Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

I just got into this game, but I realized early on that it was going to be hard to put a price on amazing sound. The stereo makes me happy every single time I turn on the truck. There’s something electrifying about crystal clear audio that leads us all toward different sized money pits.

I’ll seal the doors this summer. I’m not crazy enough, yet, to soundproof everything. Once I get it all planned out, I’ll mount an amp/dsp under the pax seat because I just have to know how 70 RMS and complete control of the Focals sounds.

 

After reading thread after thread including the majority of this one I decided (barring the addition of an amp) the Kickers are almost a proven commodity at this point. Except I went with what a few others have done, 46CSS694 component woofers up front & the

$72 46CSC674 CS-Series CSC67 6.75" (165mm) Coaxial Speakers, 4-Ohm (Pair)

46CSC674 2-ways in the back. Ordered everything early this morning from Crutchfield including baffles for all 4 doors & some 50mil kilmat from Amazon. I installed the Subaru Kickers last summer.
Thanks to the OP for creating this thread & everyone who has contributed to it. You've been a great help. Much appreciated. Keep the rubber side down.

 

You going to run the fronts doors without the tweeters or wire up the X-over and run the wire up to the dash?

 

That, I'm not sure about yet. I'll most likely delete the cross overs but figure to make that decision when I get the doors wired up. Give it a sound test before buttoning everything up kinda thing. Wish there was a way to sample the x-overs before committing.

 

I'm not sure the stock dash are run through a crossover, the stocks and the Subaru/Kickers seem to have a filter on them. I've thought about putting a filter on the doors to block out everything 5k Hz and up.

 

Just chatted with a Crutchfield adviser and you can definitely run those without the tweeter connected. Effectively using the provided crossover as a low pass filter. I might try the cheapo route and get these low pass filters and waterproof them. $13 bucks for 2.

 

Oh cool, there ya go.
I read somewhere in this thread where a guy had deleted the x-overs but didn't know for sure if he was successful. It's awesome that you confirmed thru Crutchfield that I'm good to go, thanks a bunch. Good luck with your mod.

 

I am running the component 6x9 with the Subaru tweeter. It works great. Much better than going with coaxial in the front. Initially, I wasn't planning on adding a sub, but may end up going that route just to add a little more bass to the rear. The front sounds perfect, especially once you get the stock EQ set up correctly.

 

Ah, yep, you be the one I was referring to. Right on, sounds great (no pun intended...lol). Thanks to you, I went the same way as you. I was intrigued about the component route and I after I read your post I was convinced. Thanks, hope you don't mind a copycat...lol

 

I did the tweeters already, thinking about doing the door speakers now that we're on lock down. To those that have done it, is it worth doing the rear doors? I'm in the truck by myself 95% of the time.

 

I did the Subaru tweeter upgrade, ditto...sounds better. Thanks to the OP for this information. I used a actual panel tool on the removal of everything...no scratches or broken pieces.

However, I'm not a believer in Kicker (I know the Subaru tweets are kicker).

I bought Skar TX series 6X9's for the front and TX 6 1/2's for the rear. Yeah, yeah....but have you ever used them? Probably not if you aren't a "bass head" or audiophile. Most folks just drop the sticker price on JBL, Infinity, Kicker, Fosgate...etc.etc. Put up your wallet gents.

I've had insane sound systems in past vehicles with those same brand names.....and I'm trying to avoid going thousands in the hole while maintaining the factory setup for the most part. I'm not convinced on the Entune head unit either....but I really, really want to maintain that unit in the dash.

I will share what happens with this Skar upgrade.

In the event I do get crazy (highly likely) I'm going with another pairing of Taramps low and mid amplifiers with Sundown subs.... I have attached a video for your sundown reference if needed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y95jZJTeWR4

Check out any Taramps dyno test on YouTube and you will punch yourself in the face for ever spending thousands on Amps in the past. I was a "Ney-Sayer" when I first heard of them, but in my last Taco I gave them a shot and this Brazilian Company is really a great manufacturer of electronics.

 

I bought the Kicker 46CSC6934 from a guy on the marketplace to replace my rear speakers. They came with the bracket; however, they did not come with an adapter. From reading on here I'm pretty sure I need the adapter as well. Just making sure with you guys before my wife gets on me again for ordering another thing for the truck.

 

Depends? Ever plan on putting stock speakers back in? If not, cut the wires and put some female spade connectors.

If you need or want the adapters-

ebay, because Amazon might take a month to ship right now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Pair-Car-Speaker-Harness-Adapter-fits-Toyota-4-Runner-Sequoia-Corolla/264122174864?fits=Model%3ATacoma&epid=25018037844

$15 (2) Pair of Metra 72-8104 Speaker Wire Adapters for Select Toyota Vehicles - 4 Total Adapters

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GEIP7RW

 

I replaced the Kicker 3 ways with the CS components. I only connected the midwoofer and left the tweeters unplugged. I was concerned about the crossover getting wet, but was able to wedge them in the door panel and there was still enough wire to connect the speaker.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Is there any hidden options for subwoofers in the back of an access cab? (2019 TRD Sport if it matters)

 

Bought 6x9 kickers to replace the front speakers. Is it worth buying 5 sq ft of Noico to place behind the speakers?

Noico 80 mil 5 sqft Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and Dampening

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QY1X35...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

There's ********* and OEM Audio one on Tacomabeast. Or you can one of many powered subs to fit back there.

 

I think so. I put some on the outer panel where I could reach through the speaker hole and some on the inner panel where it wouldn't interfere with the door card. i also cut some strips and put them all around the plastic speaker adapter.

 

Apparently the mods don't like whatever you wrote. Can you PM me pls?