Any recommendations on what speakers I should use to replace the factory JBLs? Tight bass and crisp highs are what I'm looking for. And should I also replace that "center channel"?
some folks say to disconnect the center dash speaker for better sound. alpine tweeters do clip right into the tweeter mounts with no mods; also jbl uses odd impedances -- 3 ohms or something. I'd think 4 ohm woofers would work fine. I'd use 6.5" woofers if I didn't want to mod the doors over it. I had to install 1" thick spacer rings to get my front woofers to clear the window. 7" Dayton Audio rear woofers (parts express) just barely fit. I don't have jbl, but there is a thread on here somewhere with a link to the jbl schematic which does show the correct impedances.
I've had Alpines before and really liked them. The SPS-610C looks like they will do the trick. I'll check them out. Thanks!
not to jack the thread and all... but How did those work out for you? putting the 7" woofer in the doors. Rattling? close quality to having a decent sub and box in the car?
works good. of course, I'm about 1/2 deaf from all the loud music and noise, but it does feel like a sub. the mirror vibrates and the bass guitar and kick drum really sound like they're in the car with me. I don't listen at extreme levels, but I like it moderately loud. the important thing is to add some type of insulating material like dynamat under the door panels; I am cheap so I used duct insulation. its 1/8" thick foam w/ glue on 1 side and foil on the other. very light and effective. dynamat is better at dampening but its much heavier and way too expensive.
Did you feel you lost any sound quality or mids by removing the 6.5 components drivers and installing the woofer? I'm not big on the sound stage but I don't want it to suck from my drivers seat. Essentially i'm looking to do the same. Adding (2) JBL GTO804's amped in my rear doors and running new Infinity components amped in the remaining stock locations as well.
the drivers I picked were most likely designed for 2 way bookshelf speakers, so there is not a problem with loss of midrange. I did adjust the bass down from where it was with the oe speakers because they didn't really put out any bass even with the bass turned all the way up. since I've played bass for years, bass response is most important to me. the alpine tweeters are much clearer and cleaner than the oe tweeters too.
Your answers are informative, and thanks for the input! I was, however, chatting with a former Prius owner Sunday evening (don't remember why he traded in the prius, but it was an '07 like mine) and he recommended I just keep what I have (the upgraded JBL's) and save the $$$. BUT, if I can get much better sound, I will change out the speakers.
