Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

1st post

 

Are not the HUs different in a 3rd gen SR and a 2nd gen SR5?

 

Doing my dash install. Is it recommended to still remove the negative battery cable for this step?

 

no....

 

Thanks brother! No battery detach and went in pretty easy. I had a hard time getting my hands in to get the cord disconnected, but once I could see there is a single side release (push in) they came out easy. First one took me about 20 mins, the second about 10min once I knew the how-to's.

Sound is SOOOO much better!

 

So I read through a lot of this thread but I didn't see an answer to a couple questions I had. Sorry if i missed them.

Since part of the upgrade includes tweeters, is buying 3 way speakers for up front necessary? From what I understand that would be 4 tweeters up front with two 3-way speakers plus the two drop in Subaru tweeters. Is it better to find quality 2-ways for up front?

Also, is the sound quality improved for the driver by replacing the rear speakers? I really don't care about my passengers, just want better quality for myself lol.

Thanks, guys.

 

I thought the same thing. You missed the "Tweeter City" comment (not mine, but I was thinking the same)? I would have preferred to try some coax speakers, but all I could find with sensitivity designed for lower-wattage input were 3-ways. Most important is understanding that you don't have an amp, so you want to find something with high sensitivity (92 or better) and lower RMS and max wattage. That allows the HU to drive them more efficiently.

I went with the JBL GT7 because I had used them before and was happy with them, and they had the highest sensitivity (94). It sounds way better than stock, and I am happy. Lots of tweeters, but you can't really tell, and I like clear, balanced sound. Definitely not the lows like having a sub, but I am past those days.

However, if I were to do it again? Based on other's inputs, I would try the Morel Maximo Coax 69 in the front and 6 in the back. Lower sensitivity, but coax and a textile tweeter. I don't know much about the brand, but seems like they are quality and they had me looking for a while. I think the Entune unit could drive them fine now that I have heard the JBL's. They have more quality construction from what I can tell (treated paper cones and rubber surrounds).

As far as doing the rear -- opinion not fact -- it's kind of for "fill" and you don't want to muddy the sound. I would do them as well.

 

I did this upgrade this afternoon... not going to lie, I’m fairly disappointed... maybe I did something wrong? Not sure how I did this wrong, it’s simple plug and play.

My main motivation for this was to not have to ride the volume at lvl 40 while on the freeway. The clarity is noticeably better, but I feel the setup is more quiet than factory...

I dunno...

 

What all did you do? Just tweeters or?

 

The kicker front and rears, and Amazon tweeters. I was amazed at how easily everything installed... just a bit disappointed in the sound level that’s produced. I also checked Bluetooth device volume levels too, everything is where it should be.

 

I personally found a much better sound but not nessecarily more or less sound volume. That said when I crank it now I get more music vs more loudness.

As some have suggested the speakers may need “breaking in” but I am not sure if this is true or not. The only way to know is a decibel level meter and before and after testing and then again a week or so after the install to check for break in volume changes.

 

Which head unit?

Personally, I think sound on Bluetooth streaming sucks regardless of the setup. I use a USB drive. Better than XM and streaming for sure, at least as far as sound quality.

Drive those suckers hard for a bit and break them in. It's never going to sound like a $1K system. Most of us were just looking for a bit higher on the "acceptable" range without blowing a ton of cash.

 

I’ve got the 7 inch head unit. I’ll try the usb tomorrow.

You are right though, I wasn’t expecting phenomenal sound, but maybe I was expecting something more... I’ll have to mess with it for a few weeks or so

 

You should be good, at least as good as it's going to get without shelling out big money. As @Exracer2 says, breaking them in may be a fantasy, but trying different sources may help. I bumped bass up 3 or 4 clicks, mid up 1 or 2 and that helped. But even some of my MP3's don't have optimal levels and sound a bit weak. Volume is good for a stock head unit, I can turn it up way louder now without cringing at the distortion -- but it's still not super loud. I'm AARP eligible though, so loud to me may be a bit different.

 

Pretty much hits it on the head. I find it performs best at higher volumes.

 

What sound level setting are you guys normally listening to music at with oem? With the kickers?

 

Usually 20 to 40 depends in my mood or if I have a passenger. It hasn’t changed much from stock to kickers.

 

Same, don't think I have ever turned it up past the mid-40's, plenty loud for me at that level. Usually somewhere 25 - 35 depending on the song.

Anyone else get weird with their volume settings? I like even numbers for the most part, in increments of 4. 27? no, 28 is fine. 29? hell no. 30, meh, might as well go to 32.

 

Did this upgrade, really went hard with the sound deadening..

seriously a pain in the butt, but was it worth it? I'd say so.

Took me about an hour per door, then another hour setting up the speakers, mounting, and reinstalling the door frames.

 

Hey Audio peps,
I've removed my radio several times for several Modes, and the FM reception is getting worse.
I know I live in a dry area but I use to get fairly good reception when my truck was new, but the reception has defiantly gone down hill.
Has anyone ran in to this or does anyone have a clue for a solution?