Equipment suggestions

[GreyRunner]

Hi all

I am new here and looking for some advice (ideas). I need a starting point.

Facts:
2004 4Runner V6 Sport 4wd
Standard option package
Grey
Stock Six speaker CD/tape/Stereo

I am looking into upgrading the stereo system and adding an Alarm.

Budget $1200, probably a bit less if the fiance has anything to say about it :

I originally wanted the JBL Synthesis 10 spk system and VIP alarm but decided the cost probably was not worth it and they had no 4Runners with those options installed anyway. We did not want to complicate the negotiations further, you all know how that can go.

I prefer sound quality over volume(read: I don't want to rumble the car next to me bass s/b clean and tight).
i listen to anything from Zeppelin to Crue to DMB, some top 40s and grunge. I must admit i love those 80's metal bands though. Good change of pace considering the current choices.



thanks

 

[toybox]

I'm no stereo guru or anything but I would get the best damn speakers I could find and then get a decent powered headunit. I'd say that and an good alarm would cost you around a grand.

 

[04bkrunner]

Your stock set up is good, for 1200 bucks you will not get better sound vs. volume than you do now, minus adding a decent 10 inch sub (JL Audio). I had the JBL 10 speaker system in my 04 and my buddy has your system in his 04, to tell you the truth, mine was a bit cleaner at very low levels, but 1/2 to 3/4 up on the volume dial his way out performed mine, hence the reason i dumped 7K into a new system. Depressing I know...

I found the stock JBL speakers in my car to be good, very good. They just needed a bit more power, clean power. Amping the stock HU was not an option, although possible, your still stuck with the limiting parameters of crappy HU. I threw a Nakamichi CD 700 I found for 1200 bucks on the net into the DIN and connected two (2) JL Audio 300/4 amps to run completely aftermarket speakers. Not liking the 3K I just dumped into speakers alone (1.5K in MB QUART), i threw the stock speakers back in and what a difference. I discovered they just need some good clean watts. I have since blown my right rear tweeter twice now (the stock tweeter that comes in the rear where you have a mirror probably) but fortunatley, I replaced my front high's with the mb quarts highs and have been able to replace that blown rear tweeter with the stockers from the from, if that makes sense. (They are the same size)

Lesson learned: If your an audiophile looking for good clean sound to hear what the artist wants you to hear and not crappy super highs and fawgley bass to outdo that lowered rice rocket next to ya at the light, consider your check book before you start modding your system :

 

[egeerman]

I installed a SCION single disk today and sound is lovely.

Look for ome on ebay and go with the factory Alarm system from Toyota. It will work fine with you keyless entry system and looks nicer in your dash.

2004 4R SR5
SCION Single Disk

 

[Mr Castulucci]

Nah, forget the factory alarm system...

If you can afford it, go with the Clifford Matrix RS3. The system is EXCELLENT & comes with a 2-way remote (in other words, you get paged when the alarm goes off; and when you press "lock" you get the confirmation that the doors actually locked). It also has a remote start, which is wonderful.

I've had this system installed for about a year now with no problems whatsoever.

 

[linhsy]

Nah, forget the factory alarm system...

If you can afford it, go with the Clifford Matrix RS3. .

Does this alarm system or other systems will open the hatch door, too? does it have to do with the way you wiring your wires?

My brother bought the "Viper 790 XV", but I'm not sure will open the hatch. Is it worthed to change the stock system with it. How much do you expect to pay for the installation? and where is the best place to do?...Thanks!

 

[Mr Castulucci]

No, I don't believe any alarm system will open the hatch.

The fact is, opening the hatch requires more than just "dislogding" the locking mechanism. There is a certain amount of force required for the door to actually open.

It'll surely unlock the hatch, though.