Audio Upgrade Options

[FamousAv8er]

Crutchfield Write-Up

So I decided to message Crutchfield to see what they suggested after reading some of your replies.

I told them I was interested in adding front speakers, an amp, and a powered sub. I plan to add sound deadening.

They responded with the following recommendations to complete my install.

Cart:

Focal IS 690TOY (pair) $299.99
-includes Metra HWP-0001

JBL BassPro SL $249.99

Focal AP 4340 $199.99

AudioControl LC7i $189.99

Focal RCX-130 (pair) $119.99
-includes Scosche SAT6 Speaker Mounting Brackets & Metra 72-8104 Wiring Harnesses

EFX PA8BX Wiring Kit $59.99

EFX PA10BX Wiring Kit $34.99

EFX 9-Wire Ultra Flex Speaker Wire $24.99

EFX 2-Channel RCA Patch Cables

Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors $12.99

Pro.Fit Wire Worm $11.99

Bojo Trim Panel Tools $11.99

Posi-Products Wire Connectors $6.99

x2 Metra Female Quick Slides $3.98

x2 Universal Back Strap $1.98

x60' T-Spec Car Speaker Wire $41.40

Total: $1,295.23

So obviously this was a bit of a shocker to me, thinking I was going to be able to keep a new system around $800. At this point it seems worth it to spend the extra $$$ for OEM+.

My question to you all now is how much of Crutchfields write-up is necessary to properly upgrade my system, how much is just recommendation, and how much could be done cheaper if necessary? Im a baller on a budget just trying to jam in my 4runna

 

[97BlackAckCL]

You can build a system for way cheaper, all depends on what you're looking to do. If you want plug and play for $1200, definitely go for the OEM+ setup. If you're looking to just upgrade your speakers, that is one route, if you're looking for amps and running all new wires, that can also be done cheaper but you have to know more about what you're doing. Honestly, if you want just plug and play I'd say do the OEM+ setup. No way would I ever spend that much so I've been piecing my own setup together, but I know that OEM+ is a good setup and I hear lots of positive reviews on here

 

[FamousAv8er]

You can build a system for way cheaper, all depends on what you're looking to do. If you want plug and play for $1200, definitely go for the OEM+ setup. If you're looking to just upgrade your speakers, that is one route, if you're looking for amps and running all new wires, that can also be done cheaper but you have to know more about what you're doing. Honestly, if you want just plug and play I'd say do the OEM+ setup. No way would I ever spend that much so I've been piecing my own setup together, but I know that OEM+ is a good setup and I hear lots of positive reviews on here

I dont necessarily need plug and play but the closer i can get to it while keeping the dollar amount down is the goal. I am comfortable running and crimping wire, I can use a voltmeter, but Id prefer not to solder (because im messy).

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I dont necessarily need plug and play but the closer i can get to it while keeping the dollar amount down is the goal. I am comfortable running and crimping wire, I can use a voltmeter, but Id prefer not to solder (because im messy).

My point is more that building your own system requires more knowledge and tuning as well, just to be clear

 

[Mobbes]

There is some good info here for sure. Thanks guys. I noticed the stock system sort of blows.

 

[stickcharmer]

I have the OEM+ kit and couldn't be happier. Based on your initial post, that kit pretty much checks all the boxes.

Its not crazy expensive, I think I paid around $1600

Its not that difficult to install. I've never attempted any kind of stereo install in the past and over the course of a weekend I was able to install the entire system.

I'm not a car stereo pro, so I'm sure there are better set-ups out there (but cost more), but I can tell you that when I turned it on for the first time it sounded so much better than the stock set-up. As well as the enhanced sound quality, it is way louder.

Everything is hidden, except the sub, which fits perfectly into the left side portion of the trunk.

There's no cutting of any wires, the kit comes with a wiring harness that just plugs into the back of the stock stereo, then connects the amp and speakers.

When I was looking into having a stereo done at a local shop, they were quoting me anywhere from $2200 to $3000 and that didn't include speakers for the trunk, they said they would just leave those stock.

I couldn't be happier, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who isn't looking for a crazy system and just wants a nice improvement over stock at a good price.

Customer service was awesome as well.

I had this for my 2017 Tacoma and was totally worth it. Clean bass and sound clarity. Certainly not a high-end sound system but the plug and play is very easy to install. Just sold the Tacoma and picked up a new 4runner. Looking to see how much of that system will work with the 4runner

 

[Trooperh]

I already had a boxed sub from my previous car so I looked into what might work with the head unit that came with my 2018. Added the five channel amp and am happy with the result, even with the stock speakers. The Toyota head unit doesn't offer much customization for sound but the extra power really made a difference.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Louisiana Overland]

Did Focal IC 165TOY fit well to the hatch? Crutchfield says they dont fit the hatch only for the rear doors. Im planning on swapping them all the same way and leaving stock head unit.

Crutchfield doesnt list them as a fit but they do fit. Direct drop in. I didnt even fully remove the the panel. Took about 20 minutes.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

I got a stock 4Runner from my bestfriend that passed away on June 4th 2017 so I’m doing everything he wanted To do to it but he was in the middle of putting a tranny in it and it’s a 95 he was putting a 97 in it but what I hured that they don’t work for other years so I got a parts truck and the tranny still won’t shift outta first gear even if I drop it In low and try shifting it but it won’t and I need help ASAP cause I’m trying to get it to his memorial the parts truck ran and drove fine but it won’t now

You're posting in an AUDIO thread for 5th gen 4 runners. Definitely not going to get any help here.

 

[TRDDavid]

TacoTunes

Hello OP,

I just wanted to inform you of a company called TacoTunes

They do amps for the 4Runner that can be mounted under the passenger seat out of view, and has plug and play harness to make the install really simple.

https://tacotunes.com/product-category/toyota-4runner/

I’m currently running this setup so I can go into much more detail if you would like but figured I would throw this out there to see if it’s sonething you would be interested in.

 

[Soccer13]

How does it compare to the OEM Audio Plus system?

Hello OP,

I just wanted to inform you of a company called TacoTunes

They do amps for the 4Runner that can be mounted under the passenger seat out of view, and has plug and play harness to make the install really simple.

https://tacotunes.com/product-category/toyota-4runner/

I’m currently running this setup so I can go into much more detail if you would like but figured I would throw this out there to see if it’s sonething you would be interested in.

 

[TRDDavid]

How does it compare to the OEM Audio Plus system?

Well that depends on what aspect you are asking about.

From an amplifier level the taco tunes amp is rated at 100 watts RMS per channel and the OEM audio plus amp is rated at 90 watts RMS per channel, so the difference is minimal from that aspect.

From what I see the OEM audio plus seems like more of a kit where you buy everything together, you either get it all or get nothing.

TacoTunes is more of a modular designed system where you can just buy the amp and then shop around for whatever speakers you want etc.

I am kind of an audiophile so having things modular was really important to me to get what I wanted out of the system, if OP is just looking for an easy to buy kit where he doesn’t have to plan an entire system out than the OEM audio plus system is probably the way to go.

If he wants to be able to mange each component that’s going into it then the TacoTunes amp would be a good option to match up with some other speakers.

I should mention that I haven’t heard the OEM audio plus system so I can’t comment on its overall sound quality, or ease of installation.

 

[notslow50]

Can’t go wrong with tacotunes , stuff is easy plug and play

 

[lowcel]

Here's my system, I'm pretty happy with it.

2012 Toyota 4Runner
Head Unit – Kenwood DNX994S
Processor – Helix DSP Pro MK2
Amps – Zapco Z150.6 AP, Zapco Z400.2 AP, Zapco Z400.2 AP
Front stage – Audible Physics RG100 and RG tweeters, Morel Elate Ti MW9’s
Rear fill – Audible Physics Ram 3a
Subs – Morel Ultimo Ti SC 12’s
Cables / wires – Straight Wires, Blue Jean Cables, Knu Konceptz
Batteries – XS Power D3400 and D3400R
Sound deadening – Blackhole Tiles, Sound Barrier MX-4, KnuKonceptz, Stinger, etc…

Tuning – Steve Cook of Audio X

Install – Pillars and doors by Steve Cook at Audio X. Rear pods by Printed Acoustics. Battery Covers, Voltage Gauge and Helix Director by Ed Rice and Darin Laughard. Everything else by owner.

 

[lowcel]

Misc pics.

 

[denim]

How does it compare to the OEM Audio Plus system?

I compared the specs on both of these systems when I was looking into changing my sound system - both seem very capable. This is what I thought was the major difference between them - The OEM Audio +has a built in DSP in their AMP and they tune the system for a 4runner, set it, and ship it tuned. The TacoTunes does not have a DSP. You would have to purchase this (if you want to) and tune the system from there.

I found that the audio input has everything to do with making the sound system sound good. Try a high quality source from your iPhone and listen. I ended up changing my front door speakers and tweeters to Focal and added a Kenwood powered sub under my drivers seat. It is not an audiophile system but so much better than before. Good luck!

 

[TRDDavid]

I compared the specs on both of these systems when I was looking into changing my sound system - both seem very capable. This is what I thought was the major difference between them - The OEM Audio +has a built in DSP in their AMP and they tune the system for a 4runner, set it, and ship it tuned. The TacoTunes does not have a DSP. You would have to purchase this (if you want to) and tune the system from there.

I found that the audio input has everything to do with making the sound system sound good. Try a high quality source from your iPhone and listen. I ended up changing my front door speakers and tweeters to Focal and added a Kenwood powered sub under my drivers seat. It is not an audiophile system but so much better than before. Good luck!

Yeah I noticed that too. Like I said TacoTunes is more of a modular system which is what I was after so I have a Rockford Fosgate 360.8 as my signal processor before the anp, works great.

 

[TRDDavid]

Dude this is an absolutely SICK build! :music:

Here's my system, I'm pretty happy with it.

2012 Toyota 4Runner
Head Unit – Kenwood DNX994S
Processor – Helix DSP Pro MK2
Amps – Zapco Z150.6 AP, Zapco Z400.2 AP, Zapco Z400.2 AP
Front stage – Audible Physics RG100 and RG tweeters, Morel Elate Ti MW9’s
Rear fill – Audible Physics Ram 3a
Subs – Morel Ultimo Ti SC 12’s
Cables / wires – Straight Wires, Blue Jean Cables, Knu Konceptz
Batteries – XS Power D3400 and D3400R
Sound deadening – Blackhole Tiles, Sound Barrier MX-4, KnuKonceptz, Stinger, etc…

Tuning – Steve Cook of Audio X

Install – Pillars and doors by Steve Cook at Audio X. Rear pods by Printed Acoustics. Battery Covers, Voltage Gauge and Helix Director by Ed Rice and Darin Laughard. Everything else by owner.

 

[RusPro17]

Awesome build. I had one in my Tacoma before I traded it in and sold all my stuff. Waiting on how long I can deal with my factory system in my Pro. Maybe changing it out down the road.

 

[osugsxr]

focal isc 690 ?? For 4Runner front door