2019 DBSC TRD PRO Audio Upgrade - Black Sheep Audio (Colorado)

My 2005 Access Cab was totaled in an accident, so my timetable to purchase a new truck was pushed from 2020 to 2019. I was lucky enough to find a dealer in Colorado that had a black Tacoma with a manual transmission who what not charging over MSRP. I had *hoped* that the factory system was at least as good as my wife's 2017 4Runner, but it wasn't even that good.

After getting a variety of quotes from different shops with different ideas, I stumbled across Black Sheep Audio as they were opening their front doors in Denver. It was a drive for me, but they inspired confidence with their knowledge of Toyota (and Subaru). After the initial contact, I was also impressed with the way they wanted to know more about me and what I wanted, vs what I wanted to spend. Andrew and Tommy even took the time to listen to one of my Spotify playlists to get an idea of the spectrum of my musical tastes.

I ended up selecting a customized version of the "Premier Package 3".

• JL Audio 12W1v3
• JL Audio XD700/5v2
• Blam Audio Relax 690RS
• Blam Audio Relax 165RC
• Taco Tunes Subwoofer Box SB-1A11.2

I also selected one of the sound deadening packages. Black Sheep uses Sound Skins Pro. The box was purchased directly from Taco Tunes and contrary to my expectations, they shipped it out very quickly.

I have had multiple installs in multiple vehicles over the years, but I have never had such a thorough check-in and check-out process. The check-in included a multi-point inspection with photos that I was provided with. The check-out included the same, but we also took the time to review the work that was done, explain how the system had been tuned, and even listened to a couple of demo tracks.

Obviously I was pleased with the experience, but I am also pleased with the sound. I am using the factory HU without a DSP and the SQL/SPL balance is excellent. As someone who likes it loud, I was impressed. The last step for me will be to replace the HU so I don't have to deal with Bluetooth audio any longer, but I will probably put that off until I find something that works with Android Auto Wireless and all the built-in functionality.


Tommy, me, Andrew.


Interior driver door, untouched.


Speaker removed, Sound Shield attached.


Rear right door, Speaker removed, Sound Shield attached.


Sound Shield applied to rattle points.


Rolls for days.


Dramatic interior shot. Why not.


Amplifier mounted.



Instagram Bonus Photo

If you scrolled down this far, you must want to know how much this cost me. The total was $‭3,836.55‬, which is far less than I spent on the 2005 Tacoma, and for much better results.

 

damn that’s some $$$ right there!

 

#rich

 

It's relative. In the last truck, I bought everything over time slowly and it probably cost me more. It did not help that I blew two Focals and JL sub.

 

How are the Blam 690rs 6x9's, now that you've had them for several months? I have the same 19 Pro and want better audio. Been looking for a quality replacement and stumbled across Blam Audio when looking for my Harley. How do they compare to the Focal's? Also, did the sound skins help the rear doors. Mine sound like they are missing any kind of sound deadening.

 

Overall, I have been super happy with everything. I think the BLAM Audio provides the right balance of SPL/SQL I wanted. I don't think I could have gotten a better setup without sacrificing space.

I cannot comment on the sound skins as I had them put in at the same time I replaced the factory system. I know that in my previous Tacoma, the soundproofing and deadening is totally worth it as reduced road noise and kept the truck insulated from exterior temperature changes better.

 

Sweet setup!! Do you have any pics of what they did to the back wall as far as sound deadening?

 

I don't have a photo of mine, but here is another Tacoma with the smaller sub. The only difference I believe is that all the plastic backing on my seat was removed to prevent rattling.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6D9lxJpNeE/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet