Choosing speakers for upgrade

Okay....in anticipation of what I MIGHT be getting for Christmas....
A Pioneer AVIC-F900BT head unit (crossing my fingers that's what the wife gets me...haha)

I am pretty confident in doing the install myself after reading a lot on this forum and some others. So, should be good to go.

I will ask this question in two parts:

1) Should I expect to at least here SOME improvement in sound from the stock speakers once I have the new head unit installed (properly)??
I only ask this because I want to use this hopefully as a barometer if I have done the install correctly, etc.

2) Without breaking the bank, I will be looking to add some new speakers to the mix as well. I am not planning on putting in an amp (at least not at this point) or a sub, but MIGHT want to later. With that said, what would be some GOOD speakers to go with the new head unit. Again, not really looking to break the bank, just want something that will have some really decent sound that I'm sure will be better than the stock speakers.
I understand the adapters I'll have to get either from ********* or somewhere else (I won't make any, not that crafty..haha) - guess I want to know if I'm well-suited enough just to get some 3-way speakers or something to go all around or should I get composites at least for the front? Is there a HUGE difference in what I choose given my situation I'm outlining above?

Would welcome any and all feedback.....thanks....I've learned a great deal reading here.

In case it doesn't show, I have a 2006 Tacoma Double Cab Sport.

 

Sound quality will be improved over stock for sure.

What kind of music do you primarily listen to? and how loud (on a scale of 1 - 10 )

 

You should gain some better sound quality from adding the new HU. I plan on adding the image dynamics that ********* has for sale on their site. If you dont want to spend to much you can never go wrong with some pioneers or alpines

 

While I listen to all kinds of music, MAINLY I listen to rock music.
I'm 43 yrs old....love classic rock and the new stuff (some of it haha)

On a scale of 1-10 probably about 6-7 on how loud I like it

 

I've put together a couple recommendations depending on your budget. Take a serious look at Kicker speakers. For rock/classic rock, in my opinion for a well priced brand they are second to none. Stick to the KS line and you won't break the bank. Find a local dealer, bring 3-4 CD's and crank up the rock.

Package A.
ZX350.4 4 channel Amplifier
KS650.2 Front Components
KS650 Rear Coax

Package B.
ZX150.2 2 Channel Amplifier
KS650.2 Front Components (Run off amp)
KS650 Rear Coax (Run off head unit)

Package C.
Same as above but with stock rear run off the new head unit

The power and clarity from an amplifier is absolutely necessary. You can always do it down the road, but why wait?

 

if you put a HU in, you will want to upgrade teh speakers. they are junk.

 

Can't get any more direct to to the point than that!
The main improvement you will get from an aftermarket headunit regarding the factory speakers is the added tuning capabilities however don't expect too much because they are still the factory speakers (see what shark wrote above ).

There are tons of speakers out there that would be an improvement and if you check the FAQ THREAD HERE you will find some suggestions on how to choose speakers if you can listen locally. Otherwise you'll have to do some research and trust the ears of others in hopes they hear similar to you. In any case, proper installation/tuning of your new speakers plays a critical role in how they will sound. As "they" say...
a "good" speaker installed properly will sound better than a "great" speaker installed improperly". BTW, just sticking a speaker in a baffle and attaching it to the door is not proper speaker installation.

 

I understand (I think) what you're saying Mr Marv.....I will listen to some at a few places prior to purchasing for sure....

I assume what you meant by "BTW, just sticking a speaker in a baffle and attaching it to the door is not proper speaker installation" means there should be some sound matting materials placed in the door as well? If so, what do you recommend I use in the doors and how much of it?

thanks for the input guys...."Keep those cards and letters coming folks!"