Upgrade My Tacoma's Sound System

[BestBandsBadHearing]

Hi, how are y'all doing? I'm glad I found this forum, maybe now I can get on the right path! I'm a member of the Tacoma World forum, and this forum is very highly regarded and mentioned in numerous threads in the audio section. What people over there say is that the people over here really know their shit, and they're more concerned with what actually performs and works best for a particular situation, not the "name" of the manufacturer. That's exactly what I'm looking for. I have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport 4x4 with the factory stereo system. I don't know if it's the base system or the JBL system, it doesn’t say JBL anywhere but it does say wma and mp3, it has the 6 disc changer, separate tweeters high in the doors, and controls on the steering wheel. Of course, none of that matters if I have to replace it. I've been getting mixed opinions about whether I could, or should, add on to the existing factory system or start over. At this point I believe I need a fresh build, as I've heard that the factory JBL system is set up in such a way that it will never sound right if any single part of it is "upgraded". I did add on to it though, I wanted louder and bass that I could feel. A local shop put in a JL Audio - 300W x 1 @ 2ohm Mono Amplifier 0MX300, and a JL AUDIO - 8W3V3 Slot Ported Enclosure & sub. It actually sounds really good, and they did a very nice job on the install, but it set me back $1000. And yes, I want to incorporate it into the new system. I just can't afford what they want for a new Android Auto head unit w/CD + steering wheel controls kit, 100w x 4 @ 2ohm amp to drive the new speakers ( 2 - 6x9's + separate tweeters in front doors and 6.5's in the rear doors ). I'm hoping that someone here can point me in the direction of good quality equipment that is plug & play, or that has adapters available that make it plug & play. I can get the "name brand" equipment along with the 6x9 door adapters, steering wheel control and other needed adapters/harnesses for about $1500, but I only have $1000 - $1200 that I can pull together to get it done, hopefully someone here can help. Thanks in advance!

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hi, how are y'all doing? I'm glad I found this forum, maybe now I can get on the right path! I'm a member of the Tacoma World forum, and this forum is very highly regarded and mentioned in numerous threads in the audio section. What people over there say is that the people over here really know their shit, and they're more concerned with what actually performs and works best for a particular situation, not the "name" of the manufacturer. That's exactly what I'm looking for. I have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport 4x4 with the factory stereo system. I don't know if it's the base system or the JBL system, it doesn’t say JBL anywhere but it does say wma and mp3, it has the 6 disc changer, separate tweeters high in the doors, and controls on the steering wheel. Of course, none of that matters if I have to replace it. I've been getting mixed opinions about whether I could, or should, add on to the existing factory system or start over. At this point I believe I need a fresh build, as I've heard that the factory JBL system is set up in such a way that it will never sound right if any single part of it is "upgraded". I did add on to it though, I wanted louder and bass that I could feel. A local shop put in a JL Audio - 300W x 1 @ 2ohm Mono Amplifier 0MX300, and a JL AUDIO - 8W3V3 Slot Ported Enclosure & sub. It actually sounds really good, and they did a very nice job on the install, but it set me back $1000. And yes, I want to incorporate it into the new system. I just can't afford what they want for a new Android Auto head unit w/CD + steering wheel controls kit, 100w x 4 @ 2ohm amp to drive the new speakers ( 2 - 6x9's + separate tweeters in front doors and 6.5's in the rear doors ). I'm hoping that someone here can point me in the direction of good quality equipment that is plug & play, or that has adapters available that make it plug & play. I can get the "name brand" equipment along with the 6x9 door adapters, steering wheel control and other needed adapters/harnesses for about $1500, but I only have $1000 - $1200 that I can pull together to get it done, hopefully someone here can help. Thanks in advance!

It sounds like you're really diving into upgrading your Tacoma's audio system! It might be helpful to check out dedicated audio forums or consult with local audio experts for specific recommendations within your budget.

 

[BestBandsBadHearing]

It sounds like you're really diving into upgrading your Tacoma's audio system! It might be helpful to check out dedicated audio forums or consult with local audio experts for specific recommendations within your budget.

Hi Hal, thanks for your reply! The Tacoma World forum does have an audio/video section that I've gotten some ideas from, and I can go with that but they've also talked about this forum. Specifically it is mentioned in more than a couple threads about the knowledge of non-big name brand componenents and incorporating them into the build, not just for cost savings but because they tend to out-perform their name brand counterparts. That's what I was hoping to find in here, the best performing components for the money that I have to spend. I'm sure each manufacturer's support staff could point me in the direction of the correct adapter or harness for their product. I don't expect someone here to be an expert on Tacoma's and which adapter is needed for what, sure it'd be nice if someone has experience with that, but I can get that info elsewhere if needed. I honestly thought (think) that based off the quote I was given for the big name products, and the praise I've read about this forum, that I should be able to at least get close to the performance I'm looking for in the lesser known products, and save some money along the way.
If I figure that a dash kit, harnesses, and adapters will run in the neighborhood of $200, then that leaves $800 - $1000 for the head unit, amp, and speakers. If my budget is the problem then I'm hoping someone will tell me that, and I'll have to make some decisions. I'm not entering any contests or looking to vibrate everything around me, but I just don't want to end up with something that doesn't sound right because I saved a few bucks. I like 80's music and I like it loud, I'm just hoping someone here can help me get to where I want to be. Either way, I thank you all for taking the time to read my posts, I know I can be a bit long-winded lol!

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Do you have a HU in mind? There are lots and lots of amps to choose from. Stinger was running deals on their amps, but I'm not sure if that's still going on, but check their website. CDT always seems to be running deals on their speakers, so check them out. HU, I'm still a Pioneer guy, but I have to admit the quality has dropped of a bit in recent years, but I haven't had reliabilty issues.

 

[administrator]

It sounds like you're really diving into upgrading your Tacoma's audio system! It might be helpful to check out dedicated audio forums or consult with local audio experts for specific recommendations within your budget.

Even the AI bot knows this isn’t an audio forum anymore

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

Every new to me car I acquire or new stereo I plan to install I always stop by crutchfield to see what they offer. Chances are they have already done the research on the vehicle. They have on yours for sure. Use their research as a starting point to get you going. We can help point you in the right direction on amps, speakers, subs... stuff like that. As far as install components like dash kits, they offer my preferred brand, Metra, for your truck.

Find what fits your car - Crutchfield

Let us know what you drive, and we'll show you exactly what works in your ride. Get FREE 2-day shipping, discounted installation gear, and free custom instructions.

www.crutchfield.com

 

[BestBandsBadHearing]

Sorry for the delay in responding, I've been trying to respond all day but I keep getting pulled away then have to start over! Then I remembered....copy and paste, lol!
Thanks Jimi77 and ThxOne, I appreciate your responses! I honestly don't know enough about all the different brands now, back when I was much younger it was Alpine and Kenwood at the top, Sony and Pioneer for a good value but a step down, and stay away from Jensen and Kraco! Yeah, I just went all the way back to high school in the early 80's! Now I'm hearing that Pioneer and Sony are tops, and the market is being flooded with cheap, but good, Chinese brands (not sure that I'm ready to go there yet!) What I do know is I want to connect my android phone for calls, music, maps, and I'd like CD player/changer but I can do without the CD to help the budget if needed. I've only heard of stinger, but it seems to be coming up a lot, and I've never heard of CDT, is that a brand or a seller? I have heard of Crutchfield, but I thought they were a wholesaler and supplier for retail shops, so yeah I'm just a bit behind the times, so i3m putting my trust in here and I feel really good about that! I have no doubt that with some guidance from you guys here that I can build a really nice system. So again, thank you!