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2012 Audio Upgrade

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Molon Labe, Dec 19, 2023.

  1. Dec 19, 2023 at 12:03 PM
    #1
    Molon Labe

    Molon Labe [OP] Never LBS

    Joined:
    May 27, 2012
    Member:
    #79590
    Messages:
    287
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Snellville
    Vehicle:
    2012 Spruce Mica DC TRD 4x4 Auto V6
    see my build
    Just a quick thread for anyone looking for information.

    I finally decided it was time to upgrade my audio from the stock Stereo/ CD player and stock speakers.

    For this upgrade I wanted to keep it simple. I wanted better speakers all around and a head unit that was touch screen and could do apple car play so I could use Gaia. I wanted to retain the steering wheel controls and still Bluetooth my phone and audio when not connected to the USB.

    This is the OEM head unit, excuse the dog hair.

    [​IMG]

    For the speakers I purchased a plug and play NVX set from Sonic Electronics for $218.99. These speakers specifications were better than any other name brand (pioneer etc…) in the under $300.00 price range.

    https://www.sonicelectronix.com/ite...placement-Package-NVX.html#descriptionSection

    I am vary happy with how they sound but they were not exactly plug and play. I would recommend the package but be aware of the issues I ran into.

    First, The Metra adapters for the rear 6.5” speakers had to be modified, there were tabs inside the large opening, and I had to cut them out to fit the new speakers in the adapters. Otherwise, the rear was a snap.

    The front 6 x 9s were an easy swap with no issues.

    [​IMG]

    The front tweeters were the biggest issue. First, I reused the OEM brackets for the OEM tweeters however the NVX tweeters are about ½” larger in diameter so I had to grind away ¼” around the inside of the opening on the bracket. There is a stamped lip that I just followed around and then I had to get creative with the speaker mounting screws. I drilled new holes and used small screws with nuts to mount the speakers inside the bracket. The other main issue is that the NVX tweeters are longer than the OEM tweeters, so I had to put out holes in the door to fit the back side of the speakers. Luckily, there is enough room when using the OEM brackets to fit the NVX speakers and not interfere with the window. At first, I took my time cutting out the opening but then I decided that no one would see it and it was getting late and cold outside so I just cut it bigger than needed to fit the speakers. I did apply sound deadening inside all 4 doors before I swapped the speakers.

    [​IMG]

    And this is the tweeter mounted.

    [​IMG]

    Lastly, I had to sand down the OEM two reinforced bars inside the OEM tweeter grills to fit the new tweeters but everything went back looking OEM and sounding much better.

    Next, I opted for the Sony XAV-AX3200 from Crutchfield for $278.00. I purchased the Crutchfield install kit for $141.94 and paid the $24.99 for the Crutchfield ready harness service. My total was $470.14 shipped and everything went together perfectly and easy.

    I love the head unit and all the features.

    [​IMG]

    Anyway, I hope this helps someone looking to upgrade. There are probably cheaper solutions but this is a solid upgrade that does what I need it to do.
     
    BoomerMafia likes this.
  2. Dec 20, 2023 at 10:27 AM
    #2
    gstodd

    gstodd Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2023
    Member:
    #415649
    Messages:
    423
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 2wd base 5-lug
    Glad you like the sound. If I might make a couple of suggestions to get more out of what you have. Cut the wires going to the tweeters on the 6x9, you don't need them with having a 3 1/2" 2-way speaker up top. It'll lift the sound stage up for better imaging. Also put a 200 uF capacitor inline with the positive wire of the 3 1/2" speaker. This will block the lower bass notes from damaging the smaller size speaker. These two things together will let you mimic a 3-way separates system in the front.
     
  3. Dec 20, 2023 at 10:54 AM
    #3
    Molon Labe

    Molon Labe [OP] Never LBS

    Joined:
    May 27, 2012
    Member:
    #79590
    Messages:
    287
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Snellville
    Vehicle:
    2012 Spruce Mica DC TRD 4x4 Auto V6
    see my build
    gstodd, thank you for the suggestions. Whenever warmer weather returns, I will play around with your suggestions. I may reach out to you at that time just to make sure I am doing everything correctly. Thanks again.
     
    gstodd likes this.

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