Decent system without a sub?

The stock non-JBL in my 2009 Access Cab is weak. I miss the system I had in my Jimmy, but don't want to lose a lot of space for a sub. I want to upgrade the existing Headunit and speakers so I can get that better low end back.

I searched, but couldn't find anyone wanting to do a similar setup. Any suggestions, advice, tips? Thanks!

 

Get a new HU, good set of components upfront and run an amp to them. Put the amp under the passenger seat.

 

If you are willing to spend a bit, remember the bigger the cone, the better the bass. And remember a proper install makes a bigger differences than anything else.

Check out ItalyonStylons build :http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/59941-my-deadening-project.html

And spend that much time on your door deadening.

Then spend the dollars on a good amp, and some quality components. I am not a big fan of passive, or a huge ID fan, but it seems the ID XS69 components would suit you well.

I would also consider many a 6.5 or 7" component sets.

 

Does anyone know what the top-mount depth is for the rear speakers?

I got to thinking, and had an epiphany. What if it was possible to replace the speakers in the rear doors with small subs? Not ideal, and haven't even thought about an enclosure. Maybe.

Another option would be mounting a custom enclosure to the rear wall in between the seat backs, above the rear console. Just thinking out loud here.

 

I asked that question too - and although I still haven't pulled the door panels to look - most I talked to seemed to think the doors lacked sufficient metal structure to support the vibration a sub would put out.

 

You say you have a 09 Access Cab....09+ don't have speakers in the rear doors. They are up in the headboard and a pain in the ass to get to.

 

Wow, I guess you are right. Cut me a little slack, Iv'e had the truck for less than a month now. Those speakers are definitely going to be used for my mobile CB/HAM install someday.

 

I could never hear any sound out of the rears in my 09 AC.

I installed a set of BA PRO 60's and I have more than enough bass for me. I also have a JL Audio driving the components.

Check with Marv and get install rings he sells they work. Also install some sound deadening in the doors it will make a huge difference.

Go to a high end audio shop and hear the difference.

 

From my experience w/o a sub, and I know I will get ragged for saying this. The factory speakers for whatever reason have better bass. But on my last truck I had the same thought. Didn't want a sub box and with the amount of bass that the factory's had I thought that if I upgraded to some good aftermarkets it would only get better. I was wrong. Yes the highs were better, but the bass was a big loss, couldn't get any decent bass, and wound up adding a sub anyway. And this was with adding 6x9's in the front doors which replaced if I remember correctly 6 1/2's and upgraded the rear doors from like a 4 1/2 to 5 1/4. I did extensive research and bought what was supposed to be the best in terms of bass output. I was highly dissapointed. Of course I didn't do the components, maybe that was where I went wrong? But they were about twice the price and I remember how good some 6x9's could sound in the rear deck of a car so I thought maybe I could get decent bass in the doors. Oh, and I did have an amp also. Good luck.

 

I thought Mr. Marv had a sub-forum on here somewhere? Oh well, his contact info is in his sig. In my searches I've heard he has a new design for an enclosure that will replace the rear center console in my 2009 Access cab.

I plan on either buying Mr. Marv's rings, or making my own. won't happen for another month or two, as my funds right now are going elsewhere.

 

I am not surprised that factory speakers had more bass if you did not properly treat the doors. I have seen/heard it several times. It is not always the case either way, and sometimes just a speaker replacement does exactly what you describe.

But if you are serious about no sub, you have to really work to get the best bass response. Optimal would be a in-door enclosure designed for the mid....

 

This is a prime example of what I was talking about the other day when we were sitting in my truck Matt. I think a lot of guys would do really well with a passive 8" component system in the Tacoma. That would be enough bass for most I'd imagine.

Maybe I should offer a kit

 

If you could knock out some decent passive networks designed around the placement (switch polarity or change slope for each side, etc - whatever is needed to get the best sound with no processing at all) and get some good deals on some DIY drivers... Figure out a good tweet mount for whatever, since you have the depth back there...

Would be a great idea, but many want a brand name, not DIY drivers.

Probably better to sit on a high quality 7". less (or no) modification to the door, especially if you build the baffle and include it with the setup. I am not sure if you can do that with the 8"... Also probably easier to match up with a tweeter that far away from the driver, as it will play higher.

ETA - I wonder if a driver like a Peerless would solve the fitting issue, as the "cut" may allow it to fit in that area without bulging or much modification on the vertical part of the door card...

 

Way ahead of you man.....

And I'm pretty sure you can get an 8 in the door without cutting metal. Just needs the proper baffle.

 

Steven, what would your best suggestion for components in the $100 to $150 price range for someone that has a sub? I'm going to dampen my doors but was looking at some decent Kenwood or Pioneer component sets with the baffles they sell on Crutchfield.

 

intrigued... PM or text some info. I think I will be starting some stuff in my truck soon, if you have some ideas we can try it in mine before I start deadening for some base line. Looking at 1-2 weeks or so? After that I will (hopefully soon) be about as deadened as you, with processor, etc.

 

OK with used, or need to buy new? Need to buy at a certain store, or OK with buying unheard?

Power you have available, or running off stock or aftermarket head unit?

 

I'm not picky as long as it sounds good. Used is fine if they come from a good home.

They will be ran off a Kenwood DNX6140.

 

Find something stupid efficient that will make the most of the limited amount of power you have.

 

Yup. But skip some Infinity speakers unless you like bright tweeters