Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

@BadDNA any issues installing on the 15’?

 

In a 2019, the Kicker tweeters don't need a mounting ring - they just bolt into the dash space where the factory tweeters were, using existing threaded holes and re-using the factory screws.

 

I had the Kicker KS 6x9's installed in the front door. I can already tell a major difference. The quality of the OEM speakers is really crappy. I am surprised they make any sound AT ALL...

The installer talked me out of installing the KS tweeters--said it would cost a bit more to fabricate the ring, connector, etc., and also suggested that it wouldn't work well with a 3-way speaker in the door--he said that it would mess with the crossover circuit, with too much power going toward the tweeters. (I am pretty unknowledgeable about such things so I don't know how accurate that is, but...)

I just returned the tweeters for now. If I decide to do some more upgrading, I may add the Subaru Kicker tweeters later.

 

@OmahaJeff If you havent done the Subaru tweeters and are still stock. Swap them out. Especially if you just replaced the front door speakers.

 

The Subaru tweeter is a Kicker KS speaker so the sound matches up with the door speakers. It will definitely not send “too much” power to the tweeters (Because the factory radio puts out less than 10w to the front speakers anyway, and that gets split between the tweeter and the door) and it won’t mess with the “crossover circuit” because they’re passive crossovers built in to the KS tweeter.

buy the Subaru tweeter upgrade and install them at the house

 

And now is the best time to order them because there’s sure to be some sort of generic deal on Amazon or elsewhere that can be applied to the purchase. I bought mine brand new for $75 using an eBay coupon.

 

How is the bass with the KS 6x9s? I was back and forth between the KS and CS or DS speakers. I was wondering whether the higher power rating of the CS/KS was a bad thing if not adding an amp. I think they're rated up to 150 watts RMS and the DS up to 90 watts. I went with KS because of the better tweeters but they're still on the way. I upgraded speakers only in my 08 and was underwhelmed with the results, so I'm hoping this deck has enough power to replicate some of the outstanding results reported here using the KS version.

I haven't pulled mine apart yet but the speaker quality of the OEM speakers in this thread looks exactly like what I pulled out of my 08!

 

Man the stock speaker just looks like a thin cardboard cone with a 1/2 oz piece of metal on the end. Like I said, the wonder is that it produces any noise at all.

The bass with just installing the KS 6x9's is awesome! Great definition. I'm not a huge bass guy, even in cars with a subwoofer I dial it down so it just enhances the bottom end. But I really don't think I will need more power or a sub with this setup.

For BT streaming from my phone I have the equalizer settings pretty much neutral, the bass sometimes dialed down to -1. The soundstage seems more to the center of the vehicle with these speakers, probably because it's just so much better defined with the 3-way speakers. (My WRX headunit for all its deficiencies had some interesting DSP settings, including moving the vocal frequencies to the left, while maintaining the rest of the soundstage. Seemed to work.)

At this point I'm not sure what I would gain with the tweeter upgrade, but I'll give it a little while and see what I think.

 

Maybe this is answered somewhere in the 3700 + posts, but no easy way to sift thru them.

The links in OPs post for the front and rear speakers lead to discontinued models on the crutchfield site. I assume the newer models suggested will work/fit the same as the ones in OPs post. The item description for the newer models say they do not fit the Tacoma. Anybody use the newer front/rear kicker models? Will the fit/work the same? See pics for comparison of old vs new.

 

They’ll fit no problem

 

Thanks. I’m buying today!

 

they definitely will fit. Just make sure Crutchfield sends you the right adaptors. If you don’t have the “door” selected at checkout they might send the wrong ones.
This weekends goal is to take my kickers out and post them for sale with the adaptors and connectors on here. Had them for about 4K miles probably.

 

Why are you removing/selling?

 

You've got a buyer in me. Let me know please. Thanks

 

I just installed the focal integration ISC 165 speakers to my fronts and this was the very first audio install I’ve done. With all the info on this board I was done in an hour and this is THE BEST upgrade or mod I’ve done to my truck to date! Huge improvement over stock. Night and day. No amp no sub nothing besides the speakers and they’re very efficient. Sensitivity of 2.83V/1m- 93.2 dB. Thank you for all input in this thread and throughout this board guys. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Ok, so I have been doing extensive research on the audio upgrades from kicker, and I just want to make sure I have everything straight so I can try to get the best deals on it this week. As I have a '18 SR, it is my understanding that I really need the Key amp 180 in order to get the real sound out of the upgraded system.

$8 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

Metra 70-1761 and

$12 Metra 71-1761 87 - 94 Toyota Vehicle Harness

Metra 71-1761 for the harness
Subaru/kicker tweeters for the dash (comes with mounts and PnP, right?)
Kicker Key 180
Kicker 44KSC6904 (2-way b/c the 3-way tweeter causes sound issues in front)
Kicker 44 KSC6704 (for the rears, which mount do I tell them to include b/c it says front only?)
Is that all correct or am I missing something? And is it really worth it to buy the KS line over the CS line?

 

I finally finished my install and am very pleased with the results. I covered 90% of the inner and outer door skins with 80 mil Kilmat (36 sq feet was more then enough) and then reapplied the stock plastic sheets. I am extremely glad I chose the Kicker 46CSS694 components paired with Subaru Kicker tweeters up front. They really help balance out the sound and provide a nice deep bass. The only downside is that I didnt need the tweeters that came in the component kit. In the rear, I installed

$77 Kicker 46CSC674 6.75" 6-3/4" 600w 4-Ohm Car Audio Coaxial Speakers CSC674

Kicker 46CSC674 2-ways. Overall, the project took me a good 10-12 hours, but I am very meticulous and took my time. The result is a huge improvement in sound quality. You could probably get by with just sound dampening a small amount of the outer and inner door skins, which would save a lot of time. However, I do not have any rattles and the doors have a very solid feel now, so I am glad I went with heavy coverage.

 

Quick question about the Subaru Tweeter upgrade.
Is here a difference between

$106 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

H631SFJ100 versus

$87 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

H631SFJ101 (except a slight price difference)? Is the 101 better?

 

Check with the vender, Subaru Parts Online.

 

Yeah ok, thanks. It says that the 101 supersedes the 100 but it says nothing about being the same. I was wondering if they improved the speaker.