2011 Tacoma Audio Build Advice?

Hey Fellas,
Just purchased a 2011 Tacoma TX Pro, the sounds system is pretty good for stock (6 disc, steering wheel controls, rear sub, etc) but I am looking to upgrade the audio anyway. Now I have done the DIY a couple of times on my other vehicles and have been blown away with the results...and yes I have been trolling the forums for suggestions/FAQs...but not a whole lot on the 2010/2011 builds. I just have a few questions (and let me know if I missed it in the forums so you don't have to repeat yourself):

1. ********* seems legit even though I lean towards Crutchfield...09' audio components/kits are compatible with 11' right? They all seem fairly the same with some tweaks to the in-dash system.

2. I am a big Alpine or Polk fan...success with anything else? (No Pioneer)

3. While I am dismantling the cab, anything else worth upgrading besides the obvious sound deadening, etc.?

4. Any problems or "worst case" scenarios that you have faced with Tacoma audio installs?...only worked on Acuras and Wranglers.

5. Any sweet speaker, amps, subs deals online or otherwise? (Figured after the holidays would be a good time.)

 

Not to much to add but....

Polk FTW

and take your time!

 

Did an alpine W900BT install a couple of weeks ago. It's a Double Din so it was a little cramped. The only advice I'll give you is keep your wires neatt and tape off the dash around the area. It scratches real easy. I could kick myself for that one.

 

Hey Lego welcome to TW... in reading your post a couple of things come to mind. You said you've looked through the forum for suggestions/FAQ's. Did you come across "The official ********* poll" (http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/80220-official-*********-poll.html)? If not it would be worth a read. I have no personal experience with ********* so I don't have an opinion but many TW members do...

Also, it sounds like you have the JBL system in your truck. If so, do your homework. From what I've read the steering wheel control adaptor is a little tricky and you'll need a special JBL wiring harness. Otherwise, installing a system in the Taco is pretty straight forward. Everything comes apart and reassembles quite easily and since you've done some installs before you'll be fine. BTW, ********* has some good "how to" remove the taco interior videos on youtube. Good luck with your install.

 

Is your truck an access cab? If it is here is what I did and I defunately think sound deadening is worth it. You get alot of noise through the doors on the access cab

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/126113-access-cab-sub-box.html

 

Not a fan of any of the current polk, especially the top of the line ring radiators in the factory location. The best tweeters I have heard for the factory location have been Focal K2 tweets, which due to the off axis position of the factory tweets, have no harshness and are not excessively bright.

********* boxes don't let you fold the rear seat... be aware of that and the fact they are too small most of the time for the IDQ 10s they sell. I have 2 IDQ 10s and there is just no way .45 cubic feet is enough airspace.

Be aware if you want an all in one amp the Kenwood 5 channel is superior to the PDX5. Alpine didn't upgrade that amp along with their other PDX amps.

 

Sorry...been crazy busy with work and have neglected this thread. Great links and info everyone! I do appreciate it. Checked out a custom guy here in NorCal and he specced a crazy system but it would run me an insane amount of money. I am definitely going crutchfield with a custom box purchase. Not a fan of ********* after trolling the posts. Got my supercharger installed and it's a whole new ride. I am in a tossup for the audio right now or the LT suspension. (No worries, I will jump to the right thread for that question.) Thank you again. You all are awesome and I love this forum!