2015 Non-JBL

@dolbytone any chance you would take a look at the crutchfield site and recommend a decent budget sound upgrade for a 2007 Taco Access Cab. Currently sounds terrible, no AUX or BT... I feel like all of it needs upgraded - new head unit and speakers. Based on research, current stock setup is tweeter + 6x9 woofer components in the front door, and a 6.75" two-way speaker in the back door. Similar to others here, I am also looking at that head unit from Boss - BE7ACP, which looks like a typical Chinese overpromise as you analyzed the math behind the specs, but it may be good enough. Separately, I called Crutchfield and the person on the phone said you do not want an aftermarket component speaker set in the front door (woofer + tweeter) as a component set practically requires an after-market amp to sound decent. In other words, the person suggested eliminating the tweeter from the front door and just buying a 2-way or 3-way 6x9 speaker for that location + 6.5-6.75" 2-way or 3-wayspeaker for rear door location from the same brand.

What are your thoughts? Head unit, speakers, etc for a new setup. I'd really like to get away in total for under $500 if possible, but if spending more makes sense I am all ears. Adding an amp looks overly complicated, but I may not have done enough research.

Thank you in advance.

 

Generally, this is true but there are exceptions and I like to try and find those exceptions. Doing it on a tight budget makes it a lot harder too, as the more efficient component speakers tend to come with more cost and while Crutchfield has a wonderful selection, they mostly have what’s popular so there are a few great brands that aren’t represented.

So yeah, if there’s no amp and subwoofer involved here, you probably are looking at a coax/triax 6x9, but before getting ahead of ourselves here, it’s a good idea to really nail down what stereo you’ll be using first because that would be what you build the rest of the system off of.

My suggestion is that you spend a little more on the radio because getting a lower end model from a reputable brand means you benefit from the technology they put in their nicer stuff typically. Also, speakers are a lot more of a stereo “consumable” than the head unit would be, meaning you are a lot more likely to upgrade those again later than the stereo. It’s always a good idea IMO to replace the factory speakers last (if they are in good condition) because they might be good enough when you get a little more power, EQ, and cleaner signal to them.

You could install the most expensive hell yes speakers, and never get the benefit because your source unit is the limiting factor. People bash the Toyota factory speakers incessantly but it really is the factory radio that sucks the most.

I think there are several decent brands out there, but it’s obvious right now that Kenwood and Pioneer are the current front runners for aftermarket stereos. In your case I’d be looking a lot more closely at the integrated amplifier specifications since you don’t plan to amplify externally.

I’ll poke around today and see what’s available.

 

First of all, thank you for the reply and your thoughts here. I don't mean for others to do my homework, but someone who is an expert in the space will quickly spot what is a good solution and what is not. After spending an inordinate amount of time looking at things yesterday, I keep going back to a few radios, including the Boss one most say not to consider, one where math doesn't work, but it has decent reviews.

I am stuck on having a screen as I would like to add a backup camera since the truck doesn't have one currently. And if I'm getting a double din screen, why not get Android Auto / CarPlay capable one. But that takes me into the pricey end of the spectrum if I go with a name brand.

Here is what I could come up with yesterday, outside the Boss unit. They have a promo on JVC where you buy the head unit and get 2 pairs of speakers 50% off, but they don't look like the greatest speakers. The second is just the head unit and amp that attaches, no speakers:

JVC solution: Head unit + 4x Coax Speakers = $400
Alpine HU + Amp: Alpine + KTA-450 = $500

Or maybe I'm thinking about this wrong, perhaps get a rear view mirror backup camera solution and a single din cheaper / better quality head unit for the radio, as long as it has bluetooth...

Thanks again.

 

you can get the alpine unit with the amp prewired. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_700650450/Alpine-iLX-W650-and-4-channel-Amp-Package.html

 

So I think the JVC looks not bad. I can’t tell you how reliable or solid functionally it will be but JVC and Kenwood are part of the same audio group so maybe that’s a positive sign, and it does have a 2 year warranty which is solid.

I ruled out any Pioneer as an option because the amplifier in those is just too weak at 14 Watts. The Kenwood get 22, and that JVC claims 20 or so.

The Alpine would be useless without the power pack IMO, and if you get that you are done budget wise so if you go that route you are looking at speakers later on.

IMO, the JVC and one of these Hertz 6x9 coax speakers would get you the best results right now for under $500. You will have to verify that they will fit however because I did not check that.



The reason I like these speakers is their sensitivity is really good so you will be getting the best use of the power available to them over any other speaker even close to that price range. They also have better low frequency extension. You’ll want that with no subwoofer planned.

Hertz is also a brand I trust, they are known for their high end stuff, but began making entry level products a few years ago so people can get familiar with the brand before dropping $1000 on door speakers as they get more serious.

So it’s up to you but that’s my input, notice I didn’t even address the BOSS. I think they suck, that they bottom feed, and you’ll come to regret going that route.

 

I ended up ordering another JVC option: KW-M750BT for $350 at Best Buy, open box excellent condition. Here is the Crutchfield spec page, looks like this unit has been discontinued, but seems to have great specs compared to the slightly cheaper $300 unit. Then ordered separately the Scoche trim kit and the wiring harness from Amazon for $33.

The Dieci series doesn't fit in my Tacoma, but the Uno series does from Hertz, according to Crutchfield. So I ordered the pair of 6x9s you suggested, and another pair of 6.75s for the rear door location. Then I will bypass the tweeters in the front door. That order was $180.

So I did go over my budget by a bit, but I believe this is the right setup for right now.

Thank you for the help and advice!