PROJECT: TACTICAL TUNDRA CREWMAX TRD PRO AUDIO UPGRADES

Update:

• Was able to listen to speaker demo's on YT and Crutchfield and changing decision from Focal to Hertz. Focal emphasized vocals and muted musical instruments where Hertz had a bit more bass and great blending of vocals with rich instrumental tones...more like a live concert. Had to change my mind after this compare. Anything above these would be outside my planned budget & install timeframe.
  • Front Doors: Hertz CK 165
  • Back Doors: Hertz DCX 165.3

 

What is YT?

 

I'm assuming YouTube

 

Sound quality from YouTube? Are you kidding me?

 

Documenting my truck audio journey...Cheers


Focal ISU165 vs Hertz CK 165 (Note: Use quality headphones and fast forward to 3m 30s)
https://youtu.be/U_BNoARBFMw

Crutchfield SpeakerCompare™ Virtual Audio™ Technology
https://www.crutchfield.com/Product...5&compareItems=01|301CK165&isSpeakerCompare=1

 

Lol. You gotta be kidding me.

 

You're not known as a people person are you?

 

FWIW, when I reached out to James from Tech12Volts and expressed interest in upgrading from the base model Hertz K165 to something better and gave him a budget of $300 per set, he didn't hesitate one bit to send me right to the Hertz CK165 and 165L. He carries Hertz, Audiofrog, JL, etc and these are his go-to in that price bracket.

 

@MillMatter , thanks for the feedback! I agree on the Hertz. From the demo's I've listened to they reminded me of a cozy concert venue.
Cheers!

 

Update:

• Decided to change placement of tweeters from front door sail panels to front dash tweeter locations to shift the sound stage more to the front per recommendations from @Vector W8 .
• When the BOM for this project is complete I'll post organized slides for anyone to reference.

 

I have the Hertz ck165 components coming from James at Tech12volts.com next week.

 

Another puzzle piece arrived today.

• Subwoofer Amp

 

Sweet!

Mine don't get installed for another two weeks. So you'll have to share how they sound!

 

I just don't think streaming music via YouTube channel on headphones to judge sound quality of a speaker is a good idea. I am a people person. Many of my friends say so.

 

It's ok Bro, local places near me don't carry Hertz, Audiofrog, etc. so I gotta use the tools available to me to make my decision. I also appreciate y'all following this thread and providing helpful feedback as it helps me grow too.

As I mentioned I also used the Crutchfield sound technology to compare speaker sound. I'm not basing my entire decision on YT only.

It's all good...and I'm enjoying this fun project! Can't wait to jam to my tunes!

Cheers!

 

Update:

• Scheduled front/rear door installs on 3/16
• Then all speakers will be installed!

 

Update:

• Applied a new layer of high grade GE silicone to sub enclosure. This will ensure an air tight box when installed.

 

Sub'd!

Can't wait to hear your reviews. You should love it.

 

Thanks! Just waiting for install dates. 3/10 for subs and amp, then 3/13 for front & rear door speakers & amp.

 

Update

• Subs, Sub Enclosure & Mono Amp installed.
• Front/rear door speakers to be installed 4/2.

Question...I noticed the installer placed the amp under the driver's seat on top of the ac/heater floor vents. Do I need to install a riser / amp shield to allow air flow under the amp to the back seat area? If yes to riser, any recommendations to an aftermarket product as I'm not seeing any currently?

TIA!

 

yes, have the shop make an amp rack. Super simple, a piece of mdf, with 2 feet on one side and wrap it in carpet.

 

Update

• Front/Rear Speakers received
• Amp & Baffles received
• Added Audio Control's LC7i to improve audio quality of stock head unit (until I'm ready to install a 10.1 head unit)

 

What sized power wire is that? If its 8ga, you might want to consider upping it to 4ga.
Also, why are you using that multi-conductor speaker wire (i cant think of where you will need to bring 8 wires from one spot to another spot)? 18ga is pretty small, but if you aren't going to go over 50w it should be fine, but doesn't leave you with anything if you want to upgrade down the road.

 

Red wire is 8ga and was recommended buy Crutchfield on original order. I'll check on 4ga.

Multiconductor wire was recommended by installer to make the LCi7 addition work. Let me know what considerations are needed so I can address before the 4/2 install.

Haha, eagle eyes there on the speaker wire. It was for my original plan to connect focal tweeters to focal speakers with built in crossover as recommended by Crutchfield. Switching to Hertz component speakers means I no longer need the speaker wire.

Hope that helps!

 

That multi conductor wire used to be called Street Wire.....or something like that. Its actually still installed in my commuter car from about 8ish years ago. Wasn't really impressed, but for the low power i'm pushing through it, its fine.

Good call on ditching the 8ga and going with the 4.

 

I think this is going to be a very very long thread. Lol.

 

Update:

• 4 guage wire kit purchased to swap out 8 guage kit.

Lesson learned:

• 8 guage wire kit supports Class AB amp with 420 watts RMS & Class D amp of 650 RMS
• 4 guage wire kit supports Class AB amp 700 watts RMS and Class D amp 1100 watts RMS

My setup has Class AB 1000 watts RMS and Class D 1200 watts so I needed to upgrade from 8 guage to 4 guage amp power wiring kit.

PS: My AB amp is 1000 watts and is higher than 4 guage rating of AB 700 watts RMS. However, Crutchfield informed me the 4 guage kit is enough to support my setup. Let me know if anyone sees an issue with the 4 guage wire.

Thanks and Enjoy!​

 

4 gauge run is ok depending on length of wire and amps. Why not use 1/0 wire? From battery to fuse block then from fuse block to 2 way distribution block, then to 4 gauge to amps?

 

Make sure you use the same 1/0 for ground wire.

 

4ga is good for up to 150 amps, add both the amps fuse values, you are probably good, but might be nipping at the upper limits.