Recommendations for speaker upgrade?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Sep 20 2006, 09:48 AM) [snapback]322188[/snapback]</div>

GeoGeek,
I have the non-JBL, haven't added an amplifier; only replaced the speakers. The Sparky Guide's replacement Kappas's are rated as 2 ohm speakers; I assume that means the receiver sees them as 2 ohm x 4 channels unlike the original's 4ohm x 4 channels.
If the replacements were seen as 4ohm x 4ohm I'd expect the volume control numbers to give the same sound levels but others on the list who've switched to the 2 ohm Kappas report having to use higher volume numbers..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Sep 20 2006, 09:48 AM) [snapback]322188[/snapback]</div>

For the fronts I used Sparky's wiring diagram ( maybe the wrong interpretation?) , it (http://priuschat.com/forums/files/prius_speaker_replacement_by__sparky__937.pdf ) shows the tweeters labeled T6 and T7; in the doors T6 and T7 are a white plastic connector: 2 wires in from the receiver, 2 wires back down thru the door to the door woofers, 2 wires out of one-half of the connector assembly go up to the tweeter/capacitor.

I assume the tweeter wires in the white connector were a parallel connection, I simply cut off the 2 tweeter wires that came out of the assembly, connected the 2 wires off the woofers to the crossover input, ran new tweeter wires from x-over back up to new tweeters, connected x-over woofer output to new woofers.

If my interpretation of the wiring is correct, after cutting off the old tweeters the wires to the old woofers are the receiver output wires. I'm sure I'm correct since if the tweeter was a series connection inside the white plastic assembly cutting the tweerer out would leave an open circuit with no signal to the x-over and silent front speakers.

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm at my limit for how much money to throw at the sound system.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Soylent @ Sep 20 2006, 01:21 PM) [snapback]322322[/snapback]</div>

The 2005 base-audio uses 4 ohm.

 

Well I don't want my base stereo to lose any volume so I should avoid a 2 ohm speaker, is that correct?

I should look for a four ohm or would an eight ohm make my into arena rock concert. Any danger with an eight ohm?

 

PriusEnvy was right on the money.
It wasn't until I researched it a little further that I realized that those Kappa's are indeed 2-ohm.
The difference you're hearing is probably one of sensitivity, although at 95db for the
Kappa's, those whimpy factory ones must be >100db. Keep in mind those meager magnets on the factory speakers. My guess is that the factory head unit, while technically capable of driving its outputs at 2 ohm, is really unhappy doing so (unhappy in a "high distortion/cook my components" kind of way).

If you feel you're missing out on the mid's (which is what it sounds like based on your description), the
outboard crossover on your Kappa's has a selectable pair of outputs for the tweeter.....you could try using
the lower output ones (e.g. 0db vs 3db) to attenuate the high end a little, thereby making the mids stand out
a little more at a given volume. In addition, you could back off on the bass setting of the factory head unit & turn the volume up a little more.

An aftermarket amp is really your best next step. You really don't have to go nuts......find an amp you like
and buy it used or new on ebay (for about half or less of retail). I'd say for somewhere in the $100 to $200
range you could find a nice little 4-channel that would make a night & day difference.
It's almost worth it just to get bang for the bucks you've already spent.

Good luck.....and let us know how you make out.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Sep 20 2006, 06:48 PM) [snapback]322509[/snapback]</div>

Thanks. I use the corossover at the 0db setting, 3db gave me headache. I'll try your "back off the bass and turn up the volume" idea, can't hurt.

 

Has anyone tried the JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 "Flatwedge" Subwoofer?

 

just put in focal seperates up front & rear for fill-ins. what a dramatic change! put them on your list for speakers to audition if you're thinking about switching out the factory speakers.

 

Congrats!

I have not listened to the new Focals but overall they used to be great speakers. Glad you are happy with them.

 

I am not impressed by the JBL sound system at all. When I listen to music the highs and mids are muffled IMO. The 2007 Tundra radio sounds much better. I think at this point any aftermarket upgrade speakers should perform better. I personally like Infinity, Polk, Alpine and Boston.