Stereo / Speaker upgrade

J4ck100 · October 7, 2020, 15:37

Hi all,

I am looking to improve the sound of my 2006 MR2 audio set up as I find it inadequate (I like my music).

I understand that both the OEM headunit and OEM speakers are limiting factors to sound quality. Problem is, I am a big fan of OEM look interiors and don't, ideally, want to replace the OEM headunit.

My question is therefore, is it worth upgrading the speakers only / is the OEM headunit capable of delivering a decent punch to a good set of aftermarket speakers, or must one replace both to obtain the desired outcome?

Thanks,
Jack

1979scotte · October 7, 2020, 16:10

I'm sure others will disagree but if you don't bin the Fisher price stereo upgrading the speakers is a waste.
I'd save my money fit a rorty exhaust and listen to that instead.

shnazzle · October 7, 2020, 16:47

As said; you will definitely notice a difference replacing the head unit. That's the bottleneck.

I added an active sub and better unit, with stock speakers. That did the trick for me for years. I recently upgraded speakers as well

MRSwede · October 7, 2020, 17:21

Upgraded speaker and a amplifier is another way to go.

Bossworld · October 7, 2020, 18:49

Head unit made the biggest difference for me, closely followed by a sub.

I subsequently swapped out my speakers for some uprated components but above 40mph it's still largely drowned out.

onion86 · October 7, 2020, 19:11

If you don't want to replace anything then sound deadening the doors will make a difference.

J4ck100 · October 7, 2020, 19:19

Thanks all!

Sounds like a head unit is a requirement.. I do miss my mx5 with speakers embedded in the headrest!

Any recommendations as to a good fitting head unit?

1979scotte · October 7, 2020, 21:19

Anything double din.

Mr Lazy · October 12, 2020, 21:47

Just a thought...a bit drastic, but I wonder if it is possible to swap the seats to get the desired speakers in the headrest.

1979scotte · October 12, 2020, 21:49

Quote from: Mr Lazy on October 12, 2020, 21:47Just a thought...a bit drastic, but I wonder if it is possible to swap the seats to get the desired speakers in the headrest.

S2000 seats have been swapped dont they have headrest speakers?

Thing is it all adds weight.
Says the 105kg chubbster.

tom256 · December 22, 2020, 09:57

Quote from: J4ck100 on October 7, 2020, 15:37I understand that both the OEM headunit and OEM speakers are limiting factors to sound quality. Problem is, I am a big fan of OEM look interiors and don't, ideally, want to replace the OEM headunit.

Thanks,
Jack

Buy Mark Levinson Speakers from Lexus IS250. These are direct replacement, premium quality, and OEM

.
It is best solution for MR2.
Tweeters will not fit, You need to do some modification. :/
You can also use Dynamat Superlite, +0,73kg for each door, but it is worth.

Stock speaker weight: 0,80kG
Mark Levinson weight: 0,75kG

Alex Knight · December 24, 2020, 11:42

Quote from: tom256 on December 22, 2020, 09:57
Quote from: J4ck100 on October 7, 2020, 15:37I understand that both the OEM headunit and OEM speakers are limiting factors to sound quality. Problem is, I am a big fan of OEM look interiors and don't, ideally, want to replace the OEM headunit.

Thanks,
Jack

Buy Mark Levinson Speakers from Lexus IS250. These are direct replacement, premium quality, and OEM .
It is best solution for MR2.
Tweeters will not fit, You need to do some modification. :/
You can also use Dynamat Superlite, +0,73kg for each door, but it is worth.

Stock speaker weight: 0,80kG
Mark Levinson weight: 0,75kG

Stock speaker and bracket weighs 728g.

Ardent · December 24, 2020, 21:51

Do what cyclist's do and wear headphones.

Joesson · December 24, 2020, 22:22

Black headphones!

Ardent · December 24, 2020, 22:26

Is there any other kind?
Be a shame to spoil the ninja stealth mode with some reflective headphones.

LeRich · December 27, 2020, 22:10

The standard speakers are pretty decent for OEM. I replaced my duff PFL Sony with a single DIN Kenwood head unit and while it's not amazing, for a small flimsy soft top car the setup sounds good enough.

Ardent · December 27, 2020, 23:29

Quote from: LeRich on December 27, 2020, 22:10The standard speakers are pretty decent for OEM. I replaced my duff PFL Sony with a single DIN Kenwood head unit and while it's not amazing, for a small flimsy soft top car the setup sounds good enough.

You think the PFL is duff. You should see the FL Fisher Price.

1979scotte · December 28, 2020, 08:00

Quote from: Ardent on December 27, 2020, 23:29
Quote from: LeRich on December 27, 2020, 22:10The standard speakers are pretty decent for OEM. I replaced my duff PFL Sony with a single DIN Kenwood head unit and while it's not amazing, for a small flimsy soft top car the setup sounds good enough.
You think the PFL is duff. You should see the FL Fisher Price.

Totally agreed.

LeRich · December 29, 2020, 21:09

Quote from: Ardent on December 27, 2020, 23:29
Quote from: LeRich on December 27, 2020, 22:10The standard speakers are pretty decent for OEM. I replaced my duff PFL Sony with a single DIN Kenwood head unit and while it's not amazing, for a small flimsy soft top car the setup sounds good enough.
You think the PFL is duff. You should see the FL Fisher Price.

It was duff as in faulty - when it worked properly it was decent. I loved its retro looks and would have kept it otherwise.