LC Trim base level stereo

[lplanck]

I have a 2025 LC 1958 and plan on following your speaker recommendations. I used Infinity's in my 2017 Tacoma and loved it. I did use a Subaru Kicker dash speaker on the TACO.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNK14BC?tag=landcruiserforum-20

The 6.5" Infinity you suggest, Crutchfield states that it only works for the Front door. Is there a reason for this or are they being overly cautious? The suggest the REF607FSL. They don't suggest that the 6x9 will work, but too many have used it for me to question. Thank you for the write-up.

 

[ekkoville]

I have finally settled on the JL Audio C2-350x. I tried many different models - Infinity RF307F, Pioneer TS-A879, AudioControl PNW-35, Focal ACX100, and Alpine S2-S40. The 4”, like Chancellor said, are just too tall for the driver side but I had to check. I will say, the Focal were fantastic sounding, smooth as silk and blended the best of any of the five I tried. The Alpine, and to some extent the Infinity’s, were too bright for me. The Alpine was almost tinny sounding in the highs, that’s unnatural sounding. The AudioControl sounded great but the low sensitivity and 3-Ohm load were too much for the stock amp. So, of the three 3” models, I found the JL Audio were more of what I liked. Natural sounding, crisp but not tin-like. And a discount helped that purchase.

 

[Skidaddl]

I have finally settled on the JL Audio C2-350x. I tried many different models - Infinity RF307F, Pioneer TS-A879, AudioControl PNW-35, Focal ACX100, and Alpine S2-S40. The 4”, like Chancellor said, are just too tall for the driver side but I had to check. I will say, the Focal were fantastic sounding, smooth as silk and blended the best of any of the five I tried. The Alpine, and to some extent the Infinity’s, were too bright for me. The Alpine was almost tinny sounding in the highs, that’s unnatural sounding. The AudioControl sounded great but the low sensitivity and 3-Ohm load were too much for the stock amp. So, of the three 3” models, I found the JL Audio were more of what I liked. Natural sounding, crisp but not tin-like. And a discount helped that purchase.

Curious - if the Focal were the best sounding, why did you go another route? Was there a significant cost difference?

 

[ekkoville]

The Focal was actually a bit cheaper than the JL Audio but I just couldn’t make the 4” fit in the drivers side. The AC air duct is in the way and it sticks up too high. There’s a small clip that holds that duct, I removed that and tried to get the duct to stay low enough to allow the speaker to sit right but it just wouldn’t work. Every attempt had the dash grill hitting the tweeter and it would not snap back into place.

 

[Skidaddl]

The Focal was actually a bit cheaper than the JL Audio but I just couldn’t make the 4” fit in the drivers side. The AC air duct is in the way and it sticks up too high. There’s a small clip that holds that duct, I removed that and tried to get the duct to stay low enough to allow the speaker to sit right but it just wouldn’t work. Every attempt had the dash grill hitting the tweeter and it would not snap back into place.

Ahhh...gotcha. Thanks.

Watching this thread with great interest as it will be on the "to-do" list after wheels, tires, and a few other things. The stock stereo on the base trim isn't awful, but it's definitely muddy, has very little separation, and is tuned very bass heavy - and not "tight" bass. Did a 10-1/2 hour road trip (each way) about a week ago, and the listening fatigue is definitely noticeable.

 

[ekkoville]

Yeah the dash speaker change was a big improvement considering the limitations of the head unit. @ToyFan did a mod with the BeatSonic amp and it sounds like the rear doors may be worth upgrading next. He said that really opened the rear soundstage. When I use the fade and send audio to just the rear, it’s noticeably lower and muffled. Honestly it sounds terrible in the back. Perhaps the BeatSonic helped along with the rear speakers, but it sounds like it’s a big improvement.

 

[Skidaddl]

I had similar speakers in another Toyota vehicle. I think they're literally throw aways just so they can up the speaker count for marketing purposes.

 

[chancellor]

I have a 2025 LC 1958 and plan on following your speaker recommendations. I used Infinity's in my 2017 Tacoma and loved it. I did use a Subaru Kicker dash speaker on the TACO.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNK14BC?tag=landcruiserforum-20

The 6.5" Infinity you suggest, Crutchfield states that it only works for the Front door. Is there a reason for this or are they being overly cautious? The suggest the REF607FSL. They don't suggest that the 6x9 will work, but too many have used it for me to question. Thank you for the write-up.

Crutchfield probably does not recommend the 6x9 b/c the mounting brackets don't fit the hole pattern exactly, but it is super easy to drill extra holes in the bracket.

There probably isn't much difference between a 6.5 and a 6x9, a little more bass from the 6x9 and a little more accuracy from the 6.5

 

[AlexGates]

Anyone know or have a guess as to the sensitivity of the OEM speakers?

I installed the Infinity and I think they may be a bit too bright for my liking or maybe they are just more sensitive than the rest of the speakers (I only did the dash corners), seems like I need to turn up the volume to get the doors to catch up. Thinking about the JL mentioned, I only avoided it because of the sensitivity listed at 83 vs the 307 in the low 90’s. I had to push on my 307 on the drivers, the JL is a touch deeper.

I know on Crutchfield’s speaker comparison, listening, I like the JL better. Wish we could adjust individual speakers, or their groups. Obviously I need to play with the levels a bit, but the 307’s seem to be sending my tinnitus into overdrive.

 

[ekkoville]

Anyone know or have a guess as to the sensitivity of the OEM speakers?

I installed the Infinity and I think they may be a bit too bright for my liking or maybe they are just more sensitive than the rest of the speakers (I only did the dash corners), seems like I need to turn up the volume to get the doors to catch up. Thinking about the JL mentioned, I only avoided it because of the sensitivity listed at 83 vs the 307 in the low 90’s. I had to push on my 307 on the drivers, the JL is a touch deeper.

I know on Crutchfield’s speaker comparison, listening, I like the JL better. Wish we could adjust individual speakers, or their groups. Obviously I need to play with the levels a bit, but the 307’s seem to be sending my tinnitus into overdrive.

Don’t know the sensitivity but I replaced the dash with the JL Audio C2-350x and they’re not as bright as the 307s I tried. I felt the same as you, a bit too tinny for me. Here’s a pic of my dash speaker, just noticed that it was 8 Ohm, I assumed it was 4 Ohm’s when I got going. They’re trash, the magnet has no weight to it at all.

 

[Doomed]

I tried the Infinity Reference REF307F's. They seem to be very sensitive and bright/tinny. I needed to move the fader back to compensate for the loudness. Makes sense as these have a sensitivity of 91dB. Very efficient.

I have now installed RetroSound R-452N, 4 inch speaker that fit great.

RetroSound R-452N
4" 2-way speakers (pair)
handles up to 30 watts RMS (60 watts peak power)
frequency response: 65-21,000 Hz
sensitivity: 88 dB

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-iCNgLfuW0WY/p_068R452N/RetroSound-R-452N.html

I feel these match the stock speakers sensitivity better and have a bit more bass. Also still have a bit more fine detail then the stock dash speakers.

 

[jtc]

When you installed the JL Audio C2-350x did you need to do any fitment adjustments? Interested in this model VS the infinity due to my audio preference but wanted to see if you had install issues and or factory amplification issues.

 

[AlexGates]

Don’t know the sensitivity but I replaced the dash with the JL Audio C2-350x and they’re not as bright as the 307s I tried. I felt the same as you, a bit too tinny for me. Here’s a pic of my dash speaker, just noticed that it was 8 Ohm, I assumed it was 4 Ohm’s when I got going. They’re trash, the magnet has no weight to it at all.

Your post is what lead me to them. I think I'll give them a try. The sensitivity is my concern, 83 is pretty abysmal.
I spoke with Crutchfield and they said the Infinity's weren't bright like they used to be, they are great for some music, but brighter than I like for others. They are very good speakers, a bit more finer detail that OEM, but otherwise not a massive difference, but a definite improvement.

Going by their on-line tool is difficult because all vehicles are different. You have good eyes, I gave the OEMs a look and didn't notice the information. In the end, I think anything is going to sound better than the OEM speakers w/ the stock head unit, it'll just come down to an individual's hearing and preferences.

*The drivers in the 1958 appear to be 8ohm and the LC LC are 4ohm (which chancellor posted.)

 

[ekkoville]

Your post is what lead me to them. I think I'll give them a try. The sensitivity is my concern, 83 is pretty abysmal.
I spoke with Crutchfield and they said the Infinity's weren't bright like they used to be, they are great for some music, but brighter than I like for others. They are very good speakers, a bit more finer detail that OEM, but otherwise not a massive difference, but a definite improvement.

Going by their on-line tool is difficult because all vehicles are different. You have good eyes, I gave the OEMs a look and didn't notice the information. In the end, I think anything is going to sound better than the OEM speakers w/ the stock head unit, it'll just come down to an individual's hearing and preferences.

I got the JLs at SonicElectronix and they listed them as 86, which is still not efficient either, they must have a different metric. You may have read my other experience with the 3-Ohm AudioControl PNW-35 speakers with an 83 sensitivity. Those sent the stock amp into protection, so that wasn’t good.

I also got a deal at Amazon on two pairs of Focal PC 165 FE for $215 a pair, someone must have screwed up with a typo because they’re no longer listed at that price. One of the reviews made mention of the deal so I figured I would try it and see if I actually got a pair or just one. So far I have only installed those Focal’s in the front doors with proper sound deadening material and the difference is eye raising so far. Combination of the quality of the Focal drivers and the sound deadening material to alleviate some bloat in upper mids.

 

[AlexGates]

I got the JLs at SonicElectronix and they listed them as 86, which is still not efficient either, they must have a different metric. You may have read my other experience with the 3-Ohm AudioControl PNW-35 speakers with an 83 sensitivity. Those sent the stock amp into protection, so that wasn’t good.

I also got a deal at Amazon on two pairs of Focal PC 165 FE for $215 a pair, someone must have screwed up with a typo because they’re no longer listed at that price. One of the reviews made mention of the deal so I figured I would try it and see if I actually got a pair or just one. So far I have only installed those Focal’s in the front doors with proper sound deadening material and the difference is eye raising so far. Combination of the quality of the Focal drivers and the sound deadening material to alleviate some bloat in upper mids.

JL's site lists them @83 as well. They work for you, so I suspect they will work fine for me. I'm not even messing with the doors at this point, I don't need that level of frustration in my life , popping the dash covers was simple.

 

[jtc]

For those of you who used the JL Audio C2-350x, would a single fit in the center?

 

[AlexGates]

For those of you who used the JL Audio C2-350x, would a single fit in the center?

I’ll check tomorrow, I was wondering the same as I would like the sensitivity to match.

@jtc ETA: C2-350x won't fit in the center. The magnet/end cap is too deep and the tweeter sits too proud to get the cover on. There is 4-5mm between the bracket and the bolt holes with the driver flat against the head unit. I don't know what I'll do about the center, maybe stick a 307* in there, or send them back. Man, the Toyota speakers are real garbage quality.

I like these speakers, less bright, good sound, build quality seems better than the Infinity 307's. Doesn't seem to be an issue with blending/sensitivity match, I reset my EQ to center w/ high down two notches. Will play the levels some more, likely. Fighting that front window, the JBL having its tweeter mounted on the A-pillar is likely a better candidate if you are an audiophile, just for that location alone.

That's for posting about them @ekkoville. Good choice.

*Chancellor says the center goes up to 20,000hz, so I'm leery to put the 307, I don't know if the tweeter will fire thus being bright, I guess I could cut the wires to it. Banging around Crutchfield, there don't seem to be a lot of options when it comes to depth and price. Kenwood KFC-X3C has less depth and the sensitivity is listed as the same. Less than the 307.

​

 

[ekkoville]

For those of you who used the JL Audio C2-350x, would a single fit in the center?

My 1958 did not have a center speaker, no wiring in there. I did open it up and it seemed a bit shallow but did not measure.

 

[jtc]

I’ll check tomorrow, I was wondering the same as I would like the sensitivity to match.

@jtc ETA: C2-350x won't fit in the center. The magnet/end cap is too deep and the tweeter sits too proud to get the cover on. There is 4-5mm between the bracket and the bolt holes with the driver flat against the head unit. I don't know what I'll do about the center, maybe stick a 307* in there, or send them back. Man, the Toyota speakers are real garbage quality.

I like these speakers, less bright, good sound, build quality seems better than the Infinity 307's. Doesn't seem to be an issue with blending/sensitivity match, I reset my EQ to center w/ high down two notches. Will play the levels some more, likely. Fighting that front window, the JBL having its tweeter mounted on the A-pillar is likely a better candidate if you are an audiophile, just for that location alone.

That's for posting about them @ekkoville. Good choice.

*Chancellor says the center goes up to 20,000hz, so I'm leery to put the 307, I don't know if the tweeter will fire thus being bright, I guess I could cut the wires to it. Banging around Crutchfield, there don't seem to be a lot of options when it comes to depth and price. Kenwood KFC-X3C has less depth and the sensitivity is listed as the same. Less than the 307.

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Thanks for looking into! I have not pulled the cover off yet to do some measurements but wondering if Focal inside ICC T3Y 100 could work with some adjustments. Pricy but worth looking into as an option other than the infinity.

Another option could be to purchase an aftermarket speaker cover like they make/sell on sticker fab that is metal and do some trimming of the factory plastic. I also found them on eBay as well. Kind of look like the MDX and or CT5 blackwings speaker covers. That’s if you are looking into keeping the JL center. It’s a shame that those JL audio speakers don’t fit in that spot!

​

 

[AlexGates]

Thanks for looking into! I have not pulled the cover off yet to do some measurements but wondering if Focal inside ICC T3Y 100 could work with some adjustments. Pricy but worth looking into as an option other than the infinity.

Another option could be to purchase an aftermarket speaker cover like they make/sell on sticker fab that is metal and do some trimming of the factory plastic. I also found them on eBay as well. Kind of look like the MDX and or CT5 blackwings speaker covers. That’s if you are looking into keeping the JL center. It’s a shame that those JL audio speakers don’t fit in that spot!

​

It is.

Now that I’ve driven around some more. The difference in ohms and possibly sensitivity can be noticeable. If you get it up over 40 on the volume scale the JL’s distort (vocals) a bit (so did the 307 to a lesser, but brighter extent), but the doors really get going. So, I would consider planing on doing the doors YMMV. Bumping up the bass on the level may compensate, but then things get boomy. Toyota really went for the bass on this thing.

Yeah, I know over 40 is pretty loud. I’m also comparing everything to the B&O in my F150, which I would characterize as warm, mellow, but not hugely detailed. The Inf and JL are better speakers, so I may be in quality shock. If I keep them, I feel I’ll have to do the doors. It’s a shame the depth x’s out more choices.

*I wonder if the Inf would be less bright if you did the doors, thus weren’t turning the volume up so loud. I dunno. I have some hearing damage that borders on strange lol. I’ll hear vocals in certain ranges crackle, everyone else doesn’t hear it. The JL’s don’t tweak my tinnitus though.