Removed the front stage and regretted it?

Getting ready to start piecing together the audio build in the 2010.

Question is straightforward and for those that have done it. Have you removed your front dash stage (3 speakers for JBL) and regretted going with just components?

It would make the build incredibly simpler, and while I am going for SQ over SPL, lets be real, its not going to be a show truck. However currently with the stock JBL system it at least appears its fairly easy to pick up the front stage imaging, and I am having pre-buyers remorse so to speak at the idea of ditching it.

All of the forum posts though indicate that its probably more hassle than its worth and if they are replaced, they'll need to be active, which is fine. It's the difference between the VX500 vs VX800 to run the extra speakers. Which would just be left and right dash, I am not going to mess with getting a replacement center channel imaged correctly.

Thanks everyone.

 

I removed my center stage to simplify the audio build. I definitely noticed a difference, of course. But if you’re already concerned about missing it, and you’re trying to replicate it with components, you may as well try to keep the dash speakers. Just my 2 cents.

 

The best solution is to do 3way components and mount the mids in the dash. I went a step further and mounted the mids and tweets up in the dash for full front imaging, while obviously using the door for the woofers but built custom baffles to pitch them up out of the abyss of the foot well. I bi-amp the components for better control and use dsp to match phase. The result is an incredibly full and rich front stage that remains UP FRONT! definitely can the center channel (You're not watching a movie while driving!) the stupidity of a center channel in a car is compensation for a poorly designed system in the first place.
For any set-up you use, take time in preparation of your environment. This includes sound dampening/control, positioning of the drivers, secure baffle mounting, back wave elimination, time-alignment tuning and phase correction. And of course connect the right wires!

 

Sounds good.

So I think I'm settled then. JL VX800 amp, Morel Maximo Ultimate 6.5 3-ways for the front, 2-ways or Coax for the rear, (1) 12" Image Dynamics Sub. Most of the time will be spent prepping the interior like you suggested. Honestly that's always the most fun for me. Little things add up huge.

Thanks for the input on the front stage.

 

That looks like you're going to enjoy that system! I have the Morel Elate 3-ways up front and I couldn't be happier.
I hear ya on the work being the fun part. I spent 2+years doing my system. I had to keep the truck drivable with 2 car seats, so being able to do the major stuff took so much time in-between getting time to work on the truck. But I enjoyed every little success, and ultimately one of the best rewards in life is listening to glorious, crisp and clean music, CRANKED UP!!! while driving our kickass trucks!
Good luck with your build.

 

Seems you've already made up your mind, but;

In my non-JBl 2014 I ended up disconnecting all 3 dash speakers.
Installed Focal PS165FX components in the front doors with the tweeter in JBL door sails.
The JL Audio side dash and twin tweeter center speakers I tried (running off the HU) sounded crappy and ruined the mix.

The Focals gave a very nice front stage just mounted in the doors.
Focal Performance 165AC in the rear door, all running off an Alpine PDX V9.
Twin 10" JL Audio Stealthbox under the DC rear seat.

I thought about a 3 way with the mids in the dash, but went with the 2 way components.

Very happy with what I have..

Running the JL VX800 amp will certainly give you the control to fine tune everything..
Good luck..

If you want to go all out, sound deaden the rear wall and floor..
Took an entire weekend but it was worth it..

 

Build looks great!

Everything will come out of the truck, including the headliner. Just waiting on that winning lottery ticket to afford all the install materials

Thanks for the input on the focals. I was on the fence about the morel 3-ways vs 2-ways, at the end of the day I tend to skew towards the warmer sounding speakers. Toyotoholics suggestion of bi-amping sealed it for me. With the VX I'll have enough room to bridge the sub and run a part of that 3-way set on their own channels, and keep it simple enough to be relegated to 1 amp but still having the flexibility. Not that I want to spend nearly that much on an amp, but it would still allow a super clean install and give me room in the future to build onto if its realllly necessary.