Upgrading from the "Premium" Factory Audio System

[360glitch]

Greetings,

I am preparing to upgrade the audio system in a 2001 Avalon with the Premium JBL factory stereo system. I'm installing an aftermarket headunit, and plan on bypassing the factory amplifier and using the one in the headunit. I understand that this will cause me to lose use of the (already blown) factory subwoofer. No big deal, I plan on adding a component subwoofer later.

Do most people that replace the headunit take this route, or do they continue to use the factory amplifier?

[dewmasterdj]

Thats exactly what I did. I bought http://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/Car...FFDouble%40DIN at crutchfield. You can buy the amp bypass wiring harness that runs to where the amp is as well. you will get much clearer sound by bypassing the factory amp and using the one in the headunit

dewmasterdj

[360glitch]

Thanks for the input. I've got most of it planned out now, here's what I'm looking at:

Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 Head Unit
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-2 Amplifier
Polk Audio MM6501 6.5" Components up Front (Powered by RF amp)
Polk Audio DB351 3.5" Speakers in the Rear Doors (Powered by head unit)

Still deciding on what I want to do for a subwoofer... currently looking at JL Audio W6 10 and 12 inch models, and will likely match whatever I decide on with a JL amp.

[360glitch]

Originally Posted by 360glitch

Thanks for the input. I've got most of it planned out now, here's what I'm looking at:

Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 Head Unit
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-2 Amplifier
Polk Audio MM6501 6.5" Components up Front (Powered by RF amp)
Polk Audio DB351 3.5" Speakers in the Rear Doors (Powered by head unit)

Still deciding on what I want to do for a subwoofer... currently looking at JL Audio W6 10 and 12 inch models, and will likely match whatever I decide on with a JL amp.

Got all my parts ordered other than the undecided subwoofer and amplifier. Need to wait on some cash before I take that next step. Gotta get all of the other pieces installed beforehand anyhow.

[Tom in Tacoma]

If you're going with Polk Audio components - why not get a Polk sub to go with it. Polk makes some great sounding subs that can pound without beating the crap outta your ears. I had Polk speakers in my two previous trucks and love them - and have Polk for my home theater setup.

I'd have Polk in my '07 Avalon except the JBL Synthesis system is perfect for me!

[MCX20-XLS]

I have future plans for a double DIN unit, likely an Alpine screen. Most importantly, I'd like to know if there is a replacement piece for the wood grain trim when the unit is switched out ?? I wouldn't want to break up the consistency of the faux wood trim...

Also what are the correct speakers sizes for the door speakers and front tweeters ??

And... are the amplifier(s) under the front passenger seat ?

[360glitch]

Originally Posted by MCX20-XLS

I have future plans for a double DIN unit, likely an Alpine screen. Most importantly, I'd like to know if there is a replacement piece for the wood grain trim when the unit is switched out ?? I wouldn't want to break up the consistency of the faux wood trim...

Also what are the correct speakers sizes for the door speakers and front tweeters ??

And... are the amplifier(s) under the front passenger seat ?

If I didn't already mention it I'm going with a double din Kenwood unit with built in Garmin navigation.

No matching faux wood install kit. Thats the only thing I'm worried about. If it looks bad I will do whatever it takes to get it back to looking good. It seems like it shouldn't be that hard to get a custom made matching overlay for the plain black install kits. I'd gladly pay for something like that.

The factory amplifier is under the front passenger seat. 6.5" speakers in the front doors and minuscule 3.5" speakers in the rear doors. Not sure about the in dash tweeters, probably 1". We'll see...