Need some advice on replacing stocks...

[JBNole423]

Alright guys, so the status of my system is as follows:

Alpine 9851 hu
Kicker 350.1 4-Channel Amp
Dynamated doors and trunk

I am looking to replace my stock speakers next, and was wondering if the SolaraGuy.org audio gurus could help me out with some advice. I was looking at the Alpine Type S's since Crutchfield is running a special on them, but I read by some who reviewed them that they either aren't the best for bass or for mids (speaking of which, can someone kindly explain the high/mid thing please).

Also, I will eventually put in subs and such, so advice on Sub/Amp combo that won't break my wallet? Was thinking of Kicker CompVR 12"s, but I wanted to know...what exactly is the difference between 12"'s and 10"s? I have heard differing opinions on the topic but wasn't sure. Also, is it better to buy your subs with an enclosure or not? Thanks in advance!

[JBNole423]

One more thing...is it better to get a component system versus the 6 1/2"s by themselves? I would think the stock tweeters would sound alright.

[solaraluv]

The alpines are ok they tend to get a little harsh at high volume but I would recommend either Boston accoustic Pro series or th JL audio VRs.

[JBNole423]

Ok, Boston Acoustics or JL's are a bit high for my price range. Any other suggestions?

[Mr. Slippery]

Yea BA's are expensive. I just ordered a pair of Polk Momo's components, my man has them in his accord, and I think they sound great. The highs are smooth and not too tinny sounding and they have a decent mid-bass. Plus if your matted in the doors they'll sound even better. I can't vouch for how they'll sound in the Lara, but I'll let u know in a couple weeks

[cam2Xrunner]

What is the special price?

Alpine Type -X components can be had for around 200 shipped online.

These are very nice speakers. The tweeter is a version of Vifa's Ring Radiator from the XT lineup, and the Mid is a modified version of a Vifa XT mid.

both known for very nice sound.

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index. ... 3189.17529

[JBNole423]

So long as I can get a deal for them on eBay, then I would be happy. I don't want to spend $300 on a couple of speakers, but then again I know spending $50 won't get me anywhere with the system I am building.

A question for cam, though. Should I think about investing in a capacitor with a distribution cap on it before I go any further? I am basically trying to cover my bases before I go and splurge on subs, speakers, etc., hence the Dynamat. If I need anything else, please let me know. Thanks.

[SleeperSolara]

Well i have Alpine Type S speaker in all four audio corners.
They sound great.

[cam2Xrunner]

So long as I can get a deal for them on eBay, then I would be happy. I don't want to spend $300 on a couple of speakers, but then again I know spending $50 won't get me anywhere with the system I am building.

I'd go take a listen to the Alpine Type-X components at a local shop. You can get these online for about 200 bucks shipped. The midbass is pretty decent, the midrange is very detailed and the tweeter is a very nice piece. This tweeter is based of the Vifa XT tweeter.





If you are planning on wiring active you open yourself up to countless posibilites in speaker choice.

For example my current front end system has Seas Lotus Reference Tweeters and Peerless Exclusive mids. cost me less than 300 but can sound better than alot of higher priced components.

If you want to do a budget front active system you could use an LPG 25NFA or 26NA tweeter set for about 80-90 bucks shipped,

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index. ... 22&pid=635

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index. ... 22&pid=637



then a set of Seas CA18RNX mids for about 110-120 shipped.

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index. ... 2&pid=1043

This setup can sound better than stuff WAY more expensive than the cost of these.

A question for cam, though. Should I think about investing in a capacitor with a distribution cap on it before I go any further? I am basically trying to cover my bases before I go and splurge on subs, speakers, etc., hence the Dynamat. If I need anything else, please let me know. Thanks.

Skip on the cap. They are pointless.

Instead in the future if your system shows the need for a stronger electrical souce look into doing the Biig 3 Upgrade(You add a 4 gauge wire to your Engine to chassis, Your Alternator to batter Positive(with an inline fuse) and you add a 4 gauge to your battery to ground)

Look into a stronger battery. I like and reccomend Odyssey or Stinger batteries.

http://www.batteriesareus.com/

And look into a stronger alternator. If you want to upgrade the alot and spend the least money, you can look into getting a remanufactured Toyota Highlander V6 Alternator. The alternator supplied with Highlanders with the tow prep package came with a 130 amp alternator. (1MZ-FE Only)

If you need something more than 130 than I'd look into finding one from reputable alternator companies. They c\an range from 160-500 bucks.

Before spending any money on electrical system upgrades, buy your amps, headunit, speakers and wiring first. Stuff that you can actually use

On the topic of Dynamat. Dynamat extreme is good if you can get it for very cheap. Dynamat regular is just crap.

Check out www.raamaudio.com and www.secondskinaudio.com

and check out www.sounddeadenershowdown.com

Use nothing but Butyl based deadener.

note:peal and seal is asphalt

[hskrsolara]

go with the raammat, I have 2 layers on my whole interior and trunk, sounds great!

[lilmike2069]

Dude i would seriously keep the stock cabin speakers if you have the JBL system... just get a better amplifier than the stock external amp... they sound amazing... i had bought Alpine component speakers for my old celica and was planning to get some for the solara because they sounded pretty good... well these blew them away... i was very surprised

[Monkeyman]

Your speaker choice depends on three things:
1) Your amplifiers output wattage
2) The type of music you listen to

And most important of all:

3) What sounds good to you

expl:

1: you want an amp which has a higher RMS wattage value than your speakers handle RMS. It is easier to ruin a pair of speakers with to little power than to much power. To little power and the speakers bobbin won't move linearly over the voice coil, causing friction and heat, eventually ruining the speakers.

2: If you listen to music with electroic instruments, then a metal tweeter would be fine, BUT if you listen to Rock, Jazz, pop, country etc. you should look into speakers with silk dome tweeters. Would you rather be hit hard in the ear with a piece of metal, or a piece of silk?

3: Your ears should make your decision above all else! You, me, Bill, Jill, Steve......... Susan can all listen to exactly the same music, from exactly the same stereo, in exactly the same car, and EVERY ONE of us will hear it differently! Our faces are all different, and so are our ears! This can be tough to do because every store's sound room is a little different (and none are like the inside of your car!), and use different wiring than you do, different head units, different amps, etc. Make sure you bring the same CD to every one of your listening sessions and take notes. While we would all like to think we can remember exactly what we heard before, we can't. The human mind isn't built to remember sound, it is built to remember the information that sound conveyed. Write down what you liked and disliked about each pair of speakers as you listen to them, and when you have heard all the models you are interested in, go back to your notes and compare.

Hope this helps,

David