al2023

Did not want to beat a dead horse but replaced dash speakers with Infinity Ref 307F 3.5 inch. Highs were way to bright and nothing could tame them, so they went back I then went with Kicker KSC350 all I could say a nite and day difference. I have a Lexus 2023 ES 350 with base 10 speaker audio with the issue with very low volume on rear speakers not anymore replacing the dash speakers gave life to rear speakers I can actually hear them now. FYI I used a 300ohm bass blocker on dash speakers. I wanted the ML but none available and went with base NO regrets now. WOW

dezymond

Where did you purchase the Kicker speakers and did you DIY it?

al2023

Crutchfield and yes, easy to do yourself used this cable to make it plug and play- Metra-Toyota 2020 Speaker harness {72-8109) they fit even thou says will not work. Also, speaker tab to tab a little shorter was able to screw one tab down for the other used oversized washer to grab other tab and wedge under washer works great. Still front stage oriented but more sound in rear now.

Denzlex

I’m surprised to hear that improved front dash speakers would improve the sound of the rears. I would think that better fronts would overpower the rears even more so.

LeX2K

I flat out hate these speakers they hurt my ears. Kicker KSC350 is a great speaker I have a set they sound excellent. I like these even better
But they may not work in some scenarios they are a bit brighter than the Kicker's the JBL's sound best with an amp/system that is on the mellow side. Can't go wrong with either. Kicker has a lower cost 3.5" I'd avoid those they are just okay.

bullnobull

I have ML in a 2022 ES300h Terrible sound stock. I had the same results using Kickers. I kept going adding in order; the 2 front side dash (4"), all speakers in front doors (6x9 and 3 1/2") . Three way were better for mid-range, tweeter sounds still used the smaller speakers in front doors. Then added two in rear doors (3 1/2"). Never needed to change rear speaker, bass jumped out anyway.
Congratulations, Happy to hear about your results. Now on next car I may just avoid ML and use the money for Kickers!!!