can I add an amp?

[Falls]

Ok I'm already tired of trying to get answer's on the Scion HU. Went to the dealer today to see about T-1806 or a T-1807 , they don't even have those available,contrary to what the Scion brochure say's for an XB option and the T1806 unit they have on the display case for $260. They say only thing available is an T1804 & T 1805....wtf ?? getting to be pain in the ass.

Can I just get an aftermarket amp added to my stock 6 disk in dash unit ? Nothing real powerful just to give ita little more volume & punch with stock speaker's. Or do you think it will mess up the whole system ?

Recommend it or not ???

 

[EddieinD]

You have a stock 6-disk T4R radio? Is it JBL? If it is JBL, it already has an amp and I understand it is a pain to modify the system. The more basic systems, like the six-speaker system that came with my '04 SR5 are relatively easy to change out.

 

[Falls]

It's non JBL and just want to add a small amp , trying to see my option's for better sound.

 

[EddieinD]

If you want to add an amp to the stock radio, you will have to get either an amp that accepts speaker-wire connections or a line output converter that you input your speaker wires into and it outputs on RCA connectors that can easily be hooked up with most any amp. I found an LOC that has the Toyota harness on it so I didn't have to cut any wires, it just plugs in. I can give you more info on that if you are interested. Right now I have two CDT components that I am happy with hooked up to a Phoenix Gold Xenon amp that puts out 100w RMS x 2. I don't even have the rears hooked up. Don't really miss them. I also have a small 8" sub hooked up via another amp. I'm happy with what I have, it sounds a lot better than just the scion radio that I have in there w/ the stock speakers. I'm thinking I might want to add a equilizer or an aftermarket head unit just to have more control.

I wouldn't add an amp unless I was changing the speakers out.

The speakers where $140 shipped from woofersetc.com
The Xenon amp was about $130 shipped off of Ebay (new)
About $50 worth of cables, connectors and an amp kit
the sub setup was about $200 total.

Anyway, I was where you are about 3 months ago - I read a lot on the subject here, at caraudioforum.com and a few other places.

Hope this helps

 

[Falls]

Thank's for the info, but I really don't know much about stereos/amp's and such. I also would like to remove my 2 rear view mirrors and put the speakers in the from the 10 speaker system.

What is an LOC ?

What is CDT ?

 

[EddieinD]

LOC= line output converter - speaker wire goes in one side, RCA cable comes out the other to connect to an amplifier.

CDT is a brand of speaker.

 

[Thai]

Thank's for the info, but I really don't know much about stereos/amp's and such. I also would like to remove my 2 rear view mirrors and put the speakers in the from the 10 speaker system.

Keep your stock headunit, esp. if it has disc changer in it. If you have just a one-disc headunit, then it may be worthwhile to change it out to an aftermarket unit for ease of installation and, maybe (to a very slight degree), better sound.

I would not play the look-at-my-10 billion-speakers game. IMO, i would just get a real nice front component speakers (tweeter + woofer). Infinity Reference speakers are nice and cheap (less than $200). Good quality. If you want to go further high-end, then i would seriously consider Polk Audio SR6500s (about $750). There are many other choices...most are good. However, the two choices that i have mentioned are my favorites.

Next, i would either keep the stock rear speakers or just change it out to something cheap. These rear speakers are mostly for "rear fill". The main sound stage for both front and rear passengers will be the front component speakers.

Then i would get a real nice amplifier. If you went with Infinity Reference speakers (or any speaker within that price range), then you can get away with a small amplifier. I would NOT get any cheapo brand (Jensen, etc)...it does matter! I would get a 4-channel amp from a reputable brand (MTX, Alpine, JL audio, Kicker, etc.). For the Polk Audio SR's, you would need a high quality powerful amplifier (my fav amp is JL Audio 300/4).

I would mount the amp to the backside of the rear seat. Pick the backseat side that you use the least...probably driver's side.

Finally, to add some nice clean bass, i would consider Infinity Basslink. Why? Basslink is an all-in-one unit (amplifier + subwoofer in small package). You can then bolt/strap it to the cargo area with minimal loss of space. This way, you have good bass from a small package and it can be unbolted if you need more cargo room. You can ask someone to make a box for you, but then you will need a separate amplifier just for the subwoofer. Again, this will cost $$$$ and cargo space.

There...you are finished. I would not bother with adding any other speakers. This is the classic setup (6 speakers + 1 sub) will provide great sound without doing too much work on your 4runner. Keep it simple...minimal surgery to your 4runner.

Good luck.

 

[Falls]

So could I mount a amp under the dash. Can't mount to the seat back , to much crap is in and out of there and I need both seats down.

 

[EddieinD]

amps are pretty big. I have mine under the seats.

 

[sketch1]

So could I mount a amp under the dash. Can't mount to the seat back , to much crap is in and out of there and I need both seats down.

Under the dash probable won't work, unless there is somewhere under there that is just a big empty space I don't know about. If you get one small enough you can mount it under the passenger seat. Also, if you get one small enough you can mount it under one of the rear side panels, either next to the jack and tire changing poles, or on the opposite side.

 

[Thai]

There is an Alpine amp (PDX) that is small but it is very expensive.