speaker upgrade from 4 speakers to 10 or 12

[odin2118]

hi. i'm new to the site, so if this is a topic which has already been discussed please point me in the proper direction. I own a 2004 ls with the basic sound package. cd/tape/fm stereo with 4 speakers. i want to upgrade all the speakers as well as add more. i'd like to instal the speakers in the upgraded system locations and leave the car with a factory look. i don't want to drill new holes all over the car if i don't have to. but i don't know where all the speakers are located in the 10 or 12 speaker systems. i know the rear deck can hold two speakers, and i would assume the 4 or 6 other speakers are either smaller than the door speakers or tweeters. if anyone could tell me the locations and sizes, i would very much appreciate it.

i am also considering the option of replacing the head unit. but am undecided about upgrading to the THX system or an aftermarket unit. i want to keep a clean factory look still, so a unit the really sticks out is something i would like to avoid. but i would also like to be able to connect my iPhone to my stereo as i don't use CD's. i would appreciate any advice.

with the new sound system i will need an amp or two for the speakers i guess. where could i put it or them in the cars interior, keeping them somewhat out of site?

please and thank you for the help

 

[1LoudLS]

two rear deck mounted 6x9" sub woofers (2)
two center console speakers (2+2=4)
a two way speaker in each door x 4 doors (8+4=12)




long story short, the decision has already been made about you "upgrading" to the THX package. your going to do something else...




just replace the radio




if you would like more, your gonna have to search for it

 

[1LoudLS]

oh and welcome!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx4EfoLzu_I

 

[joegr]

...long story short, the decision has already been made about you "upgrading" to the THX package. your going to do something else...

You're right about that.

 

[LS4me]

Do what I did on my old 2000......

I replaced the rear door speakers with 2-way Infinity Reference speakers, the front doors with a set of Polk components (the woofers in the stock location and the tweeters on the panel opposite the door mirrors) and added a set of Pioneer 4-ways in the stock sub location. Along with the speakers I added an amp and kept the stock HU as I wanted the factory look.

 

[odin2118]

does anyone know the size of the speakers under the dash? or how to install them in an LS which did not come with them out of the factory?

 

[joegr]

does anyone know the size of the speakers under the dash? or how to install them in an LS which did not come with them out of the factory?

They go on the center console, not under the dash. You don't want them. There's a reason that the high-end system (THX) didn't use them. Without a DSP to create a proper center channel, having them there is worse than not having them.

LS4me had a good suggestion on adding tweeters, but if you really must go this way, go to a junk yard and get the center console trim, brackets, mid-range speakers, and underdash amplifier needed to add these.

(I have an 04 with the mid level sound system with the center console speakers, and an 06 with the high level THX system. I disconnected the console speakers on the 04 after I upgraded its headunit.)

 

[FDR]

I like the component idea. Maybe bump up to 6.5s. Kicker has one for $150. I often find myself thinking "I wish my ears heard the highs as well as my knees" with my 12 speaker package...

 

[1LoudLS]

You don't want them. There's a reason that the high-end system (THX) didn't use them. Without a DSP to create a proper center channel, having them there is worse than not having them.

agreed 100%

those speakers are there to add effects and echos to the sound, like a live concert hall. they are not really there to improve the quality of sound.