upgrading speakers?

Yes, you can upgrade just the speakers.

I replaced mine with Infinity Reference Component speakers in the front and Infinity Kappa in the rear. The sound improved. When I upgraded the head unit, further improvement is more dramatic.

It is up to you to upgrade in stages (like me) or do it all at once.

 

See my thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...pgrade-head-unit-kenwood-excelon-dnx6960.html

It does not cover speaker replacement, just how I replaced the radio head unit.

 

Is the stock speaker sizing 6.5 in the front and 6.5 in the rear?

I would do as he mentioned earlier by replacing the speakers and the headunit at one time. With better speakers, if you have a crappy signal (stock headunit) then you really won't benefit from the mod. Also, if you get a seperate amp then the sound quality goes up from there. Just have to figure what works for you. I'll be replacing the entire system soon.

 

Yes, both front and rear I replaced were 6.5".

 

Thanks!:rockon:

 

If you are just going to replace the factory speakers, but not the amp, do not forget to make sure the speakers that you are going to use are somewhat close to the impedance of the factory speakers. If you way off, the amp is not gonna like it and complain. Usually compaints are filed along with a puff of smoke from the amp as she blows.
On the bright side, usually most speakers have the impedance printed on the back. Usually it's a number from anywhere between 2 Ω to 36 Ω. Ohms is indicated by the greek symbol "Omega" Ω. So an 8 Ohm speaker usually would have "8 Ω" printed on the back of the magnet. The closer the match the better!

 

You might want to check out Crutchfield
Car Selector
Installation video
Car Speakers Installation Video
If you buy from them you get detailed instructions, including tools to remove door hardware and mounting bolts, and they will know the specs of the stock unit...

 

Aha, That is the right question!!! However since the schematic does not indicate the value, and unless anyone out here who has already pulled their stock speakers chimes in with a value, you can read the back of the magnet, like I mentioned, it's usually printed there. One minor inconvience, the door speakers are pop rivoted in!!! Thanks Toyota for that one!! If there are no markings, you can aways use an accuate Ohm Meter, set it to the X1 scale and measure the speaker. You can also test speaker polarity with the meter!

 

I remember reading stock radio being 2 ohm. That's why I got Infinity speakers. If you are changing both speakers and head unit, just make sure both will work with each other.

 

To answer the last question first, YES! Entire door panel pops off!!!
As far as the Stereo shop, I would ask the them these questions. You need to match the speakers to the amp for proper results. If they say it doesn't matter I would not trust them to do the job.
If however you tell them you want to replace the speakers with ones within an Ohm or two, and they understand and indicate that would be best, go for it.

 

Also make sure that you get "component" speakers for the front - tweeters separate from the 6.5" mids - to fit the tweeters in the A-pillar mounts properly. Coaxial or "2-way" for the rear doors if you really care about the sound for the rear passengers. Many would say it's not that important to bother upgrading the rear door speakers. So as usbseawolf said, you can step into this gradually. Do the front components first and see if that's enough to make you happy. Stick to speakers with lower than 4Ohm rating and you're fine. Many speakers that claim 4Ohm are actually closer to 3 anyway.
Car audio gear is an odd business, be sure to buy from an Authorized Dealer if you want a valid warrantee. The same speakers can be found for a lot less via many online retailers but you won't get warrantee support from the maker if they fail and the local shop certainly won't be thrilled to help if you didn't buy from them.
Whichever shop you go to will have a certain list of brands they carry "Authorized" so you'll be somewhat limited in choice unless you shop around a bit. Make sure you listen to the speakers and do some comparisons. Numbers, specs and testimonials from others about which brand or model is best mean nothing if your ears (and wallet) don't agree. Good luck!

- D

 

Correct! Two good sources of forums to read up on mobile audio is caraudio forum and diyma. Bring your fav cd or some genre of music you listen to a lot. Listen to the different brand/setups and see what suits your needs in their demo area. D, is on point in regards to rear speakers. They are more filler and some people don't bother replacing them when running a sub. Some even just run them off the headunit. I'll be running just replacement speakers in the stock location with no sub. Of course, my headunit will be replaced with an aftermarket four channel amp. Just to give you an idea as well, silk dome tweeters generally have a warmer sound versus the metal tweeters which are harsher. Also, you might want to look into drivers that give off more midbass if not running a sub. Again, its a matter of preference. Good luck and report back with your setup.:rockon:

 

Ohm is an SI unit and should be the same everywhere.

 

VFAQ Prius Site - Choose "Stereo" in the "2004-9 Prius FAQ" top frame.

"What are the 6 speakers in the base stereo?"
"What are the 9 speakers in the JBL stereo?"

Includes impedance values.