Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

Any update on this? Kinda wanna get the front door speakers too

 

Which door speakers would recommend then for the front?

 

So I've got the Subaru tweeters installed now but I decided to go a slightly different path with the front doors. I'm going to go with the Kicker KS 6x9s instead of the CS - my understanding is they are a bit more sensitive and sound better with lower wattage factory head units. They have a slightly lower mounting profile and will be a tonal match to the Subaru tweeters (ie Kicker KS) which should sound great. I have no intention of replacing my head unit, don't want to mess with amps, and don't care about the rear speakers at all...so I think I'll be happy with this setup and the total solution will still come in around/under $250 so it still fits within the theme of this thread

It'll be a few weeks until I get around to getting the KS speakers installed but will post my results.

 

Are you going to add an amp? If so then I would either get a mid woofer with a crossover of some type or go with a component set that replaces the Subaru tweeter. Kicker, Morel, JBL, Rockford, Infinity all make good budget components that would not cost a lot, but dramatically improve the sound.

If you aren't going to amp it then you could put in a 6.5 or 6x9 coaxial. Maybe Kicker KS, Image Dynamics or Morel. Morels tend to have laid back tweeters so that would be my suggestion if you add a coax. It would still be a good amount of highs, but since you aren't adding power then it should not overwhelm you. It will however sound better than they factory speakers.

I wouldn't get the Kicker CS 3 ways. You would essentially have 6 tweeters up front and even without an amp it would be bright. Everyone has different listening taste, but I don't see how some are running Subaru tweeters and 3 ways up front. Tweeters are very efficient and can easily overpower any midrange.

 

I think it will sound good. The KS series speakers are good sound quality for the price.

 

I have a 2018 non JBL - since this upgrade has been out there for many years have we updated the parts at all or is the original suggested items still the best choice?

Thinking about doing this soon since my passenger door speaker is blown!

 

As long as you have the Premium Audio head unit, this is still a valid upgrade. Some love it, myself included, some are not impressed.

 

Yeah I've seen a mixed outcome for some over the years on this...I think I'll give it a shot, especially since my stuff is well worn in and one is blown. Thanks!

 

I’m wondering if having the kicker tweeters and a tweeter in the front door is too much. I see some discussion above about using a component system instead, but I’m not sure how the wiring would work. How does the external crossover work with factory wiring? Seems like the kicker tweeters are popular because they’re plug and play, whereas a component system would not be. I may be completely wrong though.

 

Well after reading this I just bought all 4 speakers from crutchfield hahah. Do I need to use an amp since I’m upgrading the speakers?

 

You can get an adapter that plugs into the factory tweeter plug that allows an aftermarket tweeter and crossover.

 

So I installed the Kicker KS Series 3-Ways in the front doors about a week ago and am really happy with them. It's not 100% plug and play like the CS series...you do have to splice some wires but Crutchfield sends everything you need (minus a wire stripper/crimping tool). The KS series speakers have three terminals and requires you to splice the factory adapter into the supplied in-line crossover. Might do the rears at some point in the future but I'm quite pleased with the sound coming from the dash/front doors!

 

I just changed my fronts to CS (along with the tweeters), ignored the rears since we barely get any power back there and the new difference was really good. Happy with the change and probably won't change the rears out unless I do more audio stuff.

I did not add sound deadening mat into the doorwell...I ordered some but opted to not, the doors do rattle a bit more though. Contemplating saving the $50 or adding it if it annoys me too much

 

Add it to the doors. Will make a world of difference in volume and bass response

 

Did the 3 ways in the door not leave you with Overwhelming highs? Do you still have factory tweeters in the dash? I’m trying to decide between 3 ways and a component system.

 

I would agree.

 

Alright yah got me. Will do it tomorrow!

Best for application on the hollow inside of the doorwell or can it be lined along the outside area where the speaker is? I think everyone I've seen on YouTube does it on the inside where the actual window comes down so probably will go that way unless there's an simpler or better suggestion.

 

Both. Cover the large areas on the hollow part and the area right behind the speaker. And on the inner shell too. Pic of mine

 

Solid help dude much appreciated!

 

I just replaced the dash speakers with Kicker KS 2-3/4” speakers. Holy Hell. Just an insane difference. I’ll do the front doors next with KS 2way 6x9 or just a KS woofer if I can find one.

I got the dash speakers from Crutchfield because they’re quite a bit less than getting the OEM Subaru speakers from Amazon. Best $65 I ever spent.