sound system

Definitely do a build thread. More information out there the better for others trying to do it themselves. There is no way I would have been able to tackle the wiring aspect of the build without this forum. I never would have felt comfortable taking the HU out and splicing in new harnesses but after getting help from here it was actually easier than I thought.

 

"Gonna bring me back up?"
https://youtu.be/9dMVHxFzNK4

@DrFunker

 

Most things are easier than they appear. You are paying for a convenience fee when you take it to a shop.

I have 2 sundown SD3 10s in my truck and they are loud!! I usually keep my remote bass knob at about 1/3 when its just me, i turn it up when my jam comes on or if im demoing for a friend.

Here is a link to my audio build... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sundown-dual-sd3-audio-build-q-a.431347/

Your system depends on what you listen to and what you want out of it...

If you want strong bass then go with 2 10s...

If you want better bass without being too much then go with 1 10 or even an 8...

If you want an all around better system then you will need to upgrade the door speakers, if you plan to keep the stock head unit then you may want to look into getting sound processor like I did. (This is my first build with a sound processor and I will never have another without one! It makes a world of difference having active crossovers, my speakers really woke up once the sound processor was installed and got the gains and crossovers set)

Make sure you do your research! Making sure to get an amp that will power your speakers at the proper load is a must. (use a subwoofer wiring diagram on the internet to find out how to wire your speakers to the amp) Then make sure that the subs you choose will fit in a box behind your seat! Sending stuff back to exchange is the worst!!

Also do you want a sealed box or a ported box?

Think about all this before you buy anything! Also i always recommend going to cartoys or something and listening to their speakers in a closed room to find what you want.

 

Oh ya i've followed your build as well.

 

No one seems to be talking about the main part of running a great sound system. Which aftermarket headunit did you go with or did you stay with the factory.

 

What's your installer's opinion, never asked you in the PM's.

 

My installer that owns the audio business always recommends to change out the factory headunit. He does not have a problem if you buy your audio equipment from his store or bring to have it installed. This guy that owns the shop does audio shows and their is a lot of people that enter their cars. The reason I say this is because he does not push you to up grade your headunit. It is totally upto the customer. My system I have in my corvette I could compete with this it sounds that good. That's why I have to change out my Tacoma headunit to keep even with my car.

 

I kept the stock HU and have experienced no set backs/issues other than needing the AudioControl LC2i.

 

You say that now. If you had an aftermarket head unit, you would quickly realize what you've been missing.

 

I'm sure the new ones are cool but I like the stock look (nothing about my truck says I have a stereo except the sub box), plus all the integration with controls/backup cam/etc is nice. That and not having to buy one, lol.

 

If you use aftermarket headunit you do not need a audio control to set everything up. Your headunit does everything.

 

I'm running 2 8 inch type r and I want louder but keep the stealth behind the seat look. Any recommendations? I do have a 1000 watt alpine amp at 2 ohm

 

I did much research before i decided on JL audios sub box setup specifically for 2nd gen tacomas, including JL amps.

Removal of the rear seats plastic panels helped as well.

It rocks.

 

Damn I'm getting old. I've got one 8" type R with 500 watts and I never turn it up to 11.

 

Had a few minutes sitting at the doctors office waiting on my daughter so I figured I'd reply here to a question posed to me via pm by one of the posters here.

Question..is it necessary to change the factory headunit to achieve good sound quality?

Please note my answer is based on many years of experience building Tacoma/other systems with the factory headunit alone, factory headunit with a processor and aftermarket headunits as opposed to something I read online, was told by someone at a shop trying to sell me a headunit or experience after building one or 2 systems.

My answer..it absolutely is possible to build an excellent sounding system with the factory headunit and there are countless members here that I have helped do so that can attest to it. The key I have found is to start with "good" speakers that don't need a bunch of processing to sound great, install them properly ie at least minimum sound deadening/sealing the back wave from the front wave etc, proper setting of levels and "mechanical" tuning for phase via polarity experimenting.

That said an aftermarket headunit can add "icing on the cake" IF you know how to properly use its tuning functions however it will not be a miracle cure for poor quality speakers, improper installation or lack of setting the foundation ie gain settings, level settings between drivers and "mechanically" tuning for the vehicle which needs to be done first no matter what you use or you will NEVER get the maximum performance from your system.

Sorry for the long sentence and my apologies to the OP for once again hijacking a thread!

 

Hijacking a thread that correlates to the thread is fine in my book. Especially if it's useful information like above. I've been a member for a long time and I heard nothing but great things from you Marv. I will buy a box from you one day!

 

So did you just leave the oem tweets in the door?

 

Yes disconnected

 

I have a JL box with 2 10"s like the one a few posts up. I also replaced all the speakers, have an alpine power pack for the speakers and an alpine amp running the subs. I kept the factory HU because I wanted to keep that factory look. Couldn't be happier.