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Stock radio SUCKS, any advice?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Mjordan, Jul 20, 2012.

  1. Jul 21, 2012 at 5:19 PM
    #21
    SoCalTacos

    SoCalTacos Turd runner

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    Nah, I'm not jbl. I have stock hu, with focals amp and audio control unit (lc6i)
     
  2. Jul 21, 2012 at 7:05 PM
    #22
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Ahh... Missed the amp part.

    I have feeling from comments in the thread that the OP is not interested in amps.
    After installing my Rosen Nav HU and Polk DB6501 component system, I certainly have zero interest in amps or subs.
     
  3. Jul 21, 2012 at 7:08 PM
    #23
    SoCalTacos

    SoCalTacos Turd runner

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    Yeah, my '05 I had a pioneer hu with mb quarts mids n highs. Sounded decent enough. Much better than stock.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2012 at 7:14 PM
    #24
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    I considered a sub, but believe it or not, the vids posted on this forum talked me out of it.

    I like bass, but I like definition. All I hear when the guys kick their subs on is the buzzing of the truck and I'm not hearing any music.

    With the setup that I've got, I'll crank Liquid Metal or my iPod to the point that it's painful and there's no distortion.
     
  5. Jul 21, 2012 at 8:04 PM
    #25
    SoCalTacos

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    The setup I'm running now has a bass knob so i just turn the bass down on my stealthbox when I get tired of it.
    I'm also dynamatted so i don't rattle too much when bass is high.
    But i like the clarity aspect in systems more than the boom boom as well...hence the focals.
     
  6. Jul 23, 2012 at 11:22 AM
    #26
    Mjordan

    Mjordan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yep not interested in an amp or subs at all. No offense to anyone that has them, but I feel like they're very childish and people only get them too be "cool" when they're in highschool. Nobody can seriously like that boom and rattle so loud that you can't hear the actual music.
     
  7. Jul 23, 2012 at 11:31 AM
    #27
    SoCalTacos

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    Although bass is essential to "hear" music correctly, I understand what you mean. If i were in your shoes, I would buy a "cheaper" hu and get some decent component speakers. You probably won't get the best out of the speakers, not being amplified, you will get much better than stock sounds.
     
  8. Jul 23, 2012 at 9:12 PM
    #28
    BlackSeven

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    I have a 10 inch slim line sub with a small amp turned down low. You can't hear it outside the truck, but inside it really fleshed out the sound. I've always ran a sealed slim sub in all of my cars and it makes a huge difference without sounding like a 17 year old kid. Not to mention it fits the behind the seat in the reg cab.
     
  9. Jul 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM
    #29
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    That's what everyone says......I have a set of 4 way 6x9s sitting in my garage that I mean to install someday.....but getting the stock head unit out of there made such a huge difference that I've decided to wait until I blow the stock speakers up.

    Head unit first! I went with a $150 Kenwood that has on board Ipod control and an aux in jack. HUGE difference.
     
  10. Jul 25, 2012 at 7:34 AM
    #30
    Mjordan

    Mjordan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's more understandable I guess then. I just don't understand the people with bass so loud that you hear it when you pass them on the interstate. But oh well, to each their own...


    I didn't think about it before, and remember I'm a complete noob at this stuff.... But if I get a new HU does that mean I won't be able to use the stock aux plugin?
     
  11. Jul 25, 2012 at 7:44 AM
    #31
    BlackSeven

    BlackSeven Grab your helmet, this shits about to get retarded

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    Depending on which radio you buy you won't need the stock aux plug anymore.

    Example:

    I have this headunit:
    http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSXS300B...qid=1343227227&sr=8-9&keywords=sony+head+unit

    It doesn't have a CD player, instead the face flips down and it has a USB port and a tray to store your ipod/mp3 player (and an adapter specific for the iPod if thats what you want to use). All ipod controls happen on the headunit itself, which makes it much safer while driving in my opinion as they're much easier to use. Also it has an external USB port if you have a thumb drive with music on it or you just chose to keep your ipod external.

    I paid 180, so the price coming down to 140 is pretty damn awesome too.It also has Sirius/XM capability and the screen can display alot of information which is good cause I like to see the artist/track/track time/album name etc.

    The pandora feature is the one I use the most with my phone streaming bluetooth directly to the headunit with no wiring mess in the truck. It's the best feature in my opinion cause I don't like clutter in the truck.
     
  12. Jul 25, 2012 at 8:35 AM
    #32
    Mjordan

    Mjordan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Great post thanks for all the info man! I really like that, the little "secret" compartment is pretty cool too. So you're saying that I could get a HU that will allow me to use the stock aux plugin though right?
     
  13. Jul 25, 2012 at 9:39 AM
    #33
    BlackSeven

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    No. I don't know of any way to retain it aside from running a new aux 1/8th stereo jack plugin wire all together as the factory input is 1/8th stereo jack to proprietary toyota plug on the back side of the stock headunit.
     
  14. Jul 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM
    #34
    Mobyman

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    I was looking to go this route too; stock HU, JL Stealthbox, amp, upgraded speakers. Actually have Sub on the way, just trying to decide on the speakers. JL audio or Focal? I like both and have heard both, just wondering if Focal is worth the extra dough. Do you have any suggestions on install? Does the LC6i make the sound comparable to a aftermarket HU? Where did you put the LC6i? Bass control (Y/N), Dynamat rear wall and doors(Y/N). Anything else I'm missing? Thank you for any and all info you can provide.
     
  15. Jul 25, 2012 at 11:31 AM
    #35
    SoCalTacos

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    focals are worth the extra bucks...LC6i makes adjusting levels on the speakers a bit more tunable...better than stock hu controls, not as good as aftermarket hu controls. i do have a bass control installed on my dash left of the steering wheel. and i did dynamat the rear of cabin and all doors. sounds good to me, however i know with an aftermarket hu it will sound better.
     
  16. Jul 25, 2012 at 5:13 PM
    #36
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead Well-Known Member

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    This is good advice. I went with speakers first and my 6x9s had great highs but no bass because they were underpowered. Imagine my feeling of awesomeness when I installed my Alpine 6x9s and the stock rear speakers had a bunch more bass, lol.

    Now I have a Kenwood HU powering my 2 6x9s in front and they sound great even without an amp. The Sound Ordnance powered 8" slimline behind my DC seats provides enough punch to be able to listen to techno but not so much as to drown out the un-amped 6x9s in front. It's a good balance for my budget.
     

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