Speaker choices for 2000 LC

[FOPLawyer]

While i reviewed the various threads about the relacement of the door speakers (front, back, both, both plus sub) I am not very car stereo knowledgable, and I am wondering if there are good choices for replacing the factory speakers, and a good thread with pics (that are still there to be viewed) showing the best process.

Is the amp crossover thingy under the passenger side seat a serious hindrance to upgrading the sound? Does the head unit need to be replaced (I would love to integrate bluetooth and ipod controls as well as a possible backup camera and nav if I have an excuse to do so)

The problem is that I am starting to get a buzzy tone to the front speakers at almost all volumes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mister bean]

Just about any name brand aftermarket speakers are going to be worlds better than the stock ones. If you spend about a hundred dollars on components for the front, and half that for the rear doors I think you'll be quite happy. I've heard pretty good things about Alpine, Pioneer, Boston Acoustics and Infinity. None of them are top shelf stuff, but perfectly serviceable.

When I was researching this, I kept running into threads saying the headunit and amp need to be replaced. However, in my '99, I just replaced the front speakers with a set of components (I didn't do rears because I almost never have anyone sitting back there) and it sounds perfectly fine to me. It gets plenty loud and sounds clear enough. The only reasons I see for replacing my head unit would be in order to play music from my phone, or if it stops working.

I like good audio, and have some decent systems at home. But it's a big metal box rolling down the road and will never be an ideal listening environment. So I don't see the point in dumping tons of time and money into it.

So I would start with new speakers, if that's not enough to make you happy, maybe look at electronics. But I wouldn't assume that they'll be necessary.

 

[SmoothLC]

Yup, lots of good choices as Mr. B wrote above.

Last year I went through and upgraded all the stereo components but the sub (next "to do" item): Pioneer h/u, Focal speakers and amp.

Love having a backup camera, Ipod controls, and bluetooth.

There are a number of good threads on Mud that should help: Removing the door panels, DIY 100 Series Speaker Swap and others.

Also, go to Crutchfield and plug in the details to your vehicle. You'll get an idea of brand, price and availability.

Good luck!

 

[El Cid]

Mr B, I respectfully disagree with your assessment that its just a big metal box and hardly the ideal listening environment. It's precisely because the environment of a land cruiser is a closed space where I often like to drown out other distractions that surround me on the road that make quality sound important. Homes are more difficult to create sound in because there more open spaces, sometimes an entryway, and far more distractions. Bang for the buck, you car is a great listening space.

That being said you make an excellent case for the choice of speakers! I'm going to look at some Alpines, as you mentioned. Those are all good suggestions

Dashboards are too cluttered as it is these days. The industry would be smarter to put in higher quality antennas and speakers and leave the gadgetry to the mobile phone/ device industry. It gets annoying real fast to have to look between the dash screen and my phone.

Smooth, thanks for the crutch field recommendation!