Speakers: 2 way vs Component - What do you recommend?

[gamefreakgc]

Brands make a huge difference, one will sound much better than another. It does not look like you are planning on running an amp but if you do, I highly recommend this one (costs about $100-$120) because it's cheap, easy to use and can fit quite nicely behind the dash:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2091268722&pf_rd_i=desktop

The "A" one is for Alpine head units (it literally just plugs in the amp and no wires to run!) or the "U" for Universal, basically anything other than Alpine.

If no amp is in the future then I recommend brands such as Polk, Kicker, and Infinity. They are mid-range price wise but high-end in terms of sound. Infinity doesn't have as low of a frequency range but has some crisp sound. I had Kickers before in my Pickup but the lows were kind of distorted since I didn't have an amp (6x9's don't do well without and amp). What kind of sound do you want? Polk are well balanced with as softer more muted tone, Infinity are leaning towards higher notes but are very crisp (the ones I linked below have the best low-range of their line) and Kickers are kind of in between.

I'm slowly building up my audio at the moment, here's what I am looking at (already have a new Alpine head unit and the Power Pack is coming next):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oliid=I1Q7JR5G7XN1K4&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

Amazon.com : Infinity Reference REF6502ix 6.5 Inch Car Audio Speaker Pair : Vehicle Speakers : Electronics

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...I2XLJKVZ9TJMWR&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

Also, in terms of sound deadening, I've heard really good reviews about RAAMmat. They are half the price of Dynomat and are not made of tar like so many others (Fat Mat, etc.).

RAAMaudio - Automotive sound deadening products

 

[jpeaslee]

If you choose to not run an amp, pay attention to the sensitivity of the speakers. The higher sensitivity usually >90 are going to be much more efficient off the head unit. But again, if you can swing it, amping some good components will give you the best result by far!

 

[shiftmx]

Speakers are nothing without a decent amp to run them. Just switching out the speakers and running them off of a new headunit will never sound as good as a system with an amp.

I would respectfully disagree with this statement from my experience. I have redone the audio systems in two of my 4runners. Both were several different configurations, but in the end I found that at the sound levels I listen to my music, an amp made no discernible difference worth the money or trouble of adding an amp. Now, I'm sure that if I were listening at volumes much louder than I care to handle, an amp would make an obvious difference...but a quality head unit putting out 18 watts RMS can give great sound at lower to moderate sound levels.

Replacing the head unit made the largest difference followed by a set of quality component speakers. I have never tried coax in the 4runners so I can't comment on that.

As someone else had said, look for a set of speakers with higher sensitivity and be careful of the depth... I think the doors can only take around 2.5 inches without modification and a lot of speakers are deeper than this.

 

[wc11]

On deck power, even at 18w rms is going to be an output IC.
A discrete amp with that same 18w will out perform it and be more efficient.

As for speaker sensitivity, pretty much all car speakers (not subs ) fall in the range of 89-90 db 1watt 1 meter.

Remember, to get 3db more volume from the same speaker, you need to double the power of your amp.
And if you listen to MP3's, at anything below 320kbits, don't complain about sound quality

 

[BrianSD_42]

there are some really detailed threads on this subject already here on T4R. Lots of info has been shared.

In additional to this thread, if you want to know more do a search for those threads.

 

[tekstrand]

On deck power, even at 18w rms is going to be an output IC.
A discrete amp with that same 18w will out perform it and be more efficient.

As for speaker sensitivity, pretty much all car speakers (not subs ) fall in the range of 89-90 db 1watt 1 meter.

Remember, to get 3db more volume from the same speaker, you need to double the power of your amp.
And if you listen to MP3's, at anything below 320kbits, don't complain about sound quality

Yeah I think if you listen to MP3's at all you aren't allowed to complain

 

[shadow247]

http://amzn.com/B00UVWC55A - Kenwood Compact 4 Channel Class D - 117 bucks


I'm gonna put this amp in my wife's Land Cruiser. I've read several reviews that this amp is putting out more than the claimed power specs. It's a 1/4 of the size of the Re Audio amp i've got that puts out the same claimed power. For the price it seems to be the best bang for the buck. '

Add a nice set of components with this amp and you will have some nice sound. The biggest problem in my 4 Runner is vibration. I just don't have time to chase down all the rattles the show up on a 370k truck.

 

[joshespdx]

Just purchased a '99 yesterday and need to update the audio system. Currently looking through speakers and head units, and I'm wondering what other people have done for speakers, whether you've left the original tweeters in the door and disconnected them, left them connected, or even replaced them.

If there are other threads out there specific to the audio system in 3rd gens I'd love to read those too, I've looked around a bit but nothing really jumped out at me. Thanks!

You can certainly "go big or go home." I just spent $240 from Crutchfield and have a great system. Here's what I put in:

Pioneer DEH-X6700BT head unit
Rockford Fosgate Prime R165X3 3-way front speakers
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1525X2 2-way rear speakers

The Pioneer is a loaded single-DIN head unit. It has a great Bluetooth set up with an included exterior mic. It has Bluetooth audio, is satelite ready, an aux input and a USB port. The display colors are very customize-able. You can even set it up the brightness levels for different times of the day so it doesn't burn your eyes out at night. Pretty slick. Crutchfield includes a cubby to fit below it. Its great place to finally throw your phone and wallet.

The front speakers are fantastic. I kept my stock tweets in place and wired them in. Rockford Fosgate includes the wires you need to cut and splice into the connectors.

The rear speakers are 5 1/4 and will require a homemade adapter plate. Not difficult to make at all. Crutchfield includes a harness that plugs these directly into your factory connection.

The instructions are fantastic for install. My system sounds great and it gets damn loud. I have a 13-speaker sound system in my Lexus. My 4Runner isn't anywhere near that level, but I can say for certain that I'm not disappointed when I get in and turn up the tunes in my 4Runner now.

My two cents on the matter.

 

[tekstrand]

You can certainly "go big or go home." I just spent $240 from Crutchfield and have a great system. Here's what I put in:

Pioneer DEH-X6700BT head unit
Rockford Fosgate Prime R165X3 3-way front speakers
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1525X2 2-way rear speakers

Hey man I really appreciate the input, this is nearly identical to the setup I've pretty much decided on at this point, different brands but same idea.

Thanks again!

 

[Scramble]

You can get 3way speakers too if you don't go with components.
And I agree that an amp is mandatory.

 

[Tyota89]

Any upgrade you do I am sure you will be please with. Unless you are a real sound qaulity nut. Just about everyone I know and installed equipment for without an amp comes back wanting it. A little late as they try to compensate by turning their volume up way too high.

What did you end up going with?

 

[joshespdx]

Hey man I really appreciate the input, this is nearly identical to the setup I've pretty much decided on at this point, different brands but same idea.

Thanks again!

You bet!

Here's a couple of crappy shots of the finished install. I can take a better one tomorrow.

J

 

[yota_addict]

I'm a cheap arse but research. My system is loud and does not distort until your ears bleed. I bought Rockford Fosgate punch 6.75in for front and prime 5.25in for back. I used existing mounts and wires just gutted old speakers out and modded a little. I then decided to buy a kenwood headunit. I used my pioneer 10" sub out of my Tacoma which I'm selling and the boss 1500w amp. No amp running speakers. It's loud and has great sound. I spent about $200 minus the sub and amp I already had.





Sub I built specifically for doublecab Tacoma


This amp has outlasted many nicer amps