what an unbelievable difference! - kappa 3.5 dash speakers

[lchizz]

Completed a full speaker swap this weekend on a 2015 SR5 and couldn't be happier. Alpine speakers throughout with the exception of JL Audio 3.5s in the dash. Factory speakers were absolute trash!

I'm about to tackle this upgrade. I have a 2010 limited with JBL... but the driver side dash tweeter is blown, so I decided to just replace both of the dash speakers with the JL Audio TR350-CXi 3-1/2's.
Did you install the bass blocker on the positive line? Did you have to dremel the dash speaker cover? Any tips would be great! Thanks

 

[leigh.martin.77]

Completed a full speaker swap this weekend on a 2015 SR5 and couldn't be happier. Alpine speakers throughout with the exception of JL Audio 3.5s in the dash. Factory speakers were absolute trash!

Looking to do the same thing. Did you add an amp or sub, or just change out speakers.? How much better is it and what did it cost you?

 

[Donovan1]

With the dash speaker replaced, what are we putting in the front doors? I assume a full range 6X9 is not a good idea since with factory wiring, there is only low mid going to the door. If I sent everything to the door, would the highs from a full range door speaker mess with the clarity of the dash speaker then if I had both?

 

[keyser_soze]

With the dash speaker replaced, what are we putting in the front doors? I assume a full range 6X9 is not a good idea since with factory wiring, there is only low mid going to the door.

The door receives full range signal. The OEM dash speaker has a high pass filter on it. If you replace the dash speaker it will have a capacitor (HPF) for the tweeter but you should still use a HPF for the woofer.

If I sent everything to the door, would the highs from a full range door speaker mess with the clarity of the dash speaker then if I had both?

I feel it does, it complicates the front sound stage. I would recommend a component speakers set for the front. Or if you already have a 3.5" you like in the dash get a 6.5" or 6x9 raw driver in the front door.

 

[mceagle555]

For anyone wanting to do this upgrade, I have a new speaker recommendation for you - the JBL GX302. New speaker at 2.3 ohms which is closer to the discontinued Kappa's 2 ohms than anything else.

I originally put in Polk db351 4-ohm speakers. Though they are highly regarded, they were very quiet for me when on the speakerphone or with quieter music. After switching to the JBL GX302, things are perfectly balanced. Can't recommend them enough.

JBL GX302 3-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com

 

[Xtremluck]

For anyone wanting to do this upgrade, I have a new speaker recommendation for you - the JBL GX302. New speaker at 2.3 ohms which is closer to the discontinued Kappa's 2 ohms than anything else.

I originally put in Polk db351 4-ohm speakers. Though they are highly regarded, they were very quiet for me when on the speakerphone or with quieter music. After switching to the JBL GX302, things are perfectly balanced. Can't recommend them enough.

JBL GX302 3-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com

Did you have to fabricate brackets to get these guys to fit? Did you replace any other speakers? If so what did you go with? Thanks

 

[mceagle555]

Did you have to fabricate brackets to get these guys to fit? Did you replace any other speakers? If so what did you go with? Thanks

I just did what many others have and fabricated two small tabs on either side. Use the original brackets.

Those are the only speakers replaced.

 

[Vwright14]

I need to replace the infinity 3.5 soon. ..got one starting to flutter at higher volumes.

 

[Brawndo]

First official mod on my new 2016 5th gen TE! I had a nice sound system in my previous vehicle (2005 Silverado). Alpine speakers all around, amps, and subs. The transition from my previous sound system, to the stock 4Runner speakers has been a bit rough. Thanks to this thread I was able to add a boost to sound quality that will hold me over until I feel brave enough to pop off door panels and have time plan out a real system.

Install time was about 3 hours. Most of the time was spent figuring out how to mount the speakers using parts I could find around the garage.

Speakers: Kicker 41KSC354
Bass Blocker: Install Bay BB199 Cap

Used the [MENTION=125906]Shred_Head[/MENTION] technique to wire everything together.


Here are a few pics I snapped while doing the install.

[edit] Imgur photos aren't showing up inline, hopefully linking to the album is ok.
https://imgur.com/a/4QZ4f

 

[rigtec]

Hi @Brawndo

I just saw your dash speaker install... 'VERY NICE WORK'!! Thanks for posting the photos, it'll help some newer audio buffs with the courage to do the same, Rgds!

rigtec

 

[rigtec]

"...Thanks to this thread I was able to add a boost to sound quality that will hold me over until I feel brave enough to pop off door panels..."

Oh! ...This should help you get started with the door speakers (regardless of the brand of drivers that you choose) and door trim panel removal/reinstallation!

BTW: I've seen your ingenuity and ability to figure things out; you'll do just fine! Please be sure to give us lots of details and pics when the install is done... I'll be looking fwd to that!!

Page 1 http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2294985-post49.html

Page 2 http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2294986-post50.html

rig

 

[rigtec]

"To start - I am just another random t4r enthusiast, not someone trying to push a specific product. I searched the forum but didn't find a dedicated post on this topic..."

I don't know why I've never seen this thread but it's very well done, 'GREAT JOB' mag10!!!

rigtec

 

[Brawndo]

Oh! ...This should help you get started with the door speakers (regardless of the brand of drivers that you choose) and door trim panel removal/reinstallation!

BTW: I've seen your ingenuity and ability to figure things out; you'll do just fine! Please be sure to give us lots of details and pics when the install is done... I'll be looking fwd to that!!

Page 1 http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2294985-post49.html

Page 2 http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2294986-post50.html

rig

Hey rigtec! Thanks for the links and motivating words. I'm in the very early stages of planing out the new audio system. I've decided to house the amps, a DSP, and other system gear in an [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] style rear storage cabinet. I'm even brainstorming hooking up a raspberry pi into the mix. I'll be sure to document and photograph the process, but it'll be be a couple months before im ready to begin.
:music:

 

[Vwright14]

i may just wire in a 1in tweeter and forget trying to find a decent full range speaker.

 

[Neauxla]

rigtec

I have the JBL system and just want to do a minor upgrade. Debating between the following for my dash:

MTX Thunder35
JBL GTO329
Infinity Ref 3002cfx

Suggestions?

Also, is it worth upgrading my door speakers if run them off the stock amp?

Also, same for the sub?

 

[rigtec]

Hi [MENTION=110036]Neauxla[/MENTION],

A straight answer... yes, yes, and yes! I don't know if you saw my replacement 'Dash-Door' speaker or the 'Sub-woofer' threads but I didn't want to replace the factory HU, I chose to keep that stock. If I remember correctly your truck has the 'Party Mode' button on the dash... there may be things that you can do to alter the way that system assigns the speaker configuration!

Here's a couple of links to help you become familiar with your truck's audio system: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/210591-alpine-1-dash-component-review.html ...And this one breaks down the bass and goes into some very simple audio theory just to clarify the 'nuts-and-bolts' of how the bass works: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174196-got-bass.html I hope you enjoy this and it helps with your future mod endeavors!

'Best to you"!

 

[Neauxla]

Hi [MENTION=110036]Neauxla[/MENTION],

A straight answer... yes, yes, and yes! I don't know if you saw my replacement 'Dash-Door' speaker or the 'Sub-woofer' threads but I didn't want to replace the factory HU, I chose to keep that stock.

Where are these threads? Did you add an amp to the factory head unit to push the new speakers?

 

[rigtec]

Where are these threads? Did you add an amp to the factory head unit to push the new speakers?

Hi Neauxla,

Sorry, forgot to post them:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/210591-alpine-1-dash-component-review.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174196-got-bass.html

These two should answer any basic question that you may have regarding audio function and simple installs,

Cheers!

 

[Neauxla]

Both if those are more audiophile than I am looking for. I'm trying to avoid adding amps etc. Was hoping I could do sinmple speaker swaps and notice a sizeable difference

 

[Neauxla]

Suggestions out of the following:

MTX Thunder35
JBL GTO329
Infinity Ref 3002cfx


I have the JBL system if that matters.