Query - mod stock car speakers with high quality crossover parts?

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MattSelinger

  • Jr. Member
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Best place I can think to get input on this is right here in the GR-Research community:

I have a 2020 Toyota Tundra and I want to keep the sound system as stock as possible while also doing a little to make the sound better.  Basic question is this... could I expect to hear more detail and clarity from the stock dash 2.75" speakers if I change the 100 uF electrolytic capacitors with a decent quality poly type capacitors and would adding a bypass capacitor help the cause?

More details for those interested:  The dash speakers are 2.75" paper cone speakers with a 100 uF garbage capacitor on the positive lead.  They are 4 ohm and my calculations say the 100 uF capacitor is doing a simple roll off around 200 Hz.  This particular vehicle has a center dash speaker (dual voice coil) that many folks on the Tundra forums suggest to disconnect.  I disconnected it and that definitely helped improve LT/RT separation.  Weird they put a "mono" speaker in the middle.  Also, the door speakers in the stock design is essentially a woofer that rolls off around 300-400 Hz. 

One thing I put some time into so far is applying sound dampening material to the doors.  This made a big improvement to the overall sound and quietness of the ride.  First time I have done this to a vehicle and I highly recommend it as a first step in any car sound improvements.

Much appreciation for sharing experience and thoughts to help.

Background:  I have built X-LS Encores, NX-Studios, Desktop Minis, and several Parts Express kits and I have modded/rebuilt several crossovers and heard the difference quality components and bypass capacitors make.  Many thanks to Danny, Hobbs, Ron - you guys have helped me to enjoy music and sound more than I could have without your "paying it forward" kindness.

czechm8

The sound deadening will help a lot.  I would put your money into some replacement drivers.  The stock JBL, or whatever Toyota is using are not good drivers.
Went through the same thing you are doing with my '05 Sequoia a couple decades ago - ended up scrapping the entire JBL system and built my own. 
I thinkt he bottom line is that those stock drivers wouldn't know the difference from a qualilty cap and a fire cracker.

Just recently wen through replacing all the drivers in my '18 Audi SQ5 with the B&O system.  Head unit and amps are quality, but the stock B&O drivers are cheap crap.  Made a huge difference.  It's actually enjoyable now!

Early B.

I would put your money into some replacement drivers.

Agreed 100%. If you want better sound, you gotta toss the garbage stock speakers. Don't waste time and money upgrading caps. 

Caution: you can easily go down the rabbit hole and add amps, subs, replace the head unit, etc. Next thing you know, you'll look up and your bank account has $2,500 less money in it. So if you want to keep the sound system as stock as possible, then "do nothing" is an excellent option.  If you feel you have to do something, then sound deadening will make an audible improvement.