Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

Bastek · Nov 1, 2018

GOTSAND?18 said: ↑

I'm a Bit skeptical on this set up … I see a lot of people are happy with this set up but do these actually sound good on a stock head unit I have the entune premium system not the jbl one. Will this unit actually push these speakers to where u have good bass treble and mids . Better than stock ??? I've heard these speakers in a store display but they were running on a aftermarket stereo head unit .. I ordered the Subaru speakers already gonna try those out first since I feel the stock stereo does lack the clarity . The reason I'm asking about these speakers is that if you go kicker website they recommend these to be ran with a amp . max power handling is like 350 and the rms on these 150 ?? running a stock head unit is like 22 rms I believe but it might be even less . for those guys who have done this install what's your 2 cents . I tried even googling this set up with no videos on this .
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Bastek said: ↑

Yeah, that's the thing, if you have some time, and want to save some monies, I guess you could wait on a sale.
I bought and installed tweeters first = big difference! I was very happy with that simple upgrade.

Then I bought Kicker speakers on sale from Crutchfield (they came with all the adapters), and Noico mats from Amazon. Some half a year later, I finally installed the speakers, but half-assed the Mats.... I did only lower part of the doors - it still helps to drown out road noise, but I guess if I'd go all the way up, it would make way more difference. I still have to do the rear panel behind the seats.

Now, there is an improvement after replacing the rest of the speakers. Hard to say if they are louder... Maybe, but that's a maybe. Seems that bass is cleaner, but not as deep as on original speakers, which is is very surprising! What's for sure they produce way clearer and crisper sound. Best I can explain is, bass is not drowning out the vocals, so you can enjoy the music a bit more.

Click to expand...

Quoted from my post:

Now, there is an improvement after replacing the rest of the speakers. Hard to say if they are louder... Maybe, but that's a maybe. Seems that bass is cleaner, but not as deep as on original speakers, which is is very surprising! What's for sure they produce way clearer and crisper sound. Best I can explain is, bass is not drowning out the vocals, so you can enjoy the music a bit more.

destin_meeks said: ↑

I have an amp and it’s worth it

I’m an installer and do tons of amps and they’re worth it

Most 6x9’s won’t produce good bass in a door panel. Especially these CS series, and ESPECIALLY from the factory head unit power. They’re just not made for it, and it’s just not strong enough. Single digit watts per channel.

They Kicker Key is the best budget-friendly, easy install amp you can do for this setup. The 40 band auto-EQ makes up for the factory radio’s shortcomings. It has plenty of power to drive these speakers very loud and very clean.

I personally can’t have a system without a sub. Whether it’s my tv setup at home or my commute in the truck, I need a sub. I’m not a bass head, I don’t listen to much rap, but I like my volume, I like my clarity, and I like to feel the bass guitar in Red Hot Chili Peppers and I like to feel the kick drum in Metallica.

For some, the hideaway is perfect. Cheap, easy to install, and rounds out the system. For myself, a 12” shallow sub and 400-500w of power is enough. Can hit low but stay tight and clean. Has the volume I want without being heard in the car next to me.

Others won’t be satisfied with anything less than two 12” subs in a ported box and 1200+ watts of power. I install that system all the time and it’s fine for those who want it.

Long story short, if you turn the radio up and hear distortion, it’s because the radio is out of juice and can’t push any harder. You need an amp.
If you are fine with your volume and clarity but find songs don’t just get you in the mood, and you can’t feel the music (both physically and mentally) then you need a sub.
I think everybody needs both.
The longer you’re in your truck, the louder you want to play, and the cleaner you want it to sound, the more money you want to spend.
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I'm fairly happy with my set up, but of course I'd be more satisfied with an amp (or few) and a sub...

Rwage · Nov 2, 2018

I was going to wait on the door speakers but I checked Crutchfield this morning and they are on sale. $75 for the front doors and $53 for the rears. Looks like i'll be installing speakers soon.

dc2’s · Nov 2, 2018

GOTSAND?18 said: ↑

I was going to originally but after talking to the installer recommended that I get a sub for what I was looking for in sound . He said with amp to the kickers it would just clean them up and make them louder would not increase my bass .For what I was looking to accomplish it would not happen with just amplifying the speakers . I'm glad I did the sub it makes for that perfect sound now I love it .
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Nice! I think I am going to do the same thing. Thanks for sharing!

oostroma · Nov 2, 2018

Replacing 4x door speakers was the 1st thing I did the 1st month I my truck. Did the same thing in my daughter's Camry. You will wonder why you waited so long to throw the old speakers in the bin.

Don't forget to order the speaker wire adapters. Makes for a quick install.

dc2’s · Nov 2, 2018

I can’t wait to get all my stuff in. I will be ordering a power sub for the back seat. Any feedback on what type or wiring you guys are using for a quick plug-and-play?

I will still be using my stock stereo.

Gemlek4x4 · Nov 2, 2018

bshammer0[OP] initial post: ↑

Welcome to the thread - while initially posted months ago, many, many Taco owners have found this to be an incredibly worthwhile and inexpensive upgrade that will surprise you in terms of quality and ease of install! Enjoy... And if you have edits to suggest to the OP, PM me and we'll continue to refine!

Recently, I stumbled onto the EASY tweeter upgrade thread here and as often happens w/ TW it began a process of upgrading all of my factory speakers. I am beyond happy with the results of the inexpensive upgrades to the stock speaker system. In fact, my wife has a Bose system in her car which I've always listened to with envy comparing to my factory Entune Premium head unit and factory speakers (non-JBL). No more - mine actually sounds better!

Why I upgraded? I found the factory speakers to produce decent bass VOLUME, but the clarity was terrible. Sound depth was very shallow. Crispness wasn't present really at any volume, but I felt I had to turn the speakers up to near max to hear the subtle notes and in doing this the whole thing had a muddy sound. Personally was resigned to live with it - my experience has always been that if I wanted to fix the factory sound I was normally looking at a $1000 minimum for amp, sub, speakers, etc.,

What I've learned: The factory speakers are indeed pretty remarkable. When you take apart the doors you'll see what I mean. They are paper-thin, soft, and are only a few ounces... the fact that they are able to produce as much sound as they do is pretty astounding. But, what this also speaks to is the power that DOES exist within the stock head unit to amplify enough juice to make these produce sound.

What did I buy and install? After buying the Subaru/kicker tweeters that are completely plug-n-play with no adapters or mounts, I was sold on the Kicker quality. After hearing some rave reviews from other forum members I decided to bite the bullet and replace the other front / rear door speakers! As of this writing I haven't done any sound deadening and not sure I will given how great they sound.

Tweeters: HUGE difference - don't miss this important piece of the puzzle. If you don't do ANYTHING else, replace the tweeters. Seriously. The factory tweeters are worthless....

$107 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV6F8I2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Front Speakers: Kicker CS series
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC6934/Kicker-43CSC6934.html

Rear Speakers: Kicker CS series
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206CSC674/Kicker-43CSC674.html

You will need adapters and mounts for the door speakers - luckily Crutchfield includes these when you order the speakers for free!

Total Cost = $240 (NOTE: At the time of this writing, Crutchfield has buy 1 set, get one 1/2 off on Kicker speakers through 9/16)

Install - while I didn't want to drop the cash on the premium OEM+ Audio system, it was really nice of them to do a tutorial. Taking the doors apart on the Tacos is actually pretty easy.

WARNING - Be very careful with the cables for the door handle/locks. Some have locked doors shut and had to work at getting them re-opened. Either be extra careful with the cables or you can do what some have done and never remove them. This can be achieved by holding the door panel up with some bungees or supporting it table on a surface while you do your work on the doors.

Purchased this cheap kit to help with this task and it's been helpful to pry things apart with ease:

BlingKingdom 12 pcs Auto Pry Tools Kit Door Trim Panel Dash Stereo Radio Interior Light Removal

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I0SUZOY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How To: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=241&v=c37zgaUQsVo

Using Metra Speaker Adapters: While Crutchfield will provide the necessary adapters to fit each set of speakers it does take a bit of work and patience to get them mounted properly.

Front 6x9s - Most folks ended up using the screws that were included with the SPEAKERS and discarding the hardware that was included with the MOUNTS. You'll see some screws that don't look long enough and some metal clips that are unnecessary. You may need to angle the screws a bit to get a good bite, and only turn each screw a couple of times initially then slowly, evenly tighten all of them down a turn or 2 at a time so they are all cinched evenly. Make sure to pay attention to where the screws are on your door (i.e. with one on the bottom and two on either side closer to the top).

Rears - The adapters that Crutchfield sends for the rear speakers are “adjustable”. In other words, they are made for both 6.5” and 6.75” speakers. In order for you to fit the 6.75” Kicker speakers in this thread, you must break the tabs that are in the inner mounting circle. Simply bend them with a pair of pliers.

Grills - When you get your speakers they will include grills for the speakers. These are not needed. Your doors ARE the grill for the speakers.

Install time - about an hour for all 6 speakers. but expect that to increase depending on your level of OCD, and whether you are adding sound deadening which easily doubles or triples this install time. set aside a morning or afternoon and you'll get it done.

Results: Wow! Amazed at the quality of sound I now have in my truck on the stock Entune Premium unit! Treble and Mid are crystal clear at all volumes now, Bass KICKS if you really want it to but at normal levels balances so well! I find myself listening to the same music at 2/3 of the volume I used to and the depth of sound is outstanding.

No doubt there is value in dropping cash on an expensive system for those who want, but for many folks who are "meh" about the factory system but not wanting to invest in it this could be a very cheap and easy way to drastically improve the sound quality in your truck... all for less than $250!

Edit: Since installing, forum members have tried (and succeeded) in improving the sound even more, also on a budget. If you want to invest another $30-40, there is also a cheap option to add some good sound deadening. Noico 50mil 25sq ft (this size is more than enough) is a quality alternative to Dynamat at a fraction of the cost. Sure Dynamat is the jam, but if you're reading this thread you likely aren't looking to spend yet another $150-200 on deadening. To be clear, this setup sounds fantastic in every way without taking this extra step. However, by installing this in your doors and behind the speakers you will achieve an even greater bass response and clarity. Install details can be found in the thread as well as pictures folks have posted. Highly recommend as an optional add-on.

Noico 50 mil 21.5 sqft car Sound deadening mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening

https://www.amazon.com/Noico-deadening-automotive-Insulation-dampening/dp/B012AVX5HQ

On SR model upgrades: Based on reviews and experiences it would seem the stock HU on the SR models is not sufficient enough in terms of power output to give you the same level of "wow" that many experience on the Entune head units. For these trucks an amp might be required to achieve similar or better output. Still unsure about SR5s so please post up your experiences. Overwhelmingly folks are extremely happy with and enjoying this upgrade for Entune head units (standard 6" and Premium 7") and some good response on various 2nd gen trim models as well. For 2nd gens, the door speakers should fit, but the TWEETERS do not fit the 2nd gen but are plug n' play for 3rd gens.

Kicker Hideaway: If you decide you want to take this a step further, @Exracer2 has a great write up on install. MOST (myself included) don't need/want a sub as the kicker 6x9s once broken in put out some killer bass IMHO particularly with the sound deadening material. But, if you're a bassaholic and want another relatively inexpensive bass upgrade... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...de-to-the-250-3rd-gen-premium-upgrade.541375/
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I would love to do this to my new Taco however get a bit queasy when multiple panels/ clips are removed. Screw up reassembly and things don’t work as intended. Could anyone estimate how much labor would cost if an audio place installed the speakers outlined by the OP? Thanks for any help.

destin_meeks · Nov 2, 2018

Gemlek4x4 said: ↑

I would love to do this to my new Taco however get a bit queasy when multiple panels/ clips are removed. Screw up reassembly and things don’t work as intended. Could anyone estimate how much labor would cost if an audio place installed the speakers outlined by the OP? Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

At Best Buy you’re looking at $100 front, $65 rears. Or spend $200 and get Total Tech Support for a year. Something to look in to

destin_meeks · Nov 2, 2018

dc2’s said: ↑

I can’t wait to get all my stuff in. I will be ordering a power sub for the back seat. Any feedback on what type or wiring you guys are using for a quick plug-and-play?

I will still be using my stock stereo.
Click to expand...

Easiest way is

$5 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

Metra 70-1761 and

$11 71-1761 87 - 94 Toyota Vehicle Harness

71-1761. Get remote turn-on and front speaker signals to run to your sub.

oostroma · Nov 4, 2018

I have already built my harness to run to the back subs(1x 4 channel Alpine and 1x mono Alpine with pics to follow). I am adding a set of Bose tweeters into the rear panel and will feed the unused rear channel output from the head unit to the tweeters. By using the fader control I will be able to adjust the volume of the tweeter output. I have 4 tweeters, 2 are installed as an upgrade in the front already. Before: top bracket, After: lower bracket

oostroma · Nov 20, 2018

Decided to do something about the crappy radio knobs today. Found some larger aluminum knob and inserted the OEM knobs inside with contact cement.

scottlin · Nov 6, 2018

Hey guys I just got a 2018 Tacoma doublecab. What size tweeters can I put in the front dash? Thanks

The Real Moondog · Nov 6, 2018

scottlin said: ↑

Hey guys I just got a 2018 Tacoma doublecab. What size tweeters can I put in the front dash? Thanks
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Hi there. Welcome to TW. Go back to page 1 of this thread and it will give you the details. I have the Subaru tweeters and they were a nice upgrade.

blqchclt · Nov 6, 2018

bshammer0[OP] said: ↑

Howdy folks - for any folks who've recently installed, please let me know if anything in the OP needs to be updated/added to for any potential truck variations w/ 2018/2019s or available components. This has been a very popular mod so I want to ensure the OP remains accurate and valuable to all who buy their truck and quickly realize the sound sucks (and is easily fixable)
Click to expand...

destin_meeks said: ↑

All info still good for 18/19!
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Are we confirmed this is good to go for 2018 (and 2019) models? Only double checking because it says you own a 2017 @destin_meeks. Great thread...looking forward to doing this!

Thanks for the help!

destin_meeks · Nov 7, 2018

blqchclt said: ↑

Are we confirmed this is good to go for 2018 (and 2019) models? Only double checking because it says you own a 2017 @destin_meeks. Great thread...looking forward to doing this!

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

Yep! Looked at a ‘19 the other day while getting my oil changed. Confirmed speaker sizes and connectors with the guy in the service department. Had him pull some diagrams for me

bshammer0 · Nov 7, 2018

blqchclt said: ↑

Are we confirmed this is good to go for 2018 (and 2019) models? Only double checking because it says you own a 2017 @destin_meeks. Great thread...looking forward to doing this!

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

So long as it's non-JBL everything in the OP will work just fine!

blqchclt · Nov 7, 2018

bshammer0[OP] said: ↑

So long as it's non-JBL everything in the OP will work just fine!
Click to expand...

Awesome. Yep, no JBL for me. Thanks!

blqchclt · Nov 7, 2018

destin_meeks said: ↑

Yep! Looked at a ‘19 the other day while getting my oil changed. Confirmed speaker sizes and connectors with the guy in the service department. Had him pull some diagrams for me
Click to expand...

Awesome dude, thanks!

imovelives · Nov 9, 2018

Hi , are the tweeters on page 1 of this thread, the Amazon part....
Genuine Subaru H631SFJ101 Tweeter Kit

$107 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV6F8I2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_oOB5BbFH6RSTC

Does this come in a pair? Or must I buy 2?

blqchclt · Nov 9, 2018

imovelives said: ↑

Hi , are the tweeters on page 1 of this thread, the Amazon part....
Genuine

$107 Subaru H631SFJ101 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

Subaru H631SFJ101 Tweeter Kit

$107 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV6F8I2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_oOB5BbFH6RSTC

Does this come in a pair? Or must I buy 2?
Click to expand...

It comes as a pair.

imovelives · Nov 9, 2018

blqchclt said: ↑

It comes as a pair.
Click to expand...

Nice! Ordered

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