Upgrading '09 SOUND... HELP

I am looking to upgrade my stereo in my truck, a little at a time. Does anyone know what brands of head units will work with the steering wheel controls? Or is it just a mod? i guess i am basically interested in just getting better sound quality and more bass. the stock speakers such ass, and all i us is my ipod. Is it possible to just upgrade the speakers? will it sound any different, if i'm still using the stock HU? any suggestions?

 

If you get good speakers and install them correctly it will make a HUGE difference. Especially if you amplify them. The head unit can help to by providing more power (if you dont amplify the speakers)

 

does it make a big difference not upgrading the HU or installing an amp? just speakers?

 

wander over into the AUDIO forum and check it out. There are already threads addressing this very topic, and recently.

 

I put a image dynamics speakers all around in my 09 and they make a world of difference. I have them hooked up to an amp, and it really sounds like I have a pair of subs. These things are really heavy duty.

 

I replaced my stock speakers with Kenwood Excelons...6x9 up front and 6.5 in the back, all running off the stock HU. It's definitely an improvement, but still not what I would consider a quality sound. The sound is cleaner at moderate volumes, but there's still the issue of not enough power from the stock HU. Once you get up to 50+ volume even the aftermarket speakers gets some distortion. I'm also struggling with getting all of my bass from my front doors. Just doesn't have the same feel as a nice sub from the rear of the vehicle.

My ultimate plan is to keep the stock HU, but get a 5 channel amp to push the doors and a single sub.

 

I like the idea of still using the stock head unit...how would you go about hooking up the 5 channel to it? Would you use a clean sweep or just use line out converters to the amp. I have heard not so good things about the line out converters.

 

I'm not enough of an audio junkie to justify the additional cost of a clean sweep type product. I ran a 4 channel amp off of my factory HU in an F150 (pushing 4 speakers and a sub). I started with the line out converters and was pleased enough. At the urging of my sound guy, I later gave in and had a Rockford Fosgate 360 installed (mostly for the ipod connection). While the sound quality was improved, for my needs it wasn't improved $300 worth.

 

just to add to my post, I still have the factory head unit. I'm just running a 1000 watt 4 channel amp. I'm no audio guru, had to have it done for me, but it was well worth it!

 

I have an 09 and installed a new head unit (Alpine), front 6.5" components, rear 6.5" two-ways, two amps & sub. I wanted to utilize the steering wheel controls also. Unfortunatley the stock radio in the 09's is slightly different than the 05-08 tacomas (mp3 playback, ipod jack, etc.) and the steering wheel adapter (seen here http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SWIJACK/PAC-SWI-JACK.html?search=pac+steering+wheel&tp=3405) is not compatible for the 2009 model.

PAC will either have to release a new adapter specifically for 2009+, or publish a diagram showing how to make the current adapter work. The technical support at PAC says to keep calling back every few months b/c eventually they'll work on an 09 and figure out how to make it work. It just hasn't happened yet.

 

Yeah I was looking at Alpine and the steering wheel controls for the 09 won't work, Kenwood and Pioneer work I think...

 

Kenwood and Pioneer Pac steering wheel adapter units work but are different Pac part#s.

 

that is what I thought, it steered me away from the Alpine...there are some comprable models from Kenwood for sure. Sonix Electronis has the new 712 or something, it is bad to the bone...$648 I think.

 

I have the JBL system and upgrading to my Premier HU has made a huge difference. ( I have a DEH-P660 from years ago in my old ride, still works great!) as for steering wheel controls, you'll need an aftermarket interface. I think all pioneer decks have the input, its identical to a headphone jack on the back. The interface is a SWI-ps from PAC. I'm looking at buying one maybe on this paycheck, we'll see.


EDIT: shit nvm on the SWI-PS, the earlier poster is right, it doesn't work on 09.