Speakers different 2011 to 2012 (in 8 speaker systems)?

[H2O_Doc]

In 8 speaker systems, does anyone know if Toyota uses the same speakers in a 2011 SR5 versus a 2012 TE with Entune? I only ask because I noticed a big difference in the two (I recently moved from the SR5 to TE) and I was wondering if it is a speaker difference or the headunits. The difference isn't sufficient to keep me from adding an amp and new speakers, but it is noticeable.

Oh, I did try to search this but did not find (or perhaps missed) the answer to my question.

 

[GrantK]

I can't say if the speakers are different or not but I ordered my '12 TE with the basic 8 speaker system and no Entune. It probably has the same speakers as on with Entune.

The audio quality is on par with a head of cabbage. I've had old cars with AM only radios and a single dash speaker that sounded better. Party mode is a joke, it goes from muddy bass to louder and even muddier bass.

This isn't a complaint, just a warning. I'm an audiophile and have planned from the start to replace the entire system so I don't really care how the stock system sounds.

 

[H2O_Doc]

I can't say if the speakers are different or not but I ordered my '12 TE with the basic 8 speaker system and no Entune. It probably has the same speakers as on with Entune.

The audio quality is on par with a head of cabbage. I've had old cars with AM only radios and a single dash speaker that sounded better. Party mode is a joke, it goes from muddy bass to louder and even muddier bass.

This isn't a complaint, just a warning. I'm an audiophile and have planned from the start to replace the entire system so I don't really care how the stock system sounds.

Oh, I agree. My SR5 system was horrific, whereas the 2012 TE is much better and I rate it only awful.

 

[Bourbonator]

Well I bet I'll be content with my 4r (hopefully only 6 more days).. I currently have 3 working speakers, 2 of which distort something awful, and the other speaker is on the paneling that rattles. However, the weather stripping and whatnot is so corroded, I can hardly tell there's anything wrong with the speakers over all the road noise.

 

[SubyGuy]

I have an 11 trail with Nav and the 12 speakers. It sounds pretty damn good for stock. Much better then the Bose crap alot of cars come with. I still think i will upgrade the front few speakers for some crisper treblearty:. I guess they nerfed the upgraded sound in the trails for the 2012s....maybe to save money?

 

[AZrunner11]

Same thing

I just upgraded to a 12 TE from an 11 SR5 and noticed the sound in the TE to be flat and down right disappointing.....then I thought I have an F'n TE and I can get used to or do the Kappa upgrade....I have the infinity speakers to install.

I was really surprised by the noticeable difference. I have had my trail for about 2 weeks.

 

[kmiller8821]

I have an 11 trail with Nav and the 12 speakers. It sounds pretty damn good for stock. Much better then the Bose crap alot of cars come with. I still think i will upgrade the front few speakers for some crisper treblearty:. I guess they nerfed the upgraded sound in the trails for the 2012s....maybe to save money?

Actually, there are 15 speakers.

JBL Premium Sound for Your New Toyota

Sorry to get off topic, but I wanted to educate our fellow forum member.

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

The audio quality is on par with a head of cabbage.

That's classic. :thumb3:

Yeah, if you are serious about quality sound that's right on for probably 99% of stock sound systems.

In my '12 LE, the stock sound system lasted for three days before it was ripped out and replaced with all JL Audio components and speakers.

It certainly is a PRICEY undertaking, but if you really appreciate quality, over the years I have found the investment in a good sound system VERY worthwhile. Especially if you are going to keep the vehicle for an extended period time.

Everyone has their priorities of course but anymore the sound system is usually the first thing I upgrade on a new vehicle. (On the Limited it was the 20" tires/wheels... that was on day 2.)

Like you GrantK I really don't care about the stock systems as that is the first thing that's getting upgraded anyway. Rock on... :guitar3:

 

[Bay33saw]

I'm no expert and not a audiophile, but I had a BOSE system in my last vehicle and I think the 15 speaker JBL set up is very good I cannot imagine anything being louder. BTW I have a 12 Limited

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

I'm no expert and not a audiophile, but I had a BOSE system in my last vehicle and I think the 15 speaker JBL set up is very good I cannot imagine anything being louder. BTW I have a 12 Limited

Yeah... it's not just about volume, it's really more about quality for me.

But I agree with you Moistmaster in that the system that came in my '12 Limited was pretty dang good for stock... probably the best stock system that I personally have had anyway.

 

[GrantK]

To give an idea of where my sound system is heading (and why I think the stock system sucks)...
*) I have about 150lbs of 2 types of sound deadening material waiting to go in (about $200 for the hood alone).
*) Alpine NAV-20 (W910 equiv) head unit
*) AudioControl DQXS
*) Alpine PDX-F6 4ch amp with 150w/channel (door speakers)
All speakers and final x-overs is yet to be made. I have to remove door and rear hatch panels to see what I can do for primary speakers and figure out how I'm going to deal with subs. I like to select speakers at one time as a group to make sure they are properly matched.

I will not be using the dash speakers for the stereo, since they are not in the right location for optimizing the sound stage. They might (probably) will get upgraded but will be used for the external speakers for my ham radio.

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

Dang GrantK... 150lbs of sound deadening?! You ARE serious! :wow2:

I used Dynamat in all of the doors but that's it. I never thought about the hood, you are definitely on a different level.

I did use the dash speakers for the tweeters instead of cutting the door panels.. seems okay but no, I think you are correct in that they are not totally optimal.

I had a custom built box for the JL 8" sub in the rear but I am not fully satisfied with. I didn't want to loose too much room and wanted it fixed. I thought it might work... but the airspace in the 4Runner is big. I am going to have to look at rectifying that at some point but I can deal for awhile as I have other upgrades to finance first.

Would love to hear/see more detail on your work GrantK... with what you are planning man it's gonna be amazing.

 

[characterzero]

To give an idea of where my sound system is heading (and why I think the stock system sucks)...
*) I have about 150lbs of 2 types of sound deadening material waiting to go in (about $200 for the hood alone).
*) Alpine NAV-20 (W910 equiv) head unit
*) AudioControl DQXS
*) Alpine PDX-F6 4ch amp with 150w/channel (door speakers)
All speakers and final x-overs is yet to be made. I have to remove door and rear hatch panels to see what I can do for primary speakers and figure out how I'm going to deal with subs. I like to select speakers at one time as a group to make sure they are properly matched.

I will not be using the dash speakers for the stereo, since they are not in the right location for optimizing the sound stage. They might (probably) will get upgraded but will be used for the external speakers for my ham radio.

What are you going to do for front soundstage?

In other news, I'm pulling the rest of my stuff out my my frontier to put in the T4R:
Alpine ERE G180 Equalizer, JL A4300 amp for the speakers, Alpine MRP 350 for a sub, Infinity Kappa 60.7cs (6.5 components) and 62.7i and my stealthbox will have to be replaced.

Honestly the stock NAV JBL 15-speaker system in my Trial Edition is OK, but really lacks clarity (period), lacks low end/punch of a real 10" sub and needs some tuning.

I'm thinking I'll wire up the ever-so-popular Kappa 3.5s in the dash, use the woofer from my components in the doors, put the coaxes in the tailgate and then figure out the sound deadening and sub. Custom sub box will be the way to go and go where the stock JBL is now I'd think.

 

[GrantK]

What are you going to do for front soundstage?

The ideal location would be the kick panels but there isn't enough room behind them in just about any new vehicle for woofers, including the T4R. Since building a custom mount for the kick panels is out of my skill level, I'm forced to use the doors. To get the best sound stage they should be be low and forward on the door. I'll probably end up adapting the existing holes and adding more for tweeters. Like I said, I have to pull the panels to see what my options are and the exact speakers are yet to be chosen.

 

[GrantK]

Would love to hear/see more detail on your work GrantK... with what you are planning man it's gonna be amazing.

I hope it will be amazing but will settle for just "DAMNNNNN MANNNNN"

It's going to take a lot of time. I have other mods waiting to go in (dual batteries, ARB compressor & locker, ICONs, Shrockworks, roof rack, rear bumper, etc, etc, etc). I also have to design & build some custom circuits to interface my ham gear to the stereo in a way to allow it to go through the stereo or work stand-alone.

 

[kaloman]

I'm no expert and not a audiophile, but I had a BOSE system in my last vehicle and I think the 15 speaker JBL set up is very good I cannot imagine anything being louder. BTW I have a 12 Limited

I also agree with Moistmaster that the 15 speaker JBL is very good. A lot of sound quality comes from the audio track and if you're playing a high quality file or track, then that's where you'll see the stock JBL shine. Yes I do agree that sometimes the subwoofer can provide too much of boomy bass, and I wish that can be controlled separately from the other speakers, but I think everything is matched up pretty well for a "stock" system. My girlfriend has an 2011 Infiniti M37S with Bose and I think our JBL sounds better.

Has anyone listened to the Bang & Olufsen system in the Audi Q7? For $6,000+, that better a Carnegie Hall on wheel!

 

[westwind77]

I have been thinking of upgrading to this bad boy....

but I am having a hard time locating the adapters to make my steering wheel controls work with it, any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[H2O_Doc]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Rockford Fosgate Power line of speakers (e.g. T165s or T1692s)? I did Kappas last time (very nice), but maybe should take the opportunity to experience something else. I'd be running an amp an 12in sub as well.

 

[oakjefferson]

Pretty happy with my SR5 system compared to my old stock Edge

 

[DiggetyDan]

To give an idea of where my sound system is heading (and why I think the stock system sucks)...
*) I have about 150lbs of 2 types of sound deadening material waiting to go in (about $200 for the hood alone).
*) Alpine NAV-20 (W910 equiv) head unit
*) AudioControl DQXS
*) Alpine PDX-F6 4ch amp with 150w/channel (door speakers)
All speakers and final x-overs is yet to be made. I have to remove door and rear hatch panels to see what I can do for primary speakers and figure out how I'm going to deal with subs. I like to select speakers at one time as a group to make sure they are properly matched.

I will not be using the dash speakers for the stereo, since they are not in the right location for optimizing the sound stage. They might (probably) will get upgraded but will be used for the external speakers for my ham radio.

GrantK, have you already purchased the w910 Alpine head unit/nav?