Recommendations for sound upgrade?

Looking for recommendations, if any. For reference, I am an adult female not interested in a DIY project, but looking for recommendations on upgrading the sound in my 2010. Current setup is stock 6-disc changer and whatever speakers come with the model that is prewired for satellite radio. It's ok, but I just don't get much clarity and power with the current sound system, and just don't know where my dollars (and how many of them) might best be invested. I realize this is a big question! I just spend too much time in the truck to not have my music sound better.

Thanks for any and all advice -


Lauren

 

If you have the 6-disk, i believe that you have the JBL system. IF so you can ditch the factory HU and get a new one with a 4ch amp to power your speakers. That their should give you some more clarity and volume. Or you can use a line out converter on your factory HU and add an amp that way. The only thing im unsure about with the JBL is if you can amp those speakers. IF not then you are kinda stuck with either getting new ones and amping them or sticking with the sound you got. Hope this kinda helps, if not i took a shot for ya.

 

Thanks - honestly not sure I have the JBL or not. I'll have to consult the sales documents and see what the package details were. I thought the JBL would sound pretty good, so if this *is* the JBL I'm not very impressed. Makes me think I don't have that, but I'll check . . .


Lauren

 

First off, you can have a 6-disc changer without the JBL system.

Here's my recommendation....

Start off by having an aftermarket head unit installed first. Even if you have a radio shop do the work, you should be able to get a really nice single DIN head unit installed for less than $300. The sound quality and volume will be greatly increased, even with the crappy factory speakers.

Not sure about what you will do about the factory satelite radio.... I have a portable Sirius unit that I really like, and I take it to work with me and plug it into a boombox in my office.

If you want to invest another $200-$400, upgrade the speakers.

I installed an after market HU in my 08 within 3 weeks of buying it new. 2 years later I up graded the speakers. I did all of the install work myself, and between the HU, dash kit, speakers, and adapter rings for the speakers, I'd say I have about $500 invested. I would say I saved about $200 by doing the install my self.

I highly recommend doing the head unit install yourself. It really is very easy. If you buy the head unit from Crutchfield it will come with EVERYTHING you need along with great customer support. AND, there's plenty of info here on this site for doing this work. I have NEVER done any type of install like this before in my life, and if i can do it, anyone can......

Here's what my Pioneer and Sirius radios look like in my 08 DC Sport:

 

I have a Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD installed along with a Kicker 10" sub, and Kicker 400.1 Amp. I kept the factory speakers until I can get some cash to change them out. I get a lot of compliments about the looks of the double din HU, and the sound from factory speakers and 1 sub. I purchased everything from Crutchfield.
Heres a few pics of my setup:

 

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From my research, just going with a new HU is a great start. Im going to be getting this one in the next few weeks:
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_105KDA815/JVC-Arsenal-KD-A815.html?tp=5684
6 Preamp channels (great for when you upgrade to components and a sub or 2 down the road)
5V preamp voltage
Fully customizable colors for the display.
20 Watts RMS
HD radio ready (need to buy a receiver box thingie)
Bluetooth
Only downside I see is the lack of hard buttons for the radio presets but I can deal with that for the other great features it has.

 

Rocketball - thanks, and I like the look of the unit you have installed. Looks simple, and clean. I was thinking about a new HU first, but was not sure if that alone would make much difference in the sound or whether the speakers would need to be swapped out too. Sounds like a little of both. I'm definitely seeing recommendations in my price range though, which is nice.

I'm not really interested in Sirius or XM, though I'm prewired for that already. I have a Droid and have been listening to Pandora on that, through the AUX input. Frankly, it sounds crappy most of the time, but I've been dealing with it. That was another question I was pondering - as a non-iPod owner what sort of system would allow me a good quality sound input from a non-iPod MP3 player or more likely the Droid.

So many questions.

Thanks everyone so far for the replies. Total newbie here, but I do love my truck and look forward to tweaking just a few things . . .


Lauren

 

My buddy has that HU in his 4 runner and his droid x does not work with the on screen navigation so he has to play it through the aux input.

OP, just buy a cheap used i pod to use in the truck.

 

It is very nice, The only reason I'm not getting it is because its hideous IMO.

 

You can get wiring adpaters a Best Buy. Go to the install bay and they will sell them to you. I paid $24 for 4 ($12 per package of 2).

 

Most after market Head units are now Ipod ready, and have an AUX jack. I use my AUX jack for my Sirius radio. My HU has an Ipod cable built in, and I routed it right to my glove box. All I have to do is plug in my Ipod to the cable in the glove box. I can control the Ipod using the buttons on the head unit, and it charges my Ipod at the same time. Sounds awesome. I honestly have not played a CD since installing this unit in my truck.

 

Made a decision, after much looking and considering. Per Crutchfield, my order shipped today:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1303200UB/Pioneer-DEH-3200UB.html?search=pioneer+3200

Definitely in a doable price range that may let me look at some other accessories I was thinking about (like Weathertech liners for the front). Fiance, who is handy, has graciously offered to help install. Very excited about the new sound, and thanks everyone for the input - it was a ton of help!

 

Good luck, have fun with the install, and don't forget to show it off to us when you're done.

 

I'm not a stereo nut, but have done my duty as a semi-pro musician in younger days. Decades of hard rock music, guns, and construction have left me with about 10% of my hearing in one ear, so the factory setup is pretty miserable to listen to. Since it appears that Crutchfield gives you everything you need for the installation, including cover plates(??Really??), it looks like I'll be doing business with them soon- and I can only hope it's as easy as has been claimed.