2 channel amp for rear speakers?

I replaced all 6 speakers in my 2020 OR but still don't get much sound from the rear speakers. This is normal from what I've read.

Can I just install a 2 channel amp to power the rear speakers and still keep everything else as is?
Can I hook the amp in so it's controlled by the stock head unit volume control and meshes with the front volume, balance, etc.?

I'm thinking of the same model that is used in home theater setups with a processor and outboard amps.

How easy or hard is it to do this?

 

You can. I'm just not sure why you would. The expense and process will be almost identical to amping front and rear speakers with the exception of connecting a handful of extra wires and you will have better sound doing both. But, that's my opinion and it's your truck. Yes the amp would utilize stock head unit functions if properly installed. It is not super difficult and there are good tutorials here and on the net, but to do a clean, safe aesthetic install it takes some time and patience. It can be done with minimal special tooling and that stuff is readily available. I would recommend an amp specifically designed for car audio. A decent one will run a few hundred bucks

 

I'd look at the Kicker Key and do both front and rear. The Key comes with a microphone and has a calibration procedure using pink noise that improves all the sound levels, it's pretty slick. It fits behind the stock HU as well (at least it did on my '18). You'll need to make a harness for a cut-free install, but I think the harnesses changed in the '20 year model and options got a bit more expensive.

I'm actually running my Key in bi-amp mode, powering components in the front only (one channel to woofer, the other to the mid-tweets in the dash), with the HU powering the rear speakers that I can't really hear anyway, and my dog doesn't really complain.

 

Agree with above. ^^

It's going to be far more difficult to balance rears with fronts on just a two channel. It will also be equally difficult, if not slightly more difficult to wire, believe it or not. You are tapping high level outputs out of your factory HU, and will be wrangling the wires for all four speakers regardless of how many you actually push through the amp. Amps don't just make speakers louder, they do a bit of signal processing also. That means that putting two speakers side by side, both pushing the same frequency and volume, but only one is amped, is going to sound like muddled shit.

Get a four channel, set the gains between front and rear to balance with each other, and be done.

 

The JL 4 channel I ordered couple years back didn’t fit by like a 1/4” even after I thought I measured every which way. Going to repurposed some old gear for the rears. I’m an A/C so fabricating is definitely in the cards. Yeah, if it fits 4 channel amp is the way to go.

 

If you amped just the rears they'll drown out the fronts even with the gain set to minimum. You'll end up with louder and better sound in the back and wish you went through the trouble of getting a 4 channel.

I just installed an Alpine power pack and it allows you to increase the gains in the rear to balance to the front. Kicker key is also another popular compact sub folks here have been using. When I replaced all the speakers it cleaned up the sound but I lost volume and bass. Adding the amp was what made a significant improvement in everything.

 

I'm fine going with a 4 channel. Just thought it might be an easier install with a 2 but doesn't sound like it.

 

Why not go to 5 channel so you can throw a small sub behind the back seat while you're at it?

 

Thats how it all starts !. Op comes on here asking about 2 channels and winds up with 5 channels, soundproofing, 10,000 watts and a 27" subwoofer lol. This site is the devil hahaha.

 

Same. Key 200 in Bi Amp. Key 500 running a 2ohm downfiring 10" sub. The rears may as well not even be there but I have an access cab so it isn't a big deal. Both amps fit cleanly under the drivers seat with easy access for any adjustments

 

@SuperAir never said I was a good influence.

 

Rip it all out, start from scratching. Component speakers, 16 ga wire, 0.ga power, capacitors, bigger alternator, crossovers, 2 amps, a 4 channel and second for the 15” sub. Line the whole truck in sound mat

And a Pedal Commander is a must .

 

the poor sound from the rear speakers has more to do with the location than the speaker quality, or power. they're the kind of speaker location that the phrase "leave well enough alone" embodies.

 

Any pictures of how you mounted your amp behind your stock unit?

 

It's tough to take a picture of that.

On ours it basically wedges down underneath the HU and behind climate controls. It makes it a real challenge to set gains and do the self calibrate. You basically have to do that with it all hanging out, then finish the install after you tune it the way you like.

The good news is that once it's dialed in, it works like magic. And it's invisible.




I see you have a 2018. Go here for more info on it.

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

 

Good point on the picture .

Thanks for the response and link.

Seems like you're still happy with your setup, making it that much more tempting for me to go down the same road.

 

I do like it. It puts out enough volume to listen to with the windows down. It does a good job at that.