New speaker opinions.

Hey everyone, I've hooked up system's before but haven't really messed to much with door speakers and such. What would be a good set up if I wanted to upgrade my 2012 touch screen head unit not JBL nor nav. Up to some decent sounding speakers. Plug and play would be nice, but I really don't know much about all this. I am jamming the stock speakers at literally 54 or max. No matter what I'm listening to be either phone, CD whatever if I'm jamming. Sounds great but I want more. Any advice? I don't even know where to start on sizes, I've read a few things but that's all. Thanks

 

Where to start - what are the long term stereo goals? The OEM head unit output certainly will sound clearer with the right aftermarket speakers, but you aren't going to get much more output - the OEM head unit signal would still be actively EQ'd at the higher volume levels to reduce the bass. There also is one little narrow bass frequency band that actually plays satisfactorily with the OEM speakers - if you upgrade to nicer aftermarket speakers, you may actually lose that little boosted band.

If you aren't looking to ever buy an aftermarket headunit or add an amplifier, sticking with speakers like the JL Audio C1 range, which are power efficient, are arguably one of the better, basic upgrades for the OEM headunits. If you have any inclination to get a head unit and amp later on, then consider going with the C2, or C3. I'm turning out to be a JL fan because they have always had a great reputation, they aren't eroding their reputation (like a handful of the other 'good' manufacturer have), and they consistently produce natural sounding audio equipment.

If you want to keep the OEM headunit & add an amp, then you'll need a DSP to 'flatten' the OEM signal output, to have the right baseline output - although a power brick amp might still sound acceptable.

I could go on and on - there is lots of info already listed in this audio forum regarding the Tacoma stereo...

 

I really just wanted to aimp but if I need to get one to get a better sound I will.