More PFFT PFFT PFFT - the sub this time. Options? (1 Viewer)

[Surf123]

Honestly, I would just unplug the thing. They are miserable and I'd bet you hardly notice a difference.

I am not familiar with the LC's amp configuration, but it most likely has an internal crossover that is preventing lower frequencies from getting to the door speakers. Eliminating the sub will make the sound quality worse. Re-foaming is cheap, easy and puts the sound back like it was. There is no question you can make improvements, but most people do not care about audio quality, but they do like a system that works and sounds decent. The OEM system fits the bill.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I am not familiar with the LC's amp configuration, but it most likely has an internal crossover that is preventing lower frequencies from getting to the door speakers. Eliminating the sub will make the sound quality worse. Re-foaming is cheap, easy and puts the sound back like it was. There is no question you can make improvements, but most people do not care about audio quality, but they do like a system that works and sounds decent. The OEM system fits the bill.

It sure does, that’s what low and high pass filters do... but just because there are signal controls, that doesn’t mean the speakers can hit those frequencies. Send the signals wherever you want, that doesn’t mean the hardware can hit em..especially those baby subs.
A decent aftermarket headunit and some coax speakers will sound better than an old factory stereo. But, that’s my opinion

 

[abuck99]

Well, I finally got around to swapping the sub. Thanks @abuck99 (PMs) for the assist on the wiring. And, as described, the sub sounds okay.

Overall, I’m surprised how much engineering, design and manufacturing/material Toyota dedicated to such a ****y sub, amp and enclosure... it really adds nothing. After getting it all sealed back up, faded the sound back to the middle, moved the bass up to about 70%... yep - it works. That's about all I could say. Sounds about like the factory sub.

So now, I’m considering a full speaker, sub and amp swap. Just gonna get an estimate next week.
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I think a powered sub would do a better job (maybe under the second row seat) but that's a whole other project to make that work. Honestly, If there was a reasonable solution for HU, amp and sub swap that didn't require a ton of work and expense in the 04+ I'd have done it- IMO the return isnt there. The production numbers probably just weren't there to justify Kenwood-Alpine-Panasonic to come up with a plug & play solution.

FWIW I did replace all 4 door speakers with 6.5" component JBL 2 way up front and 6.5" component JBL 3 way in the second row. I made the tweeter fit in the factory location, used the included cross over to adjust the tweeter output in the front row so it all looks stock and sounds about as good as it can with factory amp and minimal investment. I spent about $130 for all 4 speakers.

I recall you refoamed your factory 6.5" speakers and before you go to the next level of expense, if you want to listen to my system just let me know and we can meet up.

 

[Manhattan]

I recall you refoamed your factory 6.5" speakers and before you go to the next level of expense, if you want to listen to my system just let me know and we can meet up.

You have a good memory. I did refoam the front door speakers. The sub failed the same way. Kinda tells me the back door speakers are a bass drop away from a foamy death too. I may take you up on the offer to listen to the upgrades you made. Maybe we can make the meetup dual purpose... and do some 'wheeling Thanks Andrew.