Thinking about an audio upgrade

So I've done a few things to my truck for off-road capabilities. Now I'm thinking creature comforts. It's been probably 15 years since I was big into car audio. Seems a lot has changed.

I'd like to keep the factory head unit (non-JBL), but swap out the speakers and boost the power and clean up the signal. Maybe add a sub.

When I was into car audio, you needed a head unit with RCA out to run to an amplifier, then run your speaker wire from the amp to a crossover (unless the amp had a built-in crossover), then finally to the speaker.

It looks like you can now tap into the factory wiring harness to divert the signal to an amp, then onto the speakers? Upgrading speakers is one thing, but I don't feel the speakers are going to sound optimal unless you're running clean sound to them.

It looks like Crutchfield recommends Focal. How do you guys feel about them? What amp are people running?

 

Focal is a premium brand with premium costs. If you want some more reasonable costing speakers look at Infinity, Kicker, Rockford, JBL, and Pioneer. I always say go with a 5-channel amp. That way you have flexibility if you ever want to add a subwoofer. Kenwood, Kicker, and Rockford make good 5-channel amps for a decent price. Look at JL Audio, Alpine, or Hertz for more high-end amps at a good price. Then there's the elite brands that carry very high costs.

 

If you're thinking about running a sub or upgrading your speakers but keeping the stock unit. You use to have to tap into the rear speakers wiring to run an aux cord.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132097539470

Really depends on what you want- more bass or going for sound quality. I will be upgrading my head unit once I'm back home. Already bought it- just waiting to install. I can let you know when I do how much the stock speakers will improve....which I think it will. Never upgraded the stock speakers before probably because I was never big into systems like that.

 

dziner from the Chain Gang?

Yeah, there are a few ways to keep your stock head unit - the most desirable being a DSP. Or like you remember you can change it out unless you're going to lose some other functionality in the truck (some units allow these to be programmed back in).

Yes, Focal is a good brand with a good range of products, but it's the tip of the iceberg and bang for the buck is on the low side (I'm personally using a mix of SEAS 8 ohm home drivers, Stereo Integrity & Sundown). Lots of good amps out there too, but since this is tacos, small amps rule. I can personally vouch for JL's XD v2 series as well as Alpine's MRX and PDX (latest version) series. Some PDX amps can run hot, but that's easy enough to fix.

If I can offer one good word of advice - don't get cheap with speakers - especially your midwoofers. You don't have to mortgage the house, but this is your workhorse & your most important drivers.

 

Yep, former Chain Gang inmate. Traded 2-wheels for 4-wheels.

Good input there. Looks like you can capture the output from the factory head unit and convert to RCA to send the signal to the amp, then output from the amp back into the harness and out to the speakers (instead of running all new wires).

I've had Altec Lansing and MB Quart in the past and was very pleased with their sound. I was checking out some of the Alpine 5-channel amps last night. Their website still sucks. But I found some YouTube videos with installers going over the features. Thinking of a 5-channel so I can power front, rear, and sub off of one amp. I like the features of tunable crossover and gains as well.

Haven't thought a lot about a sub yet as I'm really thinking out loud of what is possible in the Taco. I use the space behind the seat for some recovery gear and rain gear. What ever sub I choose would need to only take up half of the area behind the back seats. I'm not a bass head. But I do listen to a lot of electronic music, alternative, reggae, and podcasts. I really enjoy sound quality/accuracy along with some deep and hard hitting bass.

I may need to go visit my local car audio shop to listen to some stuff. Those shops used to be on every corner in the 90's. Now I know of only 1 or 2 in Central PA.

 

Well hey Jonathan - awesome to see you over here. I quit riding motos too (for now), but doubled up on the MTB.

There are some good shops on the east coast - really depends on what you wanna spend though. DIY install isn't too bad as long as you're keeping it reasonably simple and can really save you a pile of cash - think $100+/hr for install labor.

MB Quart used to make some of the best stuff on the market, but sold out & make mostly junk now. Not sure I've heard of any recent Altec gear for cars. Yeah, Alpine's website leaves something to be desired, but they still make nice gear.

I'll just go ahead & mention it because someone else will be along shortly to recommend this. All the cool kids are using just a front stage these days & it's a pretty compelling argument. I've used both and will probably never use rear drivers again with the exception of subs or maybe midbasses. The most effective way to a great sound system seems to be thorough deadening, thoughtful selection and installation of equipment, and tuning in the hands of a competent tuner. Thorough deadening alone can dramatically improve the sound from the stock equipment.

I'd say a 5-channel is a great idea. It would work for you regardless if you wanted to use a front-only stage or wanted to use rear speakers as well. And yeah, you can re-use your factory wiring as long as you aren't getting too crazy with power.

First thing though is budget. How much are you willing to spend?

 

@rob feature Awesome news on the MTB thing.

I don't mind doing some DIY stuff. Heck, it's much easier today with the help of YouTube and forums like TW. Back in the day, I would just wing it and figure it out. Pre-internet days. I've always focused on the front stage like you mention. If I keep the same wires, I can probably just replace the speakers in the front doors and leave the rear speakers stock for a while.

I was checking out the Alpine PDR-V75 amp online. Seems like a nice all-around amp to power front, rear, and sub.

I've tried adding sound-deadening material back in the early 90's and the stuff didn't stick very well. I know it's importance, but man it's a pain in the butt to tear the interior apart to get to the metal to apply that stuff. But heck, that may be nice to do anyway just to make the Taco a bit more quieter on the road.

Budget-wise I'm thinking around $1,000. I'm waiting for some things to become final with my job though before I pull the trigger on anything. Window shopping and info gathering phase.