Upgrade speakers/quality in 2014 reg cab while keeping stock H.U

Hi there. I'm trying to up the sound quality in my reg cab 2014 tacoma (base trim level with basic entune head unit) while keeping the stock head unit. There is 1 speaker/tweeter pair per door.

From studying similar posts, It seems that adding a lineout converter plus an amp plus replacing the speakers is the best option. For my specific case, would adding something like the Audio Control LC2i ( http://www.audiocontrol.com/17612/6...er-with-AccuBASStm-and-Subwoofer-Control.html ) plus a modest amp ( http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136JX3602/JL-Audio-JX360-2.html?tp=35757 ) be sufficient for my needs? I've never worked with component speakers before so I'm not sure if I only need 2 channels or if I need more. I'm assuming each speaker+tweeter is 1 channel... so if I have a pair of those I need 2 channels. I don't need it to be crazy loud, I'm more worried about quality.

So... would adding those 2 components plus replacing the speakers get the job done?

Thanks

 

a decent 2 channel amp will do just fine power a component set via passive cross over.

 

you don't need the LC2i that amplifier will accept speaker inputs.

 

Get a mini amp (put it under your driver seat), put new speakers in and blast away. For better sound, use some sort of deadener in the doors. I did this to mine and it is plenty loud, plus you keep the stock HU.

 

In the same boat as you. Looking to upgrade but, want to keep the stock HU for functionality and thief purposes Interested to see if anyone chimes in.

Does anyone feel like an amp to power the new door speakers is a must?

 

yes, 100%. The goal imo for people that are simply wanting a little extra sound would be to find speakers and an amp that fits that budget, i.e a budget build. 6.5 component speakers and a small footprint 4 channel thats bridgeable to 2 channels. Deadener the door inside and outside skin and seal the cabinet

Many will say, which I'm not going to debate or defend, Don't overpower your speakers.
You are much better off over power mids by 50% than underpowering. Also, if your speakers for argument sake can only take 100wrms and ur amp can do 125, it doesnt mean its going to only give it 125. An amp can put out as much as you want within its parameter.

Set your gains properly, set to full channel instead of lp/hp if running a passive cross over and enjoy.

 

Thanks for the replies folks! Amp + new speakers on the way. I now see line-out converters aren't required for most amps with speaker-level inputs but for most of them it seems like you need a wiring adapter (speaker-wire to RCA).

 

I actually like my Entune Head unit in my new 2015 Sport as well. But want to upgrade the speakers and amp, and add a sub. So what would be a good 5 channel amp to go with, and front and rear speakers. I was thinking about adding

$350 Alpine SPR 60C 6-1/2" Component 2-Way Speaker System (Pair)

Alpine SPR 60C's up front and Apline SPR 60's in the back. Also probably the JL Audio single or double sub Stealthbox for the rear. But Crutchfield tried telling me I had to buy a JL Audio Cleansweep in order to do it? Also do people generally put 6x9's up front or 6 1/2 components?

 

There are a lot of amps that take speaker level inputs but the problem is that most factory head units have built in eq non defeatable to compensate for the low quality of the factory speakers. So line level converters like clean sweep out put a clean unequalized signal to an amp.

I say 6 ½ components in the front doors. 6 ½ coaxials in the rear doors. And a 4 channel amp. Applying sound deadner to the doors like dynamat is a must.

To mount the speakers to the doors use the Scosche Bracket SAT69.