Suggetions for a good stereo setup for Toyota Highlander.

[Evad]

I would like to replace the whole thing.

Whats a good 6-disc cd changer setup? I would prefer to stay in dash and not take up any extra space.

Also I am thinking I need a third pair of speakers in the back cargo area. Should those speakers be different than the speakers in the front and rear doors?

Can I stay the same size speakers as I have now (I think 5" or 6") so I dont have to mess up the door? Or should I really be going larger?


I am not looking to win any sound contests here. The stock stereo is really weak and I just want good sound.

By comparison, My Chrysler Concord has a 12-speaker inifinity system and it sounds great (to me).

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Phi]

If you're looking to add more speakers to the stock headunit, you're gonna run into probs. I don't think there are any extra preout channels avail. The only solution I can think of to that hurdle would be "Y" splitters.

Next to getting a whole new and expensive set-up, your other choice is to upgrade the stock speakers themselves.

[Evad]

Thanks Phi - I just posted that and it looks like adding new speakers to stock radio is trickier than I thought.

So I am willing to start over with new everything.

But I havent bought a car stereo in 10 years so no idea where to start.

[Luc]

Eclipse sells an indash 6-disc changer unit with a hideaway control unit. Pioneer used to sell an indash 6-disc add-on, but I don't think they do anymore. Nakamichi also sells a indash 6-disc changer, and Blaupunkt is a 5-disc. I don't think there is a dash kit for the Highlander yet to support aftermarket radios. Once you get an aftermarket amp and speakers, the sound will be more than adequate compared to stock. You really don't need a third pair of speakers since most listening area should be up front when you are driving; the front image should be accentuated more. If JL or MTX ever comes out with a stealthbox sub, you can always use that to maximize space.

Luc

[PLRBEAR]

Yeah, so to sum it all up, you're looking to get:

1)New headunit with in-dash CD changer
2)Good 4-channel amp (I like Soundstream amps. Worth the $$$)
3)Component speakers up front, regular speakers aft. Make sure the wattages match somewhat. (I like Soundstreams front & Infinity Kappas aft).

A setup like that will blow the Concorde's setup away. I suggest going to Crutchfield.com to check out the sizes, and the prices etc.

[Evad]

Thanks guys for the added information!

The reason I wanted speakers in the cargo area is because its very hard to hear the music when sitting in the back seat. The only speakers near you are at your feet. :-?

When you talk about amps - where is this peice going? I dont want have equipment bolted to the interior of my vehicle where I will see it.

Also, are there any chain stores you would reccomend getting stuff installed? I am certainly not going to be doing this myself! :P

[PLRBEAR]

Originally Posted by Evad

Thanks guys for the added information!

The reason I wanted speakers in the cargo area is because its very hard to hear the music when sitting in the back seat. The only speakers near you are at your feet. :-?

When you talk about amps - where is this peice going? I dont want have equipment bolted to the interior of my vehicle where I will see it.

Also, are there any chain stores you would reccomend getting stuff installed? I am certainly not going to be doing this myself! :P

Yikes. Tough one cause i don't live in the US. General consensus, is that chain stores do horrid work at times. Ask around for speciality shops that will do it right the first time. The amps can be mounted under the rear seats or somewhere out of sight. Do check to see that there's an headunit install kit made for the Highlander before you buy your equipment, otherwise you're in for a wait (which sucks to high heaven).