'14 Etune w/ Nav, no JBL

I have a 2014 OR DC w/o JBL and am very disappointed with the sound quality from the Entune Premium. My 2005 I just traded in had much better sound. In the new truck, it seems the volume falls to inaudible below '20' on the volume setting while driving. I have considerable volume drop when listening to XM stations or Ipod interface vs. a FM station. Is this your experience with the stock unit?

I am not an audiophile and have shot too many shotguns hunting to have my full range of hearing- so real high end w/ sub etc... would probably be a waste of money. I would just like to upgrade my system solving the volume issues above while keeping the stock HU, adding speaker upgrades and better amplification. I really don't want a subwoofer (I don't want to loose the space). Anyone done an upgrade they are happy with/recommend and care to share the component list?

Has anyone had good experience with *********?

 

Taco tunes =good fitting behind the seat boxes

 

My 2014 has Entune Plus. I just had new JL Audio speakers put in the doors, an 8" microsub installed behind rear passenger seat, and a 6 channel JL amp. I kept the factory head unit since I like it's functionality and wanted to keep the stock look to deter thieves. I like the new sound much better than the stock speakers. I think the total cost was close to the factory JBL option (which I had previously on my 2011). I like the new sound better than the JBL I had prior.

 

Can you list the items/ parts you used? Did you install yourself?

 

I had it installed professionally. I don't know enough about car audio and I wanted it done right. All JL Audio gear.

C2-650 - components in front
C2-650X - coaxials in rear door
8" Micro Sub - behind passenger back seat
XD-600/6 - under passenger front seat

Also had a line out converter installed (Audiocontrol LC2I) to keep the bass signal level from the head unit at the proper level to the amp. The factory head unit has software that lowers the bass signal level as the volume increases. It has all worked out really well. I hope to enjoy it for years to come.

 

Here is what I used, you would just need to add an Audio Control LC6i to connect your HU to the amp.

JL Audio Stealthbox
JL Audio Front Speakers: C5-650
JL Audio Rear Speakers: C5-650X
JL Audio Amp: XD700/5​

JL Audio Amp Remote Level Control: HD-RLC

It sounds awesome, I can't speak for the LC6i because I chose a new HU to go with the rest.

 

Just got done with my install extremely happy with it but very time consuming running wires and connecting the loc. I will be makeing a thread on it with pictures in a day or too with a list of everything I used but like I said very happy sounds so much better. The install took me probly 16 hours but I have never done something this In depth before.

 

I notice the same things with my truck I can't stand to listen to xm on it the sound is horrible or was I will see how it sounds with new system but my Bluetooth sounds good as well as iphone plugged in, I do notice a considerable sufferance between HD radio and regular

 

XM/Sirius Radio sound quality is terrible, regardless of system it's being listened to on...the compression algorithms they use are horrendous. HD radio is fantastic, where you can get it (my home town has ZERO HD radio reception - have to drive up to DC to get any). The only sources you will likely get good sound from are CD or direct connection to the head unit with an iPod/iPhone etc. I say direct connection because the "aux" connector is an analog auxiliary connection point - the direct USB connections usually bypass the D/A converter in the phone and go directly digital to the source where they are then converted to analog.

 

I don't have the same problem with my '12 Nissan between XM and FM

 

You wouldn't - FM and XM both have terrible sound quality.

 

I am talking about a 8 position equivalent volume drop. I have FM on '40' and have to have the XM on '48' to be equal in volume.

Is this HU bad (i.e. worse than usual)?

 

I have the Pioneer 8500 HU and my my SiriusXM is a full 5 volume points quieter than music on my USB (meaning cranked on USB is lvl 20 and for XM it is 25). No idea about FM radio as I never listen to that.

 

My '14 A-Cab has the obligatory Entune Plus. The stock speakers are shit. No other way to put it; they are just crap. I'm not that fussy so I went to a local shop and put in a line out converter to an Alpine Power Pak bi-amped to a pair of Morel Tempo separates in the front. Left the rear's as is. Massive improvement - I don't hate my truck any more. About $1k with labor.

I really like XM Radio programming, but their sound is junk and it is too easily interrupted by tree canopy, buildings, mountains, etc. When this subscription is over I'm going to tell them to pound sand. HD Radio is a real improvment over analog FM. The sound quality is actually not too bad and some of the second and third channels have interesting programming - like no commercials. But, ripping my record collection to a small, low profile, thumb drive for the USB port is the biggest convenience. No cords. No links. Everything is there. Very nice.

 

If there were some exact DIY instructions I would do it myself. I'm fairly confident in my ability to follow directions... but It still scares me to take apart the interior and messing with wires etc...

ugh me need pictures

 

Well, your request isn't hard to answer (pictures and instructions) but can't really go in any direction without knowing what you are willing to invest to upgrade the sound. There are a few upgrade paths that can be recommended but all of them vary according to how the system gets used and what the long term plans might be for upgrading in the future. Money invested wisely can pay off in long term gains if spent right at the onset.

 

Well I'm not one for thumpin' base... so i'm not lookin for two 12's in the back so I can make people's cars rattle at stoplights.

I just want real clear crisp sound. I would be willing to go upwards of 1300.00 for a good system.

I hate when the radio sounds grainy or scratchy or fuzzy... I think I would do a sound deadening project I just feel a bit lazy and would only be willing to do it if I had a worthy sound system for it.

 

I found this suite of information helpful- General videos on the front page, then just select your model type for specifics on your truck. Removing the panels and such are really a piece of cake.

http://www.*********.com/install.htm

 

Which LOC was installed?

 

I had my door panels off to remove the armrests for leather install. While I had the panels off, I added sound deadening to the door skin and interior panels. This makes an incredible difference in the sound of the stock system by removing a large amount of vibration and road noise from the cab. I was very impressed with the result, has moved my Entune system performance from unacceptable to fairly decent (factory speakers are still on their way out though- they are so cheap and the magnets are TINY). I've only done the doors so far but will probably follow on with the roof and back behind the seats as I ride with the seats down a lot.

I used HUSHMAT Ultra (because they had a box at the leather shop and sold it to me- no shipping, the box is heavy). Its a vibration dampner. There are several other products out there- FATMAT, DYNOMAT which I assume are equivalent, HUSHMAT is made in USA.

My wife was very impressed (and she's a tough critic) and ordered a box for me to do her car as well.

If you are upgrading your audio, I would start by deadening. I just had the vibration dampener and still have to get some MLV and CCF to do it 'right'. I probably used to much of the wrong product in the doors, but its a very noticeable difference although time consuming to install.

Here is a good thread on doing it 'right' (they moved the first part of the original thread to a sticky so the two links are related)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/173147-audio-visual-diy-thread.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/59941-my-deadening-project-4.html

Tying this all back to the original thread, I am now re-thinking what I "need" to do on my audio now. I am by no means an audiophile entering any competitions. All the noise and vibration while driving was distorting the sound of the factory system and killing the volume for my damaged hearing (too many shotguns). It was kinda like trying to listen to someone talking in a crowded restaurant- very difficult for me. I could add a lot of power to the system and still have issues trying to hear over the din and vibration. Hope this helps.