Stereo system
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Stereo system
I just got a 2005 Scion tC and I'm disappointed with the sound quality. I was wondering what people have added to beef it up a bit. I'd like to get something nice but not too expensive. Thanks for the help.
Well, first of all... all of the Scions actually have very good OEM stereos. They're not awesome, but for being OEM, they're not bad at all.
As for adding a little more to them, it depends on what you want to do. You want more bass, add a sub and amp. If you want a cleaner sound - replace all of the components or replace the head unit.
There are about 100 options but it just depends on what you want or expect out the changes.
As for adding a little more to them, it depends on what you want to do. You want more bass, add a sub and amp. If you want a cleaner sound - replace all of the components or replace the head unit.
There are about 100 options but it just depends on what you want or expect out the changes.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: San Diego (Mira Mesa), CA
Hmm, "beef it up a bit", but nothing too expensive, eh?
1. Disconnect rear speakers.
2. Get an LOC for the stock HU (not req'd for '08 or newer w/preouts).
3. Power the front speakers with a small amp (25-50wpc) that has a built-in high-pass filter set to 80Hz.
4. Add a small, sealed box 10" subwoofer powered by a cheap 100w amp with a buil-in low-pass filter set to 80Hz.
You could do all that for as little as $300, and it'd be a BIG improvement in SQ, without too much work. There are lots of options and ways to accomplish what you want, my suggestion is just one of many routes you could take.
1. Disconnect rear speakers.
2. Get an LOC for the stock HU (not req'd for '08 or newer w/preouts).
3. Power the front speakers with a small amp (25-50wpc) that has a built-in high-pass filter set to 80Hz.
4. Add a small, sealed box 10" subwoofer powered by a cheap 100w amp with a buil-in low-pass filter set to 80Hz.
You could do all that for as little as $300, and it'd be a BIG improvement in SQ, without too much work. There are lots of options and ways to accomplish what you want, my suggestion is just one of many routes you could take.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Los Angeles
1. Replace head unit with an Alpine or Pioneer of your choice. Forget about cleansweep, it is much easier and cost effective to replace the head unit and you get better features and sound quality.
2. After replacing the HU, set everything on flat and listen to your favorite CD and determine if you want to upgrade speakers and add a subwoofer.
IMO the stock speakers should be good enough for most people in general and should only be replaced if done so properly. That means replace with speakers that are actually an upgrade (high quality ish), good quality amplifiers, good quality interconnects, and most importantly installed correctly. This will cost a lot more than most expect so save up if you decide to do it right the first time.
2. After replacing the HU, set everything on flat and listen to your favorite CD and determine if you want to upgrade speakers and add a subwoofer.
IMO the stock speakers should be good enough for most people in general and should only be replaced if done so properly. That means replace with speakers that are actually an upgrade (high quality ish), good quality amplifiers, good quality interconnects, and most importantly installed correctly. This will cost a lot more than most expect so save up if you decide to do it right the first time.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: City Of S.A. -- Santa Ana
Originally Posted by Makaveli
1. Replace head unit with an Alpine or Pioneer of your choice. Forget about cleansweep, it is much easier and cost effective to replace the head unit and you get better features and sound quality.
2. After replacing the HU, set everything on flat and listen to your favorite CD and determine if you want to upgrade speakers and add a subwoofer.
IMO the stock speakers should be good enough for most people in general and should only be replaced if done so properly. That means replace with speakers that are actually an upgrade (high quality ish), good quality amplifiers, good quality interconnects, and most importantly installed correctly. This will cost a lot more than most expect so save up if you decide to do it right the first time.
2. After replacing the HU, set everything on flat and listen to your favorite CD and determine if you want to upgrade speakers and add a subwoofer.
IMO the stock speakers should be good enough for most people in general and should only be replaced if done so properly. That means replace with speakers that are actually an upgrade (high quality ish), good quality amplifiers, good quality interconnects, and most importantly installed correctly. This will cost a lot more than most expect so save up if you decide to do it right the first time.
dude. you are so right. if anything. talk to some shops around.. even hit up best buy and circuit city. they'll charge you more but there's a gaurantee behind their work but it'll be worth it..
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From: Long Island/Daytona Beach
1) Get a nice amp and sub combo. I had Kenwoods from PC Richards for 200 bucks... as ghetto as it sounds they hit pretty hard.
2)Go to Lowes, buy MDF, and build a big butt ported box, according to specs. dont just build a huge box randomly.
All of this will cost like 250 bucks and give you a nice thump that complements the interior speakers well.
2)Go to Lowes, buy MDF, and build a big butt ported box, according to specs. dont just build a huge box randomly.
All of this will cost like 250 bucks and give you a nice thump that complements the interior speakers well.
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From: City Of S.A. -- Santa Ana
Originally Posted by Clean_XB
the OP did say "not too expensive", and it is unclear at this point if he plans to maintain a stock look and functionality versus and all out aftermarket setup. id venture to say the latter is not true based on his financial budget, which again is unknown.
that is why i recommended the cleensweep to maintain the stock look and functionality.
Personally, i run an alpine 9886 + Imprint PXA-H100 add on, still using the stock pioneers. but based on the fact that I want the stock look and functionality, im thinking about reverting back to the stock pioneer unit with cleensweep and ditching the alpine.
at dealer costs, the 9886 and imprint cost me around $430.....so I dont know if that is anywhere cheap considering a budget. There are many other headunits as well, and the 9886 is NOT the top of the line model for Alpine
that is why i recommended the cleensweep to maintain the stock look and functionality.
Personally, i run an alpine 9886 + Imprint PXA-H100 add on, still using the stock pioneers. but based on the fact that I want the stock look and functionality, im thinking about reverting back to the stock pioneer unit with cleensweep and ditching the alpine.
at dealer costs, the 9886 and imprint cost me around $430.....so I dont know if that is anywhere cheap considering a budget. There are many other headunits as well, and the 9886 is NOT the top of the line model for Alpine
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From: San Diego (Mira Mesa), CA
For those suggesting upgrading the stock speakers, consider their location.
I'd rather have the stock speakers in an optimal kick-panel, than to have a $500 component set in the stock door locations.
I'd rather have the stock speakers in an optimal kick-panel, than to have a $500 component set in the stock door locations.
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Scikotics
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From: Houston, TX (Puerto Rico)
first thing to do is swap the head unit. It's like everything, ur system will be just as good as the head unit. Then go from there and see what needs to be improved.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Buffalo, NY
Originally Posted by YanksFan
The difference between the stock speakers and a set of decent components is light and day. My set of components right now ran me $100 and are much better than the stock speakers.
I have the 'upgraded' Pioneer HU scion offered on the 2006 model tcs, (basically just gives the ipod adapter and a lil different look to the HU).
Will I hear that much of a difference upgrading from this HU to, say, alpine, pioneer, or sony aftermarket, WITHOUT upgrading the stock speakers?
I listened to the stock speakers on my gf's 99 Solara (it is JBL though) and it is LOUD, crisp and hits HARD for a stock system. Maybe I'd like something like JBLs...
I want the best bang for the buck, any specific suggestions on good component speakers that won't break the bank? I think I need a HU, component speakers, & maybe get a 10" sub or install my old 12" subs/amp as well. Correct me if I'm wrong
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From: Buffalo, NY
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From: NoVA
Originally Posted by markymarkcirca
I have the 'upgraded' Pioneer HU scion offered on the 2006 model tcs, (basically just gives the ipod adapter and a lil different look to the HU).
Will I hear that much of a difference upgrading from this HU to, say, alpine, pioneer, or sony aftermarket, WITHOUT upgrading the stock speakers?
I listened to the stock speakers on my gf's 99 Solara (it is JBL though) and it is LOUD, crisp and hits HARD for a stock system. Maybe I'd like something like JBLs...
I want the best bang for the buck, any specific suggestions on good component speakers that won't break the bank? I think I need a HU, component speakers, & maybe get a 10" sub or install my old 12" subs/amp as well. Correct me if I'm wrong
Will I hear that much of a difference upgrading from this HU to, say, alpine, pioneer, or sony aftermarket, WITHOUT upgrading the stock speakers?
I listened to the stock speakers on my gf's 99 Solara (it is JBL though) and it is LOUD, crisp and hits HARD for a stock system. Maybe I'd like something like JBLs...
I want the best bang for the buck, any specific suggestions on good component speakers that won't break the bank? I think I need a HU, component speakers, & maybe get a 10" sub or install my old 12" subs/amp as well. Correct me if I'm wrong
When I installed my HU without upgrading my stock speakers, I noticed an improvement in the sound of the speakers. They seemed much more crisp for the lack of a better word I guess. Are you looking to upgrading your whole system as in new HU, new front stage, sub, amps, etc? Cause if you are and are buying piece by piece, I would start with the HU, move to the front stage, and then finish with the sub.
How much are you looking to spend on each item; HU, speakers, amp for speakers, sub, amp for sub?
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Scinergy
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Littleton, CO
Here we go again....the OP hasn't shown up to answer any questions, yet people are spouting off "the best" suggestions without knowing ANYTHING about the design goals / criteria. For example, these questions need to be addressed before blanket-type responses, like "Brand 'X' FTW".
What types of music do you listen to?
How loud do you listen to music?
How much space in your trunk are you willing to give up for the subwoofer enclosure?
Who's installing the system?
What's the installer's skill level?
Who's tuning the system?
Are you willing to modify / cut metal (ie: kickpanels) for better sound quality?
What's your budget?
Where are you located?
What types of music do you listen to?
How loud do you listen to music?
How much space in your trunk are you willing to give up for the subwoofer enclosure?
Who's installing the system?
What's the installer's skill level?
Who's tuning the system?
Are you willing to modify / cut metal (ie: kickpanels) for better sound quality?
What's your budget?
Where are you located?
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From: Buffalo, NY
Originally Posted by YanksFan
When I installed my HU without upgrading my stock speakers, I noticed an improvement in the sound of the speakers. They seemed much more crisp for the lack of a better word I guess. Are you looking to upgrading your whole system as in new HU, new front stage, sub, amps, etc? Cause if you are and are buying piece by piece, I would start with the HU, move to the front stage, and then finish with the sub.
How much are you looking to spend on each item; HU, speakers, amp for speakers, sub, amp for sub?
How much are you looking to spend on each item; HU, speakers, amp for speakers, sub, amp for sub?
I don't want to go solely on price, but that is my general price range. If something is that much better for a little more, I'll make that my goal. Rethinking, I don't want/need subs. But maybe components that have a bit of kick to em.
Please start the suggestions..
