Did you swap out the factory audio?

I'm just curious as to who is running the factory sound equipment, and who swapped it out to the aftermarket systems?

If you swapped yours out, did you just switch the deck? or did you go for the full-monty?

And did you have the stock system, or the JBL system to begin with?

 

i'm leaving mine stock. last truck i did this in i had some electrical problems and just dont want to risk it with my taco.

 

aftermarket just installed and looking to get speakers soon but i need to save up some money first

 

Mine is completely replaced and it was worth every minute and every penny. I was VERY unhappy with the stock system and the factory JBL wasnt much better. However, for those who dont have the money or inclination to undertake a complete overhaul, there are some pretty cool products out there to improve on the factory system. Good adaptors for iPod and Bluetooth integration, sound processors, add on subs. Crutchfield is a good place to window shop, then google it and get it for wayyyyy cheaper.

 

Just got a Pioneer DEH -710BT installed on mine last night. Mainly for the Bluetooth and ipod functionality and for future plans of amp/sub and maybe speakers. I think it sounds better already and I'm not an audio geek.

 

Just a question for those of you who have upgraded... May be a stupid question, but what is the biggest plus for upgrading the sound system as far as sound goes? I mean, I could see putting a sub in for more bass, but do you really 'hear' that much difference? Mabye I haven't really heard a good one, but some friends have upgraded systems (HU, sub, speakers) but I really don't hear much difference between their's and mine...

 

I have an after market head unit and sub with the factory speakers. It sounds great. I may replace my speakers one day but I'd rather save up for a lift and tires first.

 

Great unit, a little newer than mine. I like the Alpine's iPod controls better, but the Pioneer head units are solid as a rock.

 

I have the JBL right now. Will upgrade in the future but my money is going other places for now...

 

I've been thinking about it. leaning towards a DD JVC AVX 720.
But i bought a TONNEAU cover, And mirror instead.

 

Amen to the "Window shop" At crutch field. Then google it!

 

Oh man.... it's like comparing your Taco to a Isuzu. If you throw inexpensive replacements in (Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, etc) you're going to hear a difference but it may not be all that impressive, especially if you are driving them off the head units amp. Now, throw some Focals, HiFonics, JL Audio or Image Dynamics in along with a good amp to drive them and you will wonder what you were thinking when you wrote that. You will literally hear things in songs that you didnt even know existed (horns, background vocals, whistles, sirens)... all kinds of things that your stock speaks either didnt reproduce or not loud enough for you to hear it. It's pretty amazing sometimes. Besides that, the music just sounds 100 times better.

 

Doing the same thing

 

I had the base system.

I swapped it all out. I went all alpine with pairs of type r 6.5's and 6x9's, 10" type x in a custom box, head unit, and 2 amps to power everything. You don't realize how shitty your stock system is until you go aftermarket! Havin said that, go swap your current system for some quality stuff!

 

I guess my biggest concerns with swapping out the stock stereo and putting in new components would be space.

Does anybody really miss the space behind the seats in the doublecab?

Also, I like steering wheel controls: Do those PAC control boxes work well to keep all functions of the steering wheel? Does it let you keep the BluLogic if you have it?

 

Just replaced the stock head unit with a new JVC avx-820.

My main reason was to get bluetooth enabled system so I could avoid an accident while driving. Secondarily was the audio capabilities which I knew would improve.

I'm fairly mechanically capable so I researched the installation, bought a Scosche install kit off eBay and got to work. Took me about 2 hours including running the remote mic up to the overhead console. If this daunts you, I recommend you go to a local car audio shop (we have CarTunes here in ATL) and pay for a install.

What I'm really pleased with is the sound, which is incredibly improved. The stock speakers, while no prize winners, driven by a decent head unit can deliver much, much better sound. These improvements are hard to quantify. You don't know what you are missing until you give it a listen. Let's just say it was well worth the $500.

What is really neat is the Bluetooth audio (called A2DP 2.0 I think). Essentially you don't need wires anymore to play music from your iPhone whether that be via iPod or Pandora or any app (I have a 3gs).

The stock head unit is definitely the weak link in the system. You don't have to spend $500 on a head unit to improve this situation either. There are plenty of good low end single din units that are going to be well worth the $200 spent.

I'm off to troll for bargains on speakers in the Buy/Sell section...

 

i have the base radio still, nut i changed out all the door speakers with nicer stuff!!

 

When I bought the truck it had the factory 1-disc player, which I switched for the non-JBL 6-disc changer... but that's it! I listen to mostly talk radio anyway.

 

Didn't change the head unit just added an Infinity bass link. Sounds real good for what it is.

 

I swapped out the factory radio - installed the Alpine 9885 (great stereo!) replaced all for speakers with Alpine Type R - these speakers are being pushed with a small, but solid Alpine F250 amp. I also wanted to put in an Alpine 10" sub, but found it to be an expensive pain to install, so I installed a 6.5 Bazooka - not too impressed with the Bazooka, but still, a nice loud clean system - DEFINITELY recommend upgrading the sound if you love your music!