Initial audio upgrade

Hi,

First post and happy to be here!

I have a 2019 that was a former rental unit. What I'm looking to do for my first mod is to improve the lousy stereo sound currently in the unit.

Not looking to do more that upgrade the speakers at this point and looking for the easiest and modestly price speakers to install. Really looking for a plug & play, meaning no extensive wire cutting and modification of mounting areas.

Again not looking to be heard blocks away, but a nice upgrade over stock, nothing too involved.

Am I asking too much?

Any input?

 

You can use the search bar for interested items, it will give tons of info. Welcome to the forum.

 

Infinity Referance with Metra connectors, put those in our 4runner and made a huge difference.

Also, did some sound proofing which is well worth the effort.

 

Do you happen to remember the model number of the speakers?

 

This is what I installed in my wifes 4Runner - currently installing Kappa Series in mine, well when it cools down, 108 today.

REF-9633IX
REF-6532IX back doors and hatch

Metra - 72-8104 harness's
Metra - 82-8148 adapter
Metra - 82-8146 adapter
Kilmat - sound proofing
Road Kill - speaker foam

 

Forgot about this :

FYI - the the 6532IX speakers do not work with the metra 82-8148 adapters (to tall) or butchering the original speaker to try to make an adapter out of it (to small) as I have done on other vehicles. Got them in though, they work if you use the supplied Infinity adapter, however, you have to drill new holes I just used self tapping screws

 

Fyi, you can gut the stock speakers and use them for mounts.

 

I have done this in the past with other projects, but would not fit the infinity speakers I had at all, so I used the brackets that came with the speakers.

 

Worked for the kappa's at least. Not the best mounts, but work.

 

hey Fellas, new here.

Yesterday I installed Infinity Reference 3.5" in the dash and 6x9s in the front doors. What a HUGE difference. Had to reuse the connector from the factory tweeters and solder new wires onto the adapter with an inline bass blocker. Used Metra adapters and 6x9 mount for the doors. Perfect fit.

Im pretty surprised the metra 6.5" mounts wont work for the rears. Do you know if they will work for the tailgate?

Thanks

 

Can you explain factory tweeters and inline bass blocker? These terms are not familiar to me. I was hoping just to unhook the original wires and plug into the adapter and be done..

 

All the info you need is here: https://www.4runners.com/threads/diy-3-5-jl-audio-dash-speaker-upgrade-wow.7466/

 

IDK..seems a bit complicated soldering here and spicing here. I'm used to the old days of cut two existing wires and attach two new wires..done.

Of course I haven't done any kind of audio work on my vehicles since the early 80's with the sparkomatic book speakers added to the carpeted rear deck.

 

It’s actually usually even easier, just order the right connector. Just replaced all 6 speakers in our RavPrime, no cutting any wires, no soldering. Almost plug and play, I just needed to drill out some rivets that held in the factory speakers.

 

I couldnt find the connectors online for the tweeters, so i had to use the blue adapter on the back of the factory tweeters

 

https://www.amazon.com/RED-WOLF-2010-2019-Highlander-Replacement/dp/B07RMZ4CR6/

 

It helps to add a 1/4 inch spacer to this so you have a bracket with the factory depth. This way there’s no need for foam rings and the speaker mates up to the door panel with some weatherstripping.

 

Check out Crutchfield.com. they have fitment guides and usually include any needed wiring adaptors so it's plug and play.

I went with JL CI-690's in the front doors ant put the tweeters in the dash. There are adapters for mounting them, but I just removed the guts from the stock dash speakers and attached the new tweeters to the baskets.

These were a big improvement in clarity and low frequency response. I plan on using the 6.5" version in the rear doors and hatch if they will fit.

Since you're not planning on upgrading the deck right away, look for speakers with a high efficiency rating. These will get you the most output without adding an amp. That's how I found the JL's.

 

Agreed probably could have made that work.
But with the roadkill foam rings, the ring center is removed and installed behind the speaker in the door......wavebreaker makes specific (costly) pads that do the same thing but I get the rings as well using roadkill package.