How Good is the Stock System

The truck I'm going to test drive and possibly buy tomorrow has the 6-disc changer, steering wheel controls, and 6 speaker (not the premium JBL). What can I expect? I'm no audiophile freak, and most stock systems can somewhat satisfy me. Will I be able to live with it a while or will I immediately begin searching for new compnents????

 

Many people prefer Toyota's stock systems as opposed to any other stock stereo system (save the 1st Generation Tundras - my boss hates his). I really liked the sound I got out of my base system, but I wanted iPod connectivity and eventually Bluetooth capability. I changed mine out for a JVC deck which will soon be replaced by a Pioneer deck...

 

Being older I have gone through many a stereo changes. I have the standard 6 disc and think it is more than adequate. I have the access cab so it has plenty of vloume in my cabin area. I had a sirius system hard-wired into stereo and listen mostly to that plus Cd quality is very good. I have spent my money on tube steps, bed cover and some engine mods instead.Have fun with your new vehicle!

 

I love the stock stereo system. I think it sounds great. By the way I have the 6 disc changer, but I have my Ipod hooked up to it.

 

I have the premium JBL. It's loud enough, I've already had my ears bleeding from excessive noise (Baghdad 2003) , and this suits me just fine. Now if I can find the time to install my ipod my music selection would be better.

 

To me the 6CD changer lows are muddy, it is plenty loud and beats any unit in a GM vehicle. I will be doing cheap upgrade...around 350.00. New speakers for the back doors, new components for the front doors and a small 240 watt amp. AND some CHEAP generic dynamat for the doors.

 

I think the stock system is good. Because of some of the music i listen to i keep the base at-3 to -4. that way my speakers dont bottom out and still sound good.

 

I'm just finishing up deadening the doors of my 07 access cab. Pretty easy all around...holes are numerous and generously proportioned I used my favorite, Quick Patch/Peel n' Patch...did the "curtain" behind door card with floor underlayment. This worked wonders on my other car, a Subaru WRX...I haven't noticed much difference the Tacoma, but I've only had it a couple of weeks.

 

Steve,

I will be trying this out.

Go here to look>>>McMaster Sound and Vibration Damping Sheets


This stuff beeeee cheap. I can not afford dynamat or Rammat for that matter, I was pointed to this from the TTORA forums from a long time ago. I think this stuff will work just fine for the results I am looking for. This stuff is so cheap I will do the back wall of the cab also. I know sometimes you get what you pay for but I think this is the stuff will do fine. I bet the extra money I save will be better spent in the quality of speaker.

 

I couldn't quite figure out which stuff you were using, on that page...the Peel n Patch/Quik Patch stuff is sold at Lowes/HD in roofing section. It's meant for repairing mobile home/metal roofs and gutters; it's heavy aluminum foil with bituminous, tarry stuff on the other side. Wipe down the door, etc with alcohol, and press this stuff on--it's there for the duration. Comes 6" x 25', for about $15 a roll...how does that compare to what you were looking at?

 

I was looking at the EVA stuff, part# 9709T39. It is 32"x54" for $16.11 a sheet. I have read threads about the stuff you use, I have heard nothing but good about it.

 

Ok...so this EVA is the stuff for dampening panel vibration...Not familiar with it, but this doesn't sound good for use inside of the door panels:
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) meets UL 94HB. Color is black. For indoor use.

How does it react to moisture? You can have a fair amount of water moving between door skin and inner panel...the peel n patch is made for roofing, and stands up to water fine. You don't want something that will deteriorate and slough off, clogging drains and retaining moisture.

 

Steve,

Per square inch yours is actually cheaper (yours 1800sq", mine 1664 sq"), also being 6" wide is probably easier to deal with.. Plus your stuff is more on the Buetal(sp?) rubber side which I have always heard is a good thing. I have to go to HD this week I will pick up a roll and check it out. Thanks for the time. If you don't mine can I run some system specs by you. I have high jacked this thread enough, would a PM be OK, if not I understand we are all busy.

 

If you arent into sound systems, you will probably be O.K. with the stock, espcially if you have the disc changer. In my opionion there is no stock system worth keeping if you are used to having an aftermarket sound system. Almost all facory systems sound about the same with the exception of the Bose. I had the JBL in my 07 Tacoma and have already replaced it with a Kenwood CD/DVD player with a 6 inch monitor. I had to disconnect the facory subwoofer that came with the JBL. Just with head unit alone, it already sounds better than the stock sound, even with the factory speakers. Don't even notice that the factory sub is not playing. Will definately sound even better when I install my components in there.

 

I've had 18" sub systems with multiple amps, speaks, xovers, etc., all self installed with clarity being the main objective, seeking the perfect balance over the entire audible sound spectrum. This is no easy task! I've also had the 6x9 speaker kickin' around on the floor board witih the hungry cassette deck that can't be trusted with that ol' favorite tape with the words worn off. The stock system in the Tacoma is definitely one of the best factory setups I've heard yet. Keeping the bass level low, you won't hear too much rattle, unless you keep the bed tie downs behind the seat like I do. They'll rattle. The system lacks a little in the tweets but, your question, could you live with it? Oh yeah. It'll work till you get your dream system worked out. You'll just keep trying to turn it up louder than it will go, cuz it doesn't muddy up with distortion at max volume if you have the bass adjusted correctly for your music taste. You'll keep thinking there's more there. But damn it!, there isn't! Good luck!