Factory Radio w/ Amp Integration

I have looked at a few kits to add integration with the stock head unit to get a better quality sound then what the factory set up offers (total garbage!). I have been looking through some set ups and saw the AudioControl LC6i and was curious about the best quality amp I can get for a reasonable amount of money.

I don't need tons of bass, and want a clear sound with a good spectrum of high, mid, and lows. I have also been looking at a Kenwood Excelon DNX692 w/ JBL GX962/GT7-6 speakers. Long shot, but wondering if anyone has run any of these components and what their thoughts are on them.

Thoughts on which direction would be the best?!

 

I'm running a JBL GTO-804EZ four channel amp connected to my stock head unit. Since this amp accepts speaker level inputs, integrating it with the stock head unit was a snap. My front door speakers were replaced with JBL P660 6.5" components and the rear door speakers were replaced with JBL P662 6.5" coaxial speakers. My only problem with the speaker set up is the size of the front crossovers.

This set up sounds amazing for the amount of money I've invested. Make sure you invest in plenty of sound deadening! I think my doors must weigh 10 pounds more then when the truck left the factory and I'm still getting a few vibrations in the door panels at high volume levels and low frequencies.

If I was do do it again I would have went with a 5 channel amp, because I have a Sundown Audio 10" SD-3 on my list of future upgrades. Also, if your doing the install yourself be careful of the dashboard. When I reinstalled one of my front seats I scratched the passengers side of my dashboard. This ended up costing me $400 and five hours of my life that I'll never get back.

Best of luck to you on you quest for a better quality sound system and if you have any questions feel free to ask away.

 

How did you run the amp with the stock HU? I was looking around and the stock ones don't seem to have AV outputs.

 

there is a wide range of items that you could source to provide you with what you desire.
Stock deck plus the LCi6 should work well and could couple that with : Similar to what @Ihatetacomas did.
Mercury MGR 495 sound quality based mid amp
Mercury MCR Component, and the Coax for the rear speakers
If your want to add to the lower freq spectrum 1 or 2 shok triton 8s/10s would do the trick for you on a mercury Mgr 1200.1 or go with our current 2 Triton + SM1200.1 amp

Another option could be similar to what @gearcruncher did - the lci6
LCi6
Mercury MCR component set
SM H500 5 channel amp
1 Shok triton 10

ihatetacomas and Gearcruncher has some variance to above mentioned setups only on a basis that their budget was a little higher and had the K62 mids over the Mcr.

The MCR amps also have a Hi/lo lvl input which you can run directly from the Deck to the amp if your only wishing to add an amp and mids. The MCR series is a stout amp with amazing technology and sound Quality

 

While your waiting to decide - and stream your music library via Bluetooth in your taco you might check out the 200 plus eqwelizer apps at the App Store. With out getting into to much detail, the one I use is great. Believe me it's not like adding a amp. But it might hold you over till you get one. Hope this info comes in handy.

 

The JBL GTO-804EZ accepts speaker level inputs, it makes life easy.

 

At one time I considered the JL Cleansweep - its arguably the best option for keeping the factory radio and feature set, but it also costs just as much as a top level head unit w/o a touch screen. I ultimately went with a new head unit. I'm a 2011 guy, and I still didn't have bluetooth or iPod control, and those extra sources outweighed maintaining the factory 6 disc changer.

There are several reviews er issues reported here, and also elsewhere on the web, of people who used the Audio control LC6i who had audible hissing noise when no sound was being played...not sure if thats user error or if it should be a set expectation.

 

I always seem to post questions when I don't have the money to buy stuff..I hate this website sometimes!

Bit I would be willing to part with the stock HU if the new one had Navi, since mine doesn't, that's just a little bit more money and more time before I get everything done. My next question is if I get a new HU would it be compatable with the steering controls? I would like to keep them but it's not mandatory. Also I looked at the Cleansweep and the one from oem audio plus and I guess I want something cheaper, and a smidge more bass. I know I'm working with limited airspace since it's an AC, but I like what drscott11 did with his subwoofer setup and would go with something similar.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ening-custom-doors-deck-amp-completed.357534/

The link to his setup

 

I like the options of running something with the stock head unit, but I am not entirely certain how good of sound quality that I want/need at this point honestly. I am going to replace the speakers and soundproof the truck (at least the door panels, floor and rear) and see how I feel about the project at that point. I cannot believe how flat these speakers are. I run a Fiio X1 with Fiio Mont Blanc amplifier through the audio input in the truck, and while I do not expect the unit to create a Mona Lisa out of finger paint, I would hope that it would at least sound somewhat better. I will start with speakers/sound deadening first and see what my thought process is. Plus, lift and wheel/tires are coming soon so cash flow is gonna be tight for a bit......

 

I'll probably follow suit with you and just see where it goes. I'm also leaning towards new Billies front and rear with some all terrains. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

In my 2014 AC, a local shop installed and set-up an Audison Bit Ten (supposedly less/no hiss compared to other processors). Two channels to the tweeters, two to the mids and sub out. I sound deadened it myself with Raam Mat, low mass vinyl, 3M insulation - still need to do the backwall, installed in stock locations SB Acoustics SB17NRXC35-4 ($124 pr) and Scan Speak Illuminator D3004/6020-00 tweeters ($224 pr) from Madisound, and a temp Tang Band 6.5" W6-1139SIF ($50) sub in a Parts Express . 23 knock down cabinet that fits nicely between the rear seats. I use an

$720 Arc Audio XDi 850.5 - Arc Audio 5-Channel 850W RMS XDi V2 Amplifier

Arc Audio XDi 850.5 amp. Best sounding system I've ever had and kept all the factory steering wheel controls and bluetooth. Just got my Iphone 6s to work via the usb and it even charges, which has been a problem for some Toyota vehicles. I felt keeping the factory unit and spending money on a processor, proper set-up, and sound deadening was best for a factory looking budget (I use that term loosely) SQ system. Going to a larger TB sub W8-740P in a larger box to fit between the seats for a tad more low end extension, power (300 Watt max versus 100), and move more air with the additional cone area when I find the time and finish the sound deadening. I still have the useless rear speakers running off the stock deck power. Picture shows my speakers and the vinyl - good luck.

 

I have another thread going where I posted this. I have bought all this to install. I went with an AudioControl LC6i rather than a simple line out. With that and the built in crossover in the amp I should be able to get some great sound for keeping the stock head unit. I am building a sub enclosure right now with a mounting plate for the amp/controller. I can always add a head unit later if I want. I found a highly rated Kenwood KFC-X1000F sub that I am comparing against some JL Audio units for a shallow depth for the assembly I am building. I am ready to get this system in my truck!

Focal Performance PS 165V Components - Front $299.99
Focal Performance 165AC Coaxials - Rear - $229.99
Alpine PDR-V75 5 Channel - 75W RMS x 4 + 350 RMS x 1 - $299.99
Alpine Bass Knob - $22.99
AudioControl LC6i - $99.99
Dynamat Xtreme 36 sq. ft. kit for doors/trunk area/floor - $149.99
DynaPad 21100 12 sq. ft. 1/2" sound deadener for the floor - $102.03
DynaLiner 11103 12 sq. ft. 1/2" sound deadener for the roof - $70.90
Subwoofer - Still searching.........