'10 Corolla LE Stock Stereo System

[Blade107]

I know the stock stereo is not the best but I'm not sure what' the best way to improve it in the future because some say replace the speakers, others say replace the HU..
The reality is that this system is pretty bad compared with another car I had, bought 10 years ago if you can believe that, my Prizm had more depth in sound even with the old HU and improved a lot with the Kenwood HU i installed later..
I'm planning to invest some $ next year improving my Corolla sounds so what you guys think, HU first or speakers?
I'm weary about messing with speakers because of rattles and vibrations that could be left behind after removing the deck and door panels..
Also, will any of these stereo Mods void any warranty?

Thanks

[FlawedLegacy]

I have heard to change speakers first (and I am)... Their though: "Even a great HU will sound back on junk speakers and better speakers will make any HU sound better."

makes sence to me, so that's what i'm going with.

[Blade107]

Originally Posted by FlawedLegacy

I have heard to change speakers first (and I am)... Their though: "Even a great HU will sound back on junk speakers and better speakers will make any HU sound better."

makes sence to me, so that's what i'm going with.

I guess it does makes sense. Will you tackle the job yourself or take it to a shop/dealer? Thx for your input.

[TLeong13]

I never done any stereo upgrades in my car prior to doing it in my corolla and its simple as pie. I added a 1000w sub and a 12 in sub (took them out tho) and its pretty simple to removing all the pieces in the car and didnt get any rattles afterwords...I did change the rear speakers (as they were crap) for some 500w 3 ways which sounds pretty good (i kept everything else stock)...take a look in the DIY section to c how to remove everything for the stereo upgrade tho....the only way ur warranty is voided is if they can prove that whatever u did was the direct cause of the failure...they cant say u changed ur speakers so u just voided ur engine warranty.

[shotgunjimmy]

Originally Posted by FlawedLegacy

I have heard to change speakers first (and I am)... Their though: "Even a great HU will sound back on junk speakers and better speakers will make any HU sound better."

makes sence to me, so that's what i'm going with.

I actually experienced the exact opposite. I replaced my HU with a kenwood, and added a 10in rockford sub at the same time. The increase in sound quality let me put off replacing the speakers for a few months. The difference between the stock HU and the kenwood caught me off gaurd. Had I not already purchased the speakers I was going to use, I would have been very tempted to leave the stock ones in.

Its the same concept as garbage in = garbage out. The new HU sent my speakers a better signal which is what improved the sound.

Sure my stereo sounds WAY better now that Ive got it all replaced and tuned and everything, but it made me second guess the way I thought about audio upgrades.


To the OP: I recommend changing the HU first. You might be surprised with the sound quality, and might decide to not change the speakers after all (saving you money).

[SuperchargedMR2]

I was in the home A/V business for 15+ years. Always upgrade the speakers first. If you want great sound than do it this way.....

1. Speakers, but get good speakers!
2. JBL MS-8 Processor/Amp - You have to hear this to believe & understand what it can do, absolutely amazing for any audio system.
3. HU

You will be amazed at how great your system will sound with steps 1 & 2 but a good HU will improve things even more.

[Blade107]

Originally Posted by SuperchargedMR2

I was in the home A/V business for 15+ years. Always upgrade the speakers first. If you want great sound than do it this way.....

1. Speakers, but get good speakers!
2. JBL MS-8 Processor/Amp - You have to hear this to believe & understand what it can do, absolutely amazing for any audio system.
3. HU

You will be amazed at how great your system will sound with steps 1 & 2 but a good HU will improve things even more.

Would that be something that a noob could do? I mean, speakers and amp. I have changed an HU before though but door panels and rear deck speakers and amp? Not sure.

Thanks to all u guys for the great suggestions. That' something for early next year but I'm planning ahead!

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by Blade107

Would that be something that a noob could do? I mean, speakers and amp. I have changed an HU before though but door panels and rear deck speakers and amp? Not sure.

Thanks to all u guys for the great suggestions. That' something for early next year but I'm planning ahead!

Could you do it? Sure, just take your time. If you get into a bind you could always have an audio shop finish it for you. Do you have any friends that are good at audio install? Does anyone live near you from TN that can help you out?

[TLeong13]

Originally Posted by Blade107

Would that be something that a noob could do? I mean, speakers and amp. I have changed an HU before though but door panels and rear deck speakers and amp? Not sure.

Thanks to all u guys for the great suggestions. That' something for early next year but I'm planning ahead!

for most speakers now u can get harnesses so all u have to do is remove the factory one (from the speaker) and plug in the aftermarket harness to the factory harness and into the speaker....the amp is a little more tricky but if u take ur time and read the instructions u should b able to do it

[TFCommanderBob]

Originally Posted by TLeong13

for most speakers now u can get harnesses so all u have to do is remove the factory one (from the speaker) and plug in the aftermarket harness to the factory harness and into the speaker....the amp is a little more tricky but if u take ur time and read the instructions u should b able to do it

I would only use the factory wiring if you use a very low power amplifier. Past that you better run your own wiring. It isn't hard, just time consuming. There is very little to permanently screw up. I have a DIY for replacing rear speakers in the sticky DIY thread.

Don't get distracted by stickers saying 3way and 1000 watts and things of that nature. Just because it has 3 speakers built into one doesn't mean it is going to be better at separation. Wattage is even less of a determining factor because they are often rated at the peak wattage that the speaker can handle for less than a second. It says nothing to the quality of tone or coloration. Listen to some speakers at a local shop, see what you like and what you don't before you buy. Chances are, if you do it right and with some luck on sizing, they can migrate to your next car.

I'm a home A/V guy as well and my advice for home audio is very similar to car audio. A very nice set of speakers could last you a lifetime. A receiver (headunit) might only last you a few years until there is a new connection or device or signalthat it is incompatible with. Finally, power is power. A good quality amp (not most watts for least dollars) can last you a long time as well. IMO there is much more discernible difference between speakers than power or HU.

The cheapest and easiest upgrades, assuming you do not want a sub, would be to replace the head unit and speakers and simply use adapters for the wiring so that you can use stock wiring. It is a pretty straightforward job and lots of forum guys can help if you get stuck. If you want a sub for improved sound then I'd probably get a 5 channel amp and let it handle all the power duty.

My audio equipment in my home stereo is mostly from the 80's, except for my receiver since I upgraded to do HDMI. I do catch the upgrade bug every once and a while though, and already (~3years) it is time to get one that is 3D compatible.....

[FlawedLegacy]

Originally Posted by Blade107

I guess it does makes sense. Will you tackle the job yourself or take it to a shop/dealer? Thx for your input.

I did rear speakers myself with a friend, uber easy!!
I try to pay others as little as possible to do what friends and I can do
(yet to have anyone work on my car besides friends and I with all of the mods i've done thus far -save mounting the tires on my rims)

[Blade107]

I'll be looking at the DIYs here and maybe try and find a TN member around the Tampa/Clearwater area that has tackled this project and want to help out for beers That will be early next year which will give me some time to look for components and do my research. Thanks!!