Specs for speakers and amp? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Astrodonkey · 05-17-2005, 01:38 AM

Hi,

I have a 1997 Camry LE, with the "premium sound" option. I think this means bigger speakers and an amplifier.

Anyway I'm thinking of replacing the head unit so I can add an MP3 player, satellite radio, etc. Does anyone know how I can find the speaker and amplifier specifications? I suppose I could start ripping things up, but there's got to be an easier way. I'm wondering whether it's worth replacing the amp and speakers.

Also, does anyone know where the amplifier is mounted?

Thanks for your help!

Dj-torn · 05-17-2005, 11:47 AM

go to circuitcity.com plug in you cars data, and it will tell you what fits, remeber that you can always modify to make almost put anything anywhere.

As far as the amplifier is concered im not sure what comes with a premium package, if im not mistaken i believe its just the fact that you get JBL speakers as opposed to regular speakers. I don't think they put and amp there, all the power is runing out of the head unit.

CamryOwner98 · 05-17-2005, 12:58 PM

Hey Astro,

I have a similar setup in my 98 camry, with premium sound too. I'm also planning to get an mp3 deck (the buttons on my oem deck are falling apart) and possibly better rear speakers. What do you think of the sound in your car? I'm thinking the bass needs to be more responsive.

I agree with DJ, I don't think there is an amplifier in there.

Astrodonkey · 05-17-2005, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamryOwner98

Hey Astro,

I have a similar setup in my 98 camry, with premium sound too. I'm also planning to get an mp3 deck (the buttons on my oem deck are falling apart) and possibly better rear speakers. What do you think of the sound in your car? I'm thinking the bass needs to be more responsive.

I agree with DJ, I don't think there is an amplifier in there.

Thanks for the info, I thought there was an amp. I'm actually glad to hear there isn't, because now it gives me a good excuse to get one.

Anyway, I'm thinking the so-called "premium sound" is a joke and bass is non-existent. I'd hate to hear the sound without this option. I just bought the car and it doesn't compare to my old Saturn, which only had basic factory speakers and no "premium sound" option. I wonder what's up with Toyota?

I may try just replacing the head unit and see how much that improves the sound. I can always upgrade the speakers and add an amp later. Most head units have an internal amplifier that will probably blow away the factory setup anyway.

I'd like to add a subwoofer or two but really don't want to sacrifice cargo space.

Dj-torn · 05-17-2005, 09:03 PM

If you are looking for cargo space, i am with you there, and thuse far i hace come down to 2 options 1 is to fiberglass an enclouser in the corner of the trunk, Example=http://web.njit.edu/%7Ecas1383/proj/Glassing2/index.htm
or the second one is to use one of pioneers 4" deep speakers and place it under the front seat in its own enclosure; prefebly MDF Eample=http://www.cardomain.com/item/OBCSS10166XTFP (This is for a pick up but im pretty sure that you can make or get one made for your car.

IMO You are starting off strong the HU (Head Unit) is the heart of your system and a crapy HU means crapy sound no matter how much you spend on speakers and amps. As for more bass my recomendation is that it you are looking for lows, then go for the sub, but if you are looking for mid bass i suggests you invest in some good front COMPONENT speaker, depending on budget depends on what you could spend... for $120~$200 i would recomend; Rainbows, Bostons, DLS, XXX & Infinity. And then remember to get an amp to go with them.

** Note Loud DOES NOT = MAX, you are looking for RMS this means the loudest the speaker can go while still providing continous power, I.E. no distortion.

Astrodonkey · 05-18-2005, 12:36 AM

Thanks DJ.

I'm looking for clear, not necessarily loud. I don't need to announce my presence as I drive into the next county but I do appreciate a full audible spectrum including the low end. I think one sub will suffice.

I will look into some of the suggestions you provided and see what happens!

Anshu · 05-18-2005, 12:46 AM

Gen4's w/ premium sound have a amp behind the glove box. Cam2x posted up a tutorial on how to wire around it. THe speakers are better but still crappy. Start with front components, if you amp them they can have nice bass. If you only want to do one sub tho consider a 4ch amp with the 2 rear channels bridged for more watts.

Astrodonkey · 05-18-2005, 12:49 AM

Thanks, good info! What should I do with the factory amp? Is it a piece of shit or should I use it? That would be nice if I can fit an amp behind the glove box and keep it out of my trunk.

Anshu · 05-18-2005, 01:13 AM

its a pos, it only drives about 20rms per channel. About the same youre gonna get out of a aftermarket headunit. i wouldnt reccomend fitting one back there. Because of heat and it would be hard to adjust the gain

Astrodonkey · 05-19-2005, 01:09 AM

Ok. The head unit I bought (Pioneer DEH-P80MP) can put out either 40x4 rms or 60x4. I'll leave it at 40 for now since I'm not sure what these "premium sound" factory speakers can handle.

Since the factory radio is wired to an amp, won't I have to take the amp out of the loop somehow? I assume there are line-level inputs from this amp to the speakers? Or can I just replace the head unit and it's all good?

CamryOwner98 · 05-19-2005, 04:32 AM

Nice deck you got Astro. Does the interior color match the deck nicely? Please let me know how the sound is after you get the deck in.

I'm hoping putting in a better headunit will improve it. But I also wanna upgrade to get better bass without getting a sub. Can anyone give me some suggestions?

Lol when I get my deck I'll prolly get someone to install for me, since I know very little about this subject.

Astrodonkey · 05-19-2005, 11:37 AM

Well I just ordered the deck so it isn't installed yet. I'll let you know how it turns out; looks like a beauty. I'm hoping not to have to install a sub as well. Since I listed to mostly classical music and talk radio I think some good midranges will do the trick.

The interior dash lights in my Camry are an ugly dull green. The deck looks like a beautiful bright blue. I'm not sure there's much I can do about this without a lot of pain.

CamryOwner98 · 05-19-2005, 08:09 PM

Yah, the dash lights can be kinda dull. If you search around here, there is a DIY thread, explaining how to change the dash and console lights. It's actually pretty easy to get into. For instance, the climate controls can be taken apart with a screwdriver, just pry off the trim gently and unscrew. I didn't change any interior lights, expect that I got new reverse glow gauges for the dash. Instead, I took out the console bulbs, cleaned them and they are nice and vibrant now, not as dull anymore!

I've been looking at some decks today, might go for the JVC KD-510 or a Kenwood one.

***cam2Xrunner*** · 05-19-2005, 08:16 PM

The "premium" stereo or JBL stereo use an external amplifier mounted behind the glovebox. I belive gen3 camries have the amp mounted below the passenger seat.

For instructions on how to bypass the factory amp, which is what you want to do, read this thread.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t70082.html

***cam2Xrunner*** · 05-19-2005, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamryOwner98

Hey Astro,

I have a similar setup in my 98 camry, with premium sound too. I'm also planning to get an mp3 deck (the buttons on my oem deck are falling apart) and possibly better rear speakers. What do you think of the sound in your car? I'm thinking the bass needs to be more responsive.

I agree with DJ, I don't think there is an amplifier in there.

Replace the front speakers before replacing the rears, hell I don't even run rear speakers.

The front speakers are 6.5", technically they are 6 3/4". You can fit up to a 7" mid

Concentrate on the FRONT speaker setup, and It's recomended to go with components and a decent amp for them for best results.