2001 LCA - Complete Stereo Swap-Out Plan...

[GregLCA]

I've been putting a plan together for a complete swap-out of the factory JBL system (non-NAV)... Basically a new double DIN deck, a new multichannel amp under the passenger seat, 4 new door speakers and a new sub.

Head unit: Alpine ILX-007 (CarPlay)
Amp: a/d/s PH15.2 (6 channel x 50W)
Sub: JL Audio Slim-mount (10" or 12"), Qty 1 or 2
Front Component Speakers: 6-1/2" (TBD)
Rear Speakers: 6-1/2" coaxial (TBD)
MegaPak of Dynamat Extreme


The question is: What should I be looking at for the rear coaxials and front component set?

I've looked at JL Audio, Focal, and JBL... Honestly it's hard to know how good any of them are going to actually sound in the Land Cruiser. All I can do is look at specs like efficiency, freq range, etc.

Realistically, based on the overall scope and budget the front component set should cost around $200/pr and perform well with a clean 50W per channel.

The rears are far less important to the overall sound, so I'd probably spend no more than around $100/pr for them, though they would also get 50W per channel.

The JL sub (100W - two 50W channels bridged) will easily handle the lowest octave (40Hz and down) and the Alpine head unit has a really nice built in crossover with steep 24dB/octave slopes. That allows really tight steering of frequencies to the correct speakers with minimal overlap.

Any ideas? I'd really appreciate specific model #s for whatever speakers you suggest, especially if you know for a fact that they fit in the doors.



-G

 

[yotasavg]

Greg, although I don't have speakers to recommend, I'm very interested in what you decide to go with. I've also been really interested in that head unit, seems like a great solution for iphone users who don't plan on switching away any time soon. The one thing I'm stuck on is no bluetooth, but will I need it at all? If you end up getting it, a short review would be very much appreciated.

 

[GregLCA]

Greg, although I don't have speakers to recommend, I'm very interested in what you decide to go with. I've also been really interested in that head unit, seems like a great solution for iphone users who don't plan on switching away any time soon. The one thing I'm stuck on is no bluetooth, but will I need it at all? If you end up getting it, a short review would be very much appreciated.

I tried to go audition some 6.5" speakers and it was almost hopeless.... the store around here don't even have them hooked up to a sound board most of the time. (not that a sound board is going to be a great way to listen either!)

I guess I'll just have to roll the dice and buy something with good reviews and hope for the best.... ugh.


-G

 

[anhizer]

I had some Focal speakers in a VW GTI (it has a weird 3 way speaker setup in the fronts). I was using an Alpine 5 channel amp with the factory HU. Sounded great when playing CDs/AUX. (radio sucked, but that was the HU). The Focal speakers are very impressive but are quite pricey. I got mine from a place in SoCal i think it was Sonix? They came with "no warranty" and had the S/Ns filed off... though apparently the store is legit. I had my reservations when ordering but the speakers were in good shape and had no issues sound wise. Very crisp and clear.

I have nothing bad to say about JL or JBL. I trust JL more as I have had good luck with their subwoofers; I have no experience with JBL though.

One comment on CarPlay- My wifes car has the Pioneer NEX (5000?) carplay unit. I am less than impressed with the carplay integration on that unit. It works ok when using your iphone to drive audio, however if you want your phone plugged into charge but want to use the onboard radio it bugs out. Carplay by itself is "OK". I think it will be better after a few firmware updates. I'm happy with the pioneer unit otherwise, just the carplay integration leaves something to be desired.

 

[GregLCA]

As far as Focal goes, I'd be in the lowest tier of their product lines based on my price point:

Focal "Elite" (165 KR2) = $749
Focal "Performance" (PS 165FX) = $650
Focal "Access" (165 AS) = $330
Focal "Auditor" (R-165S2) = $170

I don't really understand the tiers, or what is gained/lost.... though I know that audio equipment (like many things) is a law of diminishing returns. An $800 speaker does NOT sound twice as good as a $400 one, you spend exponentially for small improvements once you leave the price/performance "sweet spot".

Same confusion exists in the JL Audio Lineup:

JL Audio C2650 = $250
JL Audio TR650-CSi = $190
JL Audio C2-650X = $180
JL Audio TR650-CXi = $150

The pricing differentials are lot smaller, so it's easier to argue simply to spend a few extra bucks and hope for the best.


And for completeness, here are some JBL offerings in the sub-$200 range:

JBL GTO609C = $200
JBL GX600C = $120



Anyway.... my temptation at this point is just to look closely at speaker efficiency (since I'm only pushing 50W per channel) and make sure that I don't pick a speaker with an 87-88dB spec. It will just eat up too much of the amps power to run it.

Beyond that, it seems like you just pick the one with the prettiest packaging and slickest marketing and roll the dice!


-G

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

I highly recommend Alpine Type R SPR-60's up front and SPR-60C's in the rear. They have plenty of power and won't be stressed by your amp (nice amp by the way...haven't come across one of those in a while). The type R pillar 1" tweeters fit nicely in the pillar speakers on my LX as well.

System should sound great. Those JL's will be a nice touch.

 

[GregLCA]

I highly recommend Alpine Type R SPR-60's up front and SPR-60C's in the rear. They have plenty of power and won't be stressed by your amp (nice amp by the way...haven't come across one of those in a while). The type R pillar 1" tweeters fit nicely in the pillar speakers on my LX as well.

System should sound great. Those JL's will be a nice touch.

I'll check out the Alpine's as well.... any particular reason why you chose them?

I am a bit of an "old school" audio guy, I suppose..... and a bit of a hoarder. I've got 4 a/d/s PQ-20s still tucked away for more serious projects... the PH15.2 just seemed like a more "moderate" choice for a quiet interior environment like the LCA!

-G

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

I thought they were a good bang for the buck... There are a bunch of great options, but that's what I've got. Had it for a few years, and I'm pretty happy with the setup.

I should mention that I had to fabricate some "boxes" for the rear SPR-60C's on my LX. On the front, I modified and re-used the plastic factory speaker "boxes"/mounts.