Focal Integration Series Install(Results and Qs)

Probably should have done a proper intro before asking for guidance. New Taco owner coming from a 2016 Corvette Z51. Wife and I are having our first so the coupe had to go.

Happy to be here.

I took on a project this weekend of installing the Focal Integration Series(690TOY and IC165TOY) to the truck and adding Noico 80mil deadening mat on all 4 doors.

I’m retaining the 8” Entune head unit(probably the nicest stock head unit I’ve seen in a vehicle...very responsive—well done Toyota).

Initial results: holy crap. I set the soundstage two notches to the front and these things are incredible. I’ve had a BMW with the Harmon Kardon Logic 7 system before and Bose in my prior Corvette. Dare I say that without an amp, these are on par with the HK and way better than the Bose. Expensive upgrade, I know, but worth it in my opinion.

Where I was disappointed was in the performance of the rear coaxial Focal speakers. As I moved the soundstage to the rear of the double cab, it sounded nothing like the front speakers. To be frank, they didn’t sound good at all and I wonder if it has to do with the EQ in the head unit and without the power of an amplifier.

Questions for the audio specialists out there:

1) If I’m happy with the volume of sound from the stock head unit, what will the amplifier bring me that warrants the extra $ spent? Will I actually get decent sound from the rear door coaxials? Better sound processing?

2) I don’t require a lot of bass based on my taste of music, but I wonder if a dedicated subwoofer will bring out the strengths of the highs and mids in the other door speakers. Thoughts?

As I mentioned, I don’t want to touch my head unit. I’m happy with the quality of sound and volume level when I set the soundstage towards the front of the vehicle.

Help and guidance is appreciated!

 

I haven't a clue what in the hell you are talking about.
BUT, welcome to TW, congrats on the new truck, and most importantly, congrats on the baby on the way! Wishing you guys a happy and healthy baby.

 

The head unit rear channel has way less output than the front channel. There is a thread in the audio section a guy created taking bench tests on the head unit. Might want to go check it out.

 

will do, I hope this isn’t going the route of having to replace the head unit with an aftermarket. That would really suck.

 

I was looking into the focals. I just don't wanna be disappointed haha. Subbed.

 

well the 690s which are the front doors and tweeters are enough

 

An amp will help the door speakers produce more bass, but for real big bass you’ll want a subwoofer. I could be happy with most music with the door speakers alone, especially with the doors noico’d and the speakers isolated, but separating the bass to its own speaker is a noticeable improvement in my truck with infinity and JL audio speakers.

With a 4 channel amp for the door speakers you’ll get more volume from the speakers at a lower volume setting on the head unit, meaning you’ll get a cleaner sound with less distortion as well as more punch and power. Some amps can also do sound processing, like the

$220 Kicker Key180.4 Kicker 45KEY1804 4-Channel 45 x 4 Key Smart Sound Processor Amp 180W Amplifier

Kicker Key180.4 I have, but most will require a second unit to process signals.

 

There are small amps designed to work with the stock head unit take a look at those. Probably ~350 bucks installed?

 

Kicker key.

 

Naw… Install a Kicker Key Amp behind the head unit and call it a day. I did the Kicker components in the front and the Kicker Coax in the rear powered by the Kicker Key Amp and then added an 8" powered sub and it sounds amazing.

In the audio section search for Kicker Key Amp and that will tell you everything you need to know.

 

I saw some other forum posts mentioning that or the Alpine that sits behind the head unit and outputs 45W to 4 channels.

Focal looks to also make something similar but it’s also way more costly. I wonder if it’s necessary to pair a branded amp to these speakers.

 

I've got 165KRX2's in the front doors of my A/C. Aftermaket deck 'n amp too but movin' the soundstage it the back might not be such a good idea imho.
You don't listen to these speakers, you experience them.

 

Nope. No match is necessary. Seriously, order the kicker Key now, install it and do not look back. You're welcome. I just saved you hours of research.

 

Here, go look at this thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...stall-assistance.568985/page-11#post-21553036

Destin Meeks knows his stuff and is very helpful.

And here is another thread on making the Kickey Key harness I just saw:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tpp4s-no-nonsense-guide-to-kicker-key-t-harness-16-19.642415/

 

Like others said, ad an amp and you’ll be much happier with the Focals.

Also, regarding the sound front/back...I’m assuming you left the stock speakers in the dash which is Probably why it sounds better. In addition to the Focals in the door, you’re also bouncing some music off the windshield via the dash speakers, so it will have a fuller sound.

 

nope, the 690s from a Focal come with tweeters. I replaced the stock tweeters with Focal. As another poster mentioned in this thread, the stock head unit must have a EQ setting that limits power to rear doors. I’m hoping the amp will fix that

 

The head unit does indeed reduce the output to the rear; like a LOT. The Key Amp allows you to balance it out. It is night and day difference. I made them pretty equal and then use the head unit so it is one notch toward the front to get my desired sound. You could just as easily tweak the setting on the key amp so it sits neutral at the head unit; I just didn't want to open the dash up again.

To read more on the balance, go look in the Audio section for a thread started by Destin Meeks. He put the unit on the bench and did pretty solid tests on it.

 

Gotcha. But still, if you’re sitting in, The front seat with a component set, then fade to rear speakers in the bottom of the back doors, the soundstage up front will sound way better. Then couple that with a weak factory head unit (especially if it’s sending less power to the rears) and you’re not getting the best out of those speakers. Honestly, it’s really not worth dropping that $ on those speakers and not running them off an amp.

 

yep, I think the Kicker Key is the way I’m going to go. The DSP based on your own soundstage is very appealing.

 

I'm wondering what you paid for the speakers? I'm in Canada and the only local dealer that sells Focal quoted me $500 for the IS690TOY, but they could sell them for $450. I know Focal is a reputable high end brand, just not sure if that is the going rate.