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Sound quality update

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Doc-Toc, Oct 25, 2021.

  1. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:15 AM
    #1
    Doc-Toc

    Doc-Toc [OP] New Member

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    I’m new to the taco world and the stock sound is just not doing it for me… if anyone could help me out in choosing an upgrade to my sound system that would be helpful.!! !! SOMETHING PLUG AND PLAY!!
     
  2. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:16 AM
    #2
    tcjacado

    tcjacado Well-Known Member

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  3. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:16 AM
    #3
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

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    ^ X2
     
    Doc-Toc[OP] and tcjacado like this.
  4. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:24 AM
    #4
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    If you like the OEM head unit, then you may be able to replace the OEM speakers.

    Or you could go whole hog. Head unit, amp, speaker, sound deadening..........

    What is your budget? $100, $10,000
     
  5. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:25 AM
    #5
    Doc-Toc

    Doc-Toc [OP] New Member

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    I don’t have really any knowledge on replacing and cost of things tbh.
     
  6. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:30 AM
    #6
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    Ok..... you're starting point is 0.

    Suggest for you to get onto the Crutchfield website. Enter your truck information (year, model, trim), the site will sift to display the components that will fit your ride.

    Cruise around on that site. There are educational sections to help you become familiar.

    FWIW, it doesn't take long to reach a 4 figure cost.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2021
    DocJ, TRD-ED and Doc-Toc[OP] like this.
  7. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:35 AM
    #7
    LTG4087

    LTG4087 Well-Known Member

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  8. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:36 AM
    #8
    pochoboy

    pochoboy Well-Known Member

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    surprised no one mentioned OEM Audio Plus
     
    Terraj66 likes this.
  9. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:42 AM
    #9
    TacoLin1234

    TacoLin1234 Well-Known Member

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    I went with Kickers all around. Not expensive and much better quality sound. As mentioned by Knute, do the Crutchfield search. It is well worth your time.
     
    RandomHero01 likes this.
  10. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:46 AM
    #10
    RustyGreen

    RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

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    Good sound is expensive, how good do you want to buy?

    The Subaru tweeter upgrade is less that $100 and makes for an easy (but not life changing) improvement.

    The OEM Audio Plus system is closer to $2000, I haven't heard it but I want it for the factory look and plug and play install.

    Sound deadening will make even the factory system sound better.
     
  11. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:49 AM
    #11
    RandomHero01

    RandomHero01 (Amateur Human)

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    I haven't changed anything in my '21 yet, but I see the need to do something about the rear speakers at the least. I'll second the Crutchfield recommendation too. My dad and I did a couple head unit replacements in our '07 and '09 Tacomas and the Crutchfield techs sat on the phone with us to figure out wiring until we got it right. Really great customer service there.
     
    RustyGreen likes this.
  12. Oct 25, 2021 at 7:51 AM
    #12
    RustyGreen

    RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

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    2X on Crutchfield service. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
     
  13. Oct 25, 2021 at 8:02 AM
    #13
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    FWIW. I'm looking at a system to replace the '06 CD system in my ride.

    It won't be a "high end" system, just a nice upgrade.

    Head unit w/NAV
    Component 6x9 speakers in front door
    Coaxial 6 1/2 speakers in access door
    Sound deadening in doors and rear wall
    misc trim and USB ports.

    Cost will run about $1100. This is a Want. Economically with inflation, covid, income......this upgrade is low on the priority list.

    I'll probably end up doing the upgrade in steps.
    Sound Deadening first
    Speakers next
    finally the head unit.

    The start of my learning was on the Crutchfield site, then other sites and asking specific question here. Careful, you can easily be overwhelmed with information and misinformation. Figure out your goal and a target budget. Don't be surprised if your target budget is horribly under estimated.

    I purposefully did not mention brand or models or specific costs in my upgrade list, because this will just add to confusion. Everyone will say, "I install this and its the best" or something to that effect. Truth is, you need to research and begin sifting through the options to fit your goals and budget and constraints.

    Good Luck. Ask. Many here will help. Be aware of the "I'm best posts"
     
    RustyGreen likes this.
  14. Oct 25, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #14
    pochoboy

    pochoboy Well-Known Member

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    rear speaker? would that mean replacing hu or adding amp at the very least but that "may not fill your sate"(rabbit hole).
    I thought I'd be satisfied spending/doing "x" amount of upgrade work to the stock system but...

    if I were to do it all over again I'd do door deadening when replacing speakers
     
  15. Oct 25, 2021 at 9:59 AM
    #15
    Taco_mike73

    Taco_mike73 Well-Known Member

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    Lomax tonneau cover, oem bed lights, AJT Design chrome delete, black out badges & tailgate letters, AVS hood deflector & vent visors, Solkie tech hood supports, interior LED lights, Tufskinz mud guards, RedArc TowPro Liberty, bed mat, kicker speaker upgrade, Hikari ultra H11 low beams, Diode Dynamics SS3 fogs in yellow, Meso customs total taillight stage 1. Coming soon: Compact powered sub install Future mods planned: bigger tires (265/75/16) BILLSTIEN 5100 lift
    I am in the process of doing more upgrades to my 2020
    I first changed the speakers to Kicker DS series from Crutchfield. and the subaru kicker tweeters from Amazon. I highly reccomend Crutchfield, been buying home and car gear from them since the early 1990's.
    I really wanted the Kicker CS series speakers but they weren't available at the time.

    The upgrades made a difference but I still think it needs more power. I'm working on getting together the parts and time to install a alpine power pack 45 watt x4 rms amp and an 8" 125 watt powered sub I had in my old Jeep.

    See this thread
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2021-speaker-upgrade-please-help.735644/
     
  16. Oct 25, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #16
    5nahalf

    5nahalf I build dumb things

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  17. Oct 25, 2021 at 12:01 PM
    #17
    DAS Taco

    DAS Taco Well-Known Member

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    Stock head unit with Focal drivers...
     
  18. Oct 25, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #18
    shotgunbilly420

    shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 249+ mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

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    Joying head unit
     
  19. Oct 25, 2021 at 12:08 PM
    #19
    Speedfreak

    Speedfreak Member in poor standing

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    I made my own plug and play. Kicker door speakers, powered by an Alpine KTP-445U Powerpack. The sub I did isn't so plug and play. Fibreglass inclosure with Cerwin Vega Shallow 10" powered by a Hertz D-Power mono amp. I am happy and it wasn't a break the bank kind of set up.
     
  20. Oct 25, 2021 at 12:10 PM
    #20
    island taco

    island taco Well-Known Member

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    Kicker speakers, Key amp, Spiker hood struts, tonnueo cover, Cooper AT3 4s, Method Double Standard Bronze

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