Audio Upgrade?

[jjolles]

I am on the fence. I am going to replace all the stock speakers with new JL speakers along with a Sub and Amp. However I am told different things from various installers in town. Some say replacing the speakers without a new head unit or at least a digital processor is a complete waste of money. I will not notice a improvement and I also risk the stock radio causing problems with the amp/sub.

So then I feel like maybe I should replace the stock radio as well, but do not like the idea of messing with issues regarding the dash kit not matching and possibly losing features on my steering wheel / back up camera etc.

Ideally, if I could feel somewhat at ease about just replacing the speakers with upgrades and add an amp / sub then that is what I want. However, if I don't use a digital tuner or a new head unit is this futile?

I have a 2017 TRD Pro - Cement.

Help!

 

[wcjeep]

Call Crutchfield.

 

[FoozGrind]

I was debating the same thing. I think you will notice a difference just replacing speakers with the factory head unit and then amp sub makes a huge difference


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[4RunnerINprogress]

You will notice a huge increase in sound just replacing speakers. Adding a sub/amp will be even better. There is nothing wrong leaving the stock head unit.

 

[Auntie Soshul]

Opinions will vary. My SR5 came with the basic, non-nav, non-touchscreen, non-Entune radio. I replaced the stock speakers within two months of buying it. That improved the sound 100%, but after driving it a couple of years, I wasn't satisfied with the sound or display. So I added a DSP and amp. That improved the sound another 100% (I'm not a statistician). Something was amiss in this setup, though, because the rear channel kept coming and going. Recently, I replaced the factory radio with a Kenwood double-din head unit, and removed the amop and DSP. I now have all the features I had before, plus backup camera display, gauges and readings, and a ton of adjustments, including a 13-band equalizer (the DSP only had 8 bands). The head unit has a max of 50 watts, and that's plenty of power for me. If you want to add a sub, there are jacks on the back of the unit to do so. Again, YMMV.

As stated in another post, call Crutchfield.

 

[FoozGrind]

Opinions will vary. My SR5 came with the basic, non-nav, non-touchscreen, non-Entune radio. I replaced the stock speakers within two months of buying it. That improved the sound 100%, but after driving it a couple of years, I wasn't satisfied with the sound or display. So I added a DSP and amp. That improved the sound another 100% (I'm not a statistician). Something was amiss in this setup, though, because the rear channel kept coming and going. Recently, I replaced the factory radio with a Kenwood double-din head unit, and removed the amop and DSP. I now have all the features I had before, plus backup camera display, gauges and readings, and a ton of adjustments, including a 13-band equalizer (the DSP only had 8 bands). The head unit has a max of 50 watts, and that's plenty of power for me. If you want to add a sub, there are jacks on the back of the unit to do so. Again, YMMV.



As stated in another post, call Crutchfield.

What head unit did you put in?


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[Auntie Soshul]

I put in the Kenwood DDX394. I didn't need nav or the fancier touch screens. This unit has everything I wanted and more. The iDatalink Maestro harness kept all the factory steering wheel controls, backup sensor, aux port, and all else. It's pricey but worth it.

 

[derek_flint]

I myself pulled out the factory system. Morel speakers,Helix DSP ,2 JL audio amps with a 10" sub fiberglassed in and a kenwood 839s head-unit. Crystal clear sound. But you could keep the factory head unit and use a DSP.

 

[jjolles]

Thanks.

Called crutchfield. I will order everything except a new head unit. I will see how it goes. I can always swap out the head unit later. Should be interesting.

 

[GearJunkie88]

[MENTION=132475]jjolles[/MENTION] - I installed new speakers before the head unit. I also installed sound deadener. I wrote a lengthy post about the process and my findings. Search it up and I think you'll have all your questions answered.

 

[rigtec]

"I am on the fence. I am going to replace all the stock speakers with new JL speakers along with a Sub and Amp. However I am told different things from various installers in town. Some say replacing the speakers without a new head unit or at least a digital processor is a complete waste of money. I will not notice a improvement and I also risk the stock radio causing problems with the amp/sub.

So then I feel like maybe I should replace the stock radio as well, but do not like the idea of messing with issues regarding the dash kit not matching and possibly losing features on my steering wheel / back up camera etc.

Ideally, if I could feel somewhat at ease about just replacing the speakers with upgrades and add an amp / sub then that is what I want. However, if I don't use a digital tuner or a new head unit is this futile?"

I have a 2017 TRD Pro - Cement.

Help!

Hi jjolles,

Many of us have changed-out the stock speakers in our prize 4Runners and have had some of those same feelings that you've expressed above! Because of this, I've posted a few threads that address some of those legitimate questions; have a look at these threads below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174196-got-bass.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/171794-party-mode-tweak-non-jbl.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/210591-alpine-1-dash-component-review.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/224382-big-three;-how-works.html

Some of these posted threads won't apply to everyone but still plenty of relative intel in all of them. I do hope you will find the time to read them because I know they'll put your mind at ease! 'Best to you',

rig, cheers!

 

[GearJunkie88]

There should be a "consolidated audio thread"... there's one for lighting and all kinds of other things... how does one create a consolidated thread?

 

[GB-man]

I came across this same dilemma when I picked up my 16 TRD last year. Maybe the best overall vehicle I have bought but the stereo is dreadful. I'm not obsessed, I could have lived with the limited jbl setup but the one in the pro is horrendous.

I was told the same as you and there was even a thread or two where I consulted the stereo junkies here.

I ended up replacing the stock head unit with a pioneer avix 8200, put a JBL HD 900/5 under the sliding cargo tray and powering focal krx 2s up front and mid level focal coax in the rear doors. It also powers a dual 8" compact jbl sub box which fits perfectly in the rear behind the 2nd row and really fills out the sound without taking much space at all. Then of course I sound deadened all five doors.

It was the definition of slippery slope... I say either do likewise...which will run 5-6k installed or just replace the speakers with ones that are budget. Think 1000 installed. I think anything in the middle is money wasted.

 

[ForeRunnerSi]

Honestly it depends on how much your willing to spend and what you are looking for. I bought my Runner used and was planning on upgrading prior to finding out that the dash speakers were replaced along with the rear tailgate. I have not heard a complete factory system, but the infinity's I have in the dash do a good job but I feel they could be so much better with a better signal. The headunit really is the weakest point in the entire system. Trying to pull mids out out of the it without using party mode is impossible. I debated going for the one of the processors. The down side to them is that your settings are not at your finger tips and you have to run wires for everything. I've decided to commit to replacing the headunit and add the maestro system to retain factory features. Its more expensive but adjustments are at your finger tips and the aftermarket interfaces are more user friendly.

 

[jjolles]

Well I ordered everything I believe I need. Made an appointment for next week to take in my 2017 TRD for the install. Here is what I ordered.

1. Pioneer AVIC8200NEX. Picked up online for a huge discount since newer model is coming out in a few days.
2. Hertz HCX 165 Coaxial for rear doors
3. Hertz HSK 165 2 way Components for front
4. JL Audio 10 inch Sub in a sealed box for the cargo area
5. Alpine PDR-V75 5 channel Amp. Will try to install under seat but may just mount behind 2nd row.
6. iDatalink cables and misc to install Maestro interface module
7. Amp wiring Kit and sound deadening material for the doors.

Before install my total cost is around $2,650. Not bad!!!

 

[uplusd]

If you can afford it, I would highly recommend an aftermarket head unit. You won't lose features (e.g., steering wheel controls, backup cam) as long as you buy the appropriate modules. Below is an image of what the signal looks like from 0-20 kHz on the stock headunit. Ideally, you would want to start with a flat signal. Notice the dropoff at the low frequencies (left side), that is the stock bass protection and you won't be able to recover that. One thing you can do if you really want to keep the stock headunit is get a DSP that has an onboard EQ so that you can flatten that signal. But honestly, with how cheap head units are these days it's better to get an aftermarket one and get a ton more features.

 

[FoozGrind]

Well I ordered everything I believe I need. Made an appointment for next week to take in my 2017 TRD for the install. Here is what I ordered.

1. Pioneer AVIC8200NEX. Picked up online for a huge discount since newer model is coming out in a few days.
2. Hertz HCX 165 Coaxial for rear doors
3. Hertz HSK 165 2 way Components for front
4. JL Audio 10 inch Sub in a sealed box for the cargo area
5. Alpine PDR-V75 5 channel Amp. Will try to install under seat but may just mount behind 2nd row.
6. iDatalink cables and misc to install Maestro interface module
7. Amp wiring Kit and sound deadening material for the doors.

Before install my total cost is around $2,650. Not bad!!!

Wow nice. I just ordered Focal IS 690TOY with the tweeters for the fronts only for now should arrive tomorrow. Ill start there maybe throw a small 10 inch sub next.

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

Well I ordered everything I believe I need. Made an appointment for next week to take in my 2017 TRD for the install. Here is what I ordered.

1. Pioneer AVIC8200NEX. Picked up online for a huge discount since newer model is coming out in a few days.
2. Hertz HCX 165 Coaxial for rear doors
3. Hertz HSK 165 2 way Components for front
4. JL Audio 10 inch Sub in a sealed box for the cargo area
5. Alpine PDR-V75 5 channel Amp. Will try to install under seat but may just mount behind 2nd row.
6. iDatalink cables and misc to install Maestro interface module
7. Amp wiring Kit and sound deadening material for the doors.

Before install my total cost is around $2,650. Not bad!!!

Where did you pick up the Pioneer headunit? And what price?

 

[JET4]

Where did you pick up the Pioneer headunit? And what price?

Crutchfield has them for $995 https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1308200NEX/Pioneer-AVIC-8200NEX.html?tp=20212&avf=Y

 

[jjckfc]

I went with Focal in the dash & doors with a Focal amp - retained the OEM head unit. Didn't add a sub or replace the rear hatch speakers (may add a small sub at some point to fill in lows, but not required).

Immediate improvement in volume and sound quality. Shops that tell you that you'll get minimal improvements without replacing the head unit are trolling you.

Side note - Toyota should be embarrassed at the quality of their speakers (non-JBL at least).