New 3rd gen buyer confused on audio

Make those led headlights a priority for sure!

 

You nailed it!
Better speakers and a bigger amp, along with a sub maybe.

 

I had a Lexus with a premium Mark Levinson sound system. It barely didn't suck. Toyota knows nothing about audio.

 

I opted for a line output converter so I could run an amp and a subwoofer off of my OEM head unit. I am now a victim of Base roll off.... Other than buying an aftermarket head unit is there a way to eliminate base roll off?

 

I have a 2016 with the premium entune, non-jbl. I'm not sure how the newer head units compare, but I was pretty dissatisfied with the stock audio. I recently upgraded the speakers with infinity speakers in the doors, and the Subaru/kicker tweeters in the dash. Those have made a HUGE difference, for less than $300. And honestly, the front door speakers were the biggest game changer, much richer sound and a decent amount of bass (I can actually feel the air move on my pants when it hits.) I know a lot of people rave about the tweeters, and while they are an upgrade, I didn't notice nearly as much impact as replacing the 6x9s. I'm pretty impressed with what the stock head unit is able to put out, I may add a small sub at some point, but happy with what I have now.

 

Get an Audiocontrol LC7.

 

My '05 Highlander Limited with JBL rocked the Phil Zone way more than 2020 Tacoma Premium

 

Appreciate all the feedback guys.

 

The ole' 07 X runner had an amazing sounding stereo....I was kinda disappointed on the system in my 19 sport but I'm working on it....oh and the wife's Subie has a HK system that is kick ass....come on Toyota....

 

All I have to say about this is - my JBL premium sound system in my 2019 TRD Sport is pale to the Bose sound system that came with my Corvette - and the Vette is a 2000 model year! But it cranks loud and clear. Don’t hate the JBL (although a little disappointed) but Bose is much nicer and 19 years older.

 

Just to circle back on this. Got a truck last night, appreciate everyone’s feedback! Details on truck below.

2021 TRD Sport 4X4 Double Cab Cement short bed

Package Options:
PQ - TRD Premium Sport Package
AT - Advanced Technology Package
LG - LED headlights & Black bezel LED fog

Accessories:
2T - All-weather liners and sill protectors
B5 - LED bed lights
DK - Preferred owners portfolio
E5 - Chrome exhaust tip
MF - Mud guards
R6 - Predator tube steps
TG - D-rings
WI - Spare tire lock
WL - Wheel locks

Dealer installed options:
Window tint
F&R door edge guards
Chrome Tacoma tailgate emblem

No trade

Out the door MSRP was $51,572.99
Our out the door total was $44,000.00
Savings of -14.68% over MSRP

feel we did very well and this will be a nice upgrade from our 2009 TRD Sport with 196k on it. This deal started through Costco buyers program and negotiated from there.

 

Fellow cement from phoenix too! I hope you enjoy, and congrats!

 

Sounds like a very fair price to me. Congrats.

 

Coming from always having older cars/never caring about the audio, my Jbl package sounds pretty good to me haha.

 

I'll be tearing the entire stereo out of mine and replacing it once I get the truck.

 

We are happy with the sound. I like the improved imaging of the speakers in the dash over the top of the door on the second gen. I feel like the sub is a bit weaker on this system compared to the one in the 2nd gen. Comparing them side by side, I feel the 3rd gen has some improvement so happy we went with the JBL.

Love the LED headlights. Bought it last night and go figure it was raining. I felt visibility was light years better than our 2nd gen.

The new truck has so much more technology. Well in 12 years a lot changes. LOL

 

Howdy TW folks! I am new to this forum and coming in a bit late to this but like the info and opinions. Like others, I had a ‘13 TRD Off Road w/ base audio (no sub). I sold and now have ‘21 TRD PRO which came with JBL Premium audio w/ sub. Sure, it sounds better than the previous but seems to be missing something. Wife has a Mercedes - the Taco JBL premium system pales in comparison.
I am no audiophile and do not want to blow out windows but like to hear good full range highs and lows at various sound levels. I am putting together a package from Crutchfield:
Tweeters - Kicker
FD - Kicker 6x9’s
RD - Kicker 6.5’s
Sub - Kicker 8” Shallow mount
I do not think running this off of JBL amp will help much and could damage sub. Yes, not having adequate clean power can also damage drivers (speakers).
So, my question comes to the amp. I would prefer to replace factory JBL amp with better aftermarket amp that would can to fit in the same factory enclosure vs mounting under seat. Appreciate any thoughts/ideas.

 

Agreed. Get it with no audio at all. Then call Crutchfield. I wasted my money on the JBL and regret it daily.

 

First of all, why get the crappy Sport????????

 

I don't know why I'm this day and age people still reply to the original post rather than the most recent one, but I can only comment a little in your situation as I have the regular entune system in mine. From what I recall when doing upgrades to my system, upgrading the JBL is not as straightforward, maybe because of the amp involved? It may be easier to start from scratch and just use a nicely powered new head unit instead of a separate amp, and use a self powered sub like the kicker hideaway. That route may be more expensive than you're looking for though.

I'm not sure which tweeters you're looking at, but I would recommend looking for the Subaru tweeters people talk about, they're plug and play. I originally tried to go with a pair from crutchfield, but they would have required cutting and splicing, and that would have been a pain in those tight quarters.