Speaker Upgrade - Subwoofer

[charlottenc]

Has anyone done any speaker upgrades, or added the factory subwoofer? The factory speaker system has no bass, looking to do some type of improvement ... cant stand how it sounds now.

Thanks

[debyne]

Do you have the base system or the Infinity system?

[charlottenc]

Originally Posted by debyne

Do you have the base system or the Infinity system?

I believe just the basic ... if i remember it doesnt say Infinity on any of the speaker grills

[7milesup]

Originally Posted by charlottenc

I believe just the basic ... if i remember it doesnt say Infinity on any of the speaker grills

Do you have the Tech Package (Nav)? If so you would have the top of the line system. If not, then yes, it is only six speakers and what I would consider "basic".

[debyne]

I have the Infinity system (amazing by the way), so I can't comment on upgrading the basic system.

[prmax]

I opted to not have the Infinity system and the bass on the basic system is weak. I am thinking about purchasing the the Boss Audio BASS1200 low profile amplified subwoofer for Christmas.

[luck11]

Speaker upgrade is probably a waste of time unless you upgrade the head unit. Often it's the stock head unit that lacks fidelity and power, not so much the speakers. You could spend $500 on top of the line speakers and they will still sound like cr@p if powered by the stock head unit. Adding an amplified sub would probably give you a bit more bottom end, but sound quality overall would be unchanged.

I had full intention of swapping out my entire system in my highlander, but once I got my pioneer head unit in, it was night and day. I was amazed at the difference just by swapping the HU. The power from the pioneer is more than sufficient for the stock speakers, so I cancelled my plans for new speakers. I added an underseat amplified sub for a bit more low end, and it sounds fantastic. Keep in mind I am not looking for glass vibrating bass, because you won't get that from an underseat sub.

You may want to consider getting a reputable after market OEM look headunit that provides better sound quality and more power. Some of these have been discussed in other threads. That, with the stock speakers, and perhaps addition of an amplified sub, might do the trick for you.

Just my $.02.

[charlottenc]

I did not get the tech package bc I didnt think it was necessary for the Nav. So yes I do have the basic. The sound quality isnt bad, there is just no bass line at all. At all ... its really bad.

So the only thing I would consider doing would be possibly adding a subwoofer to the factory area located in the rear ... is this possible?

[Mrtheplague]

You will have to get a new head unit and amplifier as the stock one does not come with it. The stock system is not setup for a subwoofer. You will need a New head unit, mono Amplifier and a Sub. If you can get a small 8" sub it might fit in the same location as the one that comes with the premium audio. This will be easier if a professional installs it if you have never done it before. Also a new wiring harness to attach everything. Look to spend about $500 at least for everything.

[luck11]

Actually, you can get some underseat powered subs that will hook into the left or right channel of the stock HU. Obviously less than ideal, but still works. But if you want a sub in the back, then agree, probably need at least an amp to power the sub. Not sure if there are amps that will work off the right or left channel of the stock HU, similar to the underseat subs. If not, then new HU would be required.