Stereo

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by empower-auto

I know the elementary items - but I'm just used to no more than 4 channels. My typical aftermarket stereo is a set of high-end 3 way components in the front doors running off of a 2.1 channel amp and a small high quality ~10" sub in the back filling the sound out.

Ahh ok. Well they sell 6 channel amps, or if you up for a serious upgrade get a 2 channel for the door speakers (which i assume will be ones to focus on) and a 4 channel to power dash and rears. This also allows you to reuse your 2.1 channel amp and power a small sub as well!

Im personally not a fan of multi class amps ie 2.1 channel. Do one job well. Not 2 jobs half assed.

[eriktherod]

I believe the SubW option is made for the optional sub kit from Scion. Not to say that aftermarket ones couldn't use it too, but bone stock it has no effect.

[empower-auto]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

Ahh ok. Well they sell 6 channel amps, or if you up for a serious upgrade get a 2 channel for the door speakers (which i assume will be ones to focus on) and a 4 channel to power dash and rears. This also allows you to reuse your 2.1 channel amp and power a small sub as well!

Im personally not a fan of multi class amps ie 2.1 channel. Do one job well. Not 2 jobs half assed.

I'd probably drop the front speakers altogether. I have had great success building stereos in coupe's running only door mounted component systems and a high end smaller sub in the rear.

This system would be simply for a sound-quality focused simple solution for the drivers listening alone.

My last setup was a pair of Macrom M1S 6.5" components paired with a Macrom M1 10" sub - both receiving the power they asked for. It was a joy

[Black Tire]

Originally Posted by Blackbeltmma

I love my new car, but the stereo is awful. What have others done. I kinda like the head unit (base unit), so I am thinking of changing only the speakers.

I agree, the stock stereo is awful. I also like the stock head unit. Changing only the speakers would help, but only so much. The stock stereo for the FR-S (is this yours?) lists as having PEAK power of only 40W x 4. A peak power of 40W in car stereo speak is probably equivalent to 5-10W RMS. This means that the stereo is very underpowered. I would insert a 4-channel amp to drive your new speakers. If you like lots of bass (hip hop and the like), add another channel or two to the amp for subwoofers. Some of the amps will accept speaker level inputs (connect the speaker out of your head unit directly to the amp). Something like this should work:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XD40....html?tp=35782

By the way, could somebody that live in or near Virginia please drive down to Crutchfield and volunteer their car for car audio fit research. This would really help out the rest of us, and you may be able to work some sort of advantageous deal on a better stereo.

[Trojan_SC]

I want to get rid of the OEM HU ASAP, but I'm waiting to see if anyone comes out with a HU that fits perfectly in place.

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by Trojan_SC

I want to get rid of the OEM HU ASAP, but I'm waiting to see if anyone comes out with a HU that fits perfectly in place.

I think most double DIN HUs are a perfect fit? That was the way they designed it?

[phenom86]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

I think most double DIN HUs are a perfect fit? That was the way they designed it?

actually there are gaps on the sides when you change out the radio to a different double din like a kenwood, alpine..etc you will need a radio kit

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by phenom86

actually there are gaps on the sides when you change out the radio to a different double din like a kenwood, alpine..etc you will need a radio kit

Thanks for the heads up! Im gonna go surf some HU swap threads to better understand this. I was ready to run out and buy a new HU next week with just a wire adapter!

[digital_assassin]

Originally Posted by phenom86

actually there are gaps on the sides when you change out the radio to a different double din like a kenwood, alpine..etc you will need a radio kit

And it looks like crap to boot. I put a full sized screen Kenwood in my dash and now I am trying to figure out how to make it blend. Cool looking pattern on the dash interrupted by crappy textured dash kit "ears" and a HU poking out. Makes me want to but I have killer sound now and the HU itself is awesome. I think the texture on the dash is done by Laser Etching. It would be awesome to build out the dash and have it re-etched to keep the stock look.

[charger]

Originally Posted by eriktherod

I believe the SubW option is made for the optional sub kit from Scion. Not to say that aftermarket ones couldn't use it too, but bone stock it has no effect.

Anyone know if this is true? I'm hoping to hold off on buying a double din player for a little bit and want to run an amp to the stock preout.

[Trojan_SC]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

Thanks for the heads up! Im gonna go surf some HU swap threads to better understand this. I was ready to run out and buy a new HU next week with just a wire adapter!

Yeah that's why I'm going to wait and see if Kenwood or others come out with one that is flush with the dash.

[EsoBOFH]

Originally Posted by Bonburner

I feel like there is a little more kick from the speakers - but it could be my brain making stuff up haha

I believe it redirects low frequencies to the sub, rather than the rest of the speakers... which would make the stock speakers sound better (they can't handle much when music get's heavy with bass) - with no sub, you'd just be losing a lot of bottom end. (just my guess though).

[Blackbeltmma]

Wow, I never thought I would get so many responses so quickly. Thank you to everybody. As for the bass, I have a 1000 watt amp powering 2-12" subs. I have yet to install them as I have only had the car for five days now, and am now deaf, Rolf.

[KRAZYK]

Originally Posted by Liquidsnake

I added an 8 inch amplified bazooka tube. The stereo is godly now. All for $300 installed.

My first sub was a bazooka tube.. trust me there is nothing "godly" about them. It sounded weak from day 1, and I ended up blowing it because I was trying to get too much bass out of it. haha