'09 Access Cab sound system

Let me preface this post by saying I know approximately zero about audio systems other than how to use the volume knob.

I bought an '09 a few weeks ago and am in love with pretty much everything except the audio quality. Maybe it's because there are almost 200k miles on it, but whenever I listen to anything it sounds like it's coming through a static-y 1920's radio. I'm not looking for the highest quality sound in the world, just something that sounds good enough for a 30-minute drive to work.

My gut says to replace the door speakers with whatever is cheapest on Crutchfield, but my research shows that it may not be so simple as that. If I were to get a 2-way or 3-way lower door speaker, can I just remove the tweeter up top, or should I replace it as well? In either case, what are some ~$200 budget options that will get the job done?

I also was looking into getting a new head unit (no touchscreen) and stereo, if need be, but I'm getting lost in the weeds on what's compatible with what.

 

Depends on what kind of static you are hearing. Is it scratchy speakers or is it signal static like you get with a bad gain pot?

You can’t replace the speakers to solve a signal issue or the stereo to solve a speaker issue. Speakers are easier to replace if that’s the problem. Did you look to see what’s installed? Is it all still factory? Do you have steering wheel controls?

 

I'm honestly not sure whether it's the speakers or static or both, but I'm leaning toward the speakers being the audio issue. I'm basing this on the scratchy sound showing up more heavily on certain songs and at the same time during those songs.

A pull toward upgrading the stereo is that the volume control knob likes to pick a random value within ~10 of what I want when being turned cw or ccw, so I will probably buy one in the near future.

The speakers are factory; no steering wheel controls.

 

The volume knob issue is normal behavior for a failing digital volume control knob. They start jumping around and eventually become unusable. I don’t think this is the cause of your static, however because they don’t have signal running through them like an analog volume knob does. It is possible the amplifier is causing the issue.

I would say if you have static noise in all speakers that you have a signal path issue, and if you have static noise in one or two speakers you can reasonably assume those speakers are the issue, especially if they are not on the same channel. It is not common to have all bad speakers.

If you just want a new stereo because whatever reason, that’s fine. Without steering wheel controls it is a much more simple job because you won’t need a smart harness.

If you replace speakers, it’s worth not going full on cheap IMO. These are my go to options for Tacoma/4Runner

Front Component Set:
https://audison.com/product/apk-690/

Or Front Component Alternative (I really like this combination)
https://audison.com/product/ap-2-mv/
https://audison.com/product/ap-690/

Rear Doors (For Access Cab IDK if these would fit or if you even need/have rear speakers)
https://audison.com/product/apx-6-5/

All of these speakers work really well on the factory radio, but they do have some power handling in the event you add an aftermarket amplifier later.

You will need these adapter harnesses and mounting adapters of your choice. There are some decent options, the Metra ones suck. I like to build them so they match the depth of the speakers you remove so they mate with the door panel correctly. I can take pictures of my ‘09 Tacoma, I just recently installed these in mine and reinstalled the factory radio as it is my backup vehicle now and I no longer wanted a $6000 stereo system in it.

Upper Door “Tweeter”

RED WOLF Car Dash Tweeter Speaker Wiring Harness JBL Only for Select Toyota Tundra 2007-2019, Sequoia 2001-2019, Sienna 2004-2010 Vehicles Speaker Wire Connector 2PCS

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07VPFWLPK

Front/Rear Lower Door “Woofer”:

$10 72-8104 Speaker Adapter Wire Harness Replacement for Toyota Camry Corolla Tacoma Tundra Scion Pontiac Car Front and Rear Door Speaker Wire Harness Adapter Plug 4Pcs

https://www.amazon.com/72-8104-Speaker-Adapter-Harness-Replacement/dp/B09MFHZZK1

 

I played around with the balance and fader and determined that all of the speakers work and provide the same static sound, so you're probably right about the speakers not being the issue. I also found out that I have speakers above the headliner, although they are super quiet.

That being the case, I'll stick with the factory speakers for the time being and look at a new amplifier/stereo system.

Feel free to post some pictures of your Taco setup!