Sound System Distortion

So I've had this Tacoma (2001) for a little while, unfortunately I know sh*t for d*ck about sound specifications and speakers. I like to plug in an mp3 player and put on either heavy metal or dubstep (Strange selection, i know), but I can't go very high on the music volume without major distortion. I know I got it with the original amp and speakers, but if I wanted to upgrade my sound system, what would be some recommendations?

 

See: “Forums”, “Audio & Video”

 

You didn't say what you currently have, but generally, if you want it louder you need more power and if you want less distortion you need more power handling and better/cleaner sources.

 

Gotcha. So in this case I'd probably need an outboard amp? And maybe a couple new speakers. The only reason I didn't say what I currently have is because it's the factory amp and speakers and I cant find anything about those or the specifications, even in the owner's manual.

 

If you want to crank it, yes. New amp, speakers, and sound deadening.

I would say new speakers at a bare minimum, I bet those 20 year old factory woofers are not exactly in peak condition.

 

Yeah I definitely agree with that. Thanks for the help!

 

Even with factory audio you shouldn't have major distortion... less oomph than you desire, sure, but not major distortion. How does audio quality compare between broadcast radio and your mp3 hookup? Hopefully you can find heavy metal or at least rock on the radio dial for comparison. If broadcast radio sounds better and less distorted than your mp3 player, then you're probably overdriving (clipping) your line-in with the mp3 player. With the vehicle parked, turn down the volume on you mp3 player until you get clear sound. Then leave the mp3 volume alone, and use only the head-unit volume control to adjust the loudness. It's very common to overload a line-in input with a modern mp3 player.

That said if you're into dubstep then you're going to want aftermarket subwoofers. Do not waste money on door speakers or full range amplifiers or sound deadening or car insurance. None of those will give you the deafening bass you desire. Just remove the seats and start installing subwoofers.

 

How high up do you have the mp3 player turned? Sometimes you can overload the input side of an amp and cause distortion if its feeding in too much signal, which would sound terrible. Other than that, the factory stuff is quite limited.