Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

All I was getting at was that there are about four different versions of the Entune head unit (Audio, Audio Plus, Premium Audio, Premium JBL Audio). This thread, like the title says, is for the Premium Audio HU, as I believe it is the only one that has the power to drive better speakers. Those who upgraded their speakers and don't have the Premium HU found the upgrade not to be that great.

 

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it.

In Hawaii we only get offered very limited package options and I seem to remember the only variation of the HU on my 2020 OR was JBL or non JBL. On top of that the 2020 HU is different to previous models, Entune 3, so there’s that also.

If I move forward with putting more money into the system, I like the idea of the small amp behind the HU to help boost things.

EDIT: I just pulled out my window sticker and it lists ‘audio-8” touch screen’. So I’m guessing it has the base 8” HU. Which kinda sucks as you’d think the OR would have something other than base...

 

Maybe if it's not really enough power for you, you could add an Alpine power pack or a Kicker Key. Both are mini amps that put out about 45 - 50 watts to each of four channels.

 

Yeah, just reading reviews for the kicker.
Ideally I didn’t want to spend more money..... but... if it’s going to improve things significantly then it’ll be worth it.

With a small amp like you mentioned will it improve the base out of the DS speakers? I’m not expecting ‘sub’ base, but would expect things to be significantly more than before installing the DS speakers.

 

Just as an FYI, I appreciate all of everyone’s input and info

 

@Taco_mike73 with the kicker amp is that going to improve the balance between front and rear?

ie more volume from the rear?

cheers

 

I'm not sure it will. I think the head unit is biased more to the front as that's where the driver sits and the biggest speakers are so you may not see as much leveling between front and rear. I could be wrong.

I was not displeased with the DS series. I think they sound much clearer and with the tweeters they sound good. I do think that they could use some more power. That would make them more alive. The DS I think we're pretty efficient compared to the CS. I really wanted the CS but they were out of stock over a month.

I have a 8" powered sub from my old vehicle to install but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm going to see how that works out. I may add and amp like I suggested to mine later too.

One thing is the kicker DS has bigger magnets and better materials over all. They will last longer than the cheap paper factory ones.

 

If you do the key amp.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tpp4s-no-nonsense-guide-to-kicker-key-t-harness-16-19.642415/

Very detailed instructions. Super easy to follow.

 

Thanks, I’m just reading though another thread on the kicker... so many threads!

this is def. learning experience

 

I wasnt looking for anything crazy. I think I'm good with where my audio is at. Kicker key, kicker tweeters, kicker KS in the doors.

 

I think I need to find a new thread. The 2020 uses a different harness in the back of the HU. I’m gonna have a look through that one for sure though! Thanks!

 

I did this same setup, but I just added an 8” powered sub this past weekend for some extra bass. I wasn’t completely dissatisfied with just the Kickers, but I wanted to feel the bass a bit more.

 

There's def no substitution for having a sub. While I think what i have is "good enough", im no fool. A small sub would make it sound much better. Trying to just not even think about it.

Saving for other projects at least keeps me from even window shopping for more audio.

 

i just ordered the

$100 Kicker 43DSC69304 Kicker DSC6930 6x9" (160x230mm) 3-Way Speakers, 4-Ohm (Pair)

Kicker 43DSC69304 for the front doors

these seem to have a low rms, 6w to 90w

anyone install these on the basic 8" screen radio?

 

Yep, just did it. It is an improvement, but not by much. You will gain clarity but loose volume and bass.

TBH the biggest improvement was from just adding the Subaru tweeters.

JMO

 

that doesn't make me feel to good about this upgrade, loose bass? i thought i would gain it..

 

The old bass was fairly big but not precise, new bass is more distinct. Hard to describe.

Definitely recommend the tweeters though.

try if out, if you like the new sound, awesome, if not return them...

I understand it’s because the base 8” unit isn’t powerful enough to ‘push’ the speakers. Probably why the old speakers have such small magnets...

 

Me again!

So... Please help me understand my own theory...

I've installed the Subaru Tweeters & Kicker DS 6x9's. I'm feeling that the system is underpowered and I'm having to turn the volume all the way up to max. If I install the Kicker DS 6.75's (that I have, just waiting for the harness to be delivered) will this draw even more power from the HU and ultimately underpower all of the other speakers a little bit more proportionately? With this setup I'm thinking the overall quality will be good, just underpowered, due to my base 8" audio HU.

If I were to go with a small amp, eg kicker 180, this will improve the install considerably and probably give me what I'm wanting, I'm believing.

Question: Because of spending the extra money on the amp I'm considering returning the DS speakers and getting the CS 6x9 & 6.75's. Has anyone had experience with both the DS & CS and would it be worth the $70 and time to swap them out?

EDIT: If I'm going full hog I might even go with the hideaway!! LOL it's never-ending!

TIA

 

After going through this, Subaru tweeters and CSs front and back and then a year later the key amp. I would say skip the back speakers as the head unit is forward biased and the rears don't get pushed hard enough to make it worth it. I don't have people sit in the back much anyway, no rear seats in my DC.

 

Yeah... I did a seat delete so no one in the back & I'm not sure my dog appreciates my music taste anyways. Would amping the stock rear speakers end up blowing them?