esk456
New member
Hi all, first post here. I've been reading these forums for about a week, and wanted to get some confirmations on some things.
I just bought a 2005 4runner SR5, base trim level on everything except V8. So, I have the stock 6-speaker "non-JBL" system.
Although I love the car, the stock stereo SUCKS. I knew this before I bought it from the test drive, it took me about 4.5 seconds to make this assessment. I had been driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, with stock/premium infinity sound system, + amp, and had upgraded to 4-4-way Pioneer 6.5 speakers. Certainly not top of the line, but a world apart from this system. It's amazing Toyota has put such a crappy stereo in such an otherwise great vehicle. Guess they had to cut costs somewhere!
So, here are my questions:
It is my understanding that, the most effective upgrade you can make to the stock-6 speaker-SR5 system is to get a Scion head unit, and install that instead. It is my further understanding that the model # I want is "T1804", is this correct?
I've seen a lot of posts on here that just this upgrade alone makes a world of difference, even with the stock speakers. I have noticed the same problems with the stock system as others - virtually non-existent midrange, and bass so muddy it sounds like you're listening to it underwater. And highs weak, unless you overcompensate with treble. Actual volume output seems ok, but it sounds so bad, it's literally painful to turn it up. Is the "plug-n-play" Scion HU the answer to my audio woes?
Also, after this, I may consider replacing the speakers, depending on what sound I get out of the upgrade. I like the fact that the speakers are 6X9 up front, and 6.5 in the rear. Nice sizes, probably plenty for me. It seems that Infinity and Polk speakers get high marks for upgrades in these vehicles. Any other reco's, or words of speaker wisdom?
Finally, it seems to me that that rear-passenger useless storage compartment is just BEGGING for an 8" sub. Does anyone know of any that would fit INSIDE the enclosure? I saw the add-on boxes, but those are pricy, and I prefer a stock look. Anything that can be put inside there? Or am I looking more at a Basslink/WooX setup to keep my space, and keep it "stock" as much as possible? I'm not willing to install anything under the passenger seat, for fear of messing up the airbag occupant sensor. Simply not worth the risk for that, IMO.
I just bought a 2005 4runner SR5, base trim level on everything except V8. So, I have the stock 6-speaker "non-JBL" system.
Although I love the car, the stock stereo SUCKS. I knew this before I bought it from the test drive, it took me about 4.5 seconds to make this assessment. I had been driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, with stock/premium infinity sound system, + amp, and had upgraded to 4-4-way Pioneer 6.5 speakers. Certainly not top of the line, but a world apart from this system. It's amazing Toyota has put such a crappy stereo in such an otherwise great vehicle. Guess they had to cut costs somewhere!
So, here are my questions:
It is my understanding that, the most effective upgrade you can make to the stock-6 speaker-SR5 system is to get a Scion head unit, and install that instead. It is my further understanding that the model # I want is "T1804", is this correct?
I've seen a lot of posts on here that just this upgrade alone makes a world of difference, even with the stock speakers. I have noticed the same problems with the stock system as others - virtually non-existent midrange, and bass so muddy it sounds like you're listening to it underwater. And highs weak, unless you overcompensate with treble. Actual volume output seems ok, but it sounds so bad, it's literally painful to turn it up. Is the "plug-n-play" Scion HU the answer to my audio woes?
Also, after this, I may consider replacing the speakers, depending on what sound I get out of the upgrade. I like the fact that the speakers are 6X9 up front, and 6.5 in the rear. Nice sizes, probably plenty for me. It seems that Infinity and Polk speakers get high marks for upgrades in these vehicles. Any other reco's, or words of speaker wisdom?
Finally, it seems to me that that rear-passenger useless storage compartment is just BEGGING for an 8" sub. Does anyone know of any that would fit INSIDE the enclosure? I saw the add-on boxes, but those are pricy, and I prefer a stock look. Anything that can be put inside there? Or am I looking more at a Basslink/WooX setup to keep my space, and keep it "stock" as much as possible? I'm not willing to install anything under the passenger seat, for fear of messing up the airbag occupant sensor. Simply not worth the risk for that, IMO.
