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Amp and/or New Head Unit

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by rdsaal, May 21, 2023.

  1. May 21, 2023 at 11:59 AM
    #1
    rdsaal

    rdsaal [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2018 SR5

    A couple of years ago, I upgraded all the speakers per this forum’s suggestions. I guess they sound fine but I can’t get the volume I’d like to get.

    Is there a different head unit that would solve this problem or can I add an amp?
     
  2. May 21, 2023 at 2:01 PM
    #2
    soundman98

    soundman98 Well-Known Member

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    yes.

    you can also buy a ridgeline.
     
  3. May 21, 2023 at 6:45 PM
    #3
    rdsaal

    rdsaal [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That’s a joke?
     
  4. May 21, 2023 at 7:26 PM
    #4
    CB350G

    CB350G Trust you inner Hobbes

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    WTT: hood for skewp WTT: seats for util pkg
    Yes - you can add an amp. Call Crutchfield, let them know what speakers you put in, and they should be able to give you some recommendations.
     
    Stevie17 and gsubioguy like this.
  5. May 22, 2023 at 6:50 AM
    #5
    rdsaal

    rdsaal [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you.
     
  6. May 22, 2023 at 1:44 PM
    #6
    spamy

    spamy Truck guy

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    Changing that head unit will vastly improve the sound. Everyone one who has done it says they notice immediately better sound even with the stock speakers. After I did it I decided to keep some of the stock speakers. They were good enough with a new unit for sure.

    So far a year with the new setup, no regrets.
     
    Stevie17 likes this.
  7. May 22, 2023 at 1:58 PM
    #7
    Dave3359

    Dave3359 Well-Known Member

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    I have the same truck with all kicker speakers.
    I add the key amp that tuck in the dash behind the radio night and day difference I’m deaf in one ear and I never have to turn the volume up much past 12 on the dial. Much improved sound
     
    Stevie17 and rdsaal[OP] like this.
  8. May 22, 2023 at 3:22 PM
    #8
    rdsaal

    rdsaal [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What head unit did you go with?
     
  9. May 22, 2023 at 6:48 PM
    #9
    spamy

    spamy Truck guy

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    I went with the joying. I mostly use it for carplay, but I do have a phone card in it and use the gaia on it when im offroad along with some other maps. Love it. I like basic Android systems. I can load any app I want.

    Some of the brand names your cornered into using their apps and not much you can change.
     
  10. May 22, 2023 at 7:25 PM
    #10
    9th

    9th Not a Civil Engineer

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    I put a power amp in mine. This alpine 4x75, is set up as 2x150w I also installed a Pioneer H/U.

    The rear door speakers (kickers) are bypassed. Instead run a Rockford Fosgate Power series 6x9 in separate enclosures.

    The front door speakers are RF power series as well...It still can't drown out my tinnitus.:headbang:

    EF528B2E-5D9E-4288-A790-FF9447287F32.jpg
     
    Stevie17 and TRDRed like this.
  11. May 23, 2023 at 2:18 AM
    #11
    VaToy

    VaToy Life Long Member

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    2018 TRD DCLB Sport 4x4 Silver Sky
    Bilsteins 5100s on the top setting, 4runner Gray TRD Pro Sema wheels, 285/70/17 Toyo AT3s, Sumo Bump stops, TRD exhaust, ECGS Clamshell bushing, 1/4 shim for the lean and one inch rear block, OEM Pro grill and garnish OEM TRD Skid plate, TRD CAI, Demon Brackets, Rigid Industries Pro fog lights, OEM Trail Rails sidebars, Diode Dynamics LED SL1 high and low beam lights, OEM Roof racks, Clazzio leather heated seats, Remote Start, TRD Pro shift knob, tinted windows, Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp for the headunit and sub and amp combo, OEM Puddle lights, OEM tailgate lock, OEM bed mat, LED interior lights, OEM blackout kit for letters, JLT catch can, upgraded 27F toyota True Start battery, Vleds led tail light kit with Pro tail lights, OEM Rave4 side mirrors with convex spotters,just to name a few mods.
    I have a Rockford 400 watt amp behind the dash and a RF sub/amp combo that fits perfect behind the rear pass side seat, RF dash tweeter/speaker combo. The sound is super clear, lots of punch from the sub and it's loud and not distorted. All for under $1000 installed, the sub looks like it was made for the truck as nobody will even see it anyways, the wires are completely hidden, looks factory and I'm super happy.
     
    Stevie17 and TRDRed like this.
  12. May 23, 2023 at 3:05 AM
    #12
    watermelonman

    watermelonman Well-Known Member

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    Better than the guy who uses every single post as a chance to complain about Toyota throwout bearings, LOL.
     
    Stevie17, Chew and TRDRed like this.
  13. May 23, 2023 at 10:08 AM
    #13
    TRDRed

    TRDRed Well-Known Member

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    What model RF sub/amp do have? Was about to pull the trigger on a JBL, but always open to options.

    TIA!
     
    Stevie17 likes this.
  14. May 23, 2023 at 11:14 AM
    #14
    Rednecktacoma22

    Rednecktacoma22 Well-Known Member

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    I think this might be my next route. I've already upgraded all the speakers and added a 10" sub with mono amp. Now the speakers don't keep up with the sub.
     
    Stevie17 and TRDRed like this.
  15. May 23, 2023 at 5:03 PM
    #15
    VaToy

    VaToy Life Long Member

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    Bilsteins 5100s on the top setting, 4runner Gray TRD Pro Sema wheels, 285/70/17 Toyo AT3s, Sumo Bump stops, TRD exhaust, ECGS Clamshell bushing, 1/4 shim for the lean and one inch rear block, OEM Pro grill and garnish OEM TRD Skid plate, TRD CAI, Demon Brackets, Rigid Industries Pro fog lights, OEM Trail Rails sidebars, Diode Dynamics LED SL1 high and low beam lights, OEM Roof racks, Clazzio leather heated seats, Remote Start, TRD Pro shift knob, tinted windows, Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp for the headunit and sub and amp combo, OEM Puddle lights, OEM tailgate lock, OEM bed mat, LED interior lights, OEM blackout kit for letters, JLT catch can, upgraded 27F toyota True Start battery, Vleds led tail light kit with Pro tail lights, OEM Rave4 side mirrors with convex spotters,just to name a few mods.
    8 in punch P300w combo
     
    TRDRed[QUOTED] and Stevie17 like this.
  16. May 23, 2023 at 6:41 PM
    #16
    SuperAir

    SuperAir Well-Known Member

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    Personally I would upgrade the head unit first and if that isn't satisfactory add an amp later.
     
    rdsaal[OP], TRDRed and Bigmatt503 like this.
  17. May 24, 2023 at 2:04 AM
    #17
    VaToy

    VaToy Life Long Member

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    Bilsteins 5100s on the top setting, 4runner Gray TRD Pro Sema wheels, 285/70/17 Toyo AT3s, Sumo Bump stops, TRD exhaust, ECGS Clamshell bushing, 1/4 shim for the lean and one inch rear block, OEM Pro grill and garnish OEM TRD Skid plate, TRD CAI, Demon Brackets, Rigid Industries Pro fog lights, OEM Trail Rails sidebars, Diode Dynamics LED SL1 high and low beam lights, OEM Roof racks, Clazzio leather heated seats, Remote Start, TRD Pro shift knob, tinted windows, Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp for the headunit and sub and amp combo, OEM Puddle lights, OEM tailgate lock, OEM bed mat, LED interior lights, OEM blackout kit for letters, JLT catch can, upgraded 27F toyota True Start battery, Vleds led tail light kit with Pro tail lights, OEM Rave4 side mirrors with convex spotters,just to name a few mods.
    An Amp added to a head unit will out power any head unit without an amp, plus you keep all your vehicle's controls.
     
    TRDRed and Dave3359 like this.
  18. May 24, 2023 at 6:00 PM
    #18
    SuperAir

    SuperAir Well-Known Member

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    It will out power it yes, that doesn't mean it will sound better. You also get more options and adjustability with an upgraded head unit and the sound quality is much better, especially with the lack of rear speaker power in the stock head unit. I have an aftermarket head unit in my 19 and I have all of the vehicle controls except for the convenience programming which I haven't changed since new. I even still have the music displayed in the dash center if I choose. Sony also makes head units with 50W amps built in now and 50W per channel is all you get from a Key. So a head unit is a viable option, depending on what your end game is.
     
    TRDRed likes this.
  19. May 25, 2023 at 2:51 AM
    #19
    VaToy

    VaToy Life Long Member

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    Parts Unknown
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD DCLB Sport 4x4 Silver Sky
    Bilsteins 5100s on the top setting, 4runner Gray TRD Pro Sema wheels, 285/70/17 Toyo AT3s, Sumo Bump stops, TRD exhaust, ECGS Clamshell bushing, 1/4 shim for the lean and one inch rear block, OEM Pro grill and garnish OEM TRD Skid plate, TRD CAI, Demon Brackets, Rigid Industries Pro fog lights, OEM Trail Rails sidebars, Diode Dynamics LED SL1 high and low beam lights, OEM Roof racks, Clazzio leather heated seats, Remote Start, TRD Pro shift knob, tinted windows, Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp for the headunit and sub and amp combo, OEM Puddle lights, OEM tailgate lock, OEM bed mat, LED interior lights, OEM blackout kit for letters, JLT catch can, upgraded 27F toyota True Start battery, Vleds led tail light kit with Pro tail lights, OEM Rave4 side mirrors with convex spotters,just to name a few mods.
    Speakers will change that and changing the rear speaker size to match the fronts is a great upgrade. When adding an amp to the factory unit the factory speakers come alive. The factory speakers are really not that bad.
     
    TRDRed and Dave3359 like this.

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