2014 ES350 Audio Upgrade
#16
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I changed out my front dash speakers with 3x Infinity Ref-4032CFX and my two front door speakers with Infinity REF-9633ix. I definitely noticed a big audio improvement from the dashboard speakers, (I did the center one too). The door speakers weren't as big of a change as I was expecting, but I am keeping the factory system so I wasn't expecting an amazing improvement.
I also ended up adding a JBL BassPro 12 inch Subwoofer into my trunk. This was exactly what I felt like the audio was missing and I love it. It may not be the best subwoofer or the best sounding you can get, but I wanted a powered subwoofer to make it easier to install and not cost me an arm and a leg. I wired it into the factory subwoofer for signal and it's been working great. I think the biggest improvements you can do are the front dashboard speakers and a subwoofer for sure.
If you have any questions, let me know and I'll be happy to answer!
I also ended up adding a JBL BassPro 12 inch Subwoofer into my trunk. This was exactly what I felt like the audio was missing and I love it. It may not be the best subwoofer or the best sounding you can get, but I wanted a powered subwoofer to make it easier to install and not cost me an arm and a leg. I wired it into the factory subwoofer for signal and it's been working great. I think the biggest improvements you can do are the front dashboard speakers and a subwoofer for sure.
If you have any questions, let me know and I'll be happy to answer!
As I’m not planning to add a sub (not yet at least), how satisfied were you with the performance doing just the door/dash speakers on the low-end range, on a scale of 1-10?
Thanks in advance!
#17
Did you have thoughts about other brands before installing, or previously had the JBLs in another vehicle? Besides seeing that JBL is the “factory upgrade” brand I don’t have much experience with the brand and wanted to get your feedback. I have Infinity (Kappas I think) that I upgraded in my 4Runner over 15yrs ago that still run strong and sound nice. I was considering the Infinity Reference series this time but read a few “mediocre” reviews from CL users. Thanks for the feedback!
#18
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I’m curious if you were able to compare the Polks to any other brands? JBL/Infinity/Kicker/etc? I’ve seen the 402s and 652s mentioned in some other threads and don’t know if there are any advantages to keeping all the speakers like-branded or not?
#19
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I've had JBL previously in a different vehicle and also at home. I considered Infinity as I've had those before as well. However I gravitated to the JBL for overall balanced tones from the speakers across the frequencies. I'd also venture to say that it would be hard to go wrong with either, and many other brands for that matter. Once you remove the factory speakers, you'll see why lol.
#20
I changed out my front dash speakers with 3x Infinity Ref-4032CFX and my two front door speakers with Infinity REF-9633ix. I definitely noticed a big audio improvement from the dashboard speakers, (I did the center one too). The door speakers weren't as big of a change as I was expecting, but I am keeping the factory system so I wasn't expecting an amazing improvement.
I also ended up adding a JBL BassPro 12 inch Subwoofer into my trunk. This was exactly what I felt like the audio was missing and I love it. It may not be the best subwoofer or the best sounding you can get, but I wanted a powered subwoofer to make it easier to install and not cost me an arm and a leg. I wired it into the factory subwoofer for signal and it's been working great. I think the biggest improvements you can do are the front dashboard speakers and a subwoofer for sure.
If you have any questions, let me know and I'll be happy to answer!
I also ended up adding a JBL BassPro 12 inch Subwoofer into my trunk. This was exactly what I felt like the audio was missing and I love it. It may not be the best subwoofer or the best sounding you can get, but I wanted a powered subwoofer to make it easier to install and not cost me an arm and a leg. I wired it into the factory subwoofer for signal and it's been working great. I think the biggest improvements you can do are the front dashboard speakers and a subwoofer for sure.
If you have any questions, let me know and I'll be happy to answer!
Was the JBL BassPro install pretty straightforward? Did it fit in the spare well? I was thinking either the BassPro or a powered sub under the passenger seat.
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