Audio Upgrade Options

[Louisiana Overland]

Plug and play??

I used all focal speakers that had plugs to match toyota plugs... no wire splicing

I used taco tunes wiring harnesses to get from factory head unit to audisson bit ten dsp.

Another taco tunes harness from jl audio 700 watt 5 channel amp to the factory speaker harness that was unplugged from head unit to allow the aforementioned taco tunes harness to plug in for dsp.

Rca jumpers between dsp and amp

A trip to a local audio dealer who had audisson tuning softwwre and microphones.

...and...plug and play tuned to MY sound deadened 4runner.

You guys make this all to difficult.

 

[Signal]

So from what I am seeing no one has used Kenwood or Kicker speakers? I have no intentions of putting subs or a amp in it. I just don't want to crank it over half the way to just hear whats on.

I am looking at these

rear tailgate - Kenwood KFC-1396PS Performance Series 5-1/4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield

rear doors and possibly front doors - Kenwood KFC-1366S Sport Series 5-1/4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield

dash - kenwood

 

[rhadam]

There are multiple audio threads floating around, would be a lot of scrolling to get any type of idea on what forum members are using. I posted in an audio thread a day or two describing my recent (couple weeks ago) audio upgrade.

I ended up with a Kenwood Excelon 10.1 head unit after installing and removing a Dasaita and Alpine Halo 9 head unit.

Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX1057XR Digital multimedia receiver (does not play DVD/CD discs) at Crutchfield

The size is a bit larger than I wanted, but overall i'm very happy with the unit. At the lowest dash setting it covers half the center vents and does block some vision of the climate controls. Screen resolution is great, maps are crisp. Head unit is responsive with minimal lag when using wireless CarPlay. I installed the iDatalink Maestro to keep steering wheel controls as well as the benefit of OBD readings like tire pressure, battery output, and various temp readings. The display has multiple dimming functions so you can get it quite dark during night driving. Sound quality is top notch.

I also installed Kenwood Excelon component speakers with deadening mat around each speaker. This was all done by the audio install shop and their mat installation has a 2 or 3 step function to specifically funnel sound in to the cab instead of loss through the door panels. No amp or sub installed. As someone who's not an audiophile but reasonably close.. this upgrade was well worth the price. The sound is incredible. As of now, I see no need to add in an amp, but that may change later. I'm also considering a self-powered sub in the back.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[BetteMidler]

I have a 2021 Trail. After seeing a thread a few days ago about the Subaru tweeter plug and play upgrade I decided to buy those and install them. They helped with the highs immensely for a ~$85 upgrade but then made the rest of the factory speakers sound muddy/distorted and basically terrible.

I found a local deal on the Focals 6x9 front & 6x5 rears that were plug and play. I also added the Kicker Key 200.4 amp and now my sound is pretty fantastic for less than a 1k investment. I will do a head unit swap & add sound deadening at some point which will optimize what I currently have. I don’t feel the need to add a sub but I’m also a middle aged dad so YMMV.

I have never done any sort of audio install and this set up was essentially plug and play for a crayon eater such as myself.

I did not install the tweeters that came with the Focals simply because I already installed the Subaru ones and with the Focals you did need to do some wiring so it wasn’t worth my time/effort.

If you look around you can find deals on the Focals. I paid $300 for all 4 speakers and at one point that’s what Crutchfield had for just a single pair.