Upgrade head unit and speakers or just the speakers?

I have the non JBL stereo, is it recommended to update the head unit and all speakers, or just the speakers.
Newbie here, so any suggestions would be helpful!

 

I did the Subaru tweeters only and I’m happy. Maybe I’ll do the locker door speakers at some point but the tweeters did the truck for me. I guess it all depends on how serious you wanna go and how picky you are with your music.

 

I have the non JBL stereo in my 2018 4x4 OR.. I did the Subaru tweeter upgrade, changed all the speakers to Kickers, and added the Kicker Key Amp which hides inside the passenger side dash..
the OEM head unit pushes the upgraded speakers just fine.. couldn't be happier.. perfect balance inside the cab.. I was gonna add a subwoofer in the back but hadn't felt the need to do so yet...

 

Got a none JBL Taco here too, definitely needs an upgrade.. The Subaru upgrade seems to be hella popular.

 

Do what I did bro.. its very cost effective.. and you'll be happy

 

Ok, one question, what are the Sabaru tweeter upgrade? and which Kickers?

 

They come standard in the WRX Premium as well as STI… but are 100% plug-n-play for Tacos. Mine took about 15min to install. Just take your time popping up the grill covers not to bust a tab. Def a great upgrade!

Genuine Subaru H631SFJ101 Tweeter Kit (1 Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV6F8I2

 

Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250 | Tacoma World

Kicker hideaway- final upgrade to the $250(+) 3rd gen premium upgrade (+Kicker Key 180.4 amp) | Tacoma World

Tpp4's No Nonsense Guide to Kicker Key T-Harness (16-19) | Page 5 | Tacoma World

KickerCS Upgrade with Kicker Key amp Install Assistance | Tacoma World

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-subaru-toyota-3rd-gen-tweeter-upgrade-holy-s.540548/

 

I started with the Kicker tweeters. Currently I am in the process of installing my sub. I went with the JL Audio Stealth series. It’s made as a direct fit for the Taco and is muck louder than the JBL and Alpine subs. Going to keep the stock door speakers for now and possibly upgrade them in the near future.

https://www.jlaudio.com/products/sb-t-tacdcg3-10tw3-car-audio-stealthbox-94654

 

I have an SR and of course non JBL. I added the Kicker speakers in all the doors and it was decent (the back doors were weak). Add the Kicker tweeters and it was better. Upgraded the head unit and it is far superior.

 

Did you add an amp to your upgraded Kicker speakers before HU upgrade? Or just running them off the factory HU wattage?

 

No amp and the sound was decent

 

This is great Information..I am gonna upgrade soon for sure.
I upgraded my Interior to LEDS, but the vanity mirror is too bright, is there a dimmer type LED you have found?
I used Bright white from Amazon

 

Sound would have been much better with a small amp. If you read most speaker specs, they will give you a range that the speakers perform in, say for instance of conversation 25-250 watts with a peak wattage of 350. This means they will produce sound as low as 25 watts and continually handle up to 250 watts, peaking around 350 before they blow. They were probably getting no where near their optimal power range from the factory headunit.

@thebotti
If you are going to go the route of replacing the factory door speakers, I would highly recommend you pushing them off a small amp before replacing the entire headunit. A headunit will cost you upwards of $1300 for a high quality name brand unit. A good amp will cost a fraction of that… most amps cost about $1 per watt, and you’ll probably only need a 100-250 watt amp.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-premium-upgrade-kicker-key-180-4-amp.541375/

 

I have an SR and I did the Subaru tweeter upgrade. This is what you should probably try doing first. It is a big improvement.

 

No harm in trying speakers first. Worst case you add an amp or a head unit later. I ran my Kicker speakers for 2 years before I switched out the head unit. I went the route below on the head unit, it was a 20 minute plug and play. This company offers better head units but this one sounds great to me.

https://trailgridpro.com/shop/head-units/sony-xav-ax5500-plug-play-bundle-16-19-tacoma/

 

im gonna try the kicker upgrade and add a amp later if needed.
Got the Subaru tweets and the kicker 6x9s and 6.75 for rear

 

Kicker 47KEY200.4 Compact 4-channel car amplifier with automatic tuning DSP — 50 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield
I believe this is the newer version of this amp.. i paid $150 about 2 years ago for mine.. (price inflation.. ugh) you literally can hide this in the dash..