Adding an amplifier to stock stereo

[toohott7718]

Hello I'm a nwer owner of a 2022 4 runner premium without the jbl system, I am looking at updating all the speakers with a subwoofer and 1 to 2 amplifiers, I am wanting to keep the stock head unit, I have looked quite a bit online for a plug and play harness so I don't have to cut any of the factory wires at the head unit. So I wanted to see what everyone has done? Thank you for any help!!

 

[osugsxr]

Hello I'm a nwer owner of a 2022 4 runner premium without the jbl system, I am looking at updating all the speakers with a subwoofer and 1 to 2 amplifiers, I am wanting to keep the stock head unit, I have looked quite a bit online for a plug and play harness so I don't have to cut any of the factory wires at the head unit. So I wanted to see what everyone has done? Thank you for any help!!

Ill eventually do the same its not too difficult to do

amp
kicker key 200.4
reviews are great and will over ride the stock eq settings, plus no need for remote line

RED WOLF Add AMP Amplifier Subwoofer Speaker Wiring T-Harness Radio Stereo Plug Connector Compatible with Toyota 2018-2022 Camry RAV4 Tacoma Corolla Non-JBL System......may require some slicing / soldering into factory harness but simple to . Think taco tunes makes a plug n play kit

speaker speed wire...run from harness to amp

amp power kit....battery to amp

 

[19794Runner]

I've been using the AudioControl LC2i for years. They have a ton of great stuff for audiophiles.

 

[derek_flint]

I once used a Helix 6 or 8 channel DSP in combination with 2 JL audio amps with a factory head-unit.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I used this to add a subwoofer amp to my stock radio

Amazon.com

Also Taco Tunes makes harnesses that are plug and play

 

[Ripper238]

I tried to do the same keeping the head unit. I upgraded speakers and amp and it turned into a mess because the stock amp interfered with the signal and needed to be removed (huge pain) and even the the Metra to help with compatibility of the sock head unit to the new amp was garbage. Stock head unit is just sooo bad.

I ended up upgrading the head unit to a Kenwood DMX 10.6, and it's such a massive improvement over the stock head unit with amp and speakers.

 

[toohott7718]

I tried to do the same keeping the head unit. I upgraded speakers and amp and it turned into a mess because the stock amp interfered with the signal and needed to be removed (huge pain) and even the the Metra to help with compatibility of the sock head unit to the new amp was garbage. Stock head unit is just sooo bad.

I ended up upgrading the head unit to a Kenwood DMX 10.6, and it's such a massive improvement over the stock head unit with amp and speakers.

Yes I am starting to think the head unit should be replaced too, especially if I need to buy all these different adaptors/processors to fool the stock stuff. But I imagine you still had to add an adaptor for the steering wheel controls? Mine doesn't say Jbl anywhere does the non jbl systems still have an amplifier ? Do you have any pictures of the Kenwood in your 4 runner? Thank you

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Yes I am starting to think the head unit should be replaced too, especially if I need to buy all these different adaptors/processors to fool the stock stuff. But I imagine you still had to add an adaptor for the steering wheel controls? Mine doesn't say Jbl anywhere does the non jbl systems still have an amplifier ? Do you have any pictures of the Kenwood in your 4 runner? Thank you

If it doesn't say JBL then it does not have the amp, the other telltale sign is the sub in the rear panel of the trunk. I did the stock HU with the sub/amp for a while and eventually replaced the stock HU because it just sucked lol but to answer your question yes you have to get a steering wheel adapter as well as a couple adapters for the GPS and XM antennas, not a big deal though. I used Maestro for all of my adapters you can actually look up all the part numbers on their website.

 

[toohott7718]

Awesome thanks again

 

[Superjet]

The last thing Toyota wants, and many other manufacturers want to avoid is warranty work. The OEM deck is designed to limit blowing out of speakers by adjusting sound settings. For example, the louder you turn the music up, the bass will "roll off" to prevent the speakers from blowing out. You can make up for some of this with DSP processors, or with JBL a special amp interface.

The aftermarket manufacturers put out a flat signal without limitations. They could care less if you damage your equipment, that just means more buying.

 

[Ripper238]

Yes I am starting to think the head unit should be replaced too, especially if I need to buy all these different adaptors/processors to fool the stock stuff. But I imagine you still had to add an adaptor for the steering wheel controls? Mine doesn't say Jbl anywhere does the non jbl systems still have an amplifier ? Do you have any pictures of the Kenwood in your 4 runner? Thank you

So many adaptors. lol I went with Maestro iDatalink for the steering wheel controls as well as OBD info.

It will sound so much better with a new head unit. Mine was not a JBL but it still had an amp tucked away in the back. Such a pain when i was told there wasn't one, killed the Metra a few times.... :mmph:

Its a little large for some but, Kenwood DMX:

 

[toohott7718]

I'm starting to think I'm just going to use an after make head unit and run all new speaker wire to all the speakers. So ideally the only thing ill need from the wire harness will be power for my head unit.
So other than the wire harness for the head unit antenna adapter, back up camera adaptor and the adpotor for the steering wheel controls, is there anything else you think I'll need? Where did you get your maestro from? It doesnt look like many companies sell it online..
thank you for your help

 

[osugsxr]

I'm starting to think I'm just going to use an after make head unit and run all new speaker wire to all the speakers. So ideally the only thing ill need from the wire harness will be power for my head unit.
So other than the wire harness for the head unit antenna adapter, back up camera adaptor and the adpotor for the steering wheel controls, is there anything else you think I'll need? Where did you get your maestro from? It doesnt look like many companies sell it online..
thank you for your help

Aftermarket head unit is fine, there is no need to run new speaker wires. Checkout trail grid pro (cliff and team ) are great to answer any questions. TGP offers direct plug n play head units.
crutchfield is good to shop as well

 

[97BlackAckCL]

No need to run all new wire unless you're going for some kind of competition setup. Using an interface like Maestro will help you tie into everything stock including the stock wiring. I have done it both ways, but am more than happy with my aftermarket HU and aftermarket speakers running on the stock wires. I did add my own sub and amp though since mine didn't come with one

 

[DaoDao]

A bit later this year, I'm going to be installing a HELIX V EIGHT DSP/Amp. Wish me luck.

 

[toohott7718]

No need to run all new wire unless you're going for some kind of competition setup. Using an interface like Maestro will help you tie into everything stock including the stock wiring. I have done it both ways, but am more than happy with my aftermarket HU and aftermarket speakers running on the stock wires. I did add my own sub and amp though since mine didn't come with one

How is that possible ? The RCS lines will have to be ran to the back where the amp is gonna go, then I would have to run the speaker wires by the head unit to the factory wires, I would rather run new speaker wires to each speaker, it just seems easier to me, unless I'm missing something . I won't he doing competition but I will have 2 amplifiers.

 

[osugsxr]

How is that possible ? The RCS lines will have to be ran to the back where the amp is gonna go, then I would have to run the speaker wires by the head unit to the factory wires, I would rather run new speaker wires to each speaker, it just seems easier to me, unless I'm missing something . I won't he doing competition but I will have 2 amplifiers.

The speaker wires I believe what he is referring to is run speaker wires to amp & back (input & output) then use a harness at the HU.



Amazon.com

 

[Zullusman]

Upgrading the sound system is a game-changer for those road trips and daily drives. I totally get wanting to keep the stock head unit – it's sleek and blends right in. But man, finding those plug-and-play harnesses can be a mission. I've been scouring the web for a while now, but it's like finding a diamond in the rough. However, I recently stumbled upon the xiegu xpa125b amplifier wholesale at https://radio-gx.com, and it seems like a solid option. It might just be the missing piece to your setup puzzle.

 

[Ripper238]

Upgrading the sound system is a game-changer for those road trips and daily drives. I totally get wanting to keep the stock head unit – it's sleek and blends right in. But man, finding those plug-and-play harnesses can be a mission.

If finding the right plug-and-play harnesses was the only issue. It's a massive rabbit hole.