what to do? '03runner center dash & rear overhead speakers

[daninaustin]

Has anyone done or seen anything done with the factory center dash speaker? What type of speaker would be good to replace this with? Speaker size? Or should this simply be disconnected to make system easier.

How about the overhead back speakers, tweeters I'm guessing. I wanted to use this space for new tweeters if possible. My question here is, would it be ok use component tweets there and put the mids from that set in the back door? More specifically is it ok to have the tweet and mid so far apart? Is there a distance limit before it sounds weird? Or again would it just be better to disconnected them for the new system? Or should I just keep and use these factory speakers since there not going to make a major difference anyway?

FYI - the reason I'm asking is that I'm planning a full aftermarket install and I want to cover everything before buying or starting anything.

Any thoughts, input, suggestions, web links or answers to my questions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Vortec4800]

Good question, I never really thought about the very rear speakers. When redoing my stereo, I'm going to leave the center speaker disconnected. No need for a center channel for stereo music, especially when you don't have a headunit or processor built to use it.

About the rear speakers, I would imagine putting in tweeters would still sound decent, should give you nice sound staging. Having tweeters high up in the vehicle generally sounds good, and having them point foward is even better. I might adjust my plan to include those, not sure what I'll do yet.

 

[my04runner]

Are we talking about the JBL factory setup? I did not notice a center and rear overhead speakers. Is there a hidden mount for installing them. I have the SR5, I guess that's why I didn't see it.

 

[kglueck]

Are we talking about the JBL factory setup? I did not notice a center and rear overhead speakers. Is there a hidden mount for installing them. I have the SR5, I guess that's why I didn't see it.

yep. only the ones w/ jbl 10-speaker setups had the rear overhead and center console speakers. but those w/o the 10speaker have those mirrors in place of the rear overheads...

 

[my04runner]

Intresting, I don't use those mirrors. Hmmm more speakers... YAY. I need to find out what is being used there.

 

[daninaustin]

Cool thanks "Vortec4800" for the info on the center speaker, I'll also disconnect it and call it good.

As for the rear tweets I talked to an ex-stereo installer today and he said that tweeters in the very back are a big no no and that they would effect the front staging and could possibly sound weird and be hard to dial/adjust the sound in. Of course he hadn't actually ever seen the 4runners setup so he couldn't be 100% sure.

Anyone know anything about that? I really don't want to cause myself a whole bunch of extra trouble fine tuning the final sound or adding difficultly to the install but it sure would be nice to add those speakers if it can be done with no issues.

 

[kglueck]

well, you're in Austin...hmmm...I used to go to Custom Sounds for advice about 10-12 years ago...never did me wrong. you might give them a call or stop by and ask what they think. The store I went to was in north austin on burnet rd @ ohlen (about a mile north of anderson ln on burnet). then there was another place that went in at an old discount tire there at 183N also just north of anderson ln. from IH35, take 183N, then exit at either n. lamar and stay on the "feeder" or take the peyton/ohlen rd exit and AS SOON AS YOU EXIT get all the way over to the right as it's just like RIGHT there. Can't remember the name of that place tho.

Keep in mind that it has been just over a decade since I dealt with them, but they are still there (my parents live in that area, so I drive past them every once in a while when I visit).

Kevin

 

[daninaustin]

Yeah Custom Sounds probably is the best place to go. I used Audio Dimensions for my last runner and Custom Sounds bought them out a couple years ago. The thing is about those places is that if your not buying they don't want to help you out much... that's why I used Audio Dimensions before, they actually wanted to help me and not just sale me. This time I'm doing it all myself. I guess I should give CS another try see what happens.

 

[kglueck]

yeah, I hear ya. well...you could always go in saying you're not happy with the factory system... (which is true I think, right? I like it, but not everybody does) then just ask them what would you recommend...then use the magic words... "Make it sound awesome!" and see what they say...after y'all are talkin' bring up the back speakers...

 

[daninaustin]

I like your thinking "kglueck". That’s the approach I'll use for sure.

As far as the factory stereo...yes its time to ditch it. I got spoiled with my last 4runners stereo so hopefully I can duplicate it or better.