Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

I switched from 3 way to components not because I wanted more bass (this switch doesn't get you more bass). I did it because I wanted more clarity. The tweeters on the 3 way were fighting with the tweeters in the dash and brought the sound stage down quite a bit.

I got the component Kickers and only installed the midbass (the 6x9 part). I used the included crossover and did not plug or install the included tweeters. When installed this way, the crossover is effectively a low pass filter.

Bass for the component was no better or worse than the 3 way. It wasn't that great in the beginning, but it seems to be getting better after some "break-in". That said, bass doesn't really show up until you're at volume 40 or above on stock power. At least that's the way it sounds to my ears.

My next upgrade would be EITHER the Kicker Key wired solely to the front door and dash speakers OR a small powered sub. Damn the rear seat passengers, they're on their phones anyway.

 

Got the front kickers and tweeters installed, waiting on the rear door connectors from ebay to get here to finish out this option since I have a 2020. Sound is much improved, very happy with this option, can't wait to get the rears in.

 

I disagree with that statement. Compared to a 3-way coaxial, components allow for more accurate separation of the different frequencies across the spectrum. As a result, you get powerful and more precise bass from the woofer.

 

You can call it semantics if you want, but your original statement is "more" bass, not "more precise", not "more powerful", just more.

So is it the frequency response? Is it the sensitivity? Or, is it just your "butt dyno?"

Frequency response for both the Kicker 46CSS694 component and 46CSS6934 3 way (which are identical in woofer construction) is identical on the low end at 30Hz. On the high end the components win out by 1k Hz because of the Ti tweeter.

Now, you say more "precise" bass. The decibel is the measure of efficiency in sound (which is a measure of precision). The 3 way have a sensitivity of 92db for 1w at 1m vs. 90db for 1w at 1m for the components. So, it actually takes MORE power to achieve the same db from the component set. 2db is quite a large difference since the progression is logarithmic.

By the way, "3 way coaxial" is a misnomer. "co" means two. A 3 way speaker is technically and correctly a triaxial.

 

Got the mail today, my Kicker/Subaru tweeters came in along with the Amazon package that had the Tesa tape. Will be off from work tomorrow for the next 2 days so I'll have some time to work on the tweeter install along with prepping the harness for a Kicker Hideaway install in the future.

On another question. Would it be better to run the pink noise test from bluetooth, the AUX port, or the factory USB port? Anyone have experience doing so? I downloaded the .mp3 file so far but was thinking I may download the .wav file also if it is better for tuning.

 

NOT Bluetooth. Either other option is fine

 

In case anyone is looking to do the Subaru kicker upgrade (H631SFJ101) I found what I believe is the best shipped price here:

https://estore.subarupartswarehouse.com/p/49926072/H631SFJ101.html

$85.09 shipped with the "FREESHIP50" code, good through 4/31.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-new-audio-build-thread.552764/

 

Doing similar, same speakers (except did 6.5 components in front) and will likely use a 5 channel amp. So far I only did sound deadening and speakers in the front doors. I’ve been doing more of a phased approach to see how each addition sounds before deciding 100% on amp needs. My instincts are leaning to a 5 channel amp and shallow 10” in a sealed box though.

 

So a thought came up. I recently installed kicker tweeters into my SR5 tacoma access cab. I noticed the tweeters are 150 watts rms. And the 6x9 door speakers I have are 75 watt rms. Both at 4 ohm. After looking at a speaker wiring diagram, and noticing the stock radio has 4 speaker channel output. Whats the deal with the tweeter? Is it wired parallel with the door speaker? Just curious. I have a 75 watt rms x 4 channel amplifier for the speakers and I'm wondering what's happening between the tweeter and front door speaker?

 

I'm curious, are you referencing the Kicker/Subaru tweeters or retail Kicker tweeters? I think the Subaru have a passive crossover on them. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

Yes exactly what I'm talking about. I explained what I have installed in my truck so far and my friend ask about the tweeter specs. And that made me wonder about the load and power rating the amp is trying push through.

 

It's explained in this post from @destin_meeks.

 

I have done the six speaker swap out and installed the Key amp. All I can say is I'm pretty happy with the results and nothing has blown a fuse. I did order a Kicker Hideaway to fill out the bass more. I have no idea if the tweeters/door speakers lower the impendance or other. I assume you are looking to make the most efficiency of your install or is it a safety factor?

 

I'm not too worried about the safety factor based on all the positive opinions on the Kicker tweeters upgrade. Was just unfamiliar with the "tweeter-bridging-door" speaker relationship.

Edit: Maybe I could just grab a multimeter and see what's going for myself. That's just how I am I guess. Lol

 

Question around the tweeter upgrade. May seem silly, but when I disconnect the Neg terminal from the battery, will all of the truck and radio settings default? Just curious. thanks!!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/battery-memory-saver.590299/

I know on some older vehicles your need a battery saver. But all the upgrade and install information I seen that involved disconnecting the battery, it didn't seem to be too much of an issue.

 

https://youtu.be/EvkEY6FZ6Gs

https://youtu.be/HHJ95TTmFk8

 

I had time today to modify my Metra harness for the Hideaway, didn't do the install of the sub, but went ahead and ran the Key amp test tones and adjusted the gains. This little amp can get pretty damn loud. I'll finish the install of the sub on the weekend but so far so good.

 

Just started this project. I’m only doing the six speakers and possibly sound deadening. Went with kickers all the way around and the Subaru tweeters off Amazon