Sound Quality of Entune Head Unit?

[jerlane]

I'm in the process of ordering a new TE. I would prefer to get it without Entune, but they seem to be harder to find. I will definitely replace the factory speakers right away, but I was wondering if anyone can comment on the sound quality of the Entune system once you have it hooked up to some decent speakers? I was surprised at how much better the sound quality was on my Tacoma after just replacing the head unit. $1000 would buy a pretty nice Alpine of Pioneer.
Thanks in advance!

 

[turbolump]

I think that it's pretty decent for a stock setup that isn't a high end option.

 

[ChipG]

entune quality

I have added an amp and replaced thr speakers in my Sr5. The sound is infinetly better. The thing you've got to remember is the stock system is over integrated into many other systems in the car. This makes replacing the head unit a technical nightmare unless you've done several. I've been a stereo fanatic for years and after checking out the wiring, I decided to play with the stock system to see what I could get out of it...
Pretty happy with my choice and you'd be amazed at the sound.

 

[gamerc]

I have added an amp and replaced thr speakers in my Sr5. The sound is infinetly better. The thing you've got to remember is the stock system is over integrated into many other systems in the car. This makes replacing the head unit a technical nightmare unless you've done several. I've been a stereo fanatic for years and after checking out the wiring, I decided to play with the stock system to see what I could get out of it...
Pretty happy with my choice and you'd be amazed at the sound.

I found it to be pretty easy on the SR5. I used a $30 harness that plugged in directly to the aftermarket head unit. On my Limited, I found it a little more challenging, but only for the fact that I had to splice into an RCA cable and tap into a few different lines (3) to integrate the backup camera. Other than that, it's a harness and a little bit of time. I spent more time getting the dash kit sanded down and painted with Fusion than I did actually replacing the head unit.

You will find the aftermarket stereo thread has ALL of the information you will need to answer your questions. I think it has all been done/documented in there.

 

[Crit Rat]

I drove a limited yesterday with the entune stereo.

I only listened to XM stations and my impression is that it was overly heavy on the midbass with both treble and real bass lacking. Clarity seemed decent. Then entune interface was pretty nice and the screen was a good size. I think it's actually priced surprisingly well for an OE head unit that incorporates as much as it does.

If I buy a 2012 model (TE) I will opt for entune, mostly because it's good enough and I don't have as much desire to do extensive modifications to my vehicles these days.

I would probably pursue speaker replacements pretty quickly though. I think every 4Runner needs more sound damping material in the doors though so I'd do that too while I'm at it.

 

[jerlane]

Thanks for the comments. If the first vehicle I can get my hands on has Entune, I think I will go for it and start off by replacing the speakers and hopefully adding a sub if I can get my hands on a JBL enclosure.