'09 regular cab - would JBL make a difference?

I have an '09 regular cab with the default non-JBL audio system (so I'm suffering a little). I'll only have the truck 2.5-3 years, so I don't want to do anything drastic. I also don't WANT to change the speakers. I'm just looking for a little bit more volume and better sound using OEM if possible. Would the JBL head unit be an improvement? With the default speakers? Does JBL have different speakers than what I have now? I've seen the suggestions that say change the speakers first, change the head unit first, or just change everything - but I'm not looking to do ANYTHING aftermarket on this truck. I've also seen posts that say the JBL is decent for a stock system - which is what I was hoping for. Will I need to also get a JBL sub and/or amp to go with the head unit? Dare I ask what's involved in installing all that? Would any adapters be needed for the head unit, etc? With numerous people replacing JBL with aftermarket, I thought I might be able to pick something up - and get some improvement - without much hassle....or $$$. I apologize for not being very familiar with Tacoma audio (yet) - but I'm slowly getting there. This forum is absolutely a HUGE help!

 

i have the same truck regular cab with Cursed stock headunit, and from all the research i've done, it'll be easier to change out to aftermarket headunit, or scion pioneer headunit, i've actualy tried my friends scions xb pionner headunit on my truck and it seems to be louder and also it doesn't turnoff like my headunit does. but i can't seem to find any kit to fit the scion headunit though,and the best of all all the wire plugs fit with your stock taco wires

 

Scion system would be GREAT! I agree that it's louder and sounds a bit better too. Figures there's no kit. Rats. So close....yet so far....

 

JBL speakers are no different from what I've seen. Head unit doesn't change either. They add an itty bitty amp which has a primary purpose of driving the sub.

What's the problem with changing speakers?

 

Not much of a difference, I would recommend running your own system. The JBL system is POS so far I've changed my speakers and soon amp, sub and deck to top off everything.

 

the JBL isn't worth it

plus you have different speaker sizes anyway than the other trucks

toyota has three different doors for each cab...all different sizes and panels

access and double cabs have front 6X9's, but our trucks have fron round 6.5" speakers. the holes are totally different as well, so you can't fit a 6X9, ours are round

the JBL sub could fit theoretically, but you would have to take off the giant plastic piece thats in there now...and saw off your jack stand holder thing


pics of the front reg. cab for reference

 

search on toyotanation...someone did this awhile back...i think you can use a standard double din kit if im thinking of the right scion hu

 

Yeah I guess I should've came to the conclusion way earlier that JBL still won't cut it since there are alot of JBL replacements going on! Plus I only have two speakers (well, technically four) and really nowhere to put a sub (and rear speakers would really be overdoing it). I am now officially looking aftermarket! As long as I can 'undo' things easily and put the stock stuff back for trade in, I'll be fine with it. I plan on having the truck around 3 years and then upgrading to probably an access cab (and SOMETHING WITH POWER WINDOWS, DOORS, MIRRORS), so if I get decent stuff now (speakers and HU) maybe I can transfer at least the HU to the new Tacoma. If not there's always eBay I guess. Hmm....get something that will be 'just ok' for this truck and worry about future system later - or - get something that 'performs' but would be 'overkill' for this truck but decent for future truck...more research and pondering required....and that Scion post is definately intruiging - going to find it now.....

found!
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282934&highlight=tacoma+scion
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152451&page=2
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161684&highlight=scion+install


Hedles - the door pic and speaker size info were quite valuable, thanks!

MANY thanks for ALL the feedback!

 

Go aftermarket but don't consume yourself with putting the truck back to stock component unless you're leasing the vehicle. You'll find that the number of man hours involved just doesn't justify swapping stuff out on a regular basis unless you're a true audio hobbiest. In 2 or 3 years the audio gear you install in your truck will depreciate so much that it won't be worth un-installing the equipment. The only piece of equipment that I might consider saving would be a amplifier or signal processor.

 

Out of curiosity, I read the posts about the Scion mod - going to all that trouble of sanding and cutting to get that in sounds like a PITA.

If you need it to return to stock, try finding someone who has an Eclipse deck. Apparently they are plug n' play with the Tacoma harness, which keeps you from cutting any wires. MAke sure you get the right model, because some Eclipse decks are designed with no internal amplification (the idea is to run strictly off of amps, which you aren't doing).

Speakers would be your easiest mod. Get the baffles from Marv, and ask him what bolts to use since the idea is to return it to stock. He might be able to countersink the baffles (or you can) so you can use the original bolts.
After that, go to Crutchfield, where they can sell you an adapter that will help connect the factory connection to the aftermarket speaker.

 

No matter what HU you get, you won't cut any wires on the truck... That is what wiring harnesses are for. You may splice into some if you get a Navi DD unit.

I have the Eclipse AVN6620 and it was 100% plug and play. I didn't need a wiring harness, an adapter for steering wheel controls, or even solder a single wire. I can't speak for all Eclipse HU's, but seeing how Fujitsu Ten makes the stock Toyota base HU and Eclipse decks, i wouldn't be a surprise if most plugged right in.

 

Note for readers: The stock non-JBL (and most likely the JBL) 6-disc HU is made by at least two different companies. Mine, for instance, was a Pioneer - I forget who the other manufacturer was. Even with that said, it's most likely they all just bought from the same production plant and re-branded.

Furthermore, don't be alarmed - they all plug in the same

 

Hmm, Now I remember somebody saying that.... good catch.

 

To Eclipse and leave things factory......or not....to sub or not to sub.... factory HU + amp + new door speakers? Decisions, decisions!

Finding stock/OEM ratings and specs so I know what I'm starting with is helpful....

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/16280-stock-stereo-wattage-2008-a-3.html

That should do it for a while....

Thanks again all!

 

Aftermarket it is! I decided to throw out the idea to keep it stock looking - it just wasn't worth it especially with regard to budget - would've needed a JL Cleansweep or the likes and if I'm not mistaken, you kind of NEED amps with that thing (amps are undesired and out of budget right now). Either way, the JL was simply out of budget for the VERY BASIC things I needed; just wanted a little more volume and a little bit better sound (plus USB connection).

New head unit is Pioneer DEH-P4100UB. Head unit installation was a breeze. Used the Metra dash kit that came free via Crutchfield and despite it's cheap plastic brackets, it actually stays in place (doesn't move around, no rattle, etc) and everything went in smoothly.

No amps right now, so no component speakers. No sub because I seem to be satisfied without one so far.

New Infinity Kappa 62.9i speakers will go in (HOPEFULLY), but right now the factory speakers are still in place. Even with the factory speakers, the new head unit is a world of difference.

The Kappas are 2-way coaxials with an external crossover and pointable tweeter. I say HOPEFULLY they will go in because Crutchfield says they are too tall therefore the door panel won't be able to fit back over them. Uhhhhhh..... I measured them - their outermost diameter is 6.5". Also confusing is that they sent a Scosche SAT6 plastic adapter, but it does NOT line up with the speaker. The Scosche adapter hole diameter is 6" - so it makes sense that a 6.5" speaker doesn't fit, but why/how is it SUPPOSED to fit a 6.5? Well I'm not worried about it because 1) I have ordered MDF baffles from Mr. Marv and 2) google shows that some people have had similar problems getting 6.5's in it and 3) Crutchfield lists about 3 speakers that 'fit' an '09 regular cab and I find it hard to believe I'd be restricted to Sony Xplodes or $300 Bostons and 4) if for some reason the Kappas don't work, oh well, live and learn.....and return them and get something else.

I would've been majorly messed up on the factory tweeter / woofer connector situation if it hadn't been for EvilMonkey and Mr Marv who have outstanding posts and responses for that bit! Soooo the speaker adventure will be in the near future - here's hoping it's not a total nightmare!

 

Regarding your question about baffles, adapters being the wrong size or speakers not fitting:

The speaker depth can vary
The cone width can vary - I had an Infinity 6.5" where the cone diameter was more like 5 3/4", then had Planet Audio which was 6 1/4"

... etc, etc. Also, Crutchfield does a guess on lots of parts, but isn't always 100%. Just as an example, sometimes they will say a certain sub won't fit in your car when you know your trunk is plenty big.

 

better sound with the paper ass whole speakers = impossible lol.

Thats one area I've found where Toyota went cheapo.

 

just go with ebay for adapters...it's just the standard toyota 6.5" ones...make sure if you go through cruthfield they don't give you the oval ones

 

Paper does not mean cheap. However, cheap construction is cheap construction, but it's expected in stock setups.

 

Nothing like RTFM - the 'official' speaker diameter is 6 1/4" per the manual. Also per manual, baffle hole needs to be 5 1/8. Crutchfield says 5 1/16, grr. SonicElectronix says 5 1/8. I told Marv 5 1/16. Grr again, LOL. Not a showstopper, I wouldn't think, just grr.

I dunno, I still think I should be able to attach to Marv's mount/baffle and be ok.

Having fun either way and like chickenmunga said - it could be an even wierder situation since cone size, etc. can vary greatly.