Need more power......

I am stuck between upgrading the head unit with a kit and aftermarket cd/mp3 player and adding an IPOD interface and 2 amps along with a sub. I realize that the audio quality would be less if I added the amps without a new head unit, but has anyone added an amp to the existing head unit (07' Taco)? By the way, I already have two amps (a 4-channel X 80 watt Phoenix Gold and a single 200 watt MTX for the sub). Any suggestions?

 

I haven't do it myself yet but seems like you should be ok w/sound quality. Not sure if the stock unit has output jacks for you amps though.

 

How's your dvd/navg working out. I'm thinking of getting one myself.

 

I have just gone through this...here is what I started out with.

Factory 6cd HU
Profile California AP600 (2x100rms)
Pioneer TS-C720prs comps for the fronts
and a Kenwood KSC-SW1 powered sub
Raamat & Ensolite

This is what happen...the 720's sounded crystal clear and almost ear piecing...actually they sounded wonderful. I had to use a LOC to the amp. However the sub sounded like a bunch of mud. That too I had to use a LOC to feed it. Over all the fullness of the music was not there. I don't care how you adjusted it, it was not good. For the amount of money and time spent it really wasn't good.

This is what I ended up doing.

Installed a new HU, Pioneer DEH-P4800MP. This has preamp out puts along with a non-faded sub preamp output.

Left everything the same and OH MY FREAK'N WORD...what a difference. The fullness of the sound, the distinct sound of the kicks and toms were all there. I know the sub is only a 6 1/2 and I know it isn't some 8" or 10", but is was whole lot clear/clean sounding.

The 4800MP has a lot more adjustments from HP filters to a limited EQ...any way enough for me to make it sound great for me. To me you can't adjust the factory HU or does it have a clean enough output to make it sound good especially if you use a LOC for the sub...IMHO.

This is my thoughts, when you are trying to feed the amps with crap...you get crap. Having the RCA's for the speakers and the sub is what makes the big difference.

Here is my thoughts again on CT>>>My install-CustomTacos

I am a n00b and in no way one of these big time audiophile, ear splitting, fender well cleaning stereo fanatics...just a guy that wanted a system that when I would enjoy the music and something I would be proud of.

I know there are plenty of folks that would scoff at my install...but I tell you what...my truck sounds better than 98% of what is running around here. Hay I am happy.

To me if anyone asks me if they are going to spend time and money...I would say YES you need to replace the HU.

 

Does that kenwood really put out? I cant imagine that it would put out way back there behind the rear seats. Unless you had one under each of the drivers and the passenger seat... I thought about getting one when I first got my Tacoma, but then I thought I wanted something that I could really hit hard if I wanted it to without having the risk of clipping the amp or blowing the speaker.

 

It is what it is...a 6 1/2 inch sub. Yes it hits but not hard. On some songs it sounds like I spent 4 times as much and it sounds like a nice 8 but there are some songs it does lack....HOWEVER it fills the music in great and it's ten times better than any stock system. It is not a replacement for a nice sub and box but if you want something to fill in and give you a nice kick this might work for you but it is no short cut. It is all I need, plus it was easy on my budget....to me it works fine behind the seat.

 

Everyone is different. I just replaced the 4 door speakers and both tweeters, added my old amp and left head unit alone. It sounds so much better!!! It's louder and clearer. I left the head unit alone because I feel it will tempt people less to break into my taco. I'll be adding one 10" woofer and one more amp to power it as soon as I decide which box to go with. Sure you could add a lot more and get a better sound, my opinion is that you don't have to replace your HU. My cousin does this for a living and gave me a good price on all of it, he also hard wired my re-chargable flashlight into my amp. Here is a pic.

 

Love the flashlight addition