Door / Dash speaker questions 2011 4Runner

[chipgibbs]

I have a new 2011 4Runner and I'm just getting started on laying out a system. I plan to use an existing set of Polk MMC6500 components in the front doors but I'm not sure how to handle the Dash...It looks like I can fit a 3.5" coax speaker in the dash and I'd like to lift the stage up from the floor. With a 5 channel amp, JL XD700/5, can I wire the door and dash speakers together on a singal channel (ie. right front) without a problem? Is there a high level pot available to adjust the Dash vs Door levels?

If there is a better way to run this set up, shout it out

Thanks

Chip

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

you don't want/need two tweeters up front. so dash coax is out. you can get some nice full range mids in a 2" or 3" size. however, you'll need a custom passive crossover to run the Polk + mid on a single channel. passive crossovers are not difficult to build, but determining the crossover points requires testing.

start by installing the polk woofers in the doors (make sure you have adequate seals). then play with tweeter locations, you may be happy without the additional midrange drivers.

 

[fish1234 10+ year member]

What do you mean by adequate seals for the speakers?

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

a factory speaker has seals at the front and rear of the speaker. speaker enclosures need to be airtight relative to the listening location (i.e. cabin). when you replace speakers, the #1 problem i see is that people don't recreate the factory seals. the result is cancellation that makes speakers sound poor. you need to seal between the speaker and the door metal/baffle. you need to seal between the speaker and the door panel/grill. i use weatherstripping foam as a cheap, fast, and easy way to get the seal necessary. i use closed cell on the back of the speaker and either closed or open cell on the front. just keep in mind that you want to recreate the factory seals.

how good your new speakers will sound is strongly dependent on how well you can recreate the factory seals.

 

[chipgibbs]

Thanks for the responces guys. I've found a set of Focal Access 3 way components I can get my hands on. Is there any sonic reason why I should not put the 3" in the dash & woofer / tweeter in the door?

Thanks

ChipG

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i like the idea of an Access 3-way with mid in the dash and woofer in the door. you'll have to test tweeter locations. use velcro to test locations and aiming.

 

[fish1234 10+ year member]

If my factory tweeter location are on the dash in the corners by the A-post, is there a way to get better sound from them by using the factory spots for the tweeters. I have been told that reversing the phase on the tweeters would help the reflection off the windshield?