Serious Questions about Audio Install

[chetJ]

Like some of you, I too, am not particularly happy with the 8 Speaker JBL in my Limited. For a long time I have been debating whether or not to get some of the speakers changed and I read the Infinity Kappa thread in detail to get more information. From all the research that I have done, I have the following questions that I am hoping experts like Harper and others will be able to answer

1) Is it better to change out both the in-dash tweeters as well as the front door speakers together rather than just do the in-dash ones (An acquaintance of mine who does these installs told me that in-dash speakers are often tuned to work in tandem with the front door speakers and that just replacing the dash will not work very well) ?

2) If I do change out the front door speakers as well, will I lose anything in terms of the sound quality (I read on the Kappa thread that the OEM front door speakers have been tweaked to perfection for the OEM system and that the person lost some bass when he installed new speakers there)?

3) I am looking to install JL 690Txi (6X9- front doors) and JL350cxi on the dash- does anyone have this set up/ or have experience with these speakers? If so, was the sound quality a significant improvement over the OEM?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

See the audio section of my build thread.

All new speakers for front and rear doors and back hatch. Tried the Kappa's in the dash but personally didn't care for em. The CDT's that I replaced the stock speakers with made a HUGE difference with the 100 sf of sound deadener and acoustic foam that I layed out. Still running the OEM JBL amp, and everything runs great.

 

[H2O_Doc]

I did kappas in the dash, Rockford Fosgate 6x9s in the front doors, and Polk MM 6.5 in the rear doors and tailgate, and I couldn't be happier. I did add an amp and a 12" sub, but even without the sub there is a huge improvement. I don't think I'd do it differently, although other setups could work as well or better. I am currently running the stock HU, which might seem strange given the other changes, but it works surprisingly well for now.

On my last 5th gen, I ran kappas all the way around (6x9s and 6.5s I think). That worked very well, but not quite as good as my current setup. One thing I didn't do with this setup was use sound deadener; hard to say how much that contributes to the difference.

Overall, the improvements by far exceed the sound quality of the stock systems, be they the base stereo or the JBL.

 

[Ttn333]

Anything is better than my basic stock setup (trail model). I did go with Focal separates for the front and Focal coax for the rear and hatch. Also deaden the doors and hatch. Running from my stock head unit as I like the steering wheel and bluetooth functionallity. The sound is a drastic improvement. I'm still waiting for a JL 600/6 and a 6 channel Audiocontrol to come in. That should improve the sound a bit more. Then I'll see about stealth fiberglass box for a JL 10w3. I would definitely deaden the doors and hatch no matter what system I go with.

 

[chetJ]

Thanks for the responses guys! Excellent information. I am also interested in knowing if technically what my acquaintance said about it being much better to change out both dash and door speakers is true or not..do let me know.

 

[Moving Chicane]

Anything is better than my basic stock setup (trail model). I did go with Focal separates for the front and Focal coax for the rear and hatch. Also deaden the doors and hatch. Running from my stock head unit as I like the steering wheel and bluetooth functionallity. The sound is a drastic improvement. I'm still waiting for a JL 600/6 and a 6 channel Audiocontrol to come in. That should improve the sound a bit more. Then I'll see about stealth fiberglass box for a JL 10w3. I would definitely deaden the doors and hatch no matter what system I go with.

Did this setup also preserve the "Party Mode," or was that lost (or will it be lost with the 6channel AMP)?

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I am subscribing for down the road when i do stereo work

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Go for it

Best to change dash and door. JL, infinity, cdt all will sound better than the jbl. The system is tuned well but the speakers suck. Really cheap crap. Try to match efficiency of the speakers or one will sound louder and not quite right. Still better than stock. Get the door and dash balanced and it will be almost magical. Party mode still works but who cares? Cheap gimmick for kids in my opinion.

 

[characterzero]

doors & dash

So if you are planning on going the JL route, I sat in a LTD 4runner that had the Kappa dash and JL everything else (stock sub)...all running off the OEM amp/stereo. SOLD on this approach, but I've got Kappas sitting in a box to go in the doors here.

FWIW, the JL LTD user is/was a member here - it was detailed in the stereo thread.

 

[gamerc]

I would consider a round speaker vs a 6x9 in the door. If you're looking for optimal sound, that is. I dunno, maybe an old wives tale for a number of reasons, but it seems logical to me (round vs oval dispersion pattern for sound waves).

 

[chetJ]

Thanks

Best to change dash and door. JL, infinity, cdt all will sound better than the jbl. The system is tuned well but the speakers suck. Really cheap crap. Try to match efficiency of the speakers or one will sound louder and not quite right. Still better than stock. Get the door and dash balanced and it will be almost magical. Party mode still works but who cares? Cheap gimmick for kids in my opinion.

Hawaiian4R-Thanks a lot- that helps.

Also everyone else that responded- thank you for the helpful information- you guys are kind.
CJ

 

[H2O_Doc]

I would consider a round speaker vs a 6x9 in the door. If you're looking for optimal sound, that is. I dunno, maybe an old wives tale for a number of reasons, but it seems logical to me (round vs oval dispersion pattern for sound waves).

I've heard the same, but went with 6x9s nonetheless. The 6x9s I have thump hard enough that I doubt I could get the same out of a round speaker, be it 6.5 or 6.75. I will note, as I have noted elsewhere, I'm not will versed in car stereo systems and I only "know" those things I have experienced.

I'd do 6x9s again for what it is worth. There can be mounting issues, however.

 

[H2O_Doc]

I would consider a round speaker vs a 6x9 in the door. If you're looking for optimal sound, that is. I dunno, maybe an old wives tale for a number of reasons, but it seems logical to me (round vs oval dispersion pattern for sound waves).

I've heard the same, but went with 6x9s nonetheless. The 6x9s I have thump hard enough that I doubt I could get the same out of a round speaker, be it 6.5 or 6.75. I will note, as I have noted elsewhere, I'm not will versed in car stereo systems and I only "know" those things I have experienced.

I'd do 6x9s again for what it is worth. There can be mounting issues, however.

 

[Ttn333]

Did this setup also preserve the "Party Mode," or was that lost (or will it be lost with the 6channel AMP)?

Yes, but I haven't put in the amp and audiocontrol unit. Then again, I never liked party mode.

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

... Then I'll see about stealth fiberglass box for a JL 10w3. I would definitely deaden the doors and hatch no matter what system I go with.

Sound Deadening - This is a must. Definitely use some Dynamat or something similar for sound deadening. Not only for the deadening aspect, but on mine before just knocking/tapping on the doors they sounded thin and tinny! After Dynamat install the difference is huge. Heck just opening/closing the door you can tell too... it sounds and feels like a solid door!

JL Stealth - The JL StealthBoxes are efing amazing. We have one in my wifes Outback and they are FULLY worth the money. And the 10W6v2-D4 in that box never ceases to amaze me. BUT - JL does not have these for our 5th Gens! Yet anyway... when they do come out you can be assured I will be looking to upgrade! Right now I am running a 8W3v3 in the 4Runner... it's a good speaker and can go in a small location. I was hopeful but it's not really giving me what was looking for or used to. StealthBox for our 5ths soon please!

Car Audio - Stealthbox® - Toyota - 4-Runner

 

[chetJ]

Will keep the Dynamat in mind

Sound Deadening - This is a must. Definitely use some Dynamat or something similar for sound deadening. Not only for the deadening aspect, but on mine before just knocking/tapping on the doors they sounded thin and tinny! After Dynamat install the difference is huge. Heck just opening/closing the door you can tell too... it sounds and feels like a solid door!

JL Stealth - The JL StealthBoxes are efing amazing. We have one in my wifes Outback and they are FULLY worth the money. And the 10W6v2-D4 in that box never ceases to amaze me. BUT - JL does not have these for our 5th Gens! Yet anyway... when they do come out you can be assured I will be looking to upgrade! Right now I am running a 8W3v3 in the 4Runner... it's a good speaker and can go in a small location. I was hopeful but it's not really giving me what was looking for or used to. StealthBox for our 5ths soon please!

Car Audio - Stealthbox® - Toyota - 4-Runner

Coloradofrosty- will definitely keep both these things in mind! Thanks!

 

[Ttn333]

Sound Deadening - This is a must. Definitely use some Dynamat or something similar for sound deadening. Not only for the deadening aspect, but on mine before just knocking/tapping on the doors they sounded thin and tinny! After Dynamat install the difference is huge. Heck just opening/closing the door you can tell too... it sounds and feels like a solid door!

JL Stealth - The JL StealthBoxes are efing amazing. We have one in my wifes Outback and they are FULLY worth the money. And the 10W6v2-D4 in that box never ceases to amaze me. BUT - JL does not have these for our 5th Gens! Yet anyway... when they do come out you can be assured I will be looking to upgrade! Right now I am running a 8W3v3 in the 4Runner... it's a good speaker and can go in a small location. I was hopeful but it's not really giving me what was looking for or used to. StealthBox for our 5ths soon please!

Car Audio - Stealthbox® - Toyota - 4-Runner

Agree on both counts. My brother told me he can hear me listening to NPR (not blasting music) as I drive up the drive way. Not anymore. The doors feel much more solid.

As for the sub, I'm thinking about a custom fiberglass box that fits inside the panel, not on top of the hump/wheel well as my electrical outlets are there (trail model). I'm just concern that may not be enough room/volume. May have to settle for an 8" sub.

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

As for the sub, I'm thinking about a custom fiberglass box that fits inside the panel, not on top of the hump/wheel well as my electrical outlets are there (trail model). I'm just concern that may not be enough room/volume. May have to settle for an 8" sub.

Right... great minds think alike. Exactly why I went the the 8".

I went inside the panel back on the right and I still lost access to my 12V. But hey, the 8W3v3 sounds pretty good for the most part! There is no question that the 8W3v3 is a great upgrade... it's just not really comparable or in the same league as the 10W6v2-D4. That thing spoiled me, I'll never be the same again.

I will upgrade the sub again at some point to bring it up to the rest of my system, but that's after I get done with some other things on the mod list... or, maybe I'll find myself suddenly ready when they do come out with the StealthBox for the 5th Gen.

 

[Crit Rat]

I lined the door panels of my 3rd gen with Edead and it made a very noticeable difference. Also did it on my wifes Rav4 and that made a huge difference cutting down on all the resonance in that car.

I'd like to do the same on my TE, just opening or closing the doors you can tell there is very little done for noise deadening or isolation.

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

Sound deadening makes a HUUGE difference. I lined the inside of the outer door skins and the inside panel. Great mod, takes a little time, but worth every penny.