My son has asked whether we would upgrade his sound system in his '99 SC300 already equipped with "Premium Sound". We would prefer to leave the stock headunit in and just replace the speakers and sub for something more crisp and clear and also "bumps". Presently, the speakers crackle a little and are likely damaged. The reasoning for keeping it stock looking is it sits outside and would less likely be a target for car burglars. Do you recommend this?

We would like the new speakers to sit in the stock locations for the same reasons, although larger is OK if that works. We do NOT want to install a sub box as he requires the trunk space for his golf clubs for himself and one or two other teammates. While I read that the stock sub is called a "free air" sub, it seems that newer subs are not and less likely to fit in the same spot.

My questions are these:
What should we be looking at in the way of speakers and a subwoofer? Does he require a new amplifier, too? Can this be done the way we have in mind? Somewhere I also read the need for upgraded wiring. Is this true? Finally, is there a way to have his iPod/iPhone connect with the existing sound system by installing a jack for him to plug into like he does on my truck?

Thank you in advance for your constructive comments and assistance.

 

Yes it can be done the exact way you have in mind.

If he really needs it, and your willing to pay for it, swap out the stock speakers for some aftermarket. Some good brands out there which I like consists of JL and Focal (high end brands)

You will probably not need a amp if you are just swapping out your speakers, but if you were to upgrade all speakers I would highly recommend a DIN (headunit) to compensate for the power of the new speakers. Most headunits have a amp built in and most of the time they are better than the stock Lexus amp. This would mean hes also able to use iPod/iPhone connection with the new headunit.

As always, you can fit larger speakers into the side doors, you would just need an adapter (usually just a new wood mounting piece for the speaker to sit on).

Specific speaker wise and what to get all depends on your budget. Theres component speakers (tweeters and door speakers) anywhere from 200 to thousands.

 

Are there acceptable -replacements for the little door pillar speakers? I am sure they were put there for the high notes. Does that mean that the door speakers should be mid-range style speakers?

As you can tell, I know NOTHING about speakers, amps, ohms, etc. That said, I can't imagine that the stock amplifier is suitable to the task, or?