New Stereo System

[qtlaw]

I've taken my wife's 1997 Camry LE (she got 2004 Sienna) and I want to upgrade the stereo. I was thinking new head unit (about 50W) and a subwoofer but am considering also changing stock speakers, anyone know what the specs are on stock speakers and whether that is a better move than subwoofer? Any info appreciated. Thanks.

[Stealth]

uhm... speaker sizes are 6.5" up front and 6x9s in the back. Don't rely on what they say for headunit wattage. They usually are around 50 x 4 but thats PEAK wattage so you're really getting 15-25 watts RMS, which is a more accurate measure. A new headunit is a good place to start. You could get a new headunit and just get a new sub and amp it of course. Or you could go with headunit and 4 new speakers, but if you did that I'd suggest that you amp it too, it'll sound a lot better and get louder. Or you could do both but that's a bit of money right there. If you are satisfied with your regular speakers then get a sub, if you think they sound like crap, replace them first.

[DrtySthV6SE]

definately getting a new Headunit will make your stock speaks sound better, unless you want to amp your highs (im poor thats why i havent), mine sound great with my Premier receiver no problems.

[qtlaw]

The speaker specs I was looking for were the wattage, etc. Thanks for your help.

[finese1]

i would say start with a good head unit. Then add the subs. you can always change speakers later.

[rayray]

my suggestion.

1. HU
2. front speakers
3. rear speakers
4. amp
5. subs


-rayray

[Fever]

Originally posted by qtlaw
The speaker specs I was looking for were the wattage, etc. Thanks for your help.

Not sure if they're the same, but the stock speakers that came out of my 97xle are:

rear deck 6x9's are 3ohm, 20watts

front door mids are 2ohm, 20watts

tweets at bottom of a-pilars don't say...

Don't let the numbers get to you too much, companies quote peak power because the number is higher, sounds better. Try to compare rms or continous watts of each piece. Like mentioned earlier, the 50X4 you see on the deck is peak; its more like 21wrms on a good one. It's usually buried in the spec page of the manual.

I hooked up my kw-x869 to the stock front end and kw 6x9's out back for a while before I installed a new comp set up front and amp'd the lot of 'em.
The stock front end sounded fine while being pushed by the new hu's internal amp. Certainly better than with the oem deck.

1. new hu, keep stock speakers,
2. sub + amp with hi-level inputs,
3. replace all stock speakers and amp the lot of 'em

Gene

[mauibuilt59]

The stock speakers are actually pretty good and can handle about 30 watts rms (just an estimate). You'll be amazed at the sound after the stock head unit is changed.

[qtlaw]

Thanks for all your help. I got a Kenwood MP522 headunit and replaced all of the speakers (Pioneer 3 ways). I know Pioneer is not the greatest but the Infinity's were sold out and I'm not that big an audiophile anyway. This is my first thread and I appreciate all your help.

[mauibuilt59]

good choice on the head unit. I think the kenwood 522 was rated the best buy in some magazine (thats what this salesperson told me)