't ruled out other options either. I was considering a component system up front and some 6.5 in the rear, but would prefer to get the best option either way. What sizes have others used (6.5, 6.75, 6x9)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[V6Mike]

I replaced mine about 4 years ago, along with my radio (I do not have a JBL system). Kenwood radio, don't remember the speakers, but I did get everything from Crutchfield. Check out their website and give them a call. They are very knowledgeable, and the install was fairly easy!

Mike

 

[OliviasDad]

I replaced mine about 4 years ago, along with my radio (I do not have a JBL system). Kenwood radio, don't remember the speakers, but I did get everything from Crutchfield. Check out their website and give them a call. They are very knowledgeable, and the install was fairly easy!

Mike

Thanks Mike, I've used Crutchfield in the past. They have a great site, but I'm not necessarily looking for help in terms of install or fit, I'm just curious what others have installed in their own rigs and whether or not they've been happy with the results.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I installed Kenwood component speakers, replacing the factory tweeters too. Very pleased.

 

[8runfamily]

Put in Polk Audio DB651 shallow mount 6.5's in the doors with a Sony head unit. Sounds fantastic compared to stock.

 

[riceandpho]

The best way to invest in speakers is have the doors sound deadened inside and outside, then have a nice amp to the speakers you are set on getting.
Some of us here spent a hefty amount on equipment.
Always go the store and listen to the speakers itself. Some will sound better than others.

I started out with JL audio amp and a/d/s speakers. It sounded good and clear to my ears.
Next upgrade I did was go with focal k2p speakers and a powerful JL audio amp, this time I had to run 150w instead of the 75w, sound was more detailed and like some said the tweeter is bright, but with the -3 db on tweeter, it didn't hurt my ears at all.
Then I upgraded my amps to Rockford fosgate power series, and it gave my speakers more power, have 230+ watts really brought out the speakers more to me.
Final upgrade for now is that I run Hertz mille 1650.3
Sounded good passive, then I ran it active and have another amp for just tweeters, let's say my speakers now are playing the way I want, loud, clear, it's much more louder than the focals I had. Going the active route on good speakers can make a difference in sound. More power is not lost to the passive crossovers.

Good luck on your audio upgrade, you can fit a bigger woofer in than a regular 6.5 or 6x9.

Upgrade the front only first, the rears are not that important.

 

[Daddy4Runner]

Alpine head unit .. always. I have the INE-W960.

I normally run JL speakers but this time i did Hertz all around.
Its what the shop I went to recommended and they were pretty high quality.

They are pretty good but i would say nothing amazing...better than stock JBL.
(which you dont have anyway)

Definitely go somewhere where you can test and hear the different speakers.

Also 5 Channel Hertz amp and 8" sub in back that can be disconnected and removed easily.

 

[DEF4Runner]

I installed JBL GTO609C up front and JBL GTO629 in the back. I tossed a Kenwood KSC-SW11 powered sub under the seat and replaced the radio with a Kenwood DDX374BT. The bass isn't going to scare anyone, but the combination is great.

Speakers are definitely a subjective input. I've always loved the sound of JBL (own some home studio monitors) so decided to put them in the truck. So far, so good!

 

[jrm]

Have you already replaced the head unit?

An aftermarket HU really does make the OE speakers sound better due the increase in channel wattage and an EQ.

The OE HU is such a POS. I had mine out in a week. Speaker wise im looking @ alpine 6.5 components up front and two ways in the back. Dont really have the money to go beyond that.

 

[Johns06yota]

I'm looking into replacing my factory speakers (front and rear) and I'm wondering what styles/brands others have chosen and whether or not they are happy with the results?

I'm leaning towards Rockford Fosgate or JL Audio, but haven't ruled out other options either. I was considering a component system up front and some 6.5 in the rear, but would prefer to get the best option either way. What sizes have others used (6.5, 6.75, 6x9)?

Thanks in advance!

The first parts I replaced were the front speakers with some Kenwood Components. The only thing to note is that I had to find a way to keep my stock tweeter and the new tweeter connected as otherwise power will not go to that speaker. in general I am happy with the sound quality. The rear speakers I went with kicker 6.5 inch as they were shallow mount which allowed the rear window to roll down. Looking back I may go with a JL component set for the back. Something to note is that on the factory radio highs will be crisp but the lows and mids will be gone with aftermarket speakers. After about a year I upgraded to a kenwood excelon unit and the difference in sound quality was immediate. The mids and lows were back and the highs were more defined. Hope that helps!