Tacoma Audio Systems

Has anyone replaced the stock speakers with aftermarkets? If so what did you buy? Would you recommend it? And finally what is the rough price? Pics are always appreciated!

 

I replaced my stock speakers with Image Dynamics products. For me in an AC this only included 6.5" door speakers and tweeter combo. I did a lot more than just upgrade the speakers though. You can check out "My Audio Build" in the audio subforum (my personal thread) or there are many other build threads in there.

 

Replacing only the speakers will do very little to improve sound quality.

 

Here is what i did to mine....
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sundown-dual-sd3-audio-build-q-a.431347/

 

I replaced both Front door tweeters,Speakers 6x9, rear door 6.5 rounds , all triaxle , all SKARS Speakers for about $125-150.00 !!! Sounds better,clearer,crisper,just damm better and louder! All Name brand speakers have come way down by 70% from my High School days in the early 80s!!! All are now made in CHINA and not Japan anymore! But,still better than any OEM except for BOSE,JBL,Alpine OEM Upgrades!

 

I found a number of threads on this and similar topics when looking to do the same thing. The Audio & Video forum is a good place to start. Crutchfield is a good place to get an idea of what's available/suitable. Armed with that info, visit a (couple of) local shop(s) to listen to various combos. (In the end, it's about what sounds good to you, rather than what anyone else used.) Narrow your choices and buy from where you get the best "bang for your buck." FWIW, I'm happy with the following...
- AudioControl LC2i Line Out Converter
- JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp
- Focal PS165V1 Speakers
- Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub
-

$300 10501 Bulk Kit - (30) 12" x 23" Silver ULTRA Sheets - 58 Square Feet

Hushmat &

NOICO Liner 157 Mil 37.5 Sqft Car Heat Insulation Pad, Foam Self-Adhesive Sound Deadening and Automotive Dampening Mat for Cars (1/6'' Sound Deadener)

Noico Liner Sound Insulation



You'll want to comparison shop - I got all my stuff for an average of 40% off MSRP.

 

It will actually make a big difference. I've replaced both the speakers, and the head unit, at different times. I did the speakers first, and that made more of a noticeable difference in sound quality than the head unit did. Take a look at what the factory speakers look like, and you'll know why.

 

Where should I shop to get the best prices?

Thanks

 

This! ^^^^^

The factory speakers (no special package audio system for me) have magnets that are no bigger than a $.50 piece and only about 3/8" thick. -ballpark measurements, don't take it literally keyboard warriors
ANYTHING is an upgrade.

For my AC, I went with a Memphis Audio component kit from Crutchfield. For less than $200 shipped, I got the speakers, 6x9 ring adapters, brackets for the tweeters, and harness adapters. I didn't want to spend a ton of money and still make a gain in sound quality. I did. It isn't perceived as "loud" as the factory, but it is so much more clear and balanced! A head unit would probably solve that. And an amp and small sub.
As long as you have some sense of electrical knowledge, and the ability to take your door apart, you should be just fine to install a similar kit @TREDFOOT

I've had this in the truck now for over 8 months and am very pleased. It's held up to wheeling and general vehicle use. Invest in some 3M double sided tape to mount the crossovers in the doors panels though. I stuck them onto the vapor barrier, instead of the inside of the door panel. Really isn't anywhere on the panel that's flat enough for them, and it would require quick-connects and a good bit of slack wire; two things I don't believe in.

Sorry, no pics. Did it before I joined TW and I don't take pics when I'm working, because well...I'm working with my hands.
Good luck OP!

 

Not true, good components will do quite a bit and a sub will make it even better. But now you need amps or a 5 channel like I have.

 

Changing the headunit alone made my stock speakers sound amazing! I would upgrade the headunit first and then do the door speakers.

 

Exactly. Speakers alone won't improve sound very much. When you have a shit head unit and power your spakers won't put out anything better. Speakers can't be better if they aren't getting better information from the source.

They might get louder but thats not the same as improved quality. In fact most of the time louder = more distorted.

 

Exactly!

 

and I thought my stock sound system was really good

 

That's what I thought until I upgraded the headunit.

 

where do you guys buy speakers?

 

I always liked Crutchfield for audio.

If you're gonna go through changing the speakers you should put a little dynamat up while you're at it. Really helps get rid of those annoying rattles.

 

I bought almost all my stuff off Amazon.

 

I like eBay and Sonicelectronix.com

 

Thanks guys