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Best stereo upgrade

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Antalis, Aug 4, 2021.

  1. Aug 4, 2021 at 2:20 AM
    #1
    Antalis

    Antalis [OP] Member

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    I have a 2003 S-Runner that I want to add USB support to so that I can play music from & recharge my IPhone. What are the current recommendations? I’m currently using the system that came with the truck.

    Thanks!
     
    Taco critter likes this.
  2. Aug 4, 2021 at 5:04 AM
    #2
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 780,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Clean and simple with XM, CD,
    Bluetooth, runs 4+ speakers and has a 12 sub running with an amp under the seat.
    Alpine CDE-1245XM

    43BA975A-8DAA-48E1-A8E0-3E2163FBF4AD.jpg
     
    yotadude520 likes this.
  3. Aug 4, 2021 at 5:06 AM
    #3
    An3

    An3 Well-Known Member

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    I put in a Sony XAV-1000 with Apple Car Play. Absolutely love it
     
  4. Aug 4, 2021 at 6:42 AM
    #4
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    As long as you stay away from Pyle or any generic brand then you should be good with whatever head-unit you like. Some have more features but most all will outperform the stock stereo.
     
    CrustyTaco likes this.
  5. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:04 AM
    #5
    CrustyTaco

    CrustyTaco Well-Known Member

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  6. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:23 AM
    #6
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    they have some very affordable units where the display slides out and up. Bluetooth cell phone is a must for me, back up camera, not so much. Crutchfield is a very good website to visit but dont be surprised if what you want is a 6 month wait.
     
  7. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:37 AM
    #7
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    I usually just go to bestbuy and grab what's available. Pretty much any stereo will fit. Getting the right amp and speaker combo is more important.
     
  8. Aug 4, 2021 at 11:37 AM
    #8
    yotadude520

    yotadude520 Well-Known Member

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    Will
    The Dirty T
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    1986 Toyota Land Cruiser
    OME Lift - FJ62 Axles - 33x10.50 BFGs
    I'm a big fan of installing cheap but nice quality stereos. I like to go with the Alpine UTE-73BT which is right around $100 and then install it using an adapter harness like this:

    [​IMG]


    $5 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker
    https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1761-Wiring-Harness-Speaker/dp/B0002BEQJ8


    And then you can buy this so you have a pocket underneath your stereo:

    [​IMG]
    $11 AI UPT900 Universal Pocket Dash Mount
    https://www.amazon.com/UPT900-Universal-Pocket-Dash-Mount/dp/B00C86IL14


    I've bought four of these stereo units and I've been happy with every single one of them. They work well and the Bluetooth is a nice touch. Super cheap and are easy to install. Just connect color to color on the adapter harness and the stereo harness and you're good to go! Plus I like having the extra storage underneath the stereo for my wallet or phone.

    The stuff I posted is universal as well, doesn't apply just to the Alpine. If you get a touchscreen unit or something like that you won't need the pocket.
     
  9. Aug 4, 2021 at 1:48 PM
    #9
    LittleBlueTruck

    LittleBlueTruck Member

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    I did the previous version (Sony XAV-AX100) of this stereo in my Tacoma. It's awesome.
     
    An3[QUOTED] and chrslefty like this.
  10. Aug 4, 2021 at 2:34 PM
    #10
    chrslefty

    chrslefty Well-Known Member

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    I put one in my son's 3rd gen 4runner. It's pretty awesome.
     
  11. Aug 4, 2021 at 2:40 PM
    #11
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    If you like good radio reception, filter based on dbm sensitivity. If you just want bluetooth, take your pick. Basically everything new has that. USB connectivity is more for flash media IMO, like if you want to play FLAC/wav/mp3 files. Get an actual USB charger for charging.
     
  12. Aug 4, 2021 at 2:57 PM
    #12
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

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    Kevin
    Odessa FL
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    SCS Cruise Westin step bars Lund tonneau Jensen HU
    I did the USB charger and upgraded to touch screen head unit and backup camera but you have to decide what features are important to you. I wanted a knob for volume so I wasn’t putzing with the touch screen to turn the radio up and down, a backup camera so I stopped backing into things Bluetooth to pair with my phone and USB input for tunes on a thumb drive.
    Installation in the Taco is a breeze especially with the wiring harness adapter and the whole thing took just a few hours. I found the Jensen HU on Amazon for like $80 and I was out the door for about $125 after the camera and USB charger. My only gripe is the USB always starts at the same place rather then where it left off.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 4, 2021
    treyus30[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Aug 4, 2021 at 3:01 PM
    #13
    Rick4657

    Rick4657 Well-Known Member

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    I just put a Kenwood Excelon with Carplay and Android audio in my daughters car (2009 RX350). The unit was $399, it looks and sounds great.
     
  14. Aug 4, 2021 at 3:28 PM
    #14
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    Selling 1st gen RWD driveshaft! PM me
    Ya I don't like touch screens in general tbh. If I had my way I'd have a double DIN OLED screen with all physical buttons (volume knob), backup cam, latest revision of bluetooth with album artwork support, no stupid apps, optical out (no high level pre-amp or RCA), HD radio included, and highly sensitive FM circuitry. I never use my USB except for EQ calibration, so don't need that, and don't have any CDs. Basically good reception, backup cam/proximity, highres screen/physical buttons, and digital output/low THD. That combo does not exist in the marketplace.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2021
  15. Aug 4, 2021 at 6:46 PM
    #15
    LiftedOn35s

    LiftedOn35s Graduated!

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    My truck came with a Sony WX-900BT unit in it and I love it, worked out perfectly. Simple and easy to use, works well, does everything I need. Good bluetooth connection and big volume knob, USB connection, good customization (equalizer and a ton of other controls), overall great unit. Sony doesn't make this exact one anymore, but if you want something very nice for the price I would def recommend one of the similar ones. I believe it was only priced around $100 as well so pretty affordable as far as nice stereos go. My truck also has a full Kicker sound system and 8" sub and this controls it very well.

    And my favorite part is that it changes colors!
    upload_2021-8-4_21-39-45.jpg
    IMG_2331.jpg
     
  16. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:04 PM
    #16
    ciaman96

    ciaman96 Well-Known Member

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    How do you have you sub and amp set up? I've got an all-in-one powered sub that's pretty crap and have been scratching my head how to fit in a real sub in a regular cab
     
  17. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:54 PM
    #17
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 780,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Here and 4Runner sail speakers Tweeters

    1FC104E7-31DA-4431-96AC-C6968F735EE1.jpg
    589EBEC3-DE3D-447F-985A-B2EBF923EDDB.jpg

    28936B18-D785-489A-8E88-32C95CB437EF.jpg
     
    ciaman96[QUOTED] and Antalis[OP] like this.
  18. Aug 5, 2021 at 1:41 AM
    #18
    Antalis

    Antalis [OP] Member

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    Did you do the entire installation yourself?

    I’d love to replace my current system with one that has more sound options and just sounds better. I don’t want to necessarily spend a lot of money and I also want to be sure that I have the harnesses and such to prevent waiting on parts. At the end of the day, I want to plug my iPhone in and get it charging while I’m listening to the iTunes music. The backup camera, etc., is cool as long as I can install it myself. I’m looking for bang for the buck here, if that makes sense.
     
    1997tacomav6[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 5, 2021 at 5:17 AM
    #19
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

    Joined:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 780,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I have a garmin gps and added the wireless camera into it.
    Took 5 minutes to install.
    You can activate it while driving forwards too for 10 seconds or so

    A8713D24-4DA2-4449-9EEF-AF3FEB0B8D52.jpg
    0E7EF4AE-6BD5-4A1F-8D20-64B4C5216A4E.jpg
     
    Taco critter likes this.
  20. Aug 5, 2021 at 7:15 AM
    #20
    ciaman96

    ciaman96 Well-Known Member

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    OME Lift, E-locker, interior swap
    Huh so they really can fit there... Do you have a PN for the box and sub?

    Luckily, since mine is an 01, I have tweeters from the factory a few inches away from where you put yours.

    You have a great setup overall though. I saw your race on TFL :thumbsup:
     
    1997tacomav6[QUOTED] likes this.

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