Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

I suggest getting the the Kicker Key amp when you get the chance. It definitely gives the those speakers the power they yearn for.

 

My only concern is I have a 2020 and it sounds like it's not the same as past years. Need to clear up the details.

 

Fair enough, but I imagine that someone will sort out the proper wiring harnesses for it sooner than later.

 

I just did this upgrade and it's a night and day difference for me. So worth the money.

I have a question though:

It seems like the passenger side Subaru tweeter is crackling during low bass? I'm not sure if the tweeters need to break in or I got a defective one. Anyone run into this issue or have tips?

I bought it through Amazon, so I can return/replace if needed.

 

I have never experienced crackling on my Subaru/Kicker tweeters. Sounds like you got a bad one. But do check to make sure your connections are tight - maybe the bass thumping is making a loose connector have contact issues.

 

If anyone's interested I have just about the complete setup for sale (Key amp and harness, Kicker speakers, Subaru tweeters) Nothing wrong with it at all just utilizing the setup in my 4Runner I decided not to fix and part out instead.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ers-key-amp-harness-400.656936/#post-22915647

 

Does anyone know of a magic potion that "heals" plastic scratches? I had too much coffee before doing a tweeter replacement, and, well...

 

Yeah buy a new plastic piece.

 

Sometimes a little heat from a hairdryer can help

 

Yeah, before I bought a new piece, I might lightly sand the immediate area to knock down or level out the gouge, then try adding a bit of heat from either a hair dryer or heat gun moving the heat around quickly at first.

If you're willing to buy a new piece anyway, might as well experiment and see if you can fix other trim as well.

 

I used some 0000 steel wool. Only issue is, it will discolor the plastic. I used a black paint pen to try and blend it. It looks better but you can still see. I’ll try to remember to take a pic a little later.

 

So I did the tweets and the front door speakers as well as a little damping mat. The tweets were the biggest improvement. The door speakers lowered the sound stage and everything still sounds a bit muddy. I'll be upgrading to the Kicker Key amp when ever someone figures out the correct harness for PNP installation.

FYI, the door speaker fit kit from Crutchfield doesn't come with screws and the screws that come with the Kickers are a bit on the narrow side. You'll have to fiddle a little to get all the screws in and they didn't seem to screw in tightly. I'll probably try some wider screws in the future.

Also FYI, when removing the sail panel, remove the 3 white clips that are left in the door and install them back in the sail panel. If you try and push the sail panel back on with the clips in the door, they can become dislodged and drop into the door causing a lot of cursing.

If I had it to do over, I would get a small midrange/tweeter coax for the dash and a 6x9 woofer or two way for the door. I may end up putting a filter on the door speakers, for now, to see about lifting the sound stage up a little.

 

Just FYI...

 

This is a great budget upgrade, but I ended up pulling out my Subaru tweeters and door 3ways and starting over. I have front components running active on the Key180.4 now and sometimes I just sit in my driveway listening to music.

 

What did you switch to and why?

 

Agreed, for the <$200 I've spent so far, it's been good.

I'd like to go Key when the PNP cables are figured out.

Did you upgrade the rears or just leave them?

 

I did put the Kicker CS coaxial in the rears when I did the initial upgrade, but I do not use them now. I have an access cab, so I use the Key in BiAmp mode for the front components only. The rear speakers are still connected to the HU, so they do work, but they are virtually useless with pitiful power the stock HU gives to the rear.

 

I think the Kicker CS 6x9 3way is a really good speaker, but when paired with the Subaru tweeters, there is way too much high end. That is 6 total tweeters, and 4 of them are way too low for a good sound stage. I found the tweeters coming from the floor and dash to combine for a very confused sound. I also found the titanium tweeters on the CS 6x9 to be a little harsh to my ears.

I originally switched to the Kicker KS component speakers connected BiAmp to the Key180.4. The KS uses a soft dome tweeter that is essentially the same as the Subaru tweeter. This is an outstanding combo. The Key actually does a good job of crossover, time alignment, and EQ for only having an auto setup. The improvement in sound stage with component speakers is night and day.

Because I can't leave well enough alone, I returned the KS components and bought the Focal Flax 165F components when they went on sale. The Kicker KS line is very good, but goddamn do the Focals sing. They are still connected BiAmp with the Key, but I will be replacing that amp eventually for two reasons:

1. I find the noise floor of the Key to be quite high. (At least when you're biamping components) I've written about it pretty extensively in other threads.
2. Now that I've been sucked into this world, I'd like a little bit more control using a DSP or amp/DSP combo.
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I have no timeline for that project, however. The Key really is outstanding for the size and price. I have it behind the HU. It will be significantly more expensive and difficult to install an amp/DSP under the seat. Someday.

 

It's definitely a slippery slope.

FWIW, I had stock speakers in my 1st Gen Tacoma running off a Parrot Asteroid head unit. That thing had dsp for phone calls that made calls sound really good and I think they used the same dsp for music. Stock speakers sounded really good with that turned on, curiously good bass, clear sound. I miss that. My 2020 originally sounded like I had cotton in my ears.

 

I had some really nice focal components in my Tacoma and they were the best speakers I’ve had. That set was pretty stupid expensive and I really wish I had pulled them.