tvlenthe

I've been tweaking with the stock speaker configuration in my non-ML, '07 ES350. This system has two corner dash tweeters wired in parallel with the front door mount "woofers".

I have successfully replaced these "woofers" with 6x9 Boston Acoustics full range co-axials and sound dampening (RaamMat). This results in a huge improvement, even with the stock head-unit. Note that the 6x9 adapter baffle sold for the Toyota Tacoma on e-bay fits perfectly in the front door cutout.

Now, I'm, looking at the tweeters... For the curious, the dash grills "pop" out with a great deal of effort and reveals a metal bracket with the tweeter attached. (it appears that the ML system could mount both a mid and tweeter on a compatible bracket and therefore not require any difference to the front speaker wiring harness. The grills have a location identified (but un-opened) for a mid-range driver used in the ML configuration.

The measured DC resistance of the tweeter is 3.6 ohms and the series capacitor is marked as 2.2uF. This would result in all frequencies BELOW 20Khz (the nominal upper limit of human hearing) being attenuated. I have to say, that this is consistent with my listening as little sound seems to come from the tweeters, but seems a highly unusual choice.

Has anyone else noted or experienced this?
Any suggestions or experience for replacement or upgrades?

Meantime, I have cut the lead from the cap to the tweeter and will see what, if any differences I notice.

- Ted