2013 TE: Audio System Improvements w/out Console Unit Replacement?

[5POINT56]

Yes, of course.....I searched. Some ideas on subwoofer additions, some threads on speakers....nothing to complete my question, so here we go.

Just got a 2013 TE. 8 speaker audio with nav & entune.

Very, VERY underwhelmed by the sound quality.

What I'd like to do is to improve on the audio system without replacing the console unit. I'd like to pull and replace the speakers with quality speakers, I'd like to add a subwoofer for the addition of bass, and if possible/necessary, add an amp to boost power output to the new speakers/subwoofer.

My questions are:

Has anyone done this? What were the components you used and how much of an improvement was gained?

Is this idea something that is, in your opinion, worth the effort? If not, what's the best way to get a decent sounding audio system in my TE? Full replacement? And if so, what console unit actually would fit without looking half baked? I realize they make vehicle specific brackets for console replacement, but about half of all I've seem don't look very well thought out, or seem to fit as nicely as they probably should. I don't want to wing it on an expensive new system, only to have succeded in crapping up my sweet new TE.

Any thoughts, links, suggestions are very much appreciated.

As an aside, the JBL system in the 08 Sport I traded in is a vastly better stereo than the 2013 8 speaker garbage that comes with the TE.....and I listen to my iPod in my car ALL the time, so sound quality matters to me.

 

[1engineer]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...vable-difference-kappa-3-5-dash-speakers.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/61082-aftermarket-stereo.html

These two threads address about every question you mentioned.

 

[Ttn333]

A few of us have replaced all the speakers and added a sub. We also added multiple amps and digital sound processors.

 

[5POINT56]

A few of us have replaced all the speakers and added a sub. We also added multiple amps and digital sound processors.

That's pretty much exactly what I want to do.

I'm curious, roughly what did it cost you and how much improvement was gained?

Have a thread or know of one that specifically details what you said above?

 

[5POINT56]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...vable-difference-kappa-3-5-dash-speakers.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/61082-aftermarket-stereo.html

These two threads address about every question you mentioned.

Good info there, thank you. I've looked over the Kappa thread, and the other. Gets pretty deep and in places gets kind of derailed with misc/unrelated discussion.

Guess I was hoping for something outlining the post I quoted above in terms of components, cost, and results. I'll keep reading.

 

[Go JayBee]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...vable-difference-kappa-3-5-dash-speakers.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/61082-aftermarket-stereo.html

These two threads address about every question you mentioned.

Also, look here: "Improving Stereo Sound in 5th Gen"

I put a lot of "how-to" pics and tips on replacing original speakers.
Hope that helps...
jb

 

[5POINT56]

Also, look here: "Improving Stereo Sound in 5th Gen"

I put a lot of "how-to" pics and tips on replacing original speakers.
Hope that helps...
jb

Very helpful, thank you.

I actually have no intention of installing any of it, I'm going to have a car audio place do it. I just don't trust myself to NOT botch something I have virtually no experience with, and roll the dice on the new TE's interior.

The list of parts is a huge help. I don't think I saw a subwoofer on that list. Did I miss that?

Ideally, a complete list of speakers (brand and sizes), amps, subs, and any other do-dad's to complete the install.

 

[Go JayBee]

Very helpful, thank you.

I actually have no intention of installing any of it, I'm going to have a car audio place do it. I just don't trust myself to NOT botch something I have virtually no experience with, and roll the dice on the new TE's interior.

The list of parts is a huge help. I don't think I saw a subwoofer on that list. Did I miss that?

I did not install a sub-woofer or amplifier. That would have required running additional wiring to tap into the factory speaker wires and, finding a spot for the sub-box. IMHO, the Kappas have an ample amount of base for my ears and, the factory HU has ample power to drive the upgraded speakers. Of course, your mileage may vary...

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Yes, of course.....I searched. Some ideas on subwoofer additions, some threads on speakers....nothing to complete my question, so here we go.

Just got a 2013 TE. 8 speaker audio with nav & entune.

Very, VERY underwhelmed by the sound quality.

What I'd like to do is to improve on the audio system without replacing the console unit. I'd like to pull and replace the speakers with quality speakers, I'd like to add a subwoofer for the addition of bass, and if possible/necessary, add an amp to boost power output to the new speakers/subwoofer.

My questions are:

Has anyone done this? What were the components you used and how much of an improvement was gained?

Is this idea something that is, in your opinion, worth the effort? If not, what's the best way to get a decent sounding audio system in my TE? Full replacement? And if so, what console unit actually would fit without looking half baked? I realize they make vehicle specific brackets for console replacement, but about half of all I've seem don't look very well thought out, or seem to fit as nicely as they probably should. I don't want to wing it on an expensive new system, only to have succeded in crapping up my sweet new TE.

Any thoughts, links, suggestions are very much appreciated.

As an aside, the JBL system in the 08 Sport I traded in is a vastly better stereo than the 2013 8 speaker garbage that comes with the TE.....and I listen to my iPod in my car ALL the time, so sound quality matters to me.

Kappas are a good start. I have Nav with JBL Premium which has a separate amp. Does yours have a separate amp also? In any event, if you want to keep stock head unit, you probably need to connect amps to the speaker outs. I kept my amp cause Toyota sound system is very complicated and will not run at all if you remove certain components. I went from the speaker outs to a Helix Digital Sound Procesor (about $600) and then to a 5 Channel Helix (4 x 65 watts + 250 watt, $450) and a 4 Channel Helix (4 x 65, $400). Put a 8" Alumapro sub in the stock JBL box. This setup gives me full "active" tuning and I just love it. Huge improvement!

If you are not that picky, just doing the Kappas may be enough. Changing the speakers alters the relative levels of the speakers. The JBL Premium does high pass to the 3.5" coaxial in the dash and low pass to the 6 x 9 in the front door. First I put 3.5" coaxial Kappa in the dash and kept the stock door 6 x 9. Dash and door were not in balance. Dash was crystal clear but soft. Door was muddy and loud. I got a Kaapa 6 x 9 2 way system. Canned the crossover and tweeter and just put the 6 x 9 in the door. Sound was a significant improvement over the stock but was now too soft. That's when I decided to go with the DSP and amps.

In retrospect, even without the DSP and amps, sound was pretty damn good. Better than any stock system I ever heard with the exception of Lexus Levinson in a LS460 or the premium VW Dynaudio system in the Toureg.

And don't forget to mat the doors!

 

[5POINT56]

I did not install a sub-woofer or amplifier. That would have required running additional wiring to tap into the factory speaker wires and, finding a spot for the sub-box. IMHO, the Kappas have an ample amount of base for my ears and, the factory HU has ample power to drive the upgraded speakers. Of course, your mileage may vary...

Interesting, I can always build up the audio if the Kappa's don't seem quite enough I suppose.

This thread on an under the seat sub got my interest as well:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/112594-kicker-sub-installed-under-driver-seat-thanks-antman.html

 

[frosty_1]

I have a 2012 SR5 with Entune system. I sound deadened the doors, rear floor and rear walls. Sound drastically improved with stock system. Also made it so much more enjoyable to have conversations while driving. Used Raam Mat and took me a day or so to do. Well worth the time and money invested.

 

[Ttn333]

I'm running Focal 165v30 aniversary separates for the front and focal polyglass coax for the rear and hatch, JL 13.5" thin sub, all powered by JL 500/3 and JL 600/6. I also have a JBL MS-8 DSP doing my electronic crossover, signal processing and tuning. Not sure how much I spent total. Probably around 3k including installation and sound deadening. I'm pretty happy with my system, but like everything else, one can always improve.

 

[Monty_USA]

I purchased a 2012 Limited with eight speaker entune a year ago. Sound quality was as bad as I have ever heard from ANY vehicle sound system. Couldn't stand it, so after only three days of ownership I had the folowing installed and couldnt be happier:

Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty Processor
Kenwood 5 Channel XR-5S Amp
Focal 165s speakers all around
JL Audio 10W3V3 10" Sub

I have all of the functionality of the factory system and a custom sound quality. While I dropped a ton of cash, sound quality is better than anything I have ever heard. Glad I didnt get the upgraded JBL because I would have just had to replace more of those cheap speakers...

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

I purchased a 2012 Limited with eight speaker entune a year ago. Sound quality was as bad as I have ever heard from ANY vehicle sound system. Couldn't stand it, so after only three days of ownership I had the folowing installed and couldnt be happier:

Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty Processor
Kenwood 5 Channel XR-5S Amp
Focal 165s speakers all around
JL Audio 10W3V3 10" Sub

I have all of the functionality of the factory system and a custom sound quality. While I dropped a ton of cash, sound quality is better than anything I have ever heard. Glad I didnt get the upgraded JBL because I would have just had to replace more of those cheap speakers...

Know what your saying. I had to get the JBL premium and sunroof to get the trail. Added $4700 to the deal and now I tap the speaker outs on the JBL amp to feed my dsp. What a waste. Toyota charges about $330 for the front door one way speakers. Insane. I settled with Kappas. Really good for the price. Them Focals must be really sweet.

 

[redkaz04]

ttt!

hate to dig up an old thread...but I did I searched and I still haven't found my answer-will the TE nav unit support a aftermarket amp to power a subwoofer?

where are you guys putting the subwoofer?