2018 Dbl Cab audio upgrade incoming

I've already done the subaru tweeter and kicker speaker swap all around. I finally pulled the trigger on amps and a sub.

Going with a Kicker Key, JL Audio JX 500 amp for the sub, a wavetech linkD line output converter, and the 8" ported JL Audio subbox. The goal is to hopefully fill in the low end and take advantage of the Kicker's DSP to improve the soundstage. Install should be about a week from now. I will report back when it's done.

https://www.wavtech-usa.com/linkd

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136JX5001D/JL-Audio-JX500-1D.html?tp=115

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206KEY1804/Kicker-KEY180-4.html?tp=115

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13693133/JL-Audio-CP108LG-W3v3.html?tp=112

 

Have you ordered the wavtech already? I might look into the AudioControl LC7i if you haven’t preferred the wavtech. That way you can have dedicated outputs for your sub amp as well (and their bass knob is really nice if you get it)

 

Where did you mount that amp.... I got the same amp and want to mount it under the seat but not sure if that’s the way to go

 

I know you know your stuff , Have you seen any successful under the seat amp installs on Tacoma’s ?

 

It all depends on what’s under your specific seats. People do the Hideaway sub under seats all the time and those are much larger than most amps.

 

Sorry for not updating this. I don't have pics - only listening impressions.

The Kicker Key is mounted behind the radio. The JL Audio JX500 is under the driver seat. And the JL Audio 8" ported box fits in the bin on the passenger side behind the rear seat very snugly.

Honestly I'm amazed at how much bass that little sub box puts out. I can't imagine wanting or needing more. The one change I am planning on is adding a bass control knob. Right now, for properly mixed and recorded music it is tuned just right. However, some music sources (FM radio and/or USB stick) the bass is a little overwhelming. It's definitely a function of the source material. For example, I can play some Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (CD ripped to Apple Lossless, converted to high bitrate MP3 and played via the USB port off a thumb drive) and it sounds fantastic. The high's, mid's, and low's are well balanced. On the other hand with FM radio, or even some songs purchased via iTunes or Amazon music download, the bass is a bit overwhelming - I really think its a function of how lots of newer music suffers from some poor recording (ie: boost all frequencies until they clip to make the song "pop" when listening through crappy ipod headsets and factory car stereos).

All in all I'm very happy - JL Audio makes a great product in my opinion and the 8" ported box/sub combo they offer fits perfectly in these trucks.

 

Did you put the amp over the vents?

 

I will have to check when I get home - I had an installer do the work. I know the amp is under the driver seat but I can't recall if they placed them on top of or to the rear of the vents. I think it's the later but let me get home tonight and take a pic or two.

 

Thanks man... I have the same amp and can’t figure out how I want to mount it .... I’m leaning toward the “glueing” mdf on the floor board under the seat method or possibly the Velcro idea

 

Here’s some pics

 

I was able to make spacers that push the rear seats forward just enough to mount my amps above the subwoofer box. The only place a decent size amp would fit without putting them in the back is under the driver seat. I pulled the last section of the floor vent tube out and taped the end going to the blower when I first installed my amp. Now they’re both in the back and vent reinstalled

 

I built this to mount my signal processor under the drivers seat. Its just a sheet of plastic from Menards and some aluminum strips bent and bolts to it. It is held down by the seat bolts clamping it down. Dimensions for my signal processor are 10.5”W x 5.7”D x 1.6”H, seat slides back and forth just fine, and my under seat vent still blows air out under the rack and into the rear area.