Hows The Stock Radio?

Bigmikelakers

Bigmikelakers

New member
I really dont believe in buying aftermarket systems for two reasons. One, because stock looks way better to me and two, I'm afraid it will get stolen. I've been in a few late 90s early 00s Toyotas and their systems sound decent for stock. How is it in the 3rd gen 4runners? Also, I believe the Limited has 2 extra speakers over the sr5 so do Limiteds have a better sound system in terms of sound quality overall?
 
Register to hide this ad
I guess it depends on your definition of audio quality. these days it is not unusual for kids to rip their music into 320 kbs MP3/AAC and then listen to it on $15 headphones.

Unless you get new stock speakers the ones in this system will probably be 10 yrs old.

Are you aware that most aftermarket stereos come with a detachable faceplate?
 
I don't think the stock stereo is that bad, but I am far from an audiophile. I think the thing you will notice is the features. Keep in mind that it is going to be over 10 years old. Tapes, CD's and the radio. That's about the extent of it.
 
Last edited:
You will get a better improvement from upgrading the stock speakers than you will a new head unit. Like hepar said, its all about features. Some units have Ipod connectivity, bluetooth for phone calls, and all kinds of cool stuff. The stock cassette is usless and takes up space. And a lot of single DIN units have the Cd slot behind the removable face plate. Which means you really only need a single DIN unit to fill your needs.

The downsides to aftermarket systems are the aesthetics (although there are some very nice looking systems), and that they cant use both antennas. Im on my phone, else I would give you a link. But basically the 4runner has 2 antennas. One is the main one, and another in the back cargo glass. There is a simple fix to have aftermarket systems use both though.
 
OR you could run a Scion HU, which have iPod hookups and cost a fraction of what a decent aftermarket HU will cost ;):

I don't care for double dins because the tray below my aftermarket is where I keep my phone while driving, so the concept of the scion units isn't appealing to me. Still might do it one day instead of spending around $200 to upgrade my dated unit.
 
4-Ripcord said:
You will get a better improvement from upgrading the stock speakers than you will a new head unit.
Click to expand...

Not sure I agree with this. A decent aftermarket head unit will be WAY better than the stocker. The story is a little different today as many of the OEM's make deals with audio companies to build their stock stereos, but these are 10-17 year old vehicles.

I think the stock stereo was crap in mine. I replaced it with aftermarket and it is a million times better. On my last car I replaced the HU first, and the sound quality was SO much better even with the stock speakers.

Bigmikelakers said:
I really dont believe in buying aftermarket systems for two reasons. One, because stock looks way better to me and two, I'm afraid it will get stolen. I've been in a few late 90s early 00s Toyotas and their systems sound decent for stock. How is it in the 3rd gen 4runners? Also, I believe the Limited has 2 extra speakers over the sr5 so do Limiteds have a better sound system in terms of sound quality overall?
Click to expand...

Seriously, this isn't as big a deal as it was when aftermarket stereos were newer. Get one with a detachable face plate. That's what I have and I never even take it off anymore. I only take it off when I park somewhere sketchy and even then, I just toss it in the center console or glove compartment.

And for aesthetics, I think a nice looking aftermarket looks nicer than a worn out stocker
 
Dezert4Runner said:
OR you could run a Scion HU, which have iPod hookups and cost a fraction of what a decent aftermarket HU will cost ;):

I don't care for double dins because the tray below my aftermarket is where I keep my phone while driving, so the concept of the scion units isn't appealing to me. Still might do it one day instead of spending around $200 to upgrade my dated unit.
Click to expand...

The Scion HU can fit in the 3rd gen? Nice! I thought it could fit in the 4th gen for some reason. Thats the route I will most likely take if I do happen to get a 3rd gen.
 
OR you could run a Scion HU, which have iPod hookups and cost a fraction of what a decent aftermarket HU will cost
Click to expand...
. . . . .

Yes but the SCION radios do not appear to have the audio quality specs of a good aftermarket stereo such as an Alpine or Kenwood Excelon - not by a long shot. In fact even the premium SCION by Alpine has a signal to noise ratio of 65 db. That is pretty LOW quality as far as sound specifications go.

Better than Toyota factory yes, but equal to a good aftermarket - no way. My Alpine 9835 has a signal to noise ratio 109 db.
 
Bigmikelakers said:
I really dont believe in buying aftermarket systems for two reasons. One, because stock looks way better to me and two, I'm afraid it will get stolen. I've been in a few late 90s early 00s Toyotas and their systems sound decent for stock. How is it in the 3rd gen 4runners?
Click to expand...
It's OK. Much better when you replace the stock speakers. You can do that and it should not attract thieves. The system that came with my 2nd gen tacoma is great as is. Of course I'm not the type who has to be noticed for the amount of sub frequencies I can broadcast. I only need a well balanced sound.
 
BTO said:
It's OK. Much better when you replace the stock speakers. You can do that and it should not attract thieves. The system that came with my 2nd gen tacoma is great as is. Of course I'm not the type who has to be noticed for the amount of sub frequencies I can broadcast. I only need a well balanced sound.
Click to expand...

I test drove a few 2nd gen Tacomas with JBL and non JBL systems. I didn't think they sounded to good especially with the JBL. I think the 02-06 Camrys have decent stock sound systems. In fact probably the best stock I've ever heard in a car of that type. But, I guess its all subjective.


Hepar said:
IF you do?!?!
Click to expand...

Haha my choices are a 4th gen 4runner or a 1st/2nd gen Tacoma.
 
Last edited:
Aftermarket stereos don't look right and I don't want to give anyone a reason to break into my 4runner so I have left it stock. However, I do like a good sounding system. I had a hand-me-down amp installed under the driver seat and hooked it up to the stock system to give it a boost (all out of sight). It has great sound given the 15yr old speakers. I do plan on replacing the stock speakers soon, I just didn't have the money to do it all at once. Before the amp I only heard white noise out the tweeters, now it is crystal clear and has enhances the surround sound quality as well as kicked up the bass on the other speakers. I do miss not having a mp3 jack and the cassette converters are garbage. Does anyone know of a work around plan for a mp3 jack without installing another unit? Bottom line I am very happy with the amp and stock stereo and would recommend it.
 
This is a wonderful post and the advice is priceless -- and it works. Being a good car haulers will never be out of vogue.
 
Hepar said:
Not to go too much off topic, but what are your thoughts on each? What are the things you are looking for?
Click to expand...

The 4runner is probably my number one option at the moment. The 3rd gen looks awesome in black sport edition but, those are getting harder and harder to find with low mileage. I would like to have something under 120k for a 3rd gen.

I grown to like the 4th gen 4runners. The interiors are more up to date and the engine choices are better than the 3rd gen. And they seem to be fairly priced when compared to its Tacoma brother.

The Tacoma would be my number one option right now but, here in Socal sellers must think that they are covered in gold and diamonds because its super hard to find a low mileage 1st gen double cab thats not over $15k. The 2nd gens are even worse. I can't even find a salvage title 2nd gen for under 15k (even so I would not buy a salvage).

Overall, I'm just looking for something that I can haul stuff in or just go for a roadtrip somewhere with ease with a smooth ride and Toyota reliability. I owned a 2001 Tacoma regular cab prerunner and that thing was solid.
 
Bigmikelakers said:
The 4runner is probably my number one option at the moment. The 3rd gen looks awesome in black sport edition but, those are getting harder and harder to find with low mileage. I would like to have something under 120k for a 3rd gen.

I grown to like the 4th gen 4runners. The interiors are more up to date and the engine choices are better than the 3rd gen. And they seem to be fairly priced when compared to its Tacoma brother.

The Tacoma would be my number one option right now but, here in Socal sellers must think that they are covered in gold and diamonds because its super hard to find a low mileage 1st gen double cab thats not over $15k. The 2nd gens are even worse. I can't even find a salvage title 2nd gen for under 15k (even so I would not buy a salvage).

Overall, I'm just looking for something that I can haul stuff in or just go for a roadtrip somewhere with ease with a smooth ride and Toyota reliability. I owned a 2001 Tacoma regular cab prerunner and that thing was solid.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. Up here all Toyota 4wd's carry a premium.
 
BTO said:
It's OK. Much better when you replace the stock speakers. You can do that and it should not attract thieves. The system that came with my 2nd gen tacoma is great as is. Of course I'm not the type who has to be noticed for the amount of sub frequencies I can broadcast. I only need a well balanced sound.
Click to expand...

Left_Coast_T4R96 said:
Aftermarket stereos don't look right and I don't want to give anyone a reason to break into my 4runner so I have left it stock. However, I do like a good sounding system. I had a hand-me-down amp installed under the driver seat and hooked it up to the stock system to give it a boost (all out of sight). It has great sound given the 15yr old speakers. I do plan on replacing the stock speakers soon, I just didn't have the money to do it all at once. Before the amp I only heard white noise out the tweeters, now it is crystal clear and has enhances the surround sound quality as well as kicked up the bass on the other speakers. I do miss not having a mp3 jack and the cassette converters are garbage. Does anyone know of a work around plan for a mp3 jack without installing another unit? Bottom line I am very happy with the amp and stock stereo and would recommend it.
Click to expand...

Where are you guys parking, Camden NJ? The market for stolen stereos is not what it used to be, and with most aftermarket sets having a removable faceplate, the theft concern can pretty well be mitigated.

And seriously, the HU will make the most difference, more than replacing the stock speakers. I replaced in steps, and the jump from stock HU to aftermarket HU was way bigger than the jump from stock speakers to aftermarket speakers.
 
I've never attempted to install a car stereo until this weekend.

I found a scion T1809 on craiglist. I opened up the dash and removed the stock radio.

I tried to do a test fit but I couldnt figure out the wiring harness. I've read that the toyota harness is plug-and-play with the scion, but I wasnt able to make it fit.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The red arrow in the picture is what I'm talking about. The stock wiring harness should fit in there right? Or is that unnecessary?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 704 (members: 8, guests: 696)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,315
Messages
3,554,102
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top