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2012 Stock Stereo

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Winger12003, Mar 8, 2012.

  1. Mar 8, 2012 at 7:14 AM
    #1
    Winger12003

    Winger12003 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Mike
    Elizabeth City, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 TRD OFFROAD 4x4
    265/75/16 Duratracs, 1.25 Spidertrax, OEM rack, TRD catback, weathertechs, TRD bead Locks, 5100's all around with 1 inch rear block
    Ok I know I'm gonna catch shit for saying this but I actually think the stock stereo system in my double cab sounds pretty decent. I just traded a Tundra in that had a Pioneer head unit with Infinity Kappa door speakers and a 8 inch bazooka bass tube mounted behind the rear seats, it was a crew max, and I know that this sytem dosen't compare to that, but for a stock system it actually dosen't sound half bad. I don't have the Entune system, just the stock CD system, but it does sound pretty decent. I would love to keep the stock head unit and just add an amp, change out the door speakers, and add the JL audio small sub box behind the rear seat compartment. The stock system doses have a little bottom end, its not much but it does sound amazingly good if you consider the size of the speaker magnets and cheap paper cones. Maybe I'm just getting older and hate the thought running new wires, popping off door panels, and risking the chance of tearing something up in my new truck, LOL.
     
  2. Mar 8, 2012 at 3:41 PM
    #2
    tbturner47

    tbturner47 Well-Known Member

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    '16 Barcelona Red TRD Off Road
    I don't know much about setting up audio systems, but I will agree that the 2012's seem to have better sound quality than my 07 and 09 did. I think the new head unit might have made the difference.
     
  3. Mar 8, 2012 at 4:08 PM
    #3
    MountainDog

    MountainDog Well-Known Member

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    Aurora, CO
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    2012 4x4 Double Cab Off Road
    Vinyl floor; 265/75/16 Duratracs; SnugTop Rebel
    I agree as well. I was surprised at the quality, plus the Bluetooth is awesome. Saves me some money for now that I can put towards lift, topper etc.
    It's definitely no custom system (I've put a lot of money into car audio in my life), but it'll do for a while.
     
  4. Mar 8, 2012 at 7:14 PM
    #4
    Scentless

    Scentless Active Member

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    Just to be the odd man out, I think it's horrible.

    My audio thread on here about my upgrade lists the stereo as my ONLY complaint on the truck. Of course you don't buy a vehicle for its sound system, so it's not that big of a deal, I figured I had to throw a system in it - STILL - it's 2012 and for the total price of the truck..man..you should see these crappy speakers. The shop that did my install put the stock speakers in a box for me...man...cheapest looking speakers I've EVER SEEN, without question. Embarrassing. I couldnt even put the stereo to 90% volume without it distoring. And plugging in a device to the auxillary jack? HAHAHAH - you might as well just use little mini laptop speakers in your truck.

    <end rant>
     
  5. Mar 8, 2012 at 9:18 PM
    #5
    rwhite188

    rwhite188 Well-Known Member

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    Ray
    Texarkana, Ar
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    I have a 2011 and the factory stereo in my truck needs allot of help.. Everytime I trade a vehicle I always return the car to stock and remove my stereo equipment so I can transplant it in my new one. Even my wife said she didn't like the stereo in the tacoma and ask when I was going to replace it.. This is something she always gripes about cause it is useless money spent.. lol Her exact words..
     
  6. Mar 9, 2012 at 3:50 AM
    #6
    Winger12003

    Winger12003 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Mike
    Elizabeth City, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 TRD OFFROAD 4x4
    265/75/16 Duratracs, 1.25 Spidertrax, OEM rack, TRD catback, weathertechs, TRD bead Locks, 5100's all around with 1 inch rear block
    The stock system is not a window rattler, but like I stated before, if you consider the small ass magnet for the speakers and crappy paper cones, it rocks pretty well, I do get some bottom end, not like a sub mind you, but it's still pretty decent for what it is.
     
  7. Mar 9, 2012 at 6:56 PM
    #7
    Scentless

    Scentless Active Member

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    Fair enough, Mike!

    For some reason, I think every other stock system I've heard or known has sounded better than the 2012. BUT - maybe that's just me being super critical of a new purchase.

    One thing I did like about the stock system - the look! I thought the two large side knobs were pretty classy looking with the chrome & black...& the 'Toyota' on the top of the black face...looked pretty nice.
     
  8. Mar 12, 2012 at 4:54 AM
    #8
    BLM613

    BLM613 Member

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    Brett
    NorCal
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    I also have the stock stereo in my 12 and it's ok, for some reason when listening to the Sirius there was no bass whatsoever, is that normal? Also does anyone know if it's possible for a dealer to install the entune system into my truck now that I've already bought it? If not, does anyone recommend a comparable HU that has options like Bing, Pandora, NAV, etc? I'd really like something with those types of options but I'm not sure if it's possible to install...
     
  9. Mar 12, 2012 at 8:00 AM
    #9
    OzarkMK

    OzarkMK Active Member

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    Springfield Missouri
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    I am defintely not a fan of the stock stereo system. My next mod will be to put in some higher quality speakers. Hopefully that will improve the sound quality enough that i dont have to replace the head unit.
     
  10. Mar 13, 2012 at 9:03 PM
    #10
    Scentless

    Scentless Active Member

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    Yeah, if you're willing to spend the cash on speakers and you do really care about the sound quality - replace the stock head unit.

    Like I said, I actually liked the look of it and would rather not have to put a $30 face plate in the middle of my truck's dash..but I can't stand bad sound.
     
  11. Apr 22, 2012 at 11:24 AM
    #11
    lau4g

    lau4g New Member

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    I'm completely new to the forum. Just bought a 2012 DCSB with JBL. System is incredible. No getting around it. But, I listened to both stock system and the JBL system, and I think the only difference is the subwoofer in the back. That may not be true, but I think Toyota just put JBL badging on the speakers in the front but they are actually the same? Thoughts?
     
  12. Apr 22, 2012 at 12:18 PM
    #12
    cosgrc

    cosgrc Well-Known Member

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    OME Lift, 887, Dakars
    I have owned my truck for two days:eek: and have the JBL/Entune system. I must say, so far I am pretty impressed. I used to install car electronics for a living years ago and said I would never buy a stock "upgraded" stereo. I have run all types of systems and the last one was setup for SQ (Sound Quality). I may be ruined becasue of that system, and don't think anything will ever touch it, but with that said, the JBL/Entune will remain in my truck. Good thing, the JBL/Entune system is a FRACTION of what my last system was worth. I will have more $$$ for other goodies!:D
     
  13. Apr 23, 2012 at 6:52 AM
    #13
    81shark

    81shark Well-Known Member

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    i know my truck is older, but it was the worst stereo i've ever heard from a factory.
     
  14. Apr 23, 2012 at 10:47 AM
    #14
    lau4g

    lau4g New Member

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    Thanks. Just out of curiosity, I would really like to know what the differences are in in the speakers and head unit... Does anyone have the tech info?
     
  15. Jul 20, 2014 at 6:50 AM
    #15
    Gallatin

    Gallatin Member

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    I've been test driving 2014 Toyota's, and I am horrified at the cheap stock stereos. My 2003 LE plain Jane Camry sounds like an audiophile's dream in comparison.

    The Rav4 might be the worst. Just atrocious sound.
     
  16. Jul 20, 2014 at 7:47 AM
    #16
    Yotabilly

    Yotabilly Well-Known Member

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    The Bluegrass
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    2013 4cyl,5spd.4x4 Reg Cab
    UWS low profile toolbox, tint, rainguards, color matched grill surround 265/75r16 Goodyear Duratracs Ultra-Guage XB fogs, Weathertech Floor Liners, OME 884s, 2"AAL, Bilstein 5100s, FJ Trail Team wheels, Matt123 skid plate, 30" light bar, Rigid Duallys, Bed extender
    I had a 1990 Ranger that had a better sounding stereo than my 2013 Tacoma(base model) has.
    I like the Bluetooth , but the sound is horrible. Not a big deal for me though as I always upgrade from stock.
     
  17. Jul 21, 2014 at 3:49 PM
    #17
    81shark

    81shark Well-Known Member

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    unless they upgraded the system from 06...it's garbage.
     

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