Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

I was going to ask a similar question, before I order, has anyone tried different speakers and gotten good results or are the kickers generally the go to? Anyone try polk or JL audio speakers?

 

@TacoToTheHand Did Crutchfield respond and, if so, did they send you the correct brackets?

 

I was leaning toward Polk before I had the conversation then found none of the 6x9s fit our doors. One 2-Way will fit, but it’s a 100w speaker, and you’re apparently better off with 50-70w speakers with the weak HU.

One thing I really like about the Crutchfield site is it will list all the speakers that will fit so you can compare.

 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13699045/JL-Audio-C1-690x.html?avf=Y I am looking at this JL 2-Way. Lots of great information in this thread, and if people are having success with the entune powering the kicker well, then I have to imagine that a much higher quality 2-way speaker, better matched with the power output of the HU, will be a winning combo. I think this coupled with the subis tweeters and a decent rear like the JBL GT7 will be killer. Thoughts?

 

I feel like Crutchfield may not be entirely clear on the head units in the newer Tacos or something. If it were an expensive set of speakers maybe I would get their pull to get you to downgrade but even though we aren’t pushing the limits of those speakers they sound damn good... interesting to hear how some of these others work out though!

 

Anyone know if this upgrade will work on the Gen 1's?

 

You can’t argue with the feedback from this thread... tons of people have installed these, myself included, and I am very happy with kicker CS series. I think the Crutchfield techs know what they’re talking about, but sometimes things on paper don’t always add up

 

I think they're using the standard rules of thumb. 30 watts normally wouldn't be enough to push aftermarket speakers unless they're high efficiency speakers. The fact that these speakerss sound great and are plenty loud on the stock headunit isn't normal.

 

I totally agree. The upgrade in sound is incredible compared to the stock speakers that were in prior to the upgrade. I like the sound in speakers that bshammer0 had picked out.

 

Precisely - it’s the reason I had the truck for close to a year without upgrading the sound bc prior experience has been crappy with adding aftermarket speakers and always turned into a money pit to add amps, wiring, harnesses, sub, etc.,

That’s the unexpected beauty of this simple upgrade - so folks all I can say is don’t listen to Crutchfields advice (they also recommended baffles for these speakers that I know one user said was a waste of money FWIW). At some point I’m sure someone will pull the specs and explain to those on the thread why this stock HU puts out so much juice to these speakers but for now I’m about to head to Thanksgiving blasting crisp tunes hahaha

 

So... I ended up buying the tweeters, 6x3/4, 6x9, and a kicker hideaway. The tweeters were a great investment, but overall the other speakers lack mid base and loudness due to not having an amp. I am comparing the sound quality and bass to a tacoma with the JBL package. The volume levels between my truck and the JBL are worlds apart too. At full volume, it sounds like 70-80% of the JBL. I understand that the 8 inch hideaway wont perform as well as the 8 inch JBL speakers, but there is a noticeably significant difference in the bass from the 6x9's up front. At this point, I am left with the only option of going with OEM + and putting the kickers in my DD. I just wished Toyota offered the JBL in a MT Offroad. During my install of the speakers, I also sound deadened all 4 doors with 50 mil Noico. I am glad that the speakers and hideaway sub were a minor investment.

 

Anyone know the actual HU specs?

 

So... here's what I'm doing. Make note that I have a 2nd gen, not the 3rd gen.

Crutchfield has an awesome sale on Infinity speakers.

Front:
Infinity Reference REF-275tx $49.99 (originally $99.99) ends tonight
Infinity Reference REF-9623ix $74.99 (originally $149.99) ends 11/27

Rear:
Infinity Reference REF-6522EX $49.99 (originally $99.99) ends 11/27

These all fit the 2nd gen (with the exception of the tweeter which I ordered the ********* adapter and wiring harness - they also have a promo right now - 15% off and free shipping).

Regarding power, more isn't always better. If the stock HU produces a clean signal/power to the speaker, that's far better than distorted high power. I've seen many high-end home audio receivers rated at a mediocre wattage outperform a lesser quality receiver rated nearly twice as much.

So I just ordered the tweeters tonight since the sale ends tonight. Waiting until tomorrow to order the others. I'm also going to order the

Noico 50 mil 21.5 sqft car Sound deadening mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening

50 mil Noico 25 sq. feet of sound deadening to do that while I have the doors apart.

 

Be sure to update when you get them installed. I'd rather not install kickers in my truck (despite everybody loving them on here). Love to hear if anybody has installed other speakers than the kickers with success in a 3rd gen!

I'm also looking to install a sub and amp...anybody have experience with that?

 

So before doing this mod --- this post is a very important point to consider. Although people are reporting really good results from the power provided by the entune headunit and the Kicker CS speakers OP uses, I'm curious if there are other speaker options for the front and rear doors that are a better match to the headunit power levels.

Would lower power speakers sound better? (IE - be powered better/more evenly?)

 

There's a better thread for questions like this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-bbp-audio-build.430252/

I personally have experience with those things, but not in a Tacoma. I am currently installing a powered subwoofer in my truck. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it up this weekend.

 

There is always something better. Probbly a ton more expensive too. This thread is all about a killer option for low cost. Not sure why it is important point to consider? If you want something different than an option that seems a TON of people have been satisfied with, then go to an audio install place, pay a ton and hope you’re happy!

 

Indeed - no doubt you can achieve audiophile superiority by investing a lot more money/time and more power to those that do. No doubt it sounds terrific! Not sure why the hate on Kickers from some but to each their own. Happy Holidays all!

 

Got the tweeters replaced today, just waiting on my speaker baffles to do the door upgrades.

 

Thanks for that link! I'll browse that thread and see what I can dig up.

On a side note, Santa is going to be bringing me some Infinity Ref. Series speakers this year. Haven't decided on a tweeter yet, may just run the plug and play Subaru one that is recommended in this thread.