2014 Double Cab Entune Nav (no JBL) Audio upgrade, keeping the head unit

I'm going to document this as I go along. Hopefully it will help someone.

Like most I was sorely disappointed in the audio performance of the Entune head unit. However, by the time I got home from the dealership I was in love with all the bells and whistles.

I'm a DIY audiophile. I've built my home system from scratch, riding that fine line of diminishing returns on money spent. I'm after the perfect mix of OEM functionality, audiophile sound and budget. One absolute requirement is a good equalizer. My total budget is $1,000.

Here is my shopping list so far:

MiniDSP 2X4 with miniDC $117

Rockford Fosgate RFK4D 4 AWG Dual Amplifier Install Kit $78

$349 Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier,BLACK

Rockford Fosgate R600X5 5 channel amp $227

Rockford Fosgate Punch P3 P3SD210 Punch P3 10-Inch 300 Watt Shallow Subwoofer - 2 Ohm $110

Focal Access 165 CA1 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speaker Kit $114

165A1 - Focal Access 6.5" 2 Way Component Speakers $240

Rammatt $150

I'll also need to get MDF to built the sub cabinet. I'll be building it to fit behind the passenger seat, along with space for an amp. Essentially it will be a DIY Stealthbox, as close as I can get, but will cost maybe $35.

I sunk most of my budget into speakers as I will be dampening the doors and doing it right the first time. I can fab brackets as needed. The miniDSP could be easily upgraded to something like a bitTEN in the future, as can the amp. So the door speakers and sub cabinet need to be lifetime investments for me.

I'll take pics and update as I go.

 

Haven't heard real good things about Focal's access line. I'll be interested in hearing what you think about them in the Taco. Doubt you'll get the "audiophile" sound you're hoping for out of them though, just FYI.

 

Interesting. I heard them at a car audio shop, they were very detailed but lacking mid bass. Do you have recommendations for something else in that price range?

 

I'm a HUGE fan of Focal. The access line is 'ok' but save up and go up to the
PS 165's and you'll be a lot happier. I have their 30th anniversary editions and they are amazing. The mid bass response is a lot better int he PS 165's.

 

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Agreed. The Access line will underwhelm you in performance, and have you looking for speakers again soon. I'm more of a Hertz fan, but I've heard good things about the PS165's. Consider saving a little more, and getting those instead.

 

I ended up going with Helix Blue B62C's up front. I've heard them before and liked them, very crisp and clear, and I got a good price on them.

 

Can't comment on the Helix line, but you'll probably be happier than if you went with the Focal Access line. GL with the install, I have my eye on this thread.

 

Can anyone confirm if this diagram is accurate for 2014? I need a remote turn on, I'm planning to tap the "black/red/pink/blue" power antenna lead if possible.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/200973/cat/500

Provided that's correct, here's my working diagram. The picture is an access cab, I couldn't find a good overhead for double.

 

This is my final list of components:

Rockford Fosgate RFK4D 4 Gauge Complete Dual Amplifier/Amp Installation Kit $78 Ebay
Rockford Fosgate

$349 Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier,BLACK

Rockford Fosgate R600X5 5 channel amp $260 Sonic Electronix
MiniDSP2X4 with miniDC isolator and software $147 minidsp.com
HELIX Blue B62C 6 1/2"/6-3/4" component speaker system $155 Ebay
Recessed Speaker terminal & Dashboard installation prying tools $14 Ebay
HELIX Blue B5X 5-1/4" 2-Way Speaker set & brackets for all speakers $123 Crutchfield
ROCKFORD FOSGATE P3SD2-10 10" 600 Watt Car Audio Shallow Subwoofer P3SD210 $107 Ebay
100 ft 12 gauge oxygen free speaker cable, 2 1.5 ft. RCA Cables, $38 monoprice.com
1 4X8 sheet 3/4" MDF $42 Home Depot

Total comes to $964. With screws, bracing, glue, carpet etc that I already have the total would be close to $1,000. Not bad.

 

Got the back seats out. I used this video for instruction though it was pretty easy to figure out.

http://youtu.be/yEcowYsoW-c

I'll be measuring and building the sub enclosure and amp board to fit behind the passenger seat. I'm using the driver side seat to figure how deep the box needs to be and at what angle. I'm thinking I might get away with a box that spans the entire passenger side but isn't too tall- then I can install a true audio rack against the back panel!



Using http://www.bcae1.com/spboxnew2.htm to figure box volume, it looks like I can make a triangular sealed enclosure of 18.5" high (which corresponds to the height of commercial boxes for this space), 29.5 inches wide, 7" deep at the bottom tapering to 0" at the top. This gives a volume of .551 ft3. Fosgate suggests .5 for a sealed enclosure, so this will be perfect once I add braces. I'll also stuff the hell out of it. All of this will fit underneath the horizontal metal cleat, and can be fastened directly to the existing screws. This will give plenty of clearance for folding the seats down, and for the subwoofer's Xmax, and not rattle against the plastic backing of the seats.

 

While I'm waiting for parts I'm doing a deep dive into this miniDSP. If it's as good as it says, it will be amazing. I'll post my findings once I figure it all out. If you want to follow this discussion it's on miniDSP's boards at http://www.minidsp.com/forum/car-au...gestions-for-install-2014-toyota-entune#14179.

Just to disclaim, I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I just love open source DIY audio stuff like this.

 

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My sub enclosure will be ported, designed according to Fosgate's recommendations. Dimensions are 18.5" high, 26" wide, 3" deep at the top and 7" deep at the bottom, with a channel running through the back to accomodate the rail on the back panel of the truck.

Total box volume will then be .75 ft3, taking into account the driver displacement and bracing. I'll also stuff it. The port will be 3" ID, and 12" long.

Attached is a diagram of the side panel, which someone else may find useful as it has the measurements needed to create the channel along the back. Just adjust your width to accomodate.



All my components have arrived, even the miniDSP from Hong Kong- just waiting on sound deadening. Of course that would be the last to arrive...

 

Got the pieces for the box cut out and the back channel glued up. I'm waiting to cut the front panel until I get some of this glued up so I can get the angle just right.

 

I got the box glued and caulked. I did a test fit and it's perfect. Next I need to locate and drill holes in the back panel so I can bolt it to the back wall of the truck, and cut the speaker hole in the front panel. Then fill it with acoustic stuffing and glue and screw it shut.

Yeah, I installed the port into the wrong side of the side panel, that's what all that black caulk is from.

 

Looking great!

 

Looks like a great start. How did you figure out port length?

 

Looks good! I can't wait to get my built.

Do you plan to carpet it? I have never been able to get my carpet to look good, some tips with pics would be nice if you go that route.