I have an 05 limited with JBL in it and I was considering “upgrading” or replacing my front speaker with some pioneer ones like I did with my rear cargo one and sorry for my novice knowledge but I figured after 15 years these probably aren’t very nice sounding anymore compared to these 60-70$ pioneer or other brands. Should I replace these or not, if not I’m probably going to do a small amp and sub setup
Speaker “upgrade” questions
- Thread starter BigMike18
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I have the exact same truck. I just upgraded the head unit with an Alpine, and it made a difference, especially on CarPlay. Haven’t attempted to change out stock speakers, but they sound decent enough to keep around.
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ads2539
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My 2004 4Runner Limited had the factory JBL stereo (no nav) in it.
I replaced the head unit, speakers, sub and amp with pretty high end stuff (and all new wiring), so I haven’t done just a speaker change.
IMHO, Your stereo will only sound as good as your worst component. A new head unit and amp is the best first upgrade (but a much bigger job), but will expose the so-so factory speakers. New, high quality speakers will definitely sound better than the factory speakers. The difference will be noticeable, but not huge with the factory head unit and amp.
I replaced the head unit, speakers, sub and amp with pretty high end stuff (and all new wiring), so I haven’t done just a speaker change.
IMHO, Your stereo will only sound as good as your worst component. A new head unit and amp is the best first upgrade (but a much bigger job), but will expose the so-so factory speakers. New, high quality speakers will definitely sound better than the factory speakers. The difference will be noticeable, but not huge with the factory head unit and amp.
I'm not the OP so I apologize for hijacking his thread but, can you recommend any specific speakers?
I second this. I’m about ready to do a complete audio upgrade (head unit, speakers, sub, amp)
ads2539
New member
I did my upgrade a long time ago, and used the components from an older car stereo upgrade, so my knowledge might not still be any good.
My head unit, speakers and amps are all McIntosh, but they don’t make car audio equipment anymore. You can find McIntosh stuff on ebay, but it’s getting expensive, even used. My stuff is 20+ years old, and still working great.
As for current car speakers, I like the upper range of Polk Audio, JBL and Infinity. I’m old, so I trust the brands that have been around forever and also make home speakers. (My home audio speakers are vintage Polk Audio.)
I’m not very familiar with the new head units that all seem to be bluetooth compatible. I still listen to CDs.
I know people with Alpine equipment who are very happy with it. Like many companies, they have lower end stuff, but they also have very high end stuff. It all depends on your budget, and how much you care about sound quality.
My head unit, speakers and amps are all McIntosh, but they don’t make car audio equipment anymore. You can find McIntosh stuff on ebay, but it’s getting expensive, even used. My stuff is 20+ years old, and still working great.
As for current car speakers, I like the upper range of Polk Audio, JBL and Infinity. I’m old, so I trust the brands that have been around forever and also make home speakers. (My home audio speakers are vintage Polk Audio.)
I’m not very familiar with the new head units that all seem to be bluetooth compatible. I still listen to CDs.
I know people with Alpine equipment who are very happy with it. Like many companies, they have lower end stuff, but they also have very high end stuff. It all depends on your budget, and how much you care about sound quality.
