New HU or amp? 2007 TRD

Still have the stock HU, 2007 TRD, just put in new ID CTX 65CS speakers/tweeters in the front. Would an amp or new HU be better for sound? Also, what would be easier, I am not an expert..............

 

Both.

 

Hooking an amp to the stock stereo is a hassle, so i would go new HU. The stock head unit also is designed specifically for the crappy speakers that come with the truck. Plus many stock HU's lower bass as you turn up the volume (sucks). Getting a new HU gets you on board with the new feature options like Bluetooth, MP3 CD reading, and quick reading USB drives.

You can always add an amp later.

 

What should I look for in a HU to fully power the new speakers so I won't have to add an amp later?

 

If you enjoy loud music (this includes hearing the music clearly with the windows down while driving 55) you will need an amp. Getting a HU with more watts per channel is a marginal gain compared to even a basic amp. I would get the radio with the features you like and when you can afford it, get an amp.

Here is my upgrade (though it was an "ideal" upgrade vs an economical one):
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/307606-my-2013-complete-stereo-upgrade-costs.html

 

What he said ^

 

Thanks guys. I just need a little more power to the new speakers so I will go with a new HU. TacoLTD your install was awesome, way over my head. I noticed on your buy list you had a lot of extra's, (bass control knob etc) if I purchased a similar HU as yours would I need any extra's? Again, I am looking for just a little more power to the new speakers and not much else.

 

I did the extras because I am old enough to afford it now. Many times when I was younger I had to skimp on things and now I can spend more.

The GT Mat, bass knob, replacing the speaker wires in the doors, app radio wire - all were not required. In reality, I have no way of knowing how much of a difference these things actually make. I mean, the knob does it's job easily, but I cannot say if the replacement wires are improving the sound...

 

What about this unit a SONY XAV-63, really all I am looking for is a radio and CD player and some better sound with the new speakers..


http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...14&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=topsellers14

 

Avoid Sonic. Go with Crutchfield. Used to be the warranty/return manager many, many years ago. Not the quickest and usually returns will go through their vendor and then to the manufacturer. I would gladly pay more to Crutchfield to avoid playing any of Sonics games.

Go with the advice they gave you. Get the head unit you want and upgrade the amp later.

 

I never looked at this model because I am a lifetime Sirius subscriber and this model does not do satelite radio. Just read the reviews from multiple sites (crutchfield, Amazon, newegg, etc) and see what people say.

 

Just installed a Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS. Bought from Sonic Elec. $377.76 total. (Included harness and dash kit, shipping) Have not hooked up the brake wire yet, looking to do a bypass. If anybody wants my old stereo they can have it, just send me a pre-paid shipping label. Just for diy info, you use the stock brackets off the old HU and put them on the new HU. You then install the new HU to the truck and them put the dash kit over the new HU. Lots or reading to figure out the new Pioneer. This unit is way more awesome then what I am used to.