Audio upgrade advice?

I asked on the audio section but didn't really get much help so I'll try here

I'm looking into getting new speakers and dropping in some Sound deadening but I would also like to keep the stock stereo in if possible (I like the convenience of steering wheel controls and using the stock Mic and aux input).
I'm not trying to get crazy with the system, I'm not getting a sub or anything like that.

So my question is has anyone just put new speakers in and noticed a change in quality just from that? Our should I also be looking for a new stereo also?
Like I said, I'm not trying to get crazy with it I just want some better quality sound coming out

Thanks in advance for any input

 

Yes, the stock speakers are crap. And, the output of the stock head unit is completely anemic. So, throw in some aftermarket speakers (your choice) in the door, and grab an Alpine Powerpak amp and put it in after the head unit and rock on. Big improvement without breaking the bank and you save the stock functionality. The stock head units are made by Harmon (as in Harmon Kardon) and they aren't exactly top end, but they aren't total shit either. So, adding a little power and some new speakers really livens them up.

 

I noticed more difference changing the headunit over replacing the speakers. You can still retain all of the audio/mic/aux controls with an aftermarket headunit.

 

Changing to an aftermarket head unit will not sacrifice functionality at all. In fact it may give you more.

 

I went with Hertz and can't be any happier
http://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/527537/

Adding the Noico 80 mil to the doors has made a HUGE difference.

If you want to replace the AUX with the USB/AUX look here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/529956/

 

I ordered all new kicker speakers from crutchfield and that made a world of difference. They sent all of the Necessary adapters and plugs to make the installation very easy. Don’t forget to purchase the tweeters as well. This made the biggest difference. I kept the same head unit as well. I will upload a copy of my receipt to show you exactly what was ordered here soon. Everything came out to 201$ but crutchfield had a promo the next day on the speakers i ordered and they refunded me 41$.

 

Same here,changed speakers first and no difference. The stock HU just has no power. I put a Kenwood HU in and HUGE difference in sound. I can actually hear it with the windows down. And still have my backup camera,steering wheel controls,etc. I had $410 in the whole system,then sold my stock Entune for $115. Win

 

When you ordered from Crutchfield, did you actually talk to one their advisors or just chose your items from their website?

 

I replaced my headunit about a month ago and it has made a world of difference. The stock 6 disc in my 06 had absolutely no stereo separation between the channels. I'm shocked by the sound now coming from these stock speakers. Don't get me wrong, these stock speakers are crap and will be getting changed out when it gets warmer out.

As for the steering wheel controls, an axxes unit, for lack of a better description, set itself up having only to push the volume up button on the steering wheel. The only thing I lost was the ability to turn the system on or off with the mode button.

 

Sony I'm lookin' at for my '14......

speakers already upgraded

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV651B/Sony-XAV-W651BT.html?tp=20217

 

I ordered the following back in November when Crutchfield was having Black Friday deals.

Infinity Reference REF-9623ix ($74.99)
6"x9" 3-way car speakers

Infinity Reference REF-275tx ($49.99)
3/4" textile dome tweeters

Infinity Reference REF-6522EX ($49.00)
6-1/2" 2-way car speakers

I also ordered Noico sound deadening and tweeter adapters/wiring harness from *********. I haven't had a chance to install anything because I don't have a garage and it's Winter here in Pennsylvania. I can't wait to get this stuff in the truck though.

 

Dang I should do this as well. Looks to be all plug and play replacing the door speakers . How hard is it to take the door panel off ?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-budget-friendly-stereo-upgrade.496080/

 

I did write up a lengthy reply about how starting off with an upgraded base would benefit @NCtaco13 the most, but deleted it because I don't have experience or links to explain why that is.

But regardless; an amp will only amplify the signal that it receives; some filtering will occur, but for the most part it will increase the volume, not the quality. If wants quality, I figure the best option is a component system (2 woofers, 2 tweeters, 2 crossovers) matched to an aftermarket stereo unit that has adequate RMS output to power that component system. I myself figure in about $450.00 of equipment. I've had amp-powered speakers; they were LOUD, but I was only in it at the time for big BASS (using stereotypical ported box with Audiobahn sub), and didn't care about quality.

Spoiler: By Speculation, Not Scientific Understanding

I suppose a component system helps to separate the sound field between the highs and lows. Using tweeters for highs and mids, and woofers for lows, whose signals are separated by a crossover (so you needn't in-stereo HPF (High Pass Filter), which doesn't really work unless you've a subwoofer with 2-way coaxials and want to disallow the lows from hitting your coaxials, because they've a tweeter designed for highs. I am sure manufacturers embed their crossovers inside the speaker PCB.

 

Exactly, I just installed a JVC with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Woke the crappy stock speakers right up...good enough I'll leave it alone (at least for a while).

 

replace it all. toyota puts in junk... add an amp while you are at it. under the driver seat is a great spot. i went with a 5 channel alpine. wiring is pretty easy. if you are going to deaden, that's a fun weekend project, especially if you do more than just the doors.

 

I just ordered from their website, selected what my vehicle was and all of the add ons were placed in my cart automatically. Very painless. The only extra item i had to order from another source was the tweeter mounts from *********.

 

This is spot on. Though people differ in their preferences. I'll take quality over quantity. Poor quality signal is probably more likely to to ruin a speaker than anything else.

 

I also ordered the tweeter wiring adapter from ********* so that I don't have to splice into the wiring. I believe the signal runs from the head unit to the tweeter, then to the lower door speaker.

 

FWIW, ********* has excellent videos on the speaker install process. I plan to use this as a guide when I do my speaker install. They have another for applying sound deadening to the doors.