Thread: Base Venza non JBL sound- Front Speakers Ampd as subs?

Hey!



I just purchased a 2009 Toyota Venza 4 cylinder Base with the stock (non-jbl) sound system. I was interested in replacing the stock speakers with some better aftermarket equipment, but wanted to keep the factory radio.



I have two questions:



1. I read the instructions posted on another site about removing the door panel to get to the speakers. I can locate everything except where to pry off the cover to reveal the screw that holds the power window console in place. I could use guidance here.



2. I read here in an old post that the base factory radio amps the front door speakers, and also crosses them over so that they operate as "subs" so to speak. Is this true? On another site several people have replaced the stock speakers with coax and claim to get good sound.

If this is true, would I have to buy component speakers to get a decent sound, and add tweeters to go with the dashboard midranges?



Thanks for the help!

Here's an update and some more questions...

I've been upgrading the sound in my 2009 Venza that came with the base radio. I want to keep the factory radio as it looks really sharp and makes the car less attractive to stereo thieves. I have upgraded the speakers putting Pioneer 4 way 6x9's in the front door, 2 way 6.5's in the rear door and 2 Lightning Audio tweeters to replace the factory ones in the dash.



It sounds good, especially the front. I still get really good bass though I have to adjust tone controls due to excessive brightness. The rears have almost no power. I checked with a Venza owner who does car electronics & he stated that the front speakers even on the base are amped by a Toyota amp, but the rears are not. Can someone help me with these questions?



1. Is there a full signal range going to the rear doors? I don't seem to get all the bass information out of the rears, though it could be just lack of power.



2. Should I keep the front Toyota amp and just amp the rear doors? Even amped there is not a ton of volume coming out of the front even with highly sensitive speakers. (It's plenty loud if I master my CD's as high as possible, but using normally mastered CD's I have to max it out to get around where I really want to "pump out the jams.")



3. If I went with a 4 channel amp how will that interract with my separate amp and subwoofer I plan to add to the Venza from my other car?



I appreciate everyone's help!