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Head unit in 07 accept an MP3 player?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by RickW, Oct 17, 2019.

  1. Oct 17, 2019 at 12:28 PM
    #1
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Will the head unit in my 07 accept an MP3 player.
    I don't see a port in the head unit.
    Is there a port underneath?

    I want to upgrade the speakers too.
    What are my options?

    TIA

    R
     
  2. Oct 18, 2019 at 3:06 AM
    #2
    TACOMA2NDGEN

    TACOMA2NDGEN Well-Known Member

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    ptc075, LAMCKMA007 and cleats50 like this.
  3. Oct 18, 2019 at 8:36 PM
    #3
    cleats50

    cleats50 Well-Known Member

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    Get a new radio double din. I got a JVC with Car Play for about $350. After playing with the equalizer I couldn'
    t believe how good my stock speakers actually are. You can always switch out your speakers later. I think the stock stereo didn't have enough wattage to push the speakers. My opinion.
     
  4. Oct 19, 2019 at 4:34 AM
    #4
    TACOMA2NDGEN

    TACOMA2NDGEN Well-Known Member

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    I have to add the stock speakers aren’t that bad . I did replace all of mine but the stockers had some decent bass after messing with the eq
     
  5. Oct 19, 2019 at 9:42 AM
    #5
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The ski resort is 2.5 hrs away.
    I like listening to the radio to hear new music.
    Playing w/CDs while driving is a distraction!

    I have a Ipod Shuffle that I really like.
    The other day I lost it at the hospital.
    So now I have to replace the Ipod! WTF
    I have 2 old that they can't/won't repair. lol

    When I lose/break something, I try to upgrade whatever it is!
    So no more Shuffle, it is discontinued.
    The next thing up is $230, not happening.

    So I find something better on Amz.
    It will plug into my HU with kit, thanks Tacoma2.

    One person is saying replace the speakers.
    Another says replace the HU.
    So many different HUs, I don't know what I need? eek

    Perhaps a small amp to bump up the sound?
    I will start w/small MP3 player and go from there.

    Thanks for all the suggestions!

    R
     
    Bodyguard89 likes this.
  6. Oct 19, 2019 at 10:03 AM
    #6
    Bodyguard89

    Bodyguard89 Well-Known Member

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    Still in planning phase ...
    I'm with you there. I was able to locate a OEM iPod interface for my 2010 DC and will be installing it when I have the time. MAYBE somewhere down the road, I may upgrade the radio, but for now I just want to be able to listen to my playlists on my iPod and put money to other mods on my truck.
     
  7. Oct 19, 2019 at 10:25 AM
    #7
    REDdawn6

    REDdawn6 Well-Known Member

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    There are some decent, blutooth radios for like $30+ and up on Amazon
     
  8. Oct 19, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #8
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

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    AVS bug deflector, Weathertech digital fit floor mats, TRD skid plate w/ Sockmonkey decal, SOS Cocept sliders w/ Line-x, Pioneer 3500, Hybrid Audio Technology Mirus 6X9s & 6.5s, back up cam mod, Wet Okoles-front & rear, TRD exhaust, 17X9 XD Spy w/ Falken Wildpeaks, Avid light bar
    I would suggest a new head unit and replacing the factory speakers. Factory speaker are garbage. Magnet on back is lucky to be size of a quarter. I made huge gains with just head unit and speakers.
     
  9. Oct 19, 2019 at 11:46 AM
    #9
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have no idea of what to get for a new HU?
    Any suggestions?
     
  10. Oct 19, 2019 at 12:46 PM
    #10
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

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    AVS bug deflector, Weathertech digital fit floor mats, TRD skid plate w/ Sockmonkey decal, SOS Cocept sliders w/ Line-x, Pioneer 3500, Hybrid Audio Technology Mirus 6X9s & 6.5s, back up cam mod, Wet Okoles-front & rear, TRD exhaust, 17X9 XD Spy w/ Falken Wildpeaks, Avid light bar
    I went with a Pioneer. I would think Alpine, Pioneer, JVC will work fine.
     
  11. Oct 20, 2019 at 10:35 AM
    #11
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What about functions and features?
    Different types of GPS and other things?

    Thanks
     
  12. Oct 20, 2019 at 3:46 PM
    #12
    TACOMA2NDGEN

    TACOMA2NDGEN Well-Known Member

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    Sony its apple and android ready and it has a actual volume knob 42704F36-20F8-43CB-83EC-E5967C581F34.jpg
     
  13. Oct 20, 2019 at 5:03 PM
    #13
    cleats50

    cleats50 Well-Known Member

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    Get a radio with Car Play and set up free music accounts that you can virtually customize. Examples are Pandora,Spotify I Heart Music etcetera for FREE!.
     
  14. Oct 29, 2019 at 8:19 AM
    #14
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Update: I went to the dealership to see who does their installs.
    Shop was down the street.
    Owner was nice and knowledgeable.

    He did not want to install parts that would be removed later.
    Told me that a new HU could be expanded to a back up camera for $100!

    Said that an amp would blow out stk speakers.
    The new HU would be a big improvement.
    If I wanted more, to change the speakers in the front doors only.

    I now use a thumb drive in the glove box.
    I am very happy w/results!
     
  15. Oct 29, 2019 at 10:11 AM
    #15
    LAMCKMA007

    LAMCKMA007 Well-Known Member

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    The size of the magnet has nothing to do with the quality of sound, it has to do with power handling capability. The smaller the magnet the more efficient (louder) the speaker will play with the same wattage input. That's why factories use speakers with small magnets, because they can put in head units that have low power output. Low power keeps things reliable for warranty purposes. The higher the quality of speaker the closer the internal tolerances are. The closer the tolerances are the more likely distortion will blow the speaker from over driving the speaker due to the heat that distortion creates. A speaker with a huge magnet that receives little power will blow. The thinner the cone material is the less power it'll take to move it. That's why factory speakers typically have thin paper cones. The lighter the cone material is the more likely it'll distort the sound due to variances of cone flex throughout the cone and the more power that thin cone receives the more it'll distort.

    Matching the speaker to the power output is a big factor. It's not an exacting science, for example like a fuse is an exacting science. If a 5 amp fuse blows you don't install a 20 amp fuse to replace it. So if your head unit claims 50W max output a speaker with 30-75 is close enough as long as your ears can determine what distortion sounds like. If your music has a lot of distortion in it in its recording it'll blow your speakers eventually.

    95% of CD player mechanisms are built by Sony and other than the CD mechanism I wouldn't use Sony anything even if you gave it to me.

    Pioneer and Alpine are by far the most reliable head units. Most JVC products aren't made by JVC and none of their head units are made entirely by JVC. Kenwood head units are typically average at best but can't touch Pioneer or Apline from a reliability standpoint.

    In the old days volumes controlled by knobs were the most useable but nowadays knobs are multi function controls and if you off road at all you'll have a difficult time trying to adjust the volume with a multi function control without going into a different function. Push button volume controls can easily be controlled by placing an index finger on the dash for stability and using the middle finger on the actual control.

    Memorizing an aftermarket head units remote control functions are by far the safest, least distractive, and most useable form of volume control on the planet.

    Disclaimer: No offense is meant to the owners of Kenwood, JVC, or Sony head units.
     
  16. Oct 30, 2019 at 7:52 AM
    #16
    RickW

    RickW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The Kenwood HU is much better than stk!
     
    ace96 and LAMCKMA007 like this.
  17. Oct 30, 2019 at 9:13 AM
    #17
    LAMCKMA007

    LAMCKMA007 Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely correct.
     

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