Stock HU vs Aftermarket

So I'm an excited new tacoma owner and need to get this stock system out. The stock head unit has the 6 cd/mp3 changer, and has steering wheel controls. The thing about getting an aftermarket deck is I have to get an adapter (unless I get a dvd player.. but I'm on a budget) for the steering wheel controls to work.. which is another 75$ brand new or around 40$ on ebay. That being said, I'm wondering what the difference in quality would be of the signal if I stick with the stock unit? I plan on getting a pair of MB Quart 6x9 Components for the front and a pair of Polk Audio DB651 6.5 for the rear. How much of a difference is there if I hook up the amp using a line converter to the stock unit vs an aftermarket deck hooked up straight to rca connections?

Btw.. I also plan on adding a second amp for a 10" sub in the future later down the road.

 

For that setup, and really any setup involving 1 or more amp, the difference is HUGE. At the bare minimum go with a solid single din aftermarket. You can get good sound on a budget if you're smart and patient!

Shop eBay, that's where I bought my HU and one of my amps have been pleased.

 

If you like your deck and want a factory look but wanna clean up the frequency more, you can get something like a JL Audio CleanSweep, RF 3 Sixty.2 and etc. If not, get a nice deck with iPod, AUX, USB, f/r/sub outs and etc.

 

Hey Gitmo! I'm in the same Boat. I just got me a 2008 DC 4x4 and I have the stock HU like yours. I wanted the JBL but for the deal i got I couldn't passi t up.

I have tossed around the same idea. IMHO the Stock deck just can Not reproduce sound that is worthy of the nice speakers your going to install.

The nice thing is that you can get pretty good sound now with upgrading speakers, Or even seperate components. Then, in the future when you get some more cash, you can upgrade HU.

I also want to DYnamat the Whole interior. That way when the subs are pounding you only hear clean sound. It would be kool if you can take some photos when you do your install, or just let us know which speakers you choose and how they sounded...

Gl

 

Yea I just like keeping it stock if I can stand the speakers.. had the harmon kardon system in my outback before I totaled it. The system was decent enough to last a while, but this stock system has got to go! I have an Alpine CDA-105 with an iPod cable to throw in the truck, an alpine 50W 4-channel amp, and changed the mb quarts to polk audio db6501 components. I decided I can go without the steering wheel controls for now and just get the adapter later. I'll definitely take pics when everything get's installed! Dynamat is on my wishlist, definitely not a priority yet =\.

EDIT:
btw, thanks for the input guys

 

Yea the stock system is pretty crappy. I came from the Bose system in my 07 Impala SS with a Pioneer Avic D3 double DIN unit with a 12" JL Audio sub. So the Taco was quite a difference. I wanted to keep the stock HU this time around even though I usually swap them out. I just added a JL Audio 8" W3 and I'm satisfied for now. I'm not audiophile though. I just couldn't stand the lack of ANY bass.

 

Agreed. But there's no boxes out there right now for a 2010 =\. I'm going to have Mr. Marv build me one once I get the money for it. Anyways, spent last night installing all the gear I had for now.. 4-channel amp, new deck. System sounds better, definitely don't can do without the steering wheel controls, BUT.. the stock subwoofer sounds like shit. I'll probably rip it out and use the holes to mount a custom box to it. Pics..

http://s708.photobucket.com/albums/ww88/SeekingBeyond/Stereo Install/

Just click on the picture you want to zoom in on.

 

The CDA-105 is the HU im supposed to be getting in a week. How do you like it?

 

Exactly what I want to put in the rear JL 8" maybe 2 If I get screwy. Nice tight base for that Breaking Benjamin or Audioslave.

 

x3.. should be perfect for listening to metal I hope.

I'm liking the alpine headunit so far, still have to figure out how to control my ipod and a few other buttons. No complaints yet.

EDIT:
btw, how do you like the JL 8" jtav?