I just installed a 12-inch sub in my 2000 Toyota Camry, and now I’m thinking about upgrading the stock speakers. It has 6.5-inch speakers in the doors and 6x9s in the rear. Anyone got advice for someone doing this themselves? Anything you wish you had known before starting? Also, any brand recommendations under $200 would be appreciated. Thanks!
Get replacement door clips before you start. While you’re at it, soundproof your doors when swapping the speakers. That way, you won’t need to open them again later. Every time you take the doors apart, you risk adding rattles.
@Foster
Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll make sure to get those clips and soundproof while I’m in there.
The rear speakers on the 99 and 00 Camry models are pretty much the same, so make sure you grab the right adapter plates. I had 6x9s in my 99 and needed plates for aftermarket speakers. Don’t forget the correct wiring harness too!
If you’re sticking with the factory stereo, go for speakers that don’t need a ton of power, or they’ll sound weak. Also, use plug-and-play adapters for your wiring instead of cutting wires. Keep it clean, and you’ll save yourself trouble down the line.
Just swapping out the speakers might not give you a big upgrade. Are you using an aftermarket head unit? If not, you might want to consider adding an amp or even a basic equalizer for better sound quality.
@Yan
Why suggest a DSP when he’s got a simple setup? He just wants better sound, not a full overhaul. Even with coaxials, a good brand can make a big difference. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Tatum said:
@Yan
Why suggest a DSP when he’s got a simple setup? He just wants better sound, not a full overhaul. Even with coaxials, a good brand can make a big difference. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Because tuning and proper sealing matter, especially with factory stereos. Replacing speakers without addressing those can actually make things worse. Not all speakers fit perfectly without adjustments.
@Yan
It’s a 25-year-old Camry, not a luxury car! I swapped out the speakers in my daughter’s Corolla (same setup), and it sounded way better instantly.
Tatum said:
@Yan
It’s a 25-year-old Camry, not a luxury car! I swapped out the speakers in my daughter’s Corolla (same setup), and it sounded way better instantly.
Fair point, but plenty of people upgrade speakers and end up disappointed. If that happens, at least they’ll have options to improve it further.
@Yan
Yeah, modern factory systems might have processing that affects sound quality when upgraded, but older cars like this are simpler.
Tatum said:
@Yan
Yeah, modern factory systems might have processing that affects sound quality when upgraded, but older cars like this are simpler.
True, but even in older cars, factory stereos might lower bass as volume goes up to protect the speakers. That’s why bass restoration processors exist. Without tuning, new speakers can sound worse.
What are you hoping to get out of your new audio setup? Better clarity, louder volume, or something else?
If anything inside the door is loose, it’ll rattle. Secure everything or wrap it in foam or tape to stop vibrations.
Infinity and JBL have good low-power speakers within your budget. Get some fast rings, soundproofing material like Kilmat, and tape for the door tabs. Even budget speakers can sound good with proper insulation. You can upgrade later with an amp.
Cerwin Vega makes solid 4-way speakers that don’t need a lot of power. Worth checking out.
Look for decent coaxials, maybe 3-way speakers from brands like Kenwood, Focal, or Hertz. If you’re using a factory head unit, consider a small 4-channel amp. If you have an aftermarket head unit, you might not need an amp since most put out 25 watts per channel.