gen3 advice with upgrading

[bowlofturtle]

Hey guys, i know a lot of threads are up about what speakers this and that. How to take apart stuff. i dont want any of that info.

I'm looking to do very minor upgrade to my system. I just feel that when i wanna pump up some BASS on my stock system its just not there. I know a set of subs would do the trick but nah. I got the stock Radio.tape.cd player. I kinda like it. So i was thinking of upgrading the speakers. But would upgrade the front 6.5 only be good. Would it just mess up the overall flow of sound. having better fronts then rears. I know most people do front and back but i wanted to know how fronts with stock rears be.

2nd question would be if i wanted to invest in some subs and junk like that. Whats the best way to go. I just want a budget setup. Nothing hardcore to shake up the block. But just good enough to bump to it in style. I've always been a fan of how the BOSE systems are in maxima's. I want that effect. Would getting subs give me that effect. What would you recommend me investing $200 in?

I've seen mini boxes for the trunk that holds 6x9 and stuff like that. How do they work. Would it be equal to having 6 speakers for the car. I might want to look into that.


*Note: i have no experience in audio stuff. No idea whats good and whats bad. Not too great in terms as well. I would love for some links to sites to teach me how to maximize my speakers.

[Fever]

Unless you think your front speakers are blown, I wouldn't change them out and keep the stock deck.
If keeping the stock deck I would get an LOC (line output converter) that hooks up to the stock speaker wires (with the speakers) and provides an RCA output to an amp, or an amp that accepts a high level input, and single sub combo in the trunk. That'll fix you up.

[bowlofturtle]

hm... i've heard of that setup before. Just not with the techincal words liek LOC.

My fronts aren't blown nothing wrong with them. I just want a to make them a little more louder and crisp. Because when i put it to the level i want it. It gets all hissle and cracking sounds that i hate. What would be the best way to fix this. If i change my headunit would that make my speakers output a little nicer and more crisp?

Or do i have to resort to getting a headunit and 4 speakers for the car to get the type of sound i want. I don't want that hardcore gangsta rap type speakers. Just something to play the gangsta rap but not to the max.

[The Wolf]

Changing the headunit will definitely provide better sound from the speakers. I was amazed when I did this for my LeSabre and then my Camry. You don't have to upgrade the stock speakers, but it will give you better sound, especially if you put components in the front. I've got 2 subs, and for simple bass, 1 wouldn've been plenty.

[bowlofturtle]

whats the main job of components i always here people mention it, aren't they tweeters?

reason why i don't wanna go with a headunit is cause my dad got me this car. and he hates when i modify stuff. He sees it as a waste of money. His theory would be if it aint broken dont fix it. and if it is broken you dont need to fix it. thats why i oped to get the speakers only because he wouldn't notice a thing about it.

he thinks if i get subs and a headunit. i'm more of a target for people stealing it. and junk like that. then he is going to be like you need to change the battery more often and junk.

[The Wolf]

You won't need to change your battery more often, that's for sure. Unless, of course, you get some 2000W amp.... I've had a 300W amp on the current battery for 2 years and it's still going strong (battery is about 3.5 years old) If your dad has good hearing, get him to listen closely to the car before and after the headunit upgrade.... even he should agree it's worth it.

My dad's about the same way about the upgrades.... Except he can see the benefit of a new headunit, speakers (not subs) and a CD changer. You probably are more of a target with a new headunit and subs, but I don't park in places where that could be a problem, and I've got a security system to help deter would-be thieves.

The main job of component speakers is to place the tweeter closer to your ears, which is in the case of the gen3.5, right beside the interior door handle. It'll sound much better with components; you won't be hearing everything from the floor. Try to listen around for new speakers; personally, I'm a fan of Pioneer speakers and MTX amps/subs. Whatever you do, get what works for you and what you're happy with. Good luck!

[Stealth]

Just take the face plate off your stereo and you should be a lot safer from theifs.

[bowlofturtle]

i would think removing the faceplate would help but the area that i live is isn't so great. full of not so smart people so i would imagine they would try to steal some stuff. As for my security i told myself its pointless to get something unless i'm going all out.

I guess i can take look into headunits. i've seen the DIY's and stuff. it doesn't look too hard. 1 hour of my time maybe. if i wanted to return it to stock i can still do that easily right. should i solder everything to the wire harness on both ends?

I still dont see why i would need an amp to power up the speakers in the car. They aren't going to be anything super powered tho. how many people are using AMP's?

what are some better headunits? how does alpine rate VS pioneer

[The Wolf]

Changing the HU on a gen3 won't take long at all. The only time-consuming part will be soldering the HU's wiring to the wiring harness, which I higly suggest you buy. With practice, you can swap HU's in 10min. You don't need an amp for the speakers, but only if you get a sub. As for HU brands, I have Pioneer (4 years old) and am looking to get an Alpine next summer, when I can save up some money.

[bowlofturtle]

i was recently on cruchfield.com and inputed my camry specs and everything, now for the rears i kno they are 6x9 but according to the site i dont have to use them. it listed some 6 3/4 and others. is this right? So if i get 6 3/4 that means i dont have to cut anything?

How reaible is cruchfield on these type of things. they seem pretty organized on the site.

[eddiem67]

If you want better sound you will have to upgrade the headunit and front speakers, some coaxial, leave the stock speaker in the back, they should be just fine. Now if you feel the need for a little more bass than the upgraded speakers can produce, just get a single 10" sub in a sealed enclosure and an amp. If your worried about thieves, by all means get an alarm FIRST. Not to be mean, but your dad sounds frugal, its your car, do what you want. I can imagine what my parents would say about they're 37yr old son with a 6000.00 system and the resale value of his camry is only 7000.

[bowlofturtle]

what abut my question about the rears. are getting the 6x9 better then getting 6 3/4?

I'm getting aleast the HU no matter what.

[The Wolf]

The 6.75" will help you out in the front only. Getting new 6x9 will enhance the rear, but I'd rather have better speakers in the front, since that's where most of your sound will come from. I trust 99% of Cructhfield's info, but they also listed the size of the speakers in my front doors to be 6.5", and they were 6.75" (94 Camry). I'd just get same-size replacement speakers, starting with the front first. An alarm first would be a good idea, but I wouldn't worry too much with just a headunit and speakers that you can't see, but it depends on where you park, too.

[bowlofturtle]

i just got my car recovered not too long as well. Nothing was tooken from the car. Well except my digi cam, my volt/ohm meter, some minor stuff like a pair of jordan's.

But they have a set of adapters to make 6 3/4 fit in the back. I wanted to know would that be better or worst in the rear.

Right now i'm not getting speakers, but i'm trying to do all my homework now. So all i need to do is wait on a deal. The only reason why i'm pushing the 6 3/4 instead of the 6x9 is because i dont wanna get into a place where i need to cut to make the 6x9 fit.

If crutchfield said its 6.5' instead of the 6.75' did the also mention there was a use of an adapter. I read the part under installion of speakers and it comes with it.

[The Wolf]

I think you can get an adaptor from 6.5" to 6.75" or vice-versa; Cardomain Store Cardomain is cheaper than Crutchfield, if I remember right. It would be better to get 6x9 for the rear, as you'll lose noticeable base by going with a smaller speaker (which can be done with adaptors). I don't think Crutchfield mentiond the use of an adaptor..., but if all gen3's are 6.75" it'll be necessary for any other size. On a side note, Crutchfield told me the speaker size in one of my catalogs; the web site lists sizes from 5.25" to 6.75", which will all fit, some with the use of an adaptor plate.

It's good that you're doing your homework, too. That's what I did like crazy before I bought my Pioneer CD player. Research all your purchases carefully, ask salesman's opinons (those that know what's up), and listen to/try out EVERYTHING.