Stereo system insight needed

Background:

• I have a 2015 4WD, Access Cab Tacoma.
• I have over 6,000 songs in iTunes (and on my iPod) that I have either ripped from CD's I own or purchased.
• I don't want to use a music service like Pandora because of the aforementioned. I own a boatload of music in iTunes/mp3 format. That ship has sailed.
• I am looking for a sound system to replace the stock system that came with my Tacoma
• I'd like to have something that is:
• Capable of either connecting to my ipod which holds all of my music or a system wherein I can store all of my songs IN the system and I can easily use the new system to navigate through what is on my iPod.
• I'd like a system that is Siriux/XM capable as I currently have a contract with them in my Tacoma
• I'd prefer that my system be Bluetooth capable
• I'd prefer a system that has GPS navigation
• I'd like recommendations on speakers to handle the system you recommend
• I'd like to know which types of businesses can install all of this for me

Thank you in advance for your expertise.

-Frank

 

Crutchfield.com. Ask one of the reps there exactly what you are asking here and they will find out exactly what you want in your price range, and give you everything you need to make it as easy as possible.

For my Tacoma I picked up a kenwood ddx-595 from them a few years back. I am like you and have my collection ripped to mp3 and flac files. I use a thumb drive loaded up with music to plug into the receiver. Works great. Crutchfield sent me the dash kit and wiring harness to make it as easy as possible.

 

As ryfox0276 said Crutchfield is the go to for information.

 

Crutchfield is THE place for this kind of advice. I upgraded my RC a few months back, and almost everything came from them.

I would highly recommend a CarPlay head unit; I actually kept my Sony I had installed in my previous truck and moved it to the Tacoma. I also like the Scosche mounting kit much better than the Metra. Like you, I prefer my carefully curated library of music loaded on my phone over radio (satellite or terrestrial). The integration of a CarPlay unit with my iPhone is also second to none, I could never go back to any other system.

For speakers, I went with the Morel Massimo component set, driven actively by the Kicker Key 200.4. The auto setup of the Key worked so well, that I run the EQ in the head unit flat. Instead of placing the tweeters in the stock location, I surface mounted them with the included hardware on the kick panels, to help with path length equalization. The position I chose is also much closer to the stock woofer location in the door, which I think gives better blending and imaging near the crossover point.

I also knew I wanted a JL Audio sub based on my last vehicle with the Stealthbox, and I wanted it to be self powered, given the cramped quarters of my RC. The head unit has a good crossover with a dedicated sub output, and I also opted for the remote volume control for the sub, which I mounted in one of the knockout panels in the center console. I chose the sealed box with a single 10”, as it was very slim and worked well behind my stock bench seat. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the width of the box worked perfectly with the threaded M8 holes in the rear wall beam. I did add a spacer block under the carpet since the floor slopes away from the center hump.

As far as the install, I’ve always done my own. Especially with the instructions Crutchfield provides, it’s an easy process to upgrade, and Toyota is very forgiving when it comes to replacing stock components. If you do need it installed, look for a smaller regional chain or local shop.

 

Thank you all for weighing in. I appreciate it.

-Frank

 

Let me second what AVGeek said....get CarPlay. My 2013 DC came with a

$1,080 Pioneer AVH-2300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Display (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX head unit. Love that CarPlay!!!

 

Just spoke with Crutchfield. What an incredible company. Walked me through options on the website, answered every question without delay, and my sales guy was both professional and friendly. HIGHLY recommend this company to others. Thanks again, all.

 

Question is what is lacking from what you describe from the stock head unit? A simple speaker upgrade with the stock head does wonders

 

The USB below the HVAC controls connects to the OEM head unit as well. You could just plug your iPod into that USB and play from there?