Upgrade sound system keeping stock head unit

is the head unit in the 2022 with Android auto etc any better?

 

I have a 2020 non jbl with android auto.
The big issue is bass rolloff at not even that high volumes. Secondly, the stock H/U is EQ'd to protect the factory(cheap) speakers. the rear channel has basically no power, again to protect the factory(really cheap) rear speakers. There are aftermarket options to correct all of these issues without changing the headunit, but you will end up spending more money in the long run than if you just change to a quality aftermarket H/U (and it will sound worse)
That also provides side benefits of a much better responsiveness, better screen, better android auto/carplay integration, more options, etc.
With modern canbuss integration you should be able to retain all functions.

On top of all that you can flip a good working factory H/U on ebay and recoup alot of the cost

If you want to just upgrade the speakers with the kicker drop inns, dynamat the doors and send it you will probably be happy with that. If you aren't happy with just that then a new H/U should be your next step

In my opinion...

 

With a new HU do you still have the back up camera, play tunes off a flash drive, and your phone still work with the controls on the steering wheel?

I have the non JBL in my 2018 access cab, and it's absolutely not close sounding good.

I'd want new speakers to be plug and play too. Figure Crutchfield would be the best bet for them. Is there an under seat sub for these trucks?

 

Yes, if you get an HU with Maestro integration and a USB connection.

 

A friend of mine has done his whole system, and kept the Oem h/u and it sounds amazing! I’ve heard a lot of sound systems but his sounds really good, only thing is that his Tacoma is non JBL system

 

So can we assume you did the research and this particular model was the best option in terms of fit, retaining oem functionality, etc or was it more that you got a good deal on it?

 

This is kind of the key. If you didn’t have the JBL I would have recommended getting a FiX and some nice amps/speakers a long time ago. Problem is you have a JBL and you can still do this, but it’s more involved.

I’ve never taken measurements on a JBL either so it’s hard to say what exactly it needs.

 

Replacement.
It needs replacement.

 

I did the tweeter upgrade , and added a underseat 8" powered Sub, spliced from the rear speakers. That's it, sounds great.

 

I did the PacAMP Pro TY12, replaced the factory door and dash speakers with Kicker Components for front and Kicker Coax for rear. Using Alpine 4 ch amp mounted in cubby behind driver rear seat. Using factory amp to drive factory sub. I spliced into factory speaker wires at passenger side rear corner. Everything from Crutchfield

 

@Mike402 I did over a year of testing fitment and functionality. This unit was closest fit to stock opening. There was no modifications done to the trim piece that fits around headunit. The only modification to help fitment was to remove a plastic wire raceway to ensure the usb c connection was not torqued. Retaining stock functionality like steering controls came from the Maestro RR unit that keeps that functionality and also plugs into OBD port for running gauges and tire pressures.

This unit is considered a "floating display" it has a bracket with many mounting options. Took about 3 hrs to line it up properly with the opening, i do have picture somewhere of the holes i used to assemble the bracket for the correct fitment.

 

Contact Crutchfield
I bet you will be disappointed with the factory head.
It is the worst head I’ve ever had, and fortunately I’ve had a lot.

 

Thanks for the detailed response! I've been thinking about getting a new head unit, but I have the anytime backup camera as well, and everything is working perfectly. Part of me is loathe to bring something new in and try to get everything working correctly. I guess the optimal way is to also run new and thicker speaker wire.

 

@Mike402 This pioneer unit has the ability to have (2) camera inputs. Also has the option to use either camera at anytime. I'll use this if load in bed covers rear view mirror.

Agreed new speaker wire is the way to go, i have yet to reinstall the 4channel amp but when i do ill run new thicker wire to doors.

 

I think the factory Delco AM/FM Cassette, complete with mechanical presets, in my first car (a '78 Buick) driving a pair of Bose 6 x 9's sounded way better than the factory unit in my Taco...

My '18 does not have the JBL System.

Does anyone have experience with the stuff sold from taco tunes dot com? They appear to have a turn-key solution for non-JBL Tacos, keeping the factory head unit, and just upgrading most everything else, and adding stuff, too.

 

I used a JL Audio Fix86 to get line level outputs to all my aftermarket gear. I did this back in 2017 when there weren't as many options and have been happy ever since. (I have the factory JBL head)

 

I'd check out the guys at OEM audio plus. They make replacement speakers and subwoofer that still uses the factory head unit. Everything is Tacoma specific so it fits perfectly and they engineered the sound for the Tacoma specifically, everything is plug and play... one warning is that it is pricey, however customer service is top tier and they can answer any question you may have. Improves the sound greatly and looks completely factory you'd never know it was replaced to the naked eye!

 

Which sub did you get?

 

I recently swapped out all of my speakers, added a sub and two amps, one for speakers and one for sub. I am finding the sound to be underwhelming in relation to the quality of the components so I am thinking of swapping my HU now. Question I have is what happens to all of the vehicle controls / settings that are accessed through the stock HU? Do you lose all of that functionality?

 

No, you can use a Maestro interface to retain all/most of the functions.