2017 with Non JBL upgrade options?

The sound sucks.

But I don't want a full system swap unless I have to, and then it would have to wait.

How about these kicker 6x9s in the door and replacing the tweeters? How hard is that? Is it worth the cost and effort? I should be able to handle this myself.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20648KSS26/Kicker-48KSS269.html?l=C

Is there an option for a sub? Nothing to thump down the road but as an enhancement to the feeble noise that currently comes out of the system.

I did search a bit, but I didn't find any threads on swapping the door and dash speakers, can anyone enlighten me with a link?

One of my favorite tunes to listen to, and play, to thank you for reading my post:

 

Honestly, the weakness of the OEM system is the headunit. Without changing that, you’re throwing good money after bad. You can get an amp/DSP combo which would help, but Toyota knackered the headunit with their filters on the outputs.

As for an upgrade thread, start here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/premium-audio-upgrade-for-less-than-250.510424/
They hype is at the start, the realization sets in much later. Coles notes, “$250 isn’t going to get a great upgrade.”

 

thanks for the info, I'm not a fan of the head unit either, but the cost.....

I may do the speakers, then keep an eye open for a used head unit.

I would imagine that the newer head unit with Car Play doesn't sound much better, right?

 

OEM is OEM. It’s still been crippled. I’ve been looking for a good suggestible amp for those wanting to upgrade without the H/U. Ran across the KENWOOD XR600-6DSP. Simple to use signal processor, decent amp, bridgeable to 200w on 2 channels for a sub. Check it out.

 

Does it need a Maestro unit?

 

I went the route of upgrading the speakers like in the posted thread and the HU is not powerful enough to drive those speakers better than the stock speakers.

My recommendation if you do not want to upgrade the HU is go on https://www.crutchfield.com/ and use the "Find what fits my vehicle" option. Look for some speakers that have a high sensitivity (90+) at 1W at 1 meter and the most important detail is the Watt RMS. Look for something with a low Minimum RMS Wattage and a Maximum RMS wattage under 75.

In this category I would go with these component speakers https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13699046/JL-Audio-C1-690.html?l=C

These JLs have a Minimum RMS of 10 watt RMS which is about what the stock HU pushes out.

They will be better than stock but not life changing better.

Since they are component the Midwoofer will only have one job which will get you better response. Crutchfield also includes the door mounts, tweeter mounts and factory to speaker harness.

There is also zero need to upgrade the rear speakers. Not enough power pushed back there to make a difference

 

Fuspo is right. If you want to start dead simple, high sensitivity speakers are a great place. I’ve also seen some Infinity and JBL speakers with 90+ db sensitivity. But then there’s the difference between silk dome and aluminum dome tweeters. Personally, I find aluminum really piercing at volume, but I’m not everyone, they make ‘em for a reason. The amp I showed you does not need a maestro unit, just the speaker level input from your stock unit.

Really, in the end, you have to decide whose e-opinion you trust more, having never met any of us, and throw money at that opinion. That’s where place like Crutchfield comes in. You can buy/try/return if you don’t like.

 

Thanks for the advice and replies.

I totally get it, most things in life are a compromise. I park the truck for the summer months when we are off elsewhere, so I think what I'll do is the speaker upgrades first, then in the fall do a head unit like a Sony XAV-AX7000. I'm tempted by the Trail Grid Pro plug and play package, or there are used ones available on eBay for around $400. Then find an adapter harness. I think I have seen mention of a service that custom builds them for this application.

That plan would run me around $1100-$1200 all in, provide much better sound and bring CarPlay into the picture.

 

For a minimal fee, when you CALL Crutchfield, you can request them to build a harness for your headunit, fyi.

The trail grid setup, I’ve heard mentioned a few times, but I’ve never looked it up. If I’m giving advice, better do my homework too. Hopefully, @Fuspo and I didn’t confuse you more, and we didn’t spend too much of your money for you.

 

Also that AX7000 is pretty decent because it’s 45watt rms meaning you won’t, in most cases, need a separate amp.

I would still order through crutchfield as it’s $25 cheaper plus 2.5% cash back with Rakuten.

You also get to leverage them for any tech support which honestly comes in super handy.

 

OP here, and fyi after my research I ordered the Sony head unit w/ XM from Trail Grid Pro, Subaru tweeters from Amazon, and the Kicker 6x9 front door speakers from Crutchfield. Just under $1100 all in and I"ll be really happy.

For now I think I'll leave the rear speakers as is. It would be easy enough to swap out if I decide to later.