Audio question

kenlainpro_

New member
I have about $350 left to spend on the Runner for now and I'm looking at a Pioneer head unit. To the people that have only replaced the HU: I was wondering how much better the sound quality got after just replacing the HU.

Should I replace the speakers too? Suggestions?
 
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The headunit will sound better as youll get a little more power to each speaker, and be able to mess around with the eq more to fine tune the sound. I would think for $350 you could upgrade to a decent headunit and still have enough left over for some decent speakers as well.
 
when i did a headunit only in my tacoma (kenwood headunit) the stock speakers sounded much better, at reasonable volume levels, when cranked up real loud they flattened out.

might as well start out with the headunit and replace speakers at a later date, as the stock speakers "may" sound good enough for ya for a while
 
More sound volume does NOT equate to better sound. It may...but not necessarily.

I replaced my head unit with an HD unit. The HD channels really made a difference.
 
I have about $350 left to spend on the Runner for now and I'm looking at a Pioneer head unit. To the people that have only replaced the HU: I was wondering how much better the sound quality got after just replacing the HU.

Should I replace the speakers too? Suggestions?

Do you have the JBL or the regular stereo?
 
Head unit swaps do improve the sound, but it's not going to get very far. But with that amount of cash to burn, a decent head unit with hd radio is a good start. I just have a deh-80prs installed and it's a difference from what I had before, but not by much.
 
So much mixed information in this thread, some of it true some of it opinion.

True of the matter.

Oem head unit is limited in what it can do and the quality of audio it produces.

A decent aftermarket unit will always sound better than a factory unit.

Once a decent head unit is installed, that's when you realize the short comings of the factory speakers.

This is also the same time you realize the limitations of the factory amp.

It's a whole vicious cycle lol.

Non jbl systems are not amplified. If you not sure if it's amp's or not, just check for factory sub in the right rear. Sub means it's amp'd.

Many aftermarket units that have a remote control would have a input for a steering wheel control module, like Metra aswc, Pac swi pc.

Depending on what size unit you installing, you will need a single din or double din dash kit.

Crutchfield it's a good source to research a quality model to go into your truck.

I sell Kenwood, Kenwood excelon and Pioneer. Pm me if you want pricing out info.
 
I noticed a reasonable difference in sound quality improvement with my new Pioneer AVH X3500. Its built in EQ has a lot more frequency bands available compared to the oem stereo which allows for more control over troublesome frequencies. I also notice that if I put in after market speakers that it will enhance the clarity in the low and hi end. The factory speakers are a little dull and can get muddy.
 
Audiophiles, I have a big itch that hopefully some of you can scratch. I recently replaced my stock Hu, non jbl. I replaced it with the new pioneer touched screen unit from Scion part number pt546-00140 . this unit has HD radio so it is a major improvement. However, it doesn't have rca outputs.

As many have stated, stock speakers have limitations. If I wanna change out all the stock speakers, should I just search for a set that will fit the vehicle and swap them out?
1. Should I add an amp to power the new speakers to maximize performance?
2. Can an amp be added if HU has no rca outputs?
3. Should I also replace the two tweeters on there front doors? Or keep them and just replace the two front main speakers?

I don't plan to add a sub cus I like to have space in the truck. But would still enjoy a good quality sound in my vehicle. Much thanks.
 
Upgrade to FLAC loss less

If you really want to improve the audio system save your money and change from MP3s to FLAC. MP3s are called lossy data compression and for a reason. They loose data when it compresses the music file which makes the music sound mushy and lacks clarity and definition. Some MP3 compressed music isn't too bad but it all depends on the bit rate which it is originally compressed. Some MP3 music files are just terrible. By changing to a loss-less compression format it will overwhelmingly and drastically improve ones music experience. FLAC is the best known loss-less compression format. Loss-Less compressed music is as it is in a CD. MP3s take up less space on ones player but if you want a great sounding system one must use a loss-less format.
 
I went with the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT. Got it off of Amazon for $247.00. Has plenty of options as far as add-ons if you want in the future for navigation and rear view camera as well.
 
Quality music source

Converting from MP3 to FLAC is not possible. One must either buy a FLAC music track or convert from a CD. There are plenty of FLAC conversion programs out there. I use WinAmp for all of my conversions. Then the original source is CD quality. One must also have a decent player too. My son has a crappy player and no matter what he plays ... either MP3 or FLAC it sounds crappy. Many of the newer phones play FLAC natively. If you're phone can't play FLAC (as mine did before my recent upgrade) one can use Power Amp. Power Amp has a free app or could purchase the Pro for $4.99. This app is very powerful and has an equalizer built into the program. I broke down and bought the pro. Then, if one spends big $$$ on a system it will sound fantastic!!! I bought the JBL system and it sounds great all on it's own. I don't even want to buy a new system. My local library has so many CDs ......
 

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