2-way dash speaker options

I searched, I am pouring through threads, I literally have 10-20 minutes a day here and there throughout the week to dig... I don't wanna be that guy who missed a thread or post, so honestly just wanna start this off with a focused question (for now).

We can get into why I ask this maybe later but I am generally happy (not a big audiophile) with the stock 22 Prem system, faded to the middle, conceding that I need to put some $$ into it to make it really shine (not right now). If I can stick with a comparable tweeter spec, but get more mid in the dash to complement the 6x9 (don't want a 3-way 6x9 (perverts) adding more tweeters (so no kickers or whatever))).. I might be happy for now.

Too the point, I have seen some folks who got some 3.5 2-ways crammed in the dash, but not alot of info. Simply- who has done it, what speaker, fitment issues, and other notes? Any other true 2-way options? Don't see any in the 2.5-2.75 available reasonably.

Maybe I am wrong on the 2-way vs. non-coaxial, but again... rabbit holes... just something to fall asleep contemplating about right now after a busy day... thanks.

 

Did you ever got a response on this I’m going through a similar situation I’m going all over the internet looking for a decent sounding speaker but the 31/2s are way to big and don’t want to trim plastic off the dashboard

 

I literally posted it 1.5 hours before you posted, you see what I see...lol... if someone replies I assume they will do so on this thread, but if I get a private message I will share.

I can say I have seen reports of it done with little to no trimming/mods... but not much more detail.

 

Check out these Alpine’s.
https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/s-series-speakers-s2s69c

and these Kicker’s
https://www.kicker.com/48KSS269-component-system

 

there's not too much in the way of car audio stuff other than what you've already found.

but if you're open to alternatives, parts express, madisound, and misco all have a ton of options in the 2-3.5" size that can work, but are not coaxial.

 

Hard to tell but it appears that you are keeping the OEM HU. Get efficient speakers, spec will say something like 90 - 93 db @ 1 meter.

 

thanks for the input all! I will try to look into links and info, and respond to posts. thx again!

 

The Subaru/Kicker tweeters are a 30 minute plug & play upgrade for less than $100.
They elevated my system from dreadful to pretty OK.

They play brighter than the OEM tweeters and raise the sound off the floor.

 

not even remotely where this conversation is going.

 

Even if you trimmed the dash and shoehorned a 3" or 3.5" the factory head unit doesn't provide enough power to make them thump. There's a thread or two with some 2ohm 3" or 3.5" infinity's for those with the factory JBL system, but they're powered by an aftermarket joying head unit and amp.

You said you don't want Kicker or the Subaru kicker's previously mentioned, but have you seen these?

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-HA0O9...MIooOHyafFgwMVhQqtBh1vzwhhEAAYASAAEgJbWPD_BwE

 

yes. and what's the thoughts on a non-coaxial speaker with a reasonable mid to high range freq?? 300hz is pretty good for a smaller speaker.... some of the 3.5 2-ways dip into the 80Hz range... reality? probably not...

 

throwing these into the discussion..... just a point to work off .. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_777P35B/Sound-Ordnance-P-35B.html

 

yes. oem prem HU. So to say that, and to take this a step or two further, would want a low RMS\high response solution.

 

I have seen your posts, and am a long time user of Parts Express for replacement components....i also peruse the site for ideas but get overwhelmed. I will check out other sites. Whats your thought on a coaxial vs single cone in this application?

 

https://www.cdtaudio.com/sep_components/unity-drivers/unity8.php

I had infinity REFs 3.5 up top that replaced my JBL oem widebands. I'd probably go with these Unity 8s instead. The reason why I'm recommending these widebands over other coaxials is for future proofing. You'll eventually want to throw an amp to really get the most out of your system and these will integrate quite well.

I know this isn't what you asked for but I'd do a quick research on these either on FB or the DIYmobileaudio website and everyone who have used them, enjoys them very much.

If you're exclusively looking for a 3.5, just about any of the coaxial offerings will work with very little work. When it comes to car audio, I'd always expect a little work that's required, like either trimming a little or basic wiring.

 

"i'm looking for a car, it must have 4 wheels. what's the difference between a mclaren, ferrari, and a geo metro?"

different tastes/budgets have different results.

i don't feel small tweeters are worth my effort. i prefer at least 1" or larger tweeters with rear resonance chambers to allow for a slightly lower frequency response, and most coaxial models generally contain 3/4" or smaller, and the coaxial form factor generally prevents acoustical chambers due to being mounted on a post above the woofer.

i think there's plenty of speaker options outside of coaxial arrangements that more than make up for the 'lack' of multiple elements.

i usually start my speaker search by defining the hard limits-- depth, cutout size, and front clearance.
then i start defining what i want out of the speaker. usually narrows down the potential options really quickly.
then i start to compare the frequency response of each speaker for the range i anticipate using them in.

in this case, you're looking for a speaker under 3.5", with minimal depth, with smooth high frequency response. one of the things i look to avoid is a peak around 10-15khz-- many cone materials will result in a resonance there, which can make the speaker slightly 'shrill'.
for instance, this visaton speaker
https://www.parts-express.com/Visaton-FRS7-4-2.5-Full-Range-Speaker-4-Ohm-292-528?quantity=1

the other part is that you need a 4 ohm speaker to be closest-compatible to the rest of the factory system. sensitivity is useful, but not always significant enough to justify comparing.

i don't know all the dimensions needed, so took a stab at less than 3-1/2", and somewhat shallow options.

daytons dma line looks to offer somewhat smooth response.
the dma58 is going to have a smoother, more natural high end sound
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...ne-Full-Range-Driver-4-Ohm-295-582?quantity=1

the dma70 being a slightly larger speaker, vocals will come through a little stronger, with less emphasis on the high end portion like cymbals and the like.
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...ne-Full-Range-Driver-4-Ohm-295-584?quantity=1

the dayton rs75 is going to have strong vocals, taper quickly, and then emphasize things like cymbals, which can lead to it sounding shrill in some cases.
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...ce-Full-Range-Driver-4-Ohm-295-380?quantity=1

the tectonic 3" emphasizes the characteristics of the dma70 even more, with a strong vocal presence, but a diminishing presence on the upper end.
https://www.parts-express.com/Tectonic-TEBM46C20N-4B-BMR-3-Full-Range-Speaker-4-297-2157?quantity=1

this visaton is somewhat unique as it appears to have a nearly flat frequency response with only a slight boost in the higher frequencies
https://www.parts-express.com/Visaton-BF45-4-Ohm-1.8-Full-Range-Speaker-4-Ohm-292-612?quantity=1

this dayton pc68 is also somewhat smooth, though the spike at 3khz could make some vocals and instruments sound better than others.
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...ull-Range-Poly-Cone-Driver-295-150?quantity=1


that's a quick sampling of what i'd suggest from just one location. each has their benefits, as well as disadvantages. there are no perfect speakers.

 

thanks man. I found those kicker KSC2704 for $40, I might just try them. Though a few of your suggestions are compelling. While I appreciate sharp and clear, I definitely don't like shrill, and lean toward what people say is 'warm'....which maybe makes sense as I tend to not do as well with low to mid and 'muddy' in day to day (TV, whispering, etc) so boost that and I am happier.

 

Without and an aftermarket head unit and a decent amp anything other than the cheap kicker upgrade is a waste of time and money.

If it were me I'd do 6x9 components with the tweeter in the dash or 3 ways with the woofers in the doors, mids in the dash and tweeters in the sail panel.

CDT audio makes some neat 2 way and 3 way sets. Check out their unity drivers.

 

I went with the below setup. I didn't think having tweeters in the door and dash is a good idea. There is probably cheaper and better ways but this was easy plug and play.

Pioneer TS-A692C

• Just used the 6x9 as it has the low pass filter connected to the terminals. Didn't use the tweeters.

Pioneer TS-A709

• Direct replacement 2-way DASH speaker with an included inline high pass filter. Crutchfield says they don't fit but Pioneer says they are direct replacement, which they are. I purchased both speakers from Crutchfield. Crutchfield included the adapters for the Tacoma, which are required.

I also added sound deadening. The sound quality was better, but not night and day better and due to the speaker sensitivity and lack of HU power I lost volume. I ran this for about 6months before installing a Kicker Key 200.4 along with the below harnesses. I am now happy enough I am on the fence about installing a small sub.

Harness to create a plug and play

• $14 RED WOLF Add AMP Amplifier Subwoofer Speaker Wiring T-Harness Radio Stereo Plug Connector Compatible with Toyota 2018-2022 Camry RAV4 Tacoma Corolla Non-JBL System
  RED WOLF Add AMP Amplifier Subwoofer Speaker Wiring T-Harness Radio Stereo Plug Connector Compatible with Toyota 2018-2022 Camry RAV4 Tacoma Corolla Non-JBL System : Amazon.ca: Electronics
• $31 NuIth 28-Pin Aftermarket Stereo Installation Wire Harness for 2018-UP Toyota Camry/Sienna/RAV4/Corolla/4Runner, Add or Retain Reverse Camera/Microphone/AUX/USB/Vehicle Speed Sensor Function
  NuIth 28 Pin Head Unit Wiring Harness Adapter for 2018-2023 Toyota Camry Sienna, 2020-2023 4Runner Corolla RAV4, 28 Pin Aftermarket Radio Wiring Harness Plug Connected to Factory OEM Wiring : Amazon.ca: Electronics