Factory Stereo Power?

Does anyone know what the factory stereo has for power? I have the basic 5 disc non-JBL 4 speaker Double cab deal going on. Cool stereo, but doesn't seem to really push a lot of volume. You really notice it when the windows are down and you're doing 55 jaming.

 

Don't know about the power but definately leaves something to be desired in the volume department. Why is 62 the max. Shouldn't it go to 100?

 

Someone's been to one too many rock concerts haha....I keep mine around 40-45 usually. But yeah it does seem very underpowered compared to my aftermarket in my last car.

 

40-45!!! WOW. I keep mine around 8-35. Doesn't seem to get much louder past 35 or 40. Stays the same volume... just numbers change on the display. lol. Radio sucks for some reason. I think b/c it's underpowered. My only complaint.

 

The one good thing I can say about my factory radio is with the windows up, it sounds decent. It's not mind blowing loud at all and I'm thinking of a way to boost this up but still keeping the factory head unit and factory speakers (for now). I think a small good quality (operative words here)40x4 watt amp may be pleanty of power. When it comes to the speakers, finding something that will match well for the locations the speakers reside will not be easy. Odds are you have a single 10Amp Radio 1 fuse and not the 30Amp Radio 2 fuse (seperate amplifier).

So I'm going to look in to connecting a seperate amplifier and using that 30 AMP fuse holder if the wiring harness support this in my truck.

With a few good watts of power I'm hooping for a solid sound, not an ear bleeding sound. A sub may be required but I'll worry about that later.

If anyone else have a good way of adding an Amp while leaving the factory head unit in place, I'd love to hear it. I just don't want the aftermarket look of a new radio.

-Joe

 

Adding a sub first frees up the head unit power-wise, because the bass can be turned down, while turning the sub up. Other than a lack of gain, the stereo goes loud, clean, & crisp with the bass turned way down.

 

I have that set up. Stock head unit, a 40wx4 Alpine Amp, MB components up front and Kenwood 3-ways in the rear, no sub. Sounds good, I keep the volume at 30 with the windows down.

 

mine sounds like shit!! I've definitely heard way better factory systems, but I love everything else about the truck

 

Describe what you mean....Distortion, lack of clarity...... These stereos might not be excellent, but they're certainly not shit....But they do sound lousy if you try to get bass out of them.

 

It's really the speakers that are shit, you should see the tiny magnets on those things.

 

Im sure none of the stereo components are of any quality. I used to install car stereos and are a bit of a snob when it comes to audio quality. No worries though, i didn't even turn on the stereo when test driving!! Didn't matter at all!!

 

Could you tell me the model of your Alpine Amp, the front speakers, and rears.


Thanks,
Joe

 

Alpine Mrp-f240 (40x4), MB Quart FSA 216 (6.5 ins.) & Kenwood KFC-1682 IE (6.5 ins.). This is a budget set-up, later I might install a sub and upgrade head unit. The amp is small enough to fit under the driver's seat and remember you will need speaker adapters. I decided to keep the head unit because I don't want anyone breaking into my truck, also I'm really hesitant about cutting out the storage area for the sub.

 

..........but if you start with a good sub, the Tacoma already has components produced by a well known manufacturer, they image well, have good tone & clarity. They really aren't the problem....The system just needs a well powered sub........

 

My fords had shit stereos in them. This isn't so bad for stock.

 

I dunno, I think the speakers are not.. THAT bad. I got an aftermarket head unit because, with the IPOD kit, the volume was low even when maxed out. :/

 

What well known manufacturer ? The base system is not JBL.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll look up these items. I was very curious about the amp and I don't want to install a Sub. I like using the storage areas in the cab and those were actually one of the features that caused me to purchase this truck. I wouldn't mind replacing the stock head unit however I'd like the replacement to look as if it could have been factory and for it to blend in with the dash, not look out of place.

 

I'm not expert on sound system but when I installed the Ipod kit, I can get a clear sound with a good bass punch at volume 45-50 and that is a very loud for me. I keep the volume around 40-45. Yes, the radio FM is not so good. I wish we have a factory HD radio.

 

The stock unit does leave something desired. I'd love to get a double din nav unit (Got my eyes on a eclipse avn62d or something like that) But if I do that, I don't want to have to buy amps, Speakers and soak over 1k into it. Not when my house could use that $1,000.