Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

Can anyone chime in to how big of a difference adding an amp to this setup really made ?

Edit. Just Bit the bullet the bullet on the taco tunes amp. Amp mount and all the wiring I’ll post up after I install

 

Delete if not allowed. Was wondering if anyone in here has tried a powered sub system . My local sound guy recommended this. I'm going to wait and see what the kicker setup sounds like before I pull the trigger on anything else but thought I'd ask.

$170 Cerwin-Vega CVMPCL10 Stroker Pro 10” Full-Range Speaker – High-Power SPL Performance Unmatched Power & Precision

https://www.amazon.com/Cerwin-Mobile-Powered-Active-Subwoofer/dp/B075FPTWS1

 

Just to pass along since I did not find this anywhere on here, I have a 2018 Limited with the upgraded JBL system. I did the front and rear door speaker switch out with Noico sound deadner and it is SOOO Much better. Cleaner richer sound. The tweeters do not fit the upgraded system and will be sending them back. If anyone found some that plug n play on the upgraded JBL let me know. The front and rear door speakers are the same as everyone else....not good. Mine does come with a subwoofer behind the seat though

 

Anyone on the fence about this upgrade, go for it. You'll be amazed. I first did the Subaru tweeters. Felt underwhelmed. Ordered everything from the original post, I honestly can't believe how much better it sounds. Any desire to do more is no longer needed. It sounds clear, detail is definitely defined. The higher you turn it up, the better it sounds. I also added foam around the brackets and behind the speakers to prevent rattling. Didn't do the sound deadening, but have no desire to go back and add it sounds so good. Attached is a picture of the stock magnet from the 6x9 with a penny for size reference.

Gas mileage is going down, lol. I'm guessing I added 15 lbs of weight because if the difference between the stock and the kickers.

I had the JBL in my 2nd gen with the sub and this sounds much better. I put the bass 3 over from the middle and it gives everything I need.

 

I'll put this here. This is the foam I used. Keeps anything from rattling and supposedly improves the sound. Pretty cheap. Easy to use.

 

You guys that are claiming this sounds great are not used to a good stereo imo, I have an amp on the way hopefully it helps... new speakers same ones from post one of this thread are grossly underpowered

 

I could see how it could sound underpowered if you are used to a sub. Not being used to that, the sound is so much clearer. I'm happy. I have no desire to change anything with mine. For $135, you really can't complain.

 

And again just my opinion, I might have just built it up in my head to much

135 + 100 for tweets

 

I went to an audio shop prior to deciding what to do. The guy pointed to a $349, $449 and $549 pair of 6.5s as he cycled through and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the three, so maybe I'm not the best judge of sound. I do know it's light years above what was in there though. And for the minimal spend. I'm plenty happy.

 

Stock and replacement magnet comparison.

 

The OP was for 6.5 Kicker, and you got the 6x9 speakers (which do fit the 2018 but not the 2nd gen tacoma), so I would expect those to sound better than 6.5

 

I replaced 6x9 with 6x9 in the front, and 6.5 with 6.5 in the rear. I'm not familiar with what the 2nd gens have.

 

That is nothing short of amazing. A magnet the size of a penny almost !

 

It's an engineering marvel that it produced as much sound as it did.

 

But underpowered that huge magnet is lackluster, can’t wait to hear them amped

 

Where are you going to mount your amp? Anxious to hear your thoughts on how it sounds after.

 

Me to ! Under the front drivers seat, got the taco tunes setup, waiting on shipping

 

I think it must be a superconductor magnet actually.
Maybe we shouldn't have downgraded.

 

Have you ever tried audio speakers from Rockford Fosgate. Same quality as Kicker minus the hefty price tag. Check it out.

 

For those who have done the upgrade, do you get as much "boom" or push on the low end out of the new speakers than you get out of the old oem speakers?