Author Topic: Easy Speaker Upgrade (Read 3244 times)

bluedevil · « **on:** November 22, 2006, 06:28:45 PM »

Stock sound systems these days are getting better and better.
But no matter how good they are, the aftermarket realm has something better. Stock speakers are usually constructed of paper cones and foam surrounds, which are susceptible to degradation from sunlight and smog. Pioneer has addressed this problem by using a Butyl Rubber Surround and an injection molded Polypropylene Rigilite Composite Cone. On top of that, if you want your system louder you can’t just throw in an amp and hope the stock speakers don’t explode. So, by installing a better speaker first, it allows you to expand later. All of the units featured in this story will expand your sound quality, because there’s more speaker. Instead of just one way (woofer only) these are two- and three-ways (tweet, mid, and woofer), designed to provide rich, ultra-yummy sound for your listening needs.

Here are the Pioneer speakers we use to give our system a crisp sound. The setup consists of 300-watt max (80 watts nominal) three-way 6x9s (inches) for the rear quarters, 220-watt max (50 watts nominal) three-way 6-1/2s for the doors, and 60-watt max (15 watts nominal) two-way 3-1/2s for under the dash.

We started with the dash speakers, using a stubby phillips screwdriver to remove the grille. Next, we unbolted the speaker plate and unplugged/removed the speakers. Once the stock units had been removed, we got out a set of tin snips.

We then cut out the depression that the factory put in to aim the speaker toward the dash.

That done, we dropped in the Pioneer unit, marked the holes and drilled the two 1/8-inch holes.

Now we installed the new speaker into the plate, added the new terminal ends, bolted the plate back into the dash and reinstalled the grille.

To remove the door panels, start by removing the two armrest screws.

Then unscrew the handle surround and slide it off.

Next, pull up on the front of the window switch plate. Instead of unplugging the switch, unsnap the whole assembly.

Now pull out on the bottom of the panel. This will release the clips so you can get to the speaker.

Unscrew the factory speaker and unplug the wires.

Now cut off the plugs. Leave a little wire behind the plug just in case you ever want to put the stock stuff back. Install the provided wires, making sure to hook up the left and right the same way. This will ensure that the speakers are in phase.

Plug in the new unit and screw it in place. Now reverse steps 7-10 to reinstall the panel.

Moving to the rear with a small screwdriver, pop the seatbelt cover and unbolt it.

Pop the covers off of the oh-sh*t handles and unbolt them, then remove the coat hooks.

Now you can pull the panel back enough to access the 6x9 lurking beneath, unscrew it and unplug.

As before, splice on the provided wires, plug them in, and screw the speaker in place. Now reinstall the panel, turn the ignition key, and enjoy clearer sound.

Pioneer’s DEH-P6300 is an addition that would be a great step up in your sound system. This head unit features Organic EL display technology, a Full Flap face, changer controls, a MOSFET 50 50Wx4, Easy EQ\Sound, Focus EQ, Dual RCA outputs, Rotary Volume control, Card Remote, and is XM ready.

KY_BOB · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2006, 07:48:49 PM »

Been there, done that.

The first HU I put in the AV was a DEH5200,one step below the one shown, (it's now in my Wrangler) and a set of Polk DB's for the rear doors. It was a huge improvement. The next mod was a set of Pioneer TSA's in the front doors, the same ones shown.

I like Pioneer audio equipment! :)

yndio · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2006, 10:48:49 AM »

I have everything Pioneer in the beast except the speakers. Still have the stockers and weirdly they sound good with the system I have. Problem is once I start cranking the sound up a bit they start to sound weird. Everyone and their momma I've talked to have tried to steer me clear of Pioneer speakers but I happen to like the sound and want to keep everything in the truck Pioneer. Where did you put the 6x9's?? Been thinking about putting a few in the bed under the rain gutters so when tailgating or hanging out we have sound out of the rear also. What do you guys suggest for speakers guys??

Yndio

bluedevil · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2006, 10:21:11 AM »

Quote from: yndio on December 08, 2006, 10:48:49 AM

I have everything Pioneer in the beast except the speakers. Still have the stockers and weirdly they sound good with the system I have. Problem is once I start cranking the sound up a bit they start to sound weird. Everyone and their momma I've talked to have tried to steer me clear of Pioneer speakers but I happen to like the sound and want to keep everything in the truck Pioneer. Where did you put the 6x9's?? Been thinking about putting a few in the bed under the rain gutters so when tailgating or hanging out we have sound out of the rear also. What do you guys suggest for speakers guys??

Yndio

You could install outdoor speakers or marine speakers (waterproof)

check out this link...
http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?category_id=250147&view_id=250147&dz=1510

Sunburst05 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2006, 10:46:19 AM »

What are the part numbers for these speakers and what kind of price should I expect to pay for this upgrade.

KY_BOB · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2006, 09:03:58 AM »

Quote from: yndio on December 08, 2006, 10:48:49 AM

I have everything Pioneer in the beast except the speakers. Still have the stockers and weirdly they sound good with the system I have. Problem is once I start cranking the sound up a bit they start to sound weird. Everyone and their momma I've talked to have tried to steer me clear of Pioneer speakers but I happen to like the sound and want to keep everything in the truck Pioneer. Where did you put the 6x9's?? Been thinking about putting a few in the bed under the rain gutters so when tailgating or hanging out we have sound out of the rear also. What do you guys suggest for speakers guys??

Yndio

I was never a big fan of Pioneer sprakers till lately. Their TSA series sound great. That's what I have in my front doors. I don't care for the sound of their cheaper line (GSA, I think).

yndio · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2006, 11:56:03 AM »

Quote from: KY_BOB on December 11, 2006, 09:03:58 AM

Quote from: yndio on December 08, 2006, 10:48:49 AM
I have everything Pioneer in the beast except the speakers. Still have the stockers and weirdly they sound good with the system I have. Problem is once I start cranking the sound up a bit they start to sound weird. Everyone and their momma I've talked to have tried to steer me clear of Pioneer speakers but I happen to like the sound and want to keep everything in the truck Pioneer. Where did you put the 6x9's?? Been thinking about putting a few in the bed under the rain gutters so when tailgating or hanging out we have sound out of the rear also. What do you guys suggest for speakers guys??

Yndio

I was never a big fan of Pioneer sprakers till lately. Their TSA series sound great. That's what I have in my front doors. I don't care for the sound of their cheaper line (GSA, I think).

thanks for the tip bro!!

Yndio

Strobin · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2006, 05:03:36 PM »

Quote from: KY_BOB on December 11, 2006, 09:03:58 AM

Quote from: yndio on December 08, 2006, 10:48:49 AM
I have everything Pioneer in the beast except the speakers. Still have the stockers and weirdly they sound good with the system I have. Problem is once I start cranking the sound up a bit they start to sound weird. Everyone and their momma I've talked to have tried to steer me clear of Pioneer speakers but I happen to like the sound and want to keep everything in the truck Pioneer. Where did you put the 6x9's?? Been thinking about putting a few in the bed under the rain gutters so when tailgating or hanging out we have sound out of the rear also. What do you guys suggest for speakers guys??

Yndio

I was never a big fan of Pioneer sprakers till lately. Their TSA series sound great. That's what I have in my front doors. I don't care for the sound of their cheaper line (GSA, I think).

Yeah I have TSA's in my AV . . . had them in there since 2 weeks after I got AV . . . haven't gotten around to upgrading those to Alpine components.

Sunburst05 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:01:12 PM »

Blue do you have the part numbers for this upgrade? I couldn't make them out on the pic that you posted.

bluedevil · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:03:34 PM »

Quote from: Sunburst05 on December 11, 2006, 07:01:12 PM

Blue do you have the part numbers for this upgrade? I couldn't make them out on the pic that you posted.

Sorry Orange,i dont.

These pics are more like an example. You can always choose another brand but these days,Pioneer is the speaker of choice since there not so-so expensive anf the sound quality is good.

( let me see if i can dig up part #' for ya :thumb: )

Sunburst05 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:05:13 PM »

Thanks

Strobin · « **Reply #11 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:12:01 PM »

Didn't really pay attention to the pics at first . . . they used the same speakers that I have :thumb:

bluedevil · « **Reply #12 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:15:08 PM »

Oh sweet!!!

Orange, I guess strobin' is the guy to talk to. He has them.

But my ??? is.... 6x9?? where?

Those 6 1/2 will fit on the doors right? but what about the 6x9?

Strobin · « **Reply #13 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:22:22 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on December 11, 2006, 07:15:08 PM

Oh sweet!!!

Orange, I guess strobin' is the guy to talk to. He has them.

But my ??? is.... 6x9?? where?

Those 6 1/2 will fit on the doors right? but what about the 6x9?

there's no 6x9's on an AV . . . with some effort (to make opening big enough and spaced far enough away from the window so you don't hit it when you put the window down) you can put 6x9's in the rear if you want . . . I wanted to put some in but decided to just stick with the 6.5" speakers all around.

Sunburst05 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:23:09 PM »

Thought I would price some on ebay if I had the part numbers.

Strobin · « **Reply #15 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:27:19 PM »

Quote from: Sunburst05 on December 11, 2006, 07:01:12 PM

Blue do you have the part numbers for this upgrade? I couldn't make them out on the pic that you posted.

Here are the ones I used in my AV:

Pioneer TS-A1661 (Front)
Pioneer TS-A1667 (Rear)

bluedevil · « **Reply #16 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:28:08 PM »

Quote from: Sunburst05 on December 11, 2006, 07:23:09 PM

Thought I would price some on ebay if I had the part numbers.

I looked on eBay and they dont have the 6x9's.

Looked on Amazon.com and there out.

I did found this site thru Shopzilla.com but this store looks chessy. ( i wouldnt trust it)

$92

http://app.infopia.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/569230/TID/28:4:569230/SFV/9505

Strobin · « **Reply #17 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:28:52 PM »

Quote from: Sunburst05 on December 11, 2006, 07:23:09 PM

Thought I would price some on ebay if I had the part numbers.

Not sure if they even make the models that I have anymore as I got those in 2001 and haven't seen if they've come out with a newer version yet. Bob might be able to tell you.

KY_BOB · « **Reply #18 on:** December 11, 2006, 08:18:01 PM »

Quote from: Strobin on December 11, 2006, 07:28:52 PM

Quote from: Sunburst05 on December 11, 2006, 07:23:09 PM
Thought I would price some on ebay if I had the part numbers.

Not sure if they even make the models that I have anymore as I got those in 2001 and haven't seen if they've come out with a newer version yet. Bob might be able to tell you.

I don't know the part number for the ones that I have but they are probably as old as yours. I bought them used from mmDavidw when he was stripping his '02 SOM just before trading it for his new one.

I have to box around here somewhere but I'm not sure where.

yndio · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2007, 08:47:21 PM »

hey guys, just got my front speakers ........ pioneer. Now anything special that needs to be done to install the speakers?? the pics no longer work and I have never removed the door panels. Any help you can extend will be appreciated.

Yndio

bluedevil · « **Reply #20 on:** September 13, 2007, 08:52:46 PM »

Quote from: yndio on September 13, 2007, 08:47:21 PM

hey guys, just got my front speakers ........ pioneer. Now anything special that needs to be done to install the speakers?? the pics no longer work and I have never removed the door panels. Any help you can extend will be appreciated.

Yndio

Man! im in the same boat. I dont knoe skuat! about stereos. Maybe Jeff & Bnasty can chime in :thumb:

BNASTY · « **Reply #21 on:** September 14, 2007, 11:30:44 AM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on September 13, 2007, 08:52:46 PM

Quote from: yndio on September 13, 2007, 08:47:21 PM
hey guys, just got my front speakers ........ pioneer. Now anything special that needs to be done to install the speakers?? the pics no longer work and I have never removed the door panels. Any help you can extend will be appreciated.

Yndio

Man! I'm in the same boat. I don't know skuat! about stereos. Maybe Jeff & Bnasty can chime in :thumb:

Sorry Yndio,

I have not had the opportunity to tear into the AV door panel yet. My guess is a couple hidden screws and a lot of pushpins or Xmas trees with a couple push clips.

Good luck Bro and let us know how many you break on your 1st try.

B

yndio · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2007, 01:09:53 PM »

the doors aren't really my concern, my main one is how do you know which wires are negative and positive and do we need a speaker harness , etc?? Guess I'll cross that line when I get to it. I don't want to ask at TOS cuz they'll say "do a search" and I did, but the instructions are old and the pictures are gone. Oh well.

Yndio

MoAv · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2007, 07:52:11 PM »

Yndio-here are some instructions/pics that might help. I looked it up because I think there is a regulator going bad in my drivers door window. scroll down through the first couple of set of pictures and the instructions to take the door panel off starts. Good luck!!! I'm having my new stereo "stuff" installed monday by someone else-I'm not EVEN going to try that!!!

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,42344.0/all.html

:woot:

mEYEscndfvrtluv · « **Reply #24 on:** September 14, 2007, 09:18:45 PM »

Quote from: yndio on September 13, 2007, 08:47:21 PM

hey guys, just got my front speakers ........ pioneer. Now anything special that needs to be done to install the speakers?? the pics no longer work and I have never removed the door panels. Any help you can extend will be appreciated.

Yndio

the door panels are very easy to get off,theres like one or two screws at the bottom and then the door panel lifts(slides) up and then bottom out and up. the speakers i don't know about yet,but i'm, looking at replacing mine soon and just having the install done when i buy them. prob Best buy.not sure about the harness if the head unit is the same.

justJR · « **Reply #25 on:** September 15, 2007, 08:47:19 AM »

Just a quick note for those interested in purchasing anymore cool stuff.
For the system in the old AV i used a site called onlinecarstereo.com and got great equipment at a great price with free shipping.

WB · « **Reply #26 on:** September 15, 2007, 08:56:33 AM »

My stock system is a BOSE. :thumb:

It sounds incredible. ;D I'm glad I don't have the urge to upgrade this system yet. I was thinking of hacking into the On-star to see if I could change it to a hands free cellphone, but I don't think it is a CDMA system and I currently use Verizon.