Head unit differences in TRD models.

I test drove a TRD O/R without any tech/premium package. The head unit looked nice and integrated. I remember some pictures and discussion I am not able to find, where the head unit protruded from the dash and looked like a cheap aftermarket add-on - I think it was thought it was the headunit in the non-JBL tech/premium package.

Are the headunits (in TRD) models any different at all? I.e does the JBL package add the external amp and better speakers, but the headunit is the same?

 

Maybe he means the SR5 unit? Because that one does look like a less finished unit.

 

The sr 5 unit I looked at yesterday was different. The premium/JBL unit is really nice, and responsive.

 

JBL and premium (standard on TRD) unit appear the same aside from the JBL emblem. Other than the upgraded speakers, small amp and small sub I believe the head unit is identical, also part of why I'm not doing the JBL

 

I would say listen to both before you make up your mind about the size of the amp/sub. Toyota did a fine job making the small amp/sub sound great.

 

For me I would much rather prefer top quality door speaker over a sub in my truck. The cabin is so tight that even the bass punch from my stock plus system in my 14 isn't bad. If I'm gonna spend the money I would rather just swap out the speakers and add an amp, but keep my storage space behind the seats. I still use it for truck things and mountain biking. My car on the other hand...I would gladly upgrade the stereo if I hadn't done so already

 

I can't remember, is the external amp the one with the subwoofer enclosure or is there another one that powers the speakers? That's the biggest limitation on a stock system. Sure you can get decent sound from a head unit powering the speakers and a small sub, but you can get amazing sound from a decent set of speakers powered by an external amp without needing a sub. Truthfully you could probably get just as much or more bass with just a speaker set up, but it would be aftermarket

 

can someone post a picture of the head unit without tech/premium or jbl upgrade? I'm strongly considering not getting any of the tech options.

 

Maybe it was SR5 that was ugly, I hope so.

The plain TRD (non-tech/premium package) unit looked nice enough for me. I would be totally bummed if the non-JBL tech/premium unit was inferior in looks/feel department.

Or maybe it's just the SR's one? Found a picture:

 

That's just the SR. The TRD looks identical to the JBL aside from the JBL badge at the bottom

 

See above