Question for those who have upgraded their speakers

Sadly it appears this was a dead end.

 

Yeah, would have been nice. Im currently running the plug in mic thats attached in the headliner in our 4runner. You get used to looking at it.

 

How do you like the puddle lights? I’m thinking about ordering some and I am curious, I assume they shut off as soon as you start vehicle or put it in drive?

 

Anything from MESO is top notch. They take some patience to install, but look and perform OE if done right!
My truck has the keyless entry and start, so that’s all I have to reference from, but they come on with the dome light when I approach the truck, when I unlock the truck remotely, and when opening the door after turning the truck off. MESO is working on a switch that will additionally allow anytime use.

 

Yeah I’ll probably wait to order it with the switch and install it all together

 

Yes I don't like the way the OE fronts are configured. Because of the OE config, I'm thinking that an aftermarket component (with external crossover) would probably make a better choice for this application. Does this sound like a better alternative?

 

An active line output converter to amp will help with the crappy factory head unit output. Retains all factory controls that way.

 

Coming from someone who spent around a grand on audio equipment, plus replacing a blown amp and crappy wiring job (learned my lesson there), here's my advice. Go to Crutchfield's website and start reading their informational blog posts. It'll give you some basic knowledge on audio systems and help YOU decide what is best for YOUR needs.

As for Kicker speakers specifically, I went with the KS series in all 4 doors, in addition to tweeters in the sail panels and the Subaru tweeters in the factory spots. Reason for going with them was their reputation and reviews. Also if you buy from Crutchfield, you get all the wiring and mounting adapter for free, plus AMAZING customer support.

I think if you are solely looking to replace factory speakers, Kickers are a good choice due to their high sensitivity which allows for decent sound with minimal power input (i.e. what the factory head unit puts out). If you decide to go for amp, sub, new wiring, etc. it's not too difficult, just takes time and patients to install. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I'm no expert but I know just enough to get into trouble

 

LOC if you need it, lots of amps take high level/speaker wire input. Adding LOCs is one way to go amp or DSP, but any inline additions can also add noise. Adding an amp is relatively easy either way, still battling that crappy factory tune.

I found an old article on crutchfield that details this better.
https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/car-stereo-proving-ground.html

 

The OE fronts have a passive "crossover". Its really just a single capacitor on the tweeter. Running aftermarket comps still run in parallel. The crossover will likely result in some parasitic power loss. Even if its slight it will still result in a noticeable need to have the volume higher.

 

Good article. I've read that one before. No debate that an aftermarket head unit will give the best sound input for your amp / speakers. But, like I said it's a trade off for factory control and function. Even if your amp has speaker level inputs, an active LOC like the

$77 Audiocontrol LC2i 2 Channel Line Out Converter with AccuBASS and Subwoofer Control

Audiocontrol LC2i gives you better filtering of the signal going into you amp. Also makes it easier to add a sub or additional amps due to the RCA outputs, and gives you a remote-on source for those devices.

 

Yes it does. I actually have a LOC for sale that also works as an EQ, if anyones interested.

 

Has anyone done the JL subwoofer? I was reading the directions and I think the wiring may be a little out of my wheel house. Just wondering how easy or hard it was to wire up?

 

Does the Subaru tweets have this cap also?

 

Yes, ideally all tweeters should have some form of capacitor or corssover.

 

OK, I understand the need to filter the frequencies for different speakers. I'm just trying to wrap my head around how the OE system works (fronts) in regards to the resistance values of the speakers. I'll most likely do a speaker up-grade sometime in the future. But "I" will not be using the Kicker or the Subaru components. I suspect that a Component System is the best alternative?

 

I’ve had a major question/concern regarding going to a new radio on the third gen: I use the maintenance reminders feature on my taco & find it very handy & helpful. Does this radio have maintenance reminders like that or no?

 

Hi there.

I bought mine with the maestro RR. That carries a lot forward. On the unit itself there is another button that show an engine light and tire pressure. The unit does pass back to you center(steering wheel console), and that information also displays the original information and does not change.
So I want to say yes to your question, and if you get the maestro RR, it’s a definite yes.

I hope that helps you out a bit...

 

I should add...

if your talking about the text message that appeared saying you need maintenance that Message I have not seen.
I use the app “Toyota owners” which seems to have the same data.
So in this case I would say no, that message and where to go seems gone. But I wouldn’t doubt I could configure somewhere on the system.