2005 Toyota Taco
 

Hi all - new to this forum and have searched as much as possible to see if I could find the answers but nothing jumped at me. I am looking for a clean sounding system with a little bit of thump - I travel lots and listen to everything from Linkin Park, POD, Country, Nickelback, Eric Clapton, BB King, etc etc so a wide variety of music.

I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab - it currently has the stock stereo in but i have a Alpine CDA-9885 sitting here to put in tomorrow.

My next step is going to be replacing the stock speakers, I was thinking components in the front and then some 2-ways in the back but have been reading and some have suggested to go with Coaxial in the fronts as the stock tweeter location may not be optimal and the cost vs sounds quality difference that i will get if I dont tweak it properly may be minimal. The tweeter location is about 2 - 2.5 feet from the speaker location which is at the base of the door.

:dunno: Question #1: is it reccomended that I just put in a good 3-way set of speakers in the front door, not utilizing the tweeter or the tweeter location. Also should I just use 2-way in the rear or would 3-ways aid in the SQ at all?

I am thinking of powering the fronts and the rears off the deck at this point however my next step is to throw a 10" sub behind the rear seat so that will include a amp, I could then throw in a 4 channel and power the fronts on that.

:dunno: Question 2: Should I power the fronts with the Amp or will it be suffice with the deck power, my understanding more power better sound... or sumting like that :) I guess looking further should i power all speakers with a amp and then anudder amp for the sub?

:dunno: Question 3: Does anyone know where you can purchase Schosche products in Canada, I was thinking there 10" sub box for the 2005 Tacoma would be sweet, but it only ships in the US from Crutchfield.

:dunno: Question 4: What brands of speakers shoudl I look at for both clear and longevity, so far I have listened to Alpine R series, Rockford Fostgates and Fusion - I like the Fusions but been relativly NEWB to the scene - have never heard much of them - as well is it advisable to mix brands of speakers? Fusion in the front, RF's in the rear etc etc...

Thanks all - what a wealth of info on this site....

A quick reply to your questions as I'm rather tired tonight:

Do a component set up front. A good quality 2 or 3-way set. A 2-way set is easier to set-up and may be your best bet.
Power them with a decent sized amplifier.

Rear speakers should be the last thing on your list as IMO they are unnecessary unless you need to entertain rear seat passengers.

I don't know your price point for speakers but a starting point to look at in different price ranges would be:
MB Quart
Focal
Boston Acoustics
RF
Polk
Infinity
Pioneer

components almost always sound better than coaxal and yes amping them is the best option as far as scoshe i know walmart sells em but i would check with the vendors on here 1st see what they have or maybe build your own