Component Speaker Replacement

What's up guys, first posting on Tacoma World so thanks for letting me be a part of this...I'm looking to replace my factory component speakers in my 14 Tacoma access cab. I wanna save myself a headache and have everything I need for when I do the install. Should I get the speaker wire harness? speaker adapters? go with a crossover mounting pair or one with a crossover built in? recommendations on speakers? I am gonna keep my factory head unit and I will add an amp, not sure about a sub just yet but if I do it will be a low profile one that I can save space with and has an amp built in. Please, any feed back will be greatly appreciated!

 

Changing the headunit will yield better results than replacing the speakers with factory headunit. In my experience it did.

 

^^^ what he said. I was shocked to hear what a new head unit did for these crappy speakers in my truck.

 

I was actually really impressed with the OEM speakers with an aftermarket headunit.

 

Ikr... Channel separation. Something that was not existent with the stock hu.

 

Just about the 1st thing I did when I bought this one was to pull my Alpine HU and mini-amp out of my old one and install it.

I haven't felt the need to buy speakers yet, in fact I kinda want to pull the door panels just to make sure it still has factory speakers and the PO hadn't upgraded. For only having 2 speakers it's damn decent, and if they are in fact OE (I suspect they are) they've got to be the least crappy base factory speakers I've heard.

 

I agree HU or amp will make give you the most bang for the buck improvement, BUT if it were me I would also look into some of the inexpensive speaker upgrades. The stock speakers suck ass but once you pull them out you'll realize the sound is rather remarkable for how crappy they are. Cones are paper thin and magnets are tiny. A lot of folks on here are doing the Subaru tweeter upgrade for cheap.

 

I thought I read that the Subaru tweeter upgrade only works on 3rd gens? If this is a go on the 2nd gens I may just have to get busy based on all the positive reviews. I've been mulling over speaker upgrades for months and just can't make a decision. I do know that I'd really like to keep the factory HU, just because I like the factory look.

 

I'm not extremely familiar with that upgrade, but I'm sure you can make it work on a 2nd gen. Some others may know more about it than me. When I did mine I went with JL audio speakers which required adapters. Here is my thread with my setup. I will say that if you want to keep your head unit, an external amp will serve you well.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/complete-sound-system-in-my-2nd-gen.597101/

 

I agree about the amp. Of course the only thing I've made a firm decision on is a small compact amp and low cost sound deadening. Which amp is still up in the air, but I'm going with a couple rolls of the Peel and Seal for sound deadening.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Peel-Seal-...s-6-in-x-25-ft-Aluminum-Roll-Flashing/1018733

 

I think I went 6 months without replacing the speakers, I only did it because I was installing a sub/amp.

 

I replaced the speakers first and had sound deadening added to the doors. I had an amp added at the same time.

I think replacing the crappy speakers is the best improvement. Later I will consider replacing the head unit.

 

your sound system looks incredible, excellent job! thanks for the feed back

 

I just replaced my speakers yesterday. And i have to agree the stock speakers aren’t bad. But there not clear. I bought all the adapters and harness extention . Went with kicker dc series. Sounds much cleaner now. But i also recommend getting some sound deadening for the doors it was a huge improvement on the doors. You don’t have to spend alot of money. I bought the 36 square feet 80mil off Amazon for $64 dollars. It damn nearly covered the whole truck. Doing the back wall and doors . A few peices under the floor matts and a few spots under the storage area under the rear seats. I also have the sony xav-100 great radio with Apple CarPlay and it has DSO which makes the speakers sound like there higher up on the doors

 

The speakers in my 05 sound quite good after a new head unit.

 

Speaker upgrade a must. Take a look at factory speakers and you will see. I replaced my speakers and what a difference. Crutchfield is a great source for what speakers will fit and have the part number's for all the accessories needed. I later added an amplifier and under seat powdered sub woofer.

 

Is 50 sq/ft enough for a double cab? Mainly doors and the rear storage behind the seats.

 

I found a number of threads on this and similar topics when looking to upgrade the sound in my AC. 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 went with the following, which I think sounds great...
- 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

I pulled most interior panels and the carpet, in addition to door panels, when I did mine...


Unless money is burning a hole in your pocket, comparison shop! I got all my stuff for an average of 40% off MSRP.

 

More than enough

 

I highly recommend NOT using that stuff for sound deadening. The adhesive isn't the same as an automotive sound deadener and that stuff will stink when it gets hot. Look up Noico sound deadener on Amazon if you're looking for a budget alternative. It's what I used in my truck and it's a great product.

Here's my budget stereo build for another point of reference for options:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-budget-friendly-stereo-upgrade.496080/