I really am enjoying my new X, however I expected a lot more from the 6 CD 8 spkr sound system. It has more than enough power/volume for my 50+ year old ears, but there's no clarity. Everything sounds muddy to me, and very boomy too. I'm guessing that basicaly it's a nice system but it's just not tuned very well for the vehicle (and me). My plan is to add an active equalizer w/DSP, my choice thus far is the Pioneer DEQ-7600 .

I'm thinking this will give me enough dynamic range over all to adjust the sound feild to my liking.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Also, I'm planning on installing this myself and I'm wondering about the audio connections. Does anyone know the brand of deck in the new 2002 X? I can order a manual from Pacparts if I can find out.

Thanks!

It is my understanding that the head unit is a Clarion, model ?. The speakers to put it in frank terms "SUCK" that is your problem. Search this forum and you'll get an idea of suitable replacements. When I get a few $$$ extra my stock speakers are history. In the mean time the EQ will be a good addition, mounting point conveniently just below head unit.....

I would recommend getting a new head unit and new speakers. you could get a cheap head unit and some cheap speakers for around 200 and even they would be better than the stock setup. one thing to remember: the reception on your new head unit will be nowhere as good as the stock unit. i noticed this when i put a new head unit in. gm and nissan apparently make the best car radios...reception wise

as far as clarity..that has to do with the amp. what you are hearing is distortion..even at low sound levels. with my stock system ..it was so bad that certain rock songs would sound all distorted and gross. if you get a new external amp you could probably solve this problem...if you get new speakers of course..because those speakers only allow for 20 watts each..which is horrible! The aftermarket speakers I had put in for instance...can take up to 120 watts each.

If you're looking for an improvement but nothing too crazy, replace the speakers before you buy anything else. Especially if you get a decent set of component speakers for the front, I bet you'll be happy with the overall sound.

Thanks for the feedback

I think at some point I will replace the speakers, but not just yet… heck I paid enough for the damn things! I still want to add the EQ though and here’s my reasoning.

When I got my ’97 Tacoma 4by it came with the el-cheapo stock am/fm cassette - 4 speakers, 2 front 2 back (XtraCab). It sounded just about the same as my new X. I decided to replace the head unit with an Alpine dual din am/fm/cd with built-in DSP EQ. MAN! What a major difference! I couldn’t believe it, I decided to leave the stock speakers in. My daughter now has the Tacoma and still has the stock speakers. I suppose a sub/w would improve it but the volume is fine for us.

I’m hoping to get the same results in the X, the head unit isn’t that bad and the 8 speakers should sound better than they do... even if they aren’t top-o-the-line. The Pioneer EQ can be gotten for $195, that’s not too bad

I'll let you know the results.

Hey JP, how's it going?

Don't take this the wrong way, but, there is a huge difference between the Tacoma's stock 4-speaker 17 watt stereo system and your Xterra's 210 watt system.

Like you, I upgraded my Tacoma's head unit first and left the stock speakers in----and you're right, there was a huge difference! (Mostly due to the fact that the Tacoma's stock head unit output of 17 watts is a joke) I almost didn't replace the speakers either, but I did. Then there was really a difference. I, too, had an xtra-cab with four speakers. The stock speakers are absolute j-j-j-junk! I put in some Cerwin-Vega's and was totally satisfied (My tatse, of course. I'm not really into eq's and sub's).

Anyway, have your daughter throw in a set of after-market speakers (just about ANYTHING is better than the ones in there now). She will appreciate it. It's cheap and easy.

As for our SE Xterras, I don't think the speakers are as bad as initially thought/assumed. Somebody has posted some info on them already and they said they weren't the usual crappy paper cone speakers that a lot of companies put in new vehicles.

I'll end by noting that I am extremely jealous that you were able to keep your Tacoma (well, in the family) and get a new X. Hrumph.

edited because I couldn't spell "able", yeah, able!!

Thanks for the reply E.C.

Don't take this the wrong way, but, there is a huge difference between the Tacoma's stock 4-speaker 17 watt stereo system and your Xterra's 210 watt system.

Yeah I know, that’s what made the poor sound of the stock X system so disappointing!


Anyway, have your daughter throw in a set of after-market speakers (just about ANYTHING is better than the ones in there now). She will appreciate it. It's cheap and easy.

She’s applying at the local mega-mall for her first job! After a few paychecks we’ll see how badly she wants them.

As for our SE Xterras, I don't think the speakers are as bad as initially thought/assumed. Somebody has posted some info on them already and they said they weren't the usual crappy paper cone speakers that a lot of companies put in new vehicles.

I think your right, decent speakers – 210 watts – crappy sound, that’s why I think an EQ/DSP is the right fix.

I'll end by noting that I am extremely jealous that you were able to keep your Tacoma (well, in the family) and get a new X. Hrumph.

Yeah, I know huh! The best part is that she really likes having a 4X4 truck instead of some little rice-boy wimpy-mobile!

My comments about the speakers referred to the "crappy paper cone" ones that came w/ my 2000 XE. I didn't realize the SE's were upgraded these days, my bad.

Going back to one of my original questions, does anyone know how to remove the front face around the head unit? I found two screws below the A/C controls and removed them but no joy... nothing loosend up !?!?! I want to go in and check out the cabling on the unit... see what kind of connectors etc. etc.