Looking to upgrade non-JBL system 07 T4R - You Choos the Parts!

[eskimochaos]

First off I am a novice at Car Audio. I have no experience with it; however, I am very savvy when it come to home theater sound.

Coming from my 5k home theater system to the stock radio in the truck is painful. Max volume is low and clarity/sound depth is painfully lacking.

So...I want to maintain a stock HU by upgrading to the JBL 6CD 06/07 model.

If I am correct this will provide best signal to new amp b/c it is digital?

What would be required to hook it up to aftermarket amp?

Can you post links to parts that will work including:

Sub

Amp

Speakers

Harness for stock HU to work.

I assume that installer will have necessary cable to install.

For parts I am looking to spend no more than $500-$600 before $125 for JBL HU so around $550 for all components.

Thanks in advance.

Lastly,

how much is installation on a system like this?

give me your recommendation/suggestions of what I should do

 

[Clemsonfan15]

To get the best clarity you should really upgrade your HU to an aftermarket unit.

Audio places are about $100 for an amp and sub, $50-$70 for speakers, $50 for HU.

You could probably install the HU and speakers yourself.

 

[eskimochaos]

I hate the look of aftermarket HU's and would sacrifice little clarity for stock look.

 

[Bigrupp]

Listen for yourself

If you are the kind of guy who is particular about their audio, the only thing you can do is go in and listen to it for yourself. The people in this forum will give you a lot of great suggestions, but if you are willing to spend 5k on your home setup I don't think you will be happy with only a 600 dollar upgrade in your vehicle.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Re: Listen for yourself

If you are the kind of guy who is particular about their audio, the only thing you can do is go in and listen to it for yourself. The people in this forum will give you a lot of great suggestions, but if you are willing to spend 5k on your home setup I don't think you will be happy with only a 600 dollar upgrade in your vehicle.

Exactly.

Maybe you haven't seen many aftermarket HUs, but a lot look really really good. Are you looking to get a screen?

 

[riceandpho]

my setup was from 1996, and i totaled everything up and end up around 15k, i noe its alot of money, but it was worth it, right now in my new 4runner 07 sport v6, i got about 5k in audio.

 

[archangel37]

I hate the look of aftermarket HU's and would sacrifice little clarity for stock look.

I highly recommend the Kenwood DNX-8120 I purchased:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37902

Beyond that, if you really care about sound quality, then I agree with everyone above, you'll need to spend more than $600.

A good set of speakers, both components for upfront and coaxials for the rear, will likely cost at least 200-300 a piece, so 400-600 for speakers alone. A good amp to power them will cost around $300. And that's no sub.

Brands to think about:

JL Audio, Hertz, Audison, Infinity. All quality stuff.

I recently did a custom install job and the sound quality is amazing - clear, vibrant, enveloping sound.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I highly recommend the Kenwood DNX-8120 I purchased:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37902

Beyond that, if you really care about sound quality, then I agree with everyone above, you'll need to spend more than $600.

A good set of speakers, both components for upfront and coaxials for the rear, will likely cost at least 200-300 a piece, so 400-600 for speakers alone. A good amp to power them will cost around $300. And that's no sub.

Brands to think about:

JL Audio, Hertz, Audison, Infinity. All quality stuff.

I recently did a custom install job and the sound quality is amazing - clear, vibrant, enveloping sound.

That looks like a nice unit. Double din touch screens are really nice.

 

[eskimochaos]

Alright here's what I have pieced out. I plan on keeping my stock NON-JBL headunit for now due to financial constraints. (soon to be sophomore in college)

Front Component Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108607CS&s=0&cc=01

Rear Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108529I&s=0&cc=01

Amp:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108R475A&s=0&cc=01

Wires:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=211DBX3448&s=0&cc=01

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=142PA41&s=0&cc=01

Is there anything else I need other than speaker wire?

The amp connects to each of the speaker wires out of my stock NON-JBL headunit correct?

How hard would an install like this be other than time...I am mechanically and electrically inclined..never done car audio however.

My buddy is hooking me up with a 10" Alpine Type R sub w/ ported box and amp..that is what the distribution block is for.

Where do you recommend I mount the amps? If in the open...can they easily be removed or should I try and shove them in stock sub location?

Thanks again for all your input...I am sure that it will sound worlds better than stock.

 

[archangel37]

Some very quick changes I might make...

I would think about this amp: http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=JL+A4300&i=136A4300

$70 more, but JL amps are very well regarded and likely will produce cleaner, more consistent power than the Infinity.

I Loved my Infinity Kappas when I had them in my Camry, although I would recommend getting the newer Kappas - despite what Crutchfield says, they'll fit:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=410&i=108609CS&search=kappa&tp=106

Crutchfield also says 6.5" won't fit in the rear section, but my local installer fit them fine. Something to think about.

Before getting an amp rack and mounting it on the driver side cargo wall, I was thinking of under the seats. That will likely be a good place.

In terms of installation, Crutchfield gives you lots of instructions and you can also get phone help. If you feel comfortable, you might be able to do it with this.

Me, I've never done it before and wanted it all installed professionally.

Good luck!

Alright here's what I have pieced out. I plan on keeping my stock NON-JBL headunit for now due to financial constraints. (soon to be sophomore in college)

Front Component Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108607CS&s=0&cc=01

Rear Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108529I&s=0&cc=01

Amp:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108R475A&s=0&cc=01

Wires:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=211DBX3448&s=0&cc=01

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=142PA41&s=0&cc=01

Is there anything else I need other than speaker wire?

The amp connects to each of the speaker wires out of my stock NON-JBL headunit correct?

How hard would an install like this be other than time...I am mechanically and electrically inclined..never done car audio however.

My buddy is hooking me up with a 10" Alpine Type R sub w/ ported box and amp..that is what the distribution block is for.

Where do you recommend I mount the amps? If in the open...can they easily be removed or should I try and shove them in stock sub location?

Thanks again for all your input...I am sure that it will sound worlds better than stock.

 

[eskimochaos]

Thanks for the quick reply. Are those Kappas replacements for the front or rear.

That final price seams reasonable.

Am I correct that the amp will just connect to each of the 4 speaker wires. I will have to run wires from original speakers to amp back to speakers?

Is it easy to remove the seats?

After reading your buildup..how do you think this will sound?

Thanks again for your quick replies

 

[eskimochaos]

Oh yea...how much do you think this would be installed?

And due to the way the amp is being connected...I dont need to even open the dash other than running the power wire correct?

Thanks again archangel

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Alright here's what I have pieced out. I plan on keeping my stock NON-JBL headunit for now due to financial constraints. (soon to be sophomore in college)

Front Component Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108607CS&s=0&cc=01

Rear Speakers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108529I&s=0&cc=01

Amp:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=108R475A&s=0&cc=01

Wires:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=211DBX3448&s=0&cc=01

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GfaMvqo77Ks/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=142PA41&s=0&cc=01

Is there anything else I need other than speaker wire?

The amp connects to each of the speaker wires out of my stock NON-JBL headunit correct?

How hard would an install like this be other than time...I am mechanically and electrically inclined..never done car audio however.

My buddy is hooking me up with a 10" Alpine Type R sub w/ ported box and amp..that is what the distribution block is for.

Where do you recommend I mount the amps? If in the open...can they easily be removed or should I try and shove them in stock sub location?

Thanks again for all your input...I am sure that it will sound worlds better than stock.

I would personally never buy anything but HUs from Crutchfield. I think better deals can be had else where, but that's just me.

I think you should run 1/0 gauge wire. If you run this you won't have to upgrade in the future.

I think that better speakers could be found, I'm just not sure which kinds.

If you have the cover for the back trunk area I would put the amps on the back of the seat and use the cover.

If you put in the time and are willing the install should be stright forward. Just take your time.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest that you check out caraudio.com. Post the same thread over there and I'm sure they will hook you up. They are much much more qualified that probably everyone who has posted here. They know their stuff and will be able to link you to products for great prices.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Thanks for the quick reply. Are those Kappas replacements for the front or rear.

That final price seams reasonable.

Am I correct that the amp will just connect to each of the 4 speaker wires. I will have to run wires from original speakers to amp back to speakers?

Is it easy to remove the seats?

After reading your buildup..how do you think this will sound?

Thanks again for your quick replies

You should check out the12volt.com. They have tons of information over there that will help you wire everything up right.

For a shop to install all of that I would estimate around $250-$400.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Oh yea...how much do you think this would be installed?

And due to the way the amp is being connected...I dont need to even open the dash other than running the power wire correct?

Thanks again archangel

You have to have a LOC (Line out converter) if I remember correctly.

You must also run a wire from the amp to the HU to let the amp know when to turn on I believe.

 

[airbur]

You'll need to run a few wires to the head unit which may or may not have preamps.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

If you install that sub you will also need more runs of the size wire you choose and another amp to power it.

 

[eskimochaos]

If you install that sub you will also need more runs of the size wire you choose and another amp to power it.

Why if I have the distributor block?

 

[eskimochaos]

I would personally never buy anything but HUs from Crutchfield. I think better deals can be had else where, but that's just me.


I think you should run 1/0 gauge wire. If you run this you won't have to upgrade in the future.

I think that better speakers could be found, I'm just not sure which kinds.

If you have the cover for the back trunk area I would put the amps on the back of the seat and use the cover.

If you put in the time and are willing the install should be stright forward. Just take your time.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest that you check out caraudio.com. Post the same thread over there and I'm sure they will hook you up. They are much much more qualified that probably everyone who has posted here. They know their stuff and will be able to link you to products for great prices.

Hope this helps a little.

Ill look into other venders.

Like I said, Im financially stretched to my limit now. Actually Im not...im going to make 5k this summer but need to please the parents and not go overboard.

Posted on Caraudio.com...thanks for the suggestion

Can you elaborate on back seat cover..I have the vinyl sliding thing thats it.

Thanks again!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Why if I have the distributor block?

I'm sorry if I'm mistaken, but was that amp kit for a single amp?

I'll show you what you have to do. I'm going to make a paint img.