Long Overdue Super Clean JL Audio and Pioneer DMH WC6600 NEX

Hello everyone! So this thread has been extremely long overdue. I finished this up last summer and because I was in physician assistant school I couldn't find extra time to post all these pics and answer any potential questions. First off, I had not done car audio in years but it was just like riding a bike. The only big differences were just with the datalink tech crap etc. All the rest of the wiring, amps, and speakers were very straight forward. The one small issue was regarding the components upfront which required a harness that was not available from Metra at the time and I had to get it from a company that makes audio replacements (for some reason I think I remember that we couldn't post their name for some stupid reason, but you can figure it out lol). Anyway, I took my time during every step of the process to keep this cleaner than any set up I had seen previously. I am considering upgrading to a 2022 Tundra 1794 Off-Road package and I may part with the system in the Tacoma if I do, but we will see.

I would like to thank all of you who contribute to these threads because I learned so much especially about this headunit etc. I will try and answer any potential questions before they are asked due to not being sure I will have time to get on here all the time. Enjoy!

Potential Questions

Does the system sound good? You bet your ass it does.
Was the install difficult? Not at all, except for installing the grommet in the firewall alone lol.
How long did it take? Not relevant because I took as much time as possible to get it super clean.
How did you adapt the OEM brackets for the radio? Just measured and drilled to match the HU.
Where did you mount crossovers? I used industrial velcro and mounted on the walls under dash.
How did you keep harnesses from being a hot mess? Removed unnecessary wires to simplify.
Do the amps interfere with the bottom of the seat? Not at all. That's why I flipped the harnesses.
Did you run the power and audio cables separately? Yes, just to be safe to avoid noises.
Where did you ground both ground cables? I did so under the console. Works like a dream.
Would you recommend this set up? Absolutely. Perfect for the truck especially with cabin size.

Head Unit:

$1,197 Pioneer DMH WC6600NEX - Modular Multimedia Receiver with 9" HD Capacitive Touch Display

Pioneer DMH WC6600NEX
Front Speakers: JL Audio C2-650
Rear Speakers: JL Audio 2-650X
Subwoofer: JL Audio Stealthbox
Speaker Amp: JL Audio RD 400/4
Subwoofer Amp: JL Audio RD 500/1

 

Nice set up! Did you have to replace the mic? Do calls sound better on both ends?

 

Clean install

 

Clean work my friend. Nice attention to detail.

 

So the location is super stealthy. It is behind the 3 slits in the dash that I literally have never figured out what the hell they are for. The quality is okay, but in general the factory mic seems like the best option. Even the adapter for the OEM mic (which I have, but not installed yet) seems to possibly still have some clarity issues from the thread I have read. Overall the pioneer mic is fine for the pioneer HU. I made a "stand" for it from an unused HU trim that you get. I will try and add a pic if I still have it.


I drilled a single screw through this metal part and up into the plastic piece that held the mic super tight and positioned properly.

 

wow, nicely done! This cost a pretty penny but I bet it was worth it! Have you considered adding a DSP to the mix?

 

Actually yeah I think that would probably give the best outcome as far as overall sound. The Pioneer is pretty customizable but I swear I just can’t get the perfect sound. The equipment is amazing together but I feel like being able to customize each part would be way better. The way it is now it’s amazing but adding that would make it even better.

 

Dayton DSP 408, JL TwK, Rockford DSR1, Helix DSP(Most popular by audiophiles), Zapco DSP.

BUT…getting it professionally tuned makes all the difference. I’ve seen remote tuning by a pro tuner for $500. A little on the steep side but quality tuner.

 

nice setup! where did you end up mounting the fuse/distribution block? is that under the dash?

 

Thanks man!

No way man! I even went overboard with that. Lol I mounted it on the floor behind the kick panel. I did a (2) 4ga to 0ga block. I even drilled and tapped the holes to secure it to the floor using sealant. Oh and just for reference I added an inline fuse under the hood that I mounted behind the bracket for the under hood fuse box. I took the whole thing out and shave a part of the bracket to accommodate for the inline fuse. I wanted it to be nearly undetectable by anyone including the people at Toyota while working on it.

I tend to go a bit overboard but I truly take pride in doing it myself and making sure every bit is done correctly and super stealthy.

 

Any pics of the under hood bracket?

Edit: lol Nevermind it’s your last 2 pics.