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I wasn't really impressed with the difference between just the door speakers. I hear the bass improves over time but was hoping for more. So are you guys saying that the real difference is when these are paired with an amp and 8"-10" subwoofer?

 

It's a downward spiral, once you are on that setup you'll be looking at EQs, then headunits, etc

 

The difference is real. I have never run across anybody who has ever regretted adding a sub. It won't end there sadly. I will probably wind up replacing these replacement speakers one day. But yeah, get a sub.

 

It can be done faster. I was taking my time.

 

Ok they have a refurbished on Amazon for $150 and regular $187. I guess I’m willing to roll $200 bucks on a little thump.

Do you think it was easier running the power from the center consol vs to the battery? Also tying in at the pillars vs going to the back of the head unit?

The head unit removal and running down the door wire channel seems like it would be pretty easy.

 

No I didn't run the power from the center console that's only the 12 volt Auto turn off and turn on lead needed to tell the unit when to turn on and off. The power itself came from the battery directly.

As for the pillars I went that route simply because I was comfortable disassembling all of that since I had upgraded all my speakers a few weeks prior. I didn't feel like figuring out how to disassemble the whole head unit assembly. Plus I found a couple of posts where people did the same thing so I didn't want to reinvent the wheel.

 

Keep in mind you need to know what you're getting yourself into though. I've had a bazooka tube before so I knew what this thing was going to sound like don't expect the type of Bass that a 10 inch sub would give you. This is just to add to the low range.

Some people would just rather add an amp and subwoofer with more power. I didn't want all that but if you feel like you might you may want to consider it since you're going to be splicing bunch of cables anyways.

 

Yeah debating just biting the bullet and getting a multi-channel amp for all the new door speakers, tweeter, and an 8" or 10" sub. However I want to try and keep the back seat storage area as stock as possible.

We'll see and the speaker clarity is night and day compared to stock. I just want more punch.

 

Crutchfield has a decent 5 channel amp for sale right now which would be perfect for those purposes,
Soundstream Picasso Nano PN5.640D

 

Installed the speaker described in the first post 2 weeks ago, Kicker door speakers and the OEM Subaru dash tweeter. I had a $50 Amazon gift card so everything ended up costing my $150 so I figured it would be worth a shot and could probably sell them all for about what I paid if I wasnt happy.

Been listening to it for several weeks now and am pleasantly surprised with the audio quality upgrade vs how much it cost. Just dont expect to be blown away or it to be a completely different system. Instead of the flat muddy stock sound you can now distinguish between highs, mids and lows. Everything is just more clear and over all better sounding. Still have to crank the thing up on the freeway but I did get some more volume out of it as well.


Is the stereo better sounding now? Yes. Am I happy with it? for how much I paid, Yes. Do I still want the OEM+ Audio upgrade? Yes, but this will tide me over for a year or so im guessing.

 

Can't wait to do this

 

Quick question. I have installed the Subaru tweeters and the 4 kicker speakers as per the OP. I don't have a need or the space for a sub (Access Cab) or the desire to upgrade the head unit at this time. But if were to add an amp, what would be the recommended amp to go with?

(I really don't now much about sound systems)

Thanks!

 

So you are looking for a 4 channel amp. 4x100 rms range.

********* version:
https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t...y-4-channel-x-80-watts-rms-class-d-amplifier/

The other thing they have are harnesses that allow you to plug into the back of the head unit for the signals to the amp and Also from the amps to the speakers. (Other people make these but that's where I got mine)

This eliminates the pain in the ass of wiring all the speakers individually.

Crutchfield is also a helpful site. You can call them and they will hop on the phone right away and help you find what you are looking for.

 

Is there tweeters available for the tacoma's with the JBL?

 

First off, I would think the JBL tweeters are not that bad? But if you would upgrade from that I would go to crutchfield and ask for assistance w/ a front door / tweeter combo that would sync together. Not as plug and play as the Suburu option, but would be a bit better. Also a bit more complicated.

 

So ********* amp and wiring harness, and it's pretty much plug and play?

 

Well you have to run power and ground to the amp. ( most amps don't need remote turn on any more, ********* don't ) If you put it under the driver's seat there is an OEM ground location under the carpet there so really the power is the only pain. You only need 8ga wire for the 1 amp so no need to spend crazy money on an amp kit. Just get a basic one with an 8ga wire. You don't need 4ga. But yes the harnesses make it plug and play.

 

Thank you sir!

 

Well I'm still just waffling on what do, but the local audio store may have answered my question. They recommended the JL Stealthbox and JL RD900 5 channel to run it and all the speakers. It was $1749 OTD and $1550 OTD with a Kenwood amp, remote, and the LC2 to eliminate roll-off. I went from budget upgrade to choking on vomit. haha

I'm sure I can shop the AMP and get that down to around $1000 but still seems expensive. I'm sure it would sound excellent but I don't know that I care that much. Maybe I just need to get the hideaway and plug this sieve before its too late.

 

Can't get around that Stealthbox, it's hard to find anything remotely close to the fit and quality. Choke on that 700. But you don't need any crazy amp for it. Feel like I'm pimping them a lot but you can get a 4 channel and the mono amp for the sub and ALL the harnesses for $214.

https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t...-tacoma-plug-and-play-replacement-amplifiers/

If you want an LC2 it's another hundred bucks I think. You don't need spend crazy money on a 5 channel for $200 in speakers. Only thing I would not skimp on is that Stealthbox. It's the bees knees. There are groupbuys on here quite often for those.