Add a midrange? (3rd gen)

So is there a solution to filling the hole created by the gap in distance between the front door woofers and the dash tweeters? Sure, higher performance speakers would provide better response, but I'm afraid that their low placement in the doors won't provide any better imaging.

I was thinking something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108K20MX/Infinity-Kappa-20mx.html
might work here: (this 81mm bearing press is about the same diameter)


Anyone tried this? The Infinitys require about 1.1" depth. The only issue I see is interference with removing the switch assembly.

Or just start with better door speakers?

P.S. I'm already running the Subaru/Kicker tweeters, which I don't think are great.

 

I’ve done 3-way setups in tundras with the same speaker setup type as the 3rd gen Tacoma.
What we did was put the 3.5” mid up in the dash where the factory tweeter is, 6.5” woofer in the bottom where the factory 6x9 is, and add the tweeter to the sail panel. Worked great

 

Thanks, I might try that before before committing to cutting my door panels.

Thinking though that the distance between the dash and door speakers is still an issue.

 

And adding the tweeter to the sail panel helped to bridge that gap. There is also a thread on here where they molded a 3.5” into the A-pillar. Seems pretty easy for those willing to try their hand at some fiberglass work

 

I put the tweet in the sail panel and mounted a 3" in the stock dash location. That raised the stage pretty good.

 

Which components did you use? Photos?

I was trying to stay on a low budget and not replace the whole shootin' match....for now.

 

Check out my 3 way build for adding a midrange to the system.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-3-way-system-build.576729/

 

Thank you. I did see that thread when I did my search, but was hoping to see if someone had tried the door location.

Are you happy with the results?

 

Very happy with the results, sounds amazing.

I dont think many people have cut into the door panels for the simple fact that they are not cheap to replace if you screw up. Also, there may be metal behind where you want to put them that would need to be cut.

putting mids in the stock locations requires no real mods, putting the tweeters in the sail panels does require a hole to be cut, but replacement sail panels are only 40$

 

Yes, the metal would definitely need to be cut, which I'd be OK with if it was feasible and it solved the problem.

When I did my imaging test of the factory system I found that frequencies between 500 and 3kHz were pulled to the center of the "stage". No doubt due to the speaker location and their limited range.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

The only issue I have with the setup right now is the highs and mids are alittle overwhelming sometimes. But that could be solved with adding a subwoofer.

If you were in MN I could let you demo the system

 

That would be awesome! I would love a demo of a custom setup, but I'm in the SF bay area. Hmm...my truck is due for a road trip though, going on 5 months old and still only 1500 miles, lol.

 

Lol, it's a 36 hour straight drive

Check the local forums for someone who has a system in your area. I bet there are a few. Maybe not with 3 way system, but at least something.

 

Just wanted to give you some more info on my system.

I ran a 20-20k sweep with a analyzer running, my response is pretty much flat from 100hz all the way to 10k (where the analyzer stopped)

I need something to fill in that below 100hz number, but the JBL stadium 3 ways fill everything in perfectly.

 

Thanks.

On another note, I pulled off the door panel last night and discovered that the window motor is right behind the spot where I wanted to place the midrange, so no drilling through the metal...oh well.

Also, on the cover for the dash speaker, I noticed there is a wave-guide underneath that engages the tweeter. Did you have to modify this feature for your midrange in that location?

 

We did cut off all of that plastic. Ultimately It depends on how big the surround ok the specific speaker

 

I did not have to modify the guide at all, it fits nearly perfect nearly perfectly centered too, it actually sits about 1/8 of a inch above the midrange and is the same size as the midrange. I have some 1/4 inch foam gap tape that I plan to actually put around the mids this weekend to keep any sound from bouncing around inside there.

The only part that needs to be modded on the grill covers is a single stiffening rib needs to be trimmed down. It doesnt effect the mounting at all, just gets in the way of the mids frame.

 

Ok, I might go this route then.

Thanks @destin_meeks and @5nahalf for the recommendations.

 

I mounted 3" Hybrid Audio Legatia's in the dash location. They are wide band so they play into the highs pretty well. You'll need to cap them if you are going to use tweets. Many people do not use tweets if they use them because they can play so high. I was surprised they fit so easily since the magnet is so big, but they do which is nice. Love these speakers!

 

Wow, those look pretty fancy! Good to know there are options though. I think I'd be Ok with a wideband mid, I can't hear much above 12k anyway, too many concerts, lol.

I'm working on taking a different approach right now, I'll post up if it works out.