Sound System Upgrade with Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX

Here are a few photos of my stereo system overhaul! This is my first time installing a stereo system. I thought it might help others to share a few photos if you're thinking about doing it.

This is a 2017 Tacoma OR with the 2nd gen Entune. I had always planned on upgrading the system, so I bought it without the JBL.

The goods:

$1,100 Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX 9" Capacitive Touchscreen, Modular Chassis – Wireless & Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, HD Radio, FLAC, Backup Camera, Hi-Volt RCA

Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX head unit;
Front: Image Dynamics CXS64 component speakers with crossovers;
Rear: Image Dynamics CTX65 coaxials;
Sub: Image Dynamics 12" ID12V4 4 OHM;
Amp: NVX VAD110005 5 channel amp

From the company that shall not be named ****Tunes (I don't know why, probably some copyright dispute):
Amp rack, sub box, speaker and tweeter mounts, 36 SF Ballistic sound matting install kit.

Other misc. install items:
New 14 gauge speaker wire, 10 gauge for the sub (why not);
Amp install kit;
Various adapters for the Pioneer.

For more information on what you will need to integrate the Pioneer check here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pioneer-dmh-wc6600nex-information-thread.672425/

For more about installing the Pioneer -- check this out: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sh-mount-install.668580/page-61#post-24525617

Before I started, my original plan was to not install the Pioneer and use the stock Entune. With this, I was going to install a sound processor (DSP). I ordered it, but then changed my mind. It was going to be too complicated to install it because of the routing of the RCA cables and harness. Also some people mentioned issues with ground interference, and I didn't want to risk it since the wiring of a DSP is a major commitment. The Pioneer was more money for sure, but with it I get all of the benefits of the DSP, and much more (Apple CarPlay, etc.)

The install was daunting. Just the sheer amount of work and the first time doing it. Adding sound matting is a big commitment which adds significant work and complexity to the install. For me, it was a might-as-well item, but it's not a must have I guess.

Here I am laying out all of the equipment. This shows the DSP which I did not install:


Returned:


Everything needs to be removed. I guess I didn't have to remove the passenger seat after all. I had been think the crossovers would need to go over there. Also all of the side trim and pillars need to be removed. There are a lot of videos online showing how to do this. I did not find any tots under the seats, but a few french fries :


This is what the door will look like stock. You will remove all of the this stuff. There are many YouTube videos available which show how to remove each trim panel and how to install the sound matting:



Make sure to take LOTS of pictures before installing the sound matting and document with photos where every hole is located. Here is the rear wall:

Again, YouTube is your friend, and there are a few videos which show how to install the matting. Take your time. Make sure to cut out every required hole. Don't forget one, or you will have to take the door panel off again (speaking from experience). I used two types of rollers. I have a softer smooth one that I used to push down most of the matting. And then the Ballistic came with a notched hard plastic roller. I went back over just a few of the edges with the notched roller.



Here I am starting to cut the holes and routing the controls:



And a finished door will look like this!



The back wall was a bit daunting. I had to remove the rear window motor. This was a surprise and not in any YouTube video that I could find. I hung the motor housing up with rope so that I could install the matting behind it. Just FYI, dealing with the back wall is a bit of work, especially for the first time!!!






Getting the sub installed now, from the company that can't be named for some reason:



New tweeters on left, stock on right:


Completed rear door looks like this:


Speaker Mounts from the nameless company are leaps and bounds better than anything I could find elsewhere.


Running new speaker wire to each door was a bit tricky but very doable. Probably I could have gotten by with the stock wire, but the speakers are pretty thirsty:


Now I am starting to deal with the amp rack and crossovers, which will go under the driver seat. I had to add a little plate to extend the rack, but it worked out really well, and I LOVE the amp. Plan ahead to make sure the sides will clear the stuff under the seat:


Mocking things up now:


Trimming, the third gen is tight:


This part is done now, and my wife and I are both saying holy shit, this is a crazy project! Babe I want to rock!!!



Now it's time to mock up the Pioneer. You will need to take off the bezel. I have the premium bezel and the 6600 is a perfect fit. If you want to really dial in the fitment, I suggest taking off the red clips from the back of the bezel. This way you can place the bezel in and out and check the fitment until you have it the way you want, then add back the clips at the end:


Backing up, I forgot to mention that predrilling the holes for the speaker mounts is essential, and you can use clamps to ensure the holes are where you want them, since they are very close to the edge of the mount. Plan ahead and make sure the speaker is rotated the way you want it to receive the wire from inside the door.



The stock brackets are pretty nice and can be used. Your will need to mock up new holes and drill out a few of the notched bumps. I used some tape to make a template:





Testing everything out!



Finishing the battery routing, good enough!



Pretty damn good fit! There are ways to tweak it to get an even gap all around.




This was NOT in a YouTube video! I had to do a few slight mods to the back of the seat, but it worked out great! There are two metal tie rods welded in place across the back of the seat frame. You will need to unclip the fabric and reroute it behind the metal rods. Then you need to hammer in the metal tie rods. Set the seatback face down and hammer away on the rods. This will create an air pocket and after install the rods were arched inward around the face of the woofer with a good amount of clearance. The metal rods are actually helpful because they hold the back fabric tight in place. You just reverse the fabric so it’s behind the rods.



This is where I put the sub control. The panel pops out, hole drilled through the back, bolted into the top. The only thing I have left to do is paint an 11 on the dial



Finally, everything is back in!!!

 

I may have lost some hearing today. Probably not as bad as the AC/DC concert in '85 though.


WHAT???

 

Awesome audio build, I would really love to do a full system like this but youre right it does seem pretty daunting.

 

Very cool build and pics.

I have a single DIN radio in mine..bare bones plus I don't have a camera and own a standalone GPS so it would be overkill.

Like what you did with the crossovers..I ran mine in the doors but not as big as the ones you have.

 

I'm wondering what song you blasted on it first.

I vote for "If 6 Was 9" by Jimi Hendrix

 

Hey thanks! Yeah you know I might have gone overboard with all of it but I didn’t want to have any regrets. I’m not sure I’ll be doing a lot of mods but this one was worth it. A lift and new wheels would be great, maybe some day. In the meantime Im gonna enjoy killer sound.

 

I thought about that for while actually.

Black Sabbath. Jack the Stripper,
Earthgang. Top Down,
Earthgang. Sacrifices,
Genesis. Home by the Sea — both parts,
Tyler the Creater. 911,
Kid Cudi. Mojo so Dope,
Chance the Rapper. Slide Around,
Thundercat. Show you the way,
Sonic Youth/Cypress Hill. I Love You Mary Jane.

Etc...

 

Nice build. Times like this I wish I had a DC. I had to Stuff my AC just bc a little less room. And don’t get me started about holes in the metal but Not in the door panels on AC’s. Are you goin’ with the idatalink system too?

 

Yeah there was this other system available on Crutchfield. Crux I think it was called. But I decided to return it and I went with the Maestro. Thanks for the complement I like it a lot so far. I might find an installer around here and see if they can tune it with one of those distortion sensors. I’d like to be able to really max it out sometimes and I don’t know what head room I’m dealing with. I think there’s more there.

 

Just use your DSP settings & order this. ^^^ Nobody knows your system better than You.

 

That’s a great idea!

 

All in a days work.

 

Looks great! But what did you do to your thumb?

 

Minor infection. No bigs. Just part of the install happenin’s.

 

What a pleasure. Thank you... Da Man!

 

Can't go wrong with "Nobody Rides For Free" by Ratt as well..

Good list, though I'm not into new school rap really..that whole soundtrack of Judgment Night is killer. Not sure if you are a fan of Danzig but there's a few good ones by him such as Am I Demon..

 

Hey man thanks! I’ll check them out! Being 51 is weird these days. I’m all over the place. So much to explore and so much history. I think the common link has been having it punch through. From Mr. Bungle to Herbalizer, Sir to Wilco, I’m all in.

 

How did you like the TT gear? How much of the sound matting did you use? Anything else you wish you had done or done differently?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to prepare for a full system build....

 

I'd be surprised you haven't at least heard "Mother" by Danzig. Lifelong fan of him..and I'm 46 so I'm pretty close. If you like Mike Patton, go look at Peeping Tom..he did a performance of Mojo on the Henry Rollins show you must hear.

"Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, and PLEASE, don't forget to vote!!"

 

Still didn't figure out what I did with the song suggestions huh...