Would upgrading the speakers/tweeters make a difference?

[85_305]

With the stock radio? Because the highs sound like crap, there is WAY too much mid, and the bass is terrible. Not to mention they aren't very loud.

So would putting in nice aftermarket components sound good? Or would I have to swap the whole radio out for aftermarket for that?

[chris15]

I went the reversed route by upgrading my deck first and then upgrading my speakers. But I can tell you that the stock PT speakers are very decent, but are limited by the functionality and sound quality of the stock stereo. You may want to consider adding an aftermarket stereo first, as most often this will fulfill your need for better sound quality, and it's also a hell of a lot easier to do.

Just my 2 cents.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[85_305]

Interesting. Perhaps I will try finding a different cd player first then. I just want the clarity to increase and perhaps a tick more bass if possible

[warped]

I put in a new kenwood excelon 792 and it sounds good but now I am replacing it all with components, amps and sub!!

[lowpt]

Most car audio specialists will tell you upgrading your existing speakers should be the first thing you do.

[warped]

If you heard the difference that changing out the stock radio makes you would not say that.

[chris15]

Originally Posted by lowpt

Most car audio specialists will tell you upgrading your existing speakers should be the first thing you do.

As warped said above me, I highly disagree. The weak point of most car audio systems is the deck itself. It's like having people over for a formal dinner. Do you buy the nice silverware and plates first and eat on the floor? (i.e. replacing speakers prior to deck) Or do you buy the nice table and make do with what you've got?

Fact is, the stock stereo just plain sucks. If you've got an early PT you were graced with a 3-band EQ, whereas the later models have a 2-band EQ. Aftermarket headunits typically utilize 5 or greater bands, which creates a world of a difference. The capabilities of the stock stereo leave much to be desired. No iPod compatability, not MP3 compatible, no RCA outputs, no satellite/HD radio, etc.

The stock PT speakers are fairly high quality compared to most of the stock speakers I've seen come out of Acuras, Hondas, Fords, Toyotas, and others. I actually kept my stock PT speakers and installed them in my girlfriend's Camry (though fitting the tweeters in somewhere was quite a job).

Moral to the story: don't buy nice speakers to make a crap stereo sound mediocre at best. Buy a nice stereo to make your halfway decent speakers sound much better.

[Candyman]

Hey Everyone,

I am going to have to agree on looking into changing out the head unit first. I went the other route as I had the stock 6 disk in dash Serious Radio Head Unit and first tried to build up my system around it. I did all my speakers, subs, and amps first and did high low converters off the stock unit. It sounded good, but not great. Then I changed out my Head Unit and as far as clarity an sound improvement, it made all the difference in the world! Here is what I am running in mine.

A Clarion DXZ785USB Head Unit

A Clarion Custom Modified 24 band Digital EQ with DSP Processing

Rockford Fosgate X162S 6-1/2" 2-way Component Speakers, and tweeters with Crossovers in the front doors, and dash.

Rockford Fosgate T1682S 6"x8" 2-way Component speakers, and tweeters with crossovers in the rear pillars

Two Performance Technique 10" Chromed Comp Subs mounted inverted in a tuned and sealed custom box

Two Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bd 1500W Mono Amplifiers which are now driving the Subs

and a Boss 20 Farad Capacitor With Digital Voltage Display And Illumination to keep the lights from flickeing, and added Dyno Mat insulation throughout!

Chromed Autotek SX-2300 350 W x 2 Amplifier with the Gold Plated Chrysler Logo built into the casing

Chromed Performance Technique ICBM-774 1000 WATT 4-CH AMP

So I would have to say, I would go for changing out the head unit first. To mr that would probably give you the biggest bang for the buck.

Best of luck, and please let us know what you decide to do, and maybe post a pic or two. Us Cruiser Guys luv pic's!

Go easy,

Candyman

[lowpt]

I still stand by my statement. He asked if changing the stock speakers would make a difference. The short answer is, yes. He also said it wasn't loud enough. To correct this he needs to add an amp or change headunit. This is also another reason it is usually reccomened changing speakers. Stock speeakers are mated to stock power. If you add more power, such as an amp or aftermarket HU, then play it loud the lifespan of the stock speakers will be greatly shortened.

[fastdel]

i just replaced the standerd head unit andstock speakers sound so much better i would replace headuint 1st