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Upgrading Audio System

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Ted2Paint, Apr 17, 2018.

  1. Apr 17, 2018 at 6:03 PM
    #1
    Ted2Paint

    Ted2Paint [OP] New Member

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    I was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to upgrade the basic audio system in my 2015 TRD Sport with the premium audio with navigation?
     
  2. Apr 17, 2018 at 7:21 PM
    #2
    REDdawn6

    REDdawn6 Well-Known Member

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    You can IIRC, you might as well do aftermarket for what you are going to have to play for a used radio.. Just my opinion
    Welcome to TW
     
  3. Apr 18, 2018 at 4:49 AM
    #3
    kcalhoun27

    kcalhoun27 Active Member

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    if you just want the headunit because of the factory hookup and feel, i get it, but aftermarket will give a better product. In terms of sound quality with the factory headunit...

    search for Mr. Marv. that's who i went through for my audio needs and I'm quite happy with the results. speakers, amp, and wiring all put together and ready to work. maybe 6 hours to install, but i had a specific idea of what i wanted and had to make it work with my puppy platform
     
    ace96 likes this.
  4. Apr 18, 2018 at 7:30 AM
    #4
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    GTX 3071r @8psi...
    100% go aftermarket. Less money, better sound, more functionality/expandability.

    I currently have a Kenwood DDX9702S headunit, Kicker KS speakers all around powered by an Alpine PowerPack 4ch amp, and a Kicker Hideaway powered sub under the passenger seat in my 2013 Access Cab.
    Everything works as stock- I have CarPlay/Android Auto, and I can view gauges/CELs on the radio via the Maestro RR (which is your steering wheel control module).

    Sounds better than any other Taco I've been in with the premium sound, and even the overpriced OEM Audio+ package that TacomaBeast sells. Plus I didn't lose any space for the sub...kinda important in an Access Cab lol

     
    ChiveOn, outxider and Tacotj like this.
  5. Apr 18, 2018 at 7:43 AM
    #5
    ssanders2211

    ssanders2211 Well-Known Member

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    behind the rear seat hi-lift mount bracket, easy-out crossbed toolbox brackets, sliders, ATO plate rear bumper, hood/bed lighting, always-on 12v outlets, dashcam, Viper 5806V w/ GPS
    How about backup camera integration? Is it easy to swap that out too, or do aftermarket ones tend to play nice with the OEM camera? Mine has been flaky over the past year and I think it's going to die sooner or later. The screen flickers a bit fairly often and went totally out a few times last summer but would come back after a day or 3. I'm hoping a new headunit will take care of it, but worst case I'm going to have to replace the whole thing all the way back to the tailgate. I'm hoping it's the headunit because when the backup camera goes out, the rest of the UI on the headunit looks a bit fuzzy also. I've also seen it restart itself right after I start driving once or twice, so to me that's pointing away from a bad camera connection and towards an electrical issue in the headunit.

    I miss the old square vehicle designs where you could see your bumper in your mirrors and know exactly where you were going without needing a camera.
     
  6. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:01 AM
    #6
    felttippin

    felttippin Long Time Toyota *****

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    @dirtdigginjoe Does that stereo work with the controls (volume, station, phone, etc) built into the steering wheel?
     
  7. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:04 AM
    #7
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    Yes, with any aftermarket headunit you need to add a SW Control Module- usually the iDataLink Maestro SW. For like an extra $20, you can use the iDataLink Maestro RR and get access to the gauges, and see/clear any CELs that come up, if you have a radio that supports it (Most Kenwood and newer Pioneer DDINs). I never saw anyone use it here, and since I work at BestBuy it was a no-brainer.
     
  8. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:10 AM
    #8
    TacoFlaco12

    TacoFlaco12 Well-Known Member

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    What did this setup run you, super interested in this for my access cab!
     
  9. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:14 AM
    #9
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    GTX 3071r @8psi...
    You can check out my post in this thread for the Amazon links. I work at BestBuy so I don't pay retail. I know I paid $325 for the headunit new, and $150 for the Hideaway.
     
  10. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:21 AM
    #10
    TacoFlaco12

    TacoFlaco12 Well-Known Member

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    Oh nice thank you! My stock speakers are starting to crackle and the stock head unit keeps disconnecting my phone, may be time to pull the trigger on this
     
  11. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:25 AM
    #11
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    I highly suggest you do it.

    You can get the DDX9703S for $400 new on Amazon.
    If you don't want to amp the speakers (via the Alpine PowerPack or another 4ch amp under a seat), you can get Kicker CS speakers for cheaper and they'll still perform better than stock. The biggest sound difference is from the headunit putting out more watts, and having more EQ settings.
     
  12. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:35 AM
    #12
    PNW/TRD Steve

    PNW/TRD Steve Well-Known Member

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    ImMrYo Rear view mirror lift bracket. Changed out mud flaps. Salex glove box organizer. OEM Ashtray (cup). AVS Step Shields. 16x8 SCS F5 Matte Jet Black. 265/75 16 Cooper St Maxx. OME Bp-51s. U.S. Offroad Winch Mount (in process) Smittybuilt x20 12k synthetic winch (in process) More....
    I believe you would have to source and install the roof antenna that includes the gps module also.
    As others have suggested, I think you would enjoy a nice aftermarket unit with the gps and phone integration built in. If you purchase through Crutchfield, the plug and play harness and all other adapters are included. If your original system did not have hands free you would have to run the microphone in addition to running the gps line and antenna. If you go this route, i have a few tips on running wire (did an SP8100 panel to my overhead) send me a PM and I'll guide you through it the best I can.
     
  13. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:49 AM
    #13
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    OE in dash nav isn't worth having.

    Upgrades are not free and it's reported around here how out of date they are to start with.

    If you want in dash for the screen size, go aftermarket.
     
  14. Apr 18, 2018 at 9:16 AM
    #14
    Camby

    Camby Well-Known Member

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    Magnuson Supercharger TRD CAI Catch Can After market dual exhaust Heated Mirror Kit Install Aftermarket Head and Tail lights Several accessory Mods
    What gauges can you select to display on the head unit using the Maestro?
     
  15. Apr 19, 2018 at 10:58 AM
    #15
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    GTX 3071r @8psi...
    I'll edit this post with the actual listing from my truck in about an hour.

    It's nice cause you have 2 pages of gauges to cycle between.
    I know for a fact it does:
    • AFR
    • Acceleration (g's)
    • IAT (degrees)
    • Ignition Advance (degrees)
    • EGT (But it's DEF not the EGT values, it's some crazy high number which leads me to believe its the cat temp sensor)
    • Engine Load (relative percent)
    • MAF (lbs/min)
    • Fuel Economy Instant
    • Fuel Economy Avergage
     
    Slashaar and Camby[QUOTED] like this.
  16. Apr 19, 2018 at 1:54 PM
    #16
    Camby

    Camby Well-Known Member

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    Looking forward to the rest of the list. Just purchased an Alpine ilx 107, and definitely want to hook up the maestro to it, if it can display decent amount of information.
     
  17. Apr 21, 2018 at 5:38 AM
    #17
    captainh00k

    captainh00k Well-Known Member

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  18. Apr 23, 2018 at 6:00 PM
    #18
    Camby

    Camby Well-Known Member

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    Are there more gauges that can be displayed?
     
  19. Apr 23, 2018 at 6:02 PM
    #19
    US Marine

    US Marine Semper Fi

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    I like my Pioneer 4200nex Double Din head unit !!!:thumbsup:
     
  20. Apr 23, 2018 at 6:06 PM
    #20
    dirtdigginjoe

    dirtdigginjoe Resident meth-head

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    GTX 3071r @8psi...
    There are, but I don't have my truck until Friday. Currently dealing with this:
    IMG_20180420_073631.jpg
    MVIMG_20180420_073829.jpg
     

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