Non-JBL Audio Upgrade (AudioControl LC7i, *********, JBL Amp/Comp)

Posting this because I couldn't find as much info on Line Converters when I did this upgrade.

I have had 2 3gens that were equipped with the JBL package. I really didn't think the additional cost of the JBL package was worth it. So on my 3rd 3gen I decided to go ahead and put my own system in.

I'm no audio expert but I did as much research as possible before I purchased speakers, line converter, amp, and wiring. I also haven't put a system in a vehicle myself since 2007 and even then I had an aftermarket head unit.

So for starters, I wanted to keep my Entune premium head unit. I also did not want to cut and splice every wire and/or create my own harness. ********* has you fixed. This harness will eliminate all the cutting you will have to do, but you will have to get a little creative when it comes to hiding the wiring.

https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t...acoma-plug-play-amp-harness-installation-kit/

Next step was to purchase speakers. In 3gen Tacos the tweeter is wired in with the front speaker, so if you want decent sound, then you will have to purchase a set of component speakers at least for the front. I went with these:

Front: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANI3LAK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rear: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANIECRQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

********* Harness are a must:
Tweeters: https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t...-toyota-tacoma-tweeter-wire-harness-adapters/
Speakers: https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t.../tacoma-aftermarket-speaker-harness-adapters/

Also, ********* Heavy speaker mounts are a very simple way to mount smaller sized speakers.
https://*********.com/shop/toyota-t...ker-adapter-front-rear-door-installation-kit/

Third step, AudioControl's LC7i Line Converter. This is a very simple way of taking the stock head unit output and converting it to RCA and adding a sub/amp combo(which I have bypassed for the time being). It also allows the ********* amp harness to be the only wiring harness you will need because you can jump the remote, 12v and ground wires from/to the amp.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC7IB/AudioControl-LC7i-Black.html?search=c7i&skipvs=T

Fourth step, JBL 4-channel amp. I purchased a small amp that will be completely dedicated to the speakers. If I decide to add a sub to my system down the road, I will purchase another amp and simply run another RCA wire off the LC7i. Here is the amp I purchased:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109STAGEA4/JBL-Stage-A6004.html

Final step: Installation. Like I said, I am not an audio expert, so I lived off ********* YouTube videos. I have attached a photo of the wiring I did to the LC7i and the amp. The only thing that I couldn't find in a ********* video was the ability to bridge to 12V, Ground, and Remote from the amp to the LC7i. This allows everything to come on when the vehicle starts without having to run those wires off the back of the head unit.

All-in-all I am very please with the outcome of the upgrade. It will take a week or two to tune the LC7i and the amp to your liking so don't get frustrated. I was in this whole setup for around $850, which is still cheaper than the $1750ish JBL package.

 

Nice set up, How is the quality sound with the LC7I with the Factory Entune in your opinion? I bought the LC7I with a 5 channel amp + F/R door speakers for my Stock premium entune as well and am hoping that I dont have to replace the Factory entune if the Lc7i isn't what I hope it is. Thanks.

 

It's really good. Its has a wide range of output adjustment on the LC7i. I have mine turned as high as it will go without hitting the maximum output range. There is a yellow light on the LC7i that will flash when it hits max output. I hardly have my amp gain turned up. I am very happy with it....for now. If there is ever a good option for a sub box then I will add a sub.

I will also tell you that the factory head unit will still adjust the bass, treble, and mid so you can still has a large range of adjustment.

Did you buy a plug and play harness?

 

Ok kool, I'm to wussy to do it myself, I'm going to have a shop do my install, I have a 5 channel amp, the LC7I, components for front, Coaxials for rear and 2- jl audio microsubs 8". I just hope it sounds good with the Factory H/U using the LC7I lol

 

Hey - very helpful thread except for the asterisks. Can you identify the asterisks so the links could possibly work. Not sure why this info is hidden. Thanks for the help.

 

ta-co-tune-s.dot.com

it's hidden because they don't feed the forum. so they've been banished to the land of makebelieve, never to be heard of again.

 

Thank you

 

Just did the same. I ran new speaker wire all around. Just tapped into the radio outputs.

And one day I will clean up the wire mess. Just finished putting in the 12” woofer .