Hello all, I recently purchased a 2010 Highlander SE and am planning on replacing the audio system with some aftermarket components. I have some questions however regarding speaker sizes and locations for the base audio system. First, I am assuming that the front speakers are a 6.5" driver in the door with a tweeter in the dash at the base of the windshield; can someone confirm this. Also, how much room is there in the tweeter position in the dash? The cover/grill looks like you could house a 4" driver there but I have not taken the chance to investigate. Also, can someone confirm the speaker size in the rear doors; I am assuming these are 6.5" as well. Finally, although I do not have the JBL system, it appears as though the rear panels have a grill built in for the sub; can someone verify the size of the sub for the JBL system?
Thanks to all, once I begin the install I will take pics and post.
Also, if anyone has ideas on speaker brand, I am all ears. Currently I am looking at the following brands: JL Audio, Focal, Boston Acoustics, CDT.
Thanks,
Bryan
The door speakers are 6x9 inches while the rears are 6.5 inches. I recently replaced the original speakers in both my 2008 HL Sport and my new 2010 Venza with Polk Audio db691 amd db651 drivers (the new Polk Audio dxi series is replacing the older db series speakers). I do not change out the small dash mounted speakers which are the original 'tweeters' in the system. Both cars have the same size door speakers so the installation is similar.
There is a thread in the TN Venza forum which describes replacement of the speakers in the Venza but the Highlander is similar. I have a post (#36) on that thread that outlines what was done to my two vehicles. The original speakers in both of my cars are the cheapest and lamest excuses for speakers that you can imagine as you can see from the photos on the Venza forum post. Also Dynamat Extreme sheets were applied in my cars which takes the audio up a notch. Great improvement in the sound without changing head units or adding new amplifiers for both cars.
Sorry, can't help you on speaker sizes 'cause I decided to keep my stock speakers.
You probably know this, but just in case....most aftermarket speakers require a good size amp to drive them otherwise they could sound worse than stock....just thought I would mention because I only found this out after research and almost invested in speakers without an amp. Anyway, my new Pioneer head unit alone made a night and day difference even with stock speakers. I added a small Blaupunkt underseat sub to accentuate lows and am very happy with the sound.
Check the DIY section for my complete guide to removing the deck.
If you're knowledgeable on this stuff, then ignore my post!!!
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
Thanks for the helpful advice. My plan is to keep the head unit and go with a JL Audio Cleansweep or Rockford Fosgate 3.Sixty. I am planning on getting an Alpine PDX amp and replacing the door speakers. Additionally, I may take a look at using the factory JBL sub location for a 6' or 8' sub.
It's been a while since I went stereo speaker shopping; anyone have some reviews of some speakers they have recently heard and would recommend?
I have some Boston Acoustics SPZ and PRO speakers that sound excellent.
I also have some Critical Mass speakers that sounded great.
My Focal's are phenomal but grossly expensive.
And, I hate my JL speakers. Factory speakers sounded better than C2-650 and C2-650x. If you must JL, get the C5's.
Crutchfield has a good application guide for your vehicle depending on whatever OE system you have.
The JBL system has an amp that should be able to power most speakers reasonable well.
The non-JBL system is a joke. I would just rip it out from the head unit and start from scratch. If you stick with it, get an amp. I would rather start with a quality head unit instead of the 3.sixty or cleansweep.
__________________
Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
deadrx7conv,
I have just the base system. I would love to upgrade to an Alpine or Pioneer nav unit, however my fiance has had past car of hers broken into numerous times and is worried that someone will do the same to the new Highlander. As such, I am trying to keep the factory deck to deter any break-ins. I listened to some Focals this weekend and love the 165KR's. They are pretty pricey though. Regarding the BA SPZ's; how do they sound compared to the PRO's? I had two sets of PRO's in a previous car and loved them (although I had to attenuate the tweeters a bit because of the sharpness). I agree with you on the JL's, the tone of the speaker sounded like crap in my opinion.
For the dollars I would like to go with the Boston's but am not sure if I should step up to the SPZ's. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Bryan
If you can afford them, can't go wrong with the SPZ's. I'm kinda irked that there isn't a 6x9 SPZ or PRO. If you're full range only without a sub, get the SPZ's. If you plan on a powered sub, get the PRO's and cross them over. I find that most full range speakers that are spared 'bass'(crossed over between 80-150hz) can sound good with a some equalization as long as there is a sub working everything lower.
The JL's, in order to work right, beg to be crossovered since there is no bass. A subwoofer is mandatory for pop/rap. But, with the SPZ60, the sub is optional and only needed if you're a bass-head.
I do recommend an amp for ANY quality speaker. You're just not going to get enough power out of the head unit to enjoy your speakers.
And, removable stereo face plates should help reduce the theft. Thieves steal what they can see. Get a good alarm if you don't have the factory alarm.
I'm not a fan of line level converters as they are another component that could add noise, hence my recommendation of a h.u.(with rca runs direct to the amp).
__________________
Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
I have an 08 base model w/o JBL. Crutchfield says 6X9 will not fit front doors, but some of you seemed to have used them. Are the speaker grills in JBL models deeper to allow a bigger speaker?
I have an 08 base model w/o JBL. Crutchfield says 6X9 will not fit front doors, but some of you seemed to have used them. Are the speaker grills in JBL models deeper to allow a bigger speaker?
I'd wager that because the non-jbl OE speaker is smaller, that it is simply using a different speaker adapter/mount for that speaker. Toyota is not likely going to stamp out two different doors. Speaker mounts are a cheap piece of stamp metal or plastic cut to whatever size/price speaker Toyota wants to use.
Find a competent shop to remove the door panel and take measurements. They should be able to whittle that stock speaker mount, or make one to fit whatever you want to use
I've used speaker adapters from ebay on various cars. Makes it easier for the diy'er.
__________________
Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
Wroos,
I have both a 2008 Highlander and 2010 Venza and I’ve replaced the front and rear door speakers in both cars which have non-JBL head units. Both cars came with OEM Toyota 6x9 inches drivers in the front doors and 6.5 inches diameter speakers for the rear. For specific details please reread my Post #2 in this thread and follow the link to the TN Venza forum thread wherein I explained the details of my installation for the Venza speaker replacements (see my Posting #36 of the Venza thread). The installation for the Highlander follows exactly like the Venza replacements.
The molded plastic frames for the original Toyota 6x9 inches front speakers were modified and reused as the mounting adaptors for the new Polk Audio dB691 speakers in both cars. The OEM paper cones of the speakers were cut away which leaves the plastic molding. Next diagonal cutting pliers were used to cut away the radial plastic members inside the basket portion of that OEM plastic molding. That leaves only the outer ring and the associated mounting ears on the outside of the molding to act as the spacing adaptor for the new speaker. You reattach your newly modified adaptor plate to the door frame of the vehicle. Complete the wiring of the new drivers to the car at this point. Finally, place the new speakers on the adaptor plate and screw them in place. You need some longer self-tapping screws (you’ll span the thickness of the dB691 frame and the modified adaptor plate before you hit the metal of the door liner).
For the rear doors I used the Polk Audio dB 651 speakers (notice the dB651s version isn’t needed) and the plastic mounting ring that comes with the Polk drivers for mounting onto the doors.
Finally, deadrxconv needs to get his hands dirty to understand what to do as much of what he says isn't correct. I like the Polks for this application as they have higher sensitivity and can mate with the low wattage stock head unit. If you replace the entire chain and include a new amp and sub, then what he suggests earlier will work.
The interior door panels for the Highlander are relatively easy to remove and with a few DIY skills the speakers can be replaced and your sound improved.
Last edited by Jim Griffin; 01-11-2011 at 07:58 PM.
Reason: formatting
I too replaced the stereo system in my 2010, I don't have the jbl system. I used the polk mm691 6X9 in the front and db651 6.5" in rear, I got the kenwood excel 9960 HU, and since my rear hatch doesnt have the sub cut out like with the jbl system I had to get a after market sub. I got the blaupunkt 210 sub and am not happy with it at all, wish there was a way to put a sub in the hatch like the jbl equipted HL's. So now I'm looking at having a custom box made for behind the second row seats that will fit on the floor, I also plan on getting the alpine pdx5 amp.
I got the blaupunkt 210 sub and am not happy with it at all.
Hey, I'm curious what did u not like about the sub, the sound output or something else. I have a friend looking at getting that sub, or one like it.
Thanks
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
Hey, I'm curious what did u not like about the sub, the sound output or something else. I have a friend looking at getting that sub, or one like it.
Thanks
I don't like the fact you can't feel the bass, if all he's looking for is fill bass then he will like it, I have it located behind the second row seats so it doesnt take away from cargo area and that much I do like.If you friend wants I'll sell him mine
I don't like the fact you can't feel the bass, if all he's looking for is fill bass then he will like it, I have it located behind the second row seats so it doesnt take away from cargo area and that much I do like.If you friend wants I'll sell him mine
thanks for the quick reply, hes definitely looking for bass you can feel. That will help with picking a sub. thanks again
__________________
2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
I too replaced the stereo system in my 2010, I don't have the jbl system. I used the polk mm691 6X9 in the front and db651 6.5" in rear, I got the kenwood excel 9960 HU, and since my rear hatch doesnt have the sub cut out like with the jbl system I had to get a after market sub. I got the blaupunkt 210 sub and am not happy with it at all, wish there was a way to put a sub in the hatch like the jbl equipted HL's. So now I'm looking at having a custom box made for behind the second row seats that will fit on the floor, I also plan on getting the alpine pdx5 amp.
I have the Kenwood KSC-WD250T 200 Watt 10-Inch Truck Powered Subwoofer installed and it fits neatly at the back of the highlander even with the third row seats raised. I like the output of this sub, not too boomy. Hope this helps.
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