'13 non-JBL stereo upgrade suggestions

Hi all - the non-JBL stereo and speakers in the '13 Tacoma leaves much to be desired. Sound quality is really bad and adjusting the audio levels doesn't help much.

So my question for the experts: for $500 or less, what would you suggest I updgrade? Specific brand suggestions would be helpful since I'm not very audio savy. Not sure if I want to buy a new head unit but also not sure if the stock one in the truck can handle better speakers, sub...etc

Thanks in advance!

 

Just get a new HU. $500 isn't a lot to work with for a stereo. I'd start with a good HU and work off that.
The stock HU in the tacoma is crap. A new HU will make your speakers sound a lot better..

Then later you can worry about amps/subs/speakers.