Audio Upgrade?

[Louisiana Overland]

Posting my thread here to hopefully get some more input: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/engines-suspension-wheels-tires-audio-accessories/273159-am-i-getting-run-around-audio-install.html#post3292850

Bottom line:
Installed taco tunes 5channel amp, recurve, components and door speakers for $500

Was a bit turned off by the shop but to my better judgement had them go ahead anyway. List of some red flags
-They didn’t install the sound deadening like I had wanted(didn’t pay anything but still). They claimed my doors are insulated already and didn’t need it
-originally quoted me $350 then called and said $500 after realizing there were hatch speakers to be installed
-mounted my amp under the drivers seat using Velcro instead of drilling
-didn’t mount or connect the sub remote, just left the cable under the steering wheel to let me decide

Everything sounded great when I first got it. Speakers were a bit too bright but still loud which I liked.

Issues that I didn’t notice when I first picked up: alternator whine and a static noise when powering on the car.

I brought it back in the following weekend for them to look at. The whine was much better but still there. Just very faint. Same with the static. However, I noticed that my speakers sound like they aren’t as loud as they were prior. Where I couldn’t turn it past halfway basically with it being TOO loud, now I’m getting to 75-80% range on volume. Did they just turn down the gains or something? I’m a noob to this.

Overall I’m somewhat bummed. Just looking to do some damage control. I understand I’ll probably have to sink some more money into this. I should’ve paid the extra $300 to go to the high end shop but I was an idiot.... and here we are.

Thoughts? Would love some input good and bad

They DID likely reduce gain to lessen the whine. The real fix is to be sure you have high quality wiring harnesses for the connections from head unit to amp as well as high quality wiring to power the amp. Additionally, the power supply wiring to the amp should not be run anywhere near the speaker harnesses. This takes some effort. My high current 12v supply is all run down the drivers door sill and the speaker wiring is run down passenger door sill. Mounting with velcro is okay i suppose? I put 1/2” plywood under the carpet and screwed through amp and processor mounts and carpet into plywood. If the wiring is run down separate sides of cab already, I would dig into whats happening with the wiring where the amp is located. Do the harnesses lay next to or on the power wires? Try and isolate that.

 

[GAsr5]

Called the shop that installed the equipment - they said I can bring it in to have them “take a look” but they basically said it was the processor causing the noise when turning on.

They said they have an order of audio control units coming in. Owner said the LCi6/7 wouldnÂ’t be an adequate replacement for the unit I have and said the audio control dq-61 would be the most similar unit.

I donÂ’t have a problem purchasing this as itÂ’s only $250 but only if thatÂ’s going to solve my problem.

So as it stands, whatÂ’s the thought? Should I still go in the other shop for a second opinion?

Edit: when I took it in last and they adjusted the gains, it seems as if my volume doesnÂ’t get as loud as it was prior. Would this be possible or is my hearing off. I just want these speakers to scream. Not too concerned about loud bass

 

[Rapid_Amble]

Called the shop that installed the equipment - they said I can bring it in to have them “take a look” but they basically said it was the processor causing the noise when turning on.

They said they have an order of audio control units coming in. Owner said the LCi6/7 wouldnÂ’t be an adequate replacement for the unit I have and said the audio control dq-61 would be the most similar unit.

I donÂ’t have a problem purchasing this as itÂ’s only $250 but only if thatÂ’s going to solve my problem.

So as it stands, whatÂ’s the thought? Should I still go in the other shop for a second opinion?

Edit: when I took it in last and they adjusted the gains, it seems as if my volume doesnÂ’t get as loud as it was prior. Would this be possible or is my hearing off. I just want these speakers to scream. Not too concerned about loud bass

Did you contact Tacotunes to see if they can walk you through likely causes? Like others have mentioned, you could also check the quality of all the wiring, make sure ground for the components has solid connections, and make sure the power and audio cables aren’t run together. Or, at least ask the shop about all this.

Turning down gain will cause that.

 

[GAsr5]

Spoke with tacotunes and they mentioned a couple points about the wiring but needed additional phots so I need to get those.

Is wiring the more likely cause than issues with the unit? I’m just not really sure how to move forward in either case because I’m afraid to go back to the shitty shop and tell them they did shit work and to fix up their mess. Not sure if it makes more sense to go to a more reputable shop and start again there.

One plus: the original install shop said they will have an AudioControl dq61 they can install as the claim “it’s my processor”. If that doesn’t solve the issue then I guess that narrows it down to wiring/cables? I’ve never amped speakers before but you should never have a hiss or any noise correct?

 

[mailbox]

TT stuff isn't that high grade-- you (and I) paid for ease of install, not for SQ.

I did my install myself and did it by the book including the work of tuning their amp correctly with their guide and test tones and there is still slight hiss from the speakers when nothing is playing.

Part of this is because I ran my power line along the same channel as my signal lines because **** it I just wanted some bass. But I think the other part of it is because the components are just not that great. Again, don't care-- I got the TT because it was simple to install and covered the basics (sub, mids etc)

My point is that maybe you need to manage your expectations a little more, that or provide an recording of the problem because maybe it IS that bad and due to poor install quality

 

[Irishperil]

I have a 4th Gen (2008) which I'm considering selling for a 5th Gen (2016-2019)
The biggest thing that has kept me from trading up, besides its reliability, is the upgrades I've done. From HID's to cross-drilled rotors to a $4,000 audio system, it would basically all have to be purchased again...

So my question is about transferring it to a 5th gen and what you guys recommend. I don't have any of the stock audio equip (premium JBL). I remember tossing it.

Would the speakers fit in the 5th gen?

***EDITED*** Sold the 08 and bought a 17 Limited in Magnetic
(Took the 12" Infinity Sub in sealed box and left the rest of the system installed)