My 2017 Taco Audio Build

Well, I am almost finished with my build and couldn't be happier thus far.

Goals
Android Auto
Bass
Clear, Crisp, Sound
Factory Clean Install

Head Unit - Kenwood DDX6704S
Maestro RR
Maestro ST02 - Keeps XM Antenna
Maestro UT02 - Keeps Factory USB
Maestro T02 - Toyota Wiring Harness for RR
XM Tuner
Metra Dash Kit - 99-8251B

Speakers
Front - Alpine Type S 6x9 - 3 Way
Rear - Alpine Type S 6.5 - 2 Way
Dash - Stock for Now - Still looking for good replacement
Sub - JL Audio 10" Stealthbox

Amps
Sound Digital 400.4 D EVO II
Sound Digital 250.1 D Nano
http://www.soundigitalusa.com/

Alarm - Remote Start
Code Alarm CA2LCD5 - 2500 FT Range

Very happy with the results thus far! Love the Head Unit. I was worried about losing my features built in the factory head unit. But I lost nothing and gained all kinds of cool features. I was very shocked at how hard the JL Sub hits. I was expecting some bass but this thing really hits pretty hard. Amps were installed in the drive side rear seat plastic bin under the seat. The small size of these amps allow for little space to be used. I did a lot of research on Sound Digital and found that lots of people have had amazing luck with them and they are known for putting out more power than rated.

Well on to the photos.

 

Very nice. We’re you able to keep the factory Bluetooth controls and factory mic location or did you need to replace the mic.

 

Replaced the mic. That was the only thing I couldn't keep. One cool thing with this head unit is you can have two phone connected to Bluetooth at a time.

 

Man, I really dig all the info that can be had on that head unit. Does it get everything from the factory electronics or can it do some of it via simple electrics & GPS? Can ya still use the audio functions while all that's going on?

 

GPS is pulled from phone. I use Waze, but it supports Google and Apple Maps as well. All the gauge information is pulling from the Trucks computer via the RR. You can also program other functions to your steering wheel controls.

 

This is awsome. If you dont mind me asking, do you know around how much the total build costed? Minus installation.

 

Try not to think about it.... Lol

HU and Remote start was a gift.

HU - $550
Adapters and Dash Kit - $240
Alpine 6x9 - $99
Alpine 6.5 - $99
JL Stealth box - $550
400.4 Amp - $170
250.1 Amp - $150
XM Module - $100
Cables for Amps - $200
Remote Start - $450

Think that covers all the parts.

 

Haha I don’t blame you, a lot of money but def. looks well spent. Stock system is lacking big time. Congrats on gettin in done

 

Good to know that aftermarket head units can still display vehicle information easily. That's why I was avoiding after market because I like how the stock one has some features for the vehicle

 

Do you issues with the vents on the backwall of the cab flap when you turn up the bass? If so, did you find a solution?

 

Only had it a few days and I am not familiar with the a rear vent issue. What should I be on the look out for?

Ryan

 

i don't have any issues with the vents and I have taken out both cubby pieces behind the seat and have dual 10's right now

 

I'm almost 99% sure it's the flaps on the rear vents between the cab and the bed. I have sound deadened the back wall as well as used ensolite. I wonder if my problem is due to me reusing the oem cubby to hold my subs. I have 2, 8 inch subs. I can only question if someone such as yourself is using a custom enclosure, the box is sitting flush to the vents causing them to have low or no air movement causing the flaps to not move around as much. At medium bass level's the flaps aren't making any noise, only when I turn the sub up that happens. Also, it's a lot more audible from the outside than the inside.

 

I don't listen to my system much from the outside so it's possible it's audible outside, but inside I don't hear it or don't think I am hearing it. My new JL sub should be here this week and that goes into the oem cubby so i'll see if i hear the vents then

I made a custom enclosure and it sits below the vents (this picture was before I completed everything)

 

I'll check mine later this evening. Thanks for the Video. I will post up a comparison video.

 

Nice work and good to know the Maestro works well,I have a DNX 994S ready to go in with the same Metra kid , just haven't had the time to install it .
I noticed a little wind noise from those vents when I had my rear seats out but I don't notice it now that the seats back on

 

I am not noticing the same issue as you. My phone does a horrible job of picking up the sound but I am not hearing much out of the vents.

Ryan

 

@ryanhulce Thinking about integrating the Maestro into my system but there's not too much info regarding the use of an aftermarket amp. Everything has to be run through the Maestro, correct?

So for a 4 channel amp:
HU RCA outputs -> AMP inputs // AMP Speaker outputs -> Maestro // Maestro -> Door Speakers

Or does the Maestro tell the amp what to do?
HU RCA outputs -> Maestro // Maestro -> AMP inputs // AMP Speaker outputs -> Door Speakers

 

Will the Kenwood read you your emails and texts like the stock unit ?

 

Can we still ground the purple wire to let the unit do all the time what it is programmed to do only when stopped ?