Needing stereo advice for my new taco...

So I've just bought a 2009 Access Cab Tacoma and I'm wanting to replace the factory stereo. I'm looking for a component set for the doors and rears and will be wanting to mount an 8, 10, or 12" shallow sub in the cab also. The deck I buy will need to be a double din screen with navigation.

So here's the question. I used to be into car stereo about ten years ago and I remember that companies were fickle. They would make awesome products one year and then crap the next depending on what brand you used. So I'm wanting to know who makes the creme de la creme in speakers these days. I'm wanting clarity above all but still want to be able to crank it without crackle. I've looked at Rockford Fosgate's "Power" line, Apline's "Pro" line, Pioneer's "D-Series", and a few more. What are your thoughts?

-Marcos

 

The fact that you understand that will make this easier on the both of us.

One company that always makes very nice sounding (and capable) speakers is Focal. Some of the systems are quite pricey but one thing is for sure, I've never heard a set that just flat out sucked. They always perform. The hybrid audio clarius series is a great set as well. Less of a well known name but the owner, Scott Bwualda, is a true SQ guy.

For your deck, you've got options. Since you want NAV you might look at some of the Kenwood units. Some of the Pioneer units might be on sale still with that Amazon 25% off coupon code so those could be competitive as well. Are you planning on running an amp for the components as well as the subs? If you are then I'd say look for something with a 4v pre-out voltage or higher. It's not a deal breaker by any means but it helps to have a strong clean signal.


What's your price budget for all this stuff? Can you install it yourself or will you have to pay for that?

 

I would say go to a store and pick out what you want. Focal or JL are going to the highest quality but have the highest price to go with it. Anyway go to onlinecarstereo.com. They sell stuff for about 1/2 to a 1/3 cheaper than the stores and it is all brand new stuff. I have outfitted my last three trucks and one of my friends has a $4000 system from these people. They offer warranty and have every part under the sun for installs. The cool thing is when you order something they will call you if they feel something is wrong or missing from what you need. I just priced a system from car toys yesterday for all the parts was $890, on the website it was $505 for the same products!!!

 

I don't really have a set budget per se but I'm wanting to be reasonable. Last car I put a stereo in was my Eclipse and I bought the top of the line Alpine components for the front and rears that were all amped by a multi channel amp.

For subs, I'm only wanting one and have looked hard at the Infinity Basslink II. ( http://www.infinitysystems.com/car/...SL&ser=BSL&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA )

 

A tentative budget is a necessity. "Reasonable" is a relative term. I build tower speakers that I sell for $2800 a pair. And in my opinion, that's EXTREMELY reasonable for home audiophile speakers.

So my point is that our frame of reference might be quite different. Give us a ball park here.

 

Max budget would be $600 for speakers (front and rear), $600 for bass (sub, amp, enclosure), and $1200 for deck.

When you look at these prices do not think retail. I'm an avid eBay buyer and if the store sells it for $100 you can bet your ass I'll find it online for $30.

 

Noted....I'll see what I can come up with later. I noticed you did not budget for sound deadener. I'll work that into the rest of those prices.

 

I bought focal comps up front and coax rear for about what you want. You could also go jl c5 front and rear for speakers. You probably have to go pdx5 on amp and a single sub due to budget there. What features do you want on the head unit? You can get almost anything for 1200. I think you need more budget for mid and high and sub amplification and a box and subs.

In order to get subs and amp to match my head unit and mids and highs I spent over your whole budget for an amp and am spending $500 on two subs. The box will be in the $150-200 range. Two pdx amps or ken wood amps is around 600. My jl hd 900/5 was 700. You'd be great if you even opened up the budget 200 bucks there. Top line stuff that is still reasonable. In fact unless you want a kenwood 9960 you should have money left over from your deck budget.

 

These Focal's would be pretty nice and the price is right. http://www.woofersetc.com/p8377/165-VB--Focal-Polyglass-65"-Component-Speaker-System.htm

Honestly, I got the Focal 165V1 set (slightly different tweeter) like 5 years ago for $188 on SonicElectronix ebay store. I don't know how I did that but I got the deal of the century. Those sounded AMAZING in the doors of my IS300.

For an amp, I'd really like to see you get a Kenwood XR-5S. Small package and packs more of a punch than the PDX5; lower noise too! And that's plenty of amp for everything.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_27589_Kenwood+eXcelon+XR-5S.html

For the sub you've got a bunch of good options. How much space do you want to give up? If you're willing to give up the drivers side cubby behind the rear seat then you can get a 10" back there for sure as long as it's not super deep. How about an SSA Icon 10"? That thing will hit like crazy and sound good too. I'd considered a FiQ 10 as well but it might be a hair deep.
http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/store/products/10"-SSA-ICON-10D1{47}D2.html

For an enclosure hit up MrMarv. No one knows the Taco like him. His work is top notch. I'd make sure you put a lot of money into deadening the truck too.

 

Thanks, Stallion. Looks like I have my homework cut out for me. Do you have any suggestions for the 6X9 holes in the rear of the truck?

 

The rear holes are 6.5's and no not really. I don't normally do rear speakers.

 

I got Focal 165 CVX coax for my rear. They were by far the best sounding coax Focal makes other than the K2 coax (which are just too expensive). The crossover is also included in the rear of the speaker. I got the rears for rear seat passengers and the fact I have a dolby 5.1 decoding for movies in my head unit.

 

+1

I also just installed a pair of Focal 165 CVX coaxials in the rear doors and they sound incredible!!! My front doors rock a pair of Hertz 165 ESK components but these Focals really take the cake. Shop around on ebay and you should be able to find something within your stated price range. I paid $200 for my Focals (new) and along with a pair of Hertz components it came to $450, including shipping. Good luck!!

 

I like the Hertz Audio stuff too. I would at least go with the Hi-Energy line, the Mille are a bit pricey. I'm not sure how they compare to comparable Focals though, I haven't heard any.

 

I'm running an 8" JL Audio sub. Won't rattle the truck apart(didn't want something obnoxiously loud) but it sounds good.