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Factory Stereo - Opinions?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by BigPapa1959, Aug 6, 2019.

  1. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #1
    BigPapa1959

    BigPapa1959 [OP] New Member

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    Maybe i'm tone deaf but dayum, this factory radio sucks. I have the 2019 SR5 tss with 4.6 standard factory audio system and with all my efforts of toning it just right, I'm still disappointed. Am i the only one? :cool:
     
  2. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:06 AM
    #2
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

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    Mahal kita Kuya
  3. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:13 AM
    #3
    BigPapa1959

    BigPapa1959 [OP] New Member

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    OK, so it's not just me!
     
    Pinay likes this.
  4. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:15 AM
    #4
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

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    My improvements:

    Fox Acoustics Subwoofer Box
    Two 10" Kicker Subwoofers From Crutchfield
    Diamond Audio 6x9 Coaxial Front Speakers
    Infinity Tweeters Front
    Image Dynamic 6.5 Rear Speakers
    Alpine 5-channel Amp
    Signal Converter Audio Control
    Bass Controller
     
  5. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:17 AM
    #5
    BigPapa1959

    BigPapa1959 [OP] New Member

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    Woe! you went ALL out! Awesome
     
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  6. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:18 AM
    #6
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

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    Need proper entertainment on the trail! :burnrubber:
     
  7. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:23 AM
    #7
    cnoyes72

    cnoyes72 New Member

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    Driver-side assist handle, extang trifect 2.0 tonneau cover
    It sounds alright to me (I wish it had carplay capability, though. The connected navigation sucks). I suppose it depends on the type of music you listen to (and how loud you listen).
     
  8. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:30 AM
    #8
    BigPapa1959

    BigPapa1959 [OP] New Member

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    That's just it, it sounds alright, just not real good. BTW, when compared to my wife's 2010 Ford edge, the factory radio she has sounds better. Music being played at all levels is anything from AC/DC, Kenny Chesney, Boney James or even some HipHop. Doesn't matter, it still sounds crappy and will probably upgrade. Thanks for the reply Cnoyes72!
     
  9. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:31 AM
    #9
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    The stock head unit is trash. Even just replacing that with an aftermarket option will net you better sound. So far I've installed a Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX (mostly because of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto) and a sub and amp to boost the low end. It's much more tolerable now, though I'm planning on adding an amp and new component speakers to replace the door and dash setup.

    There are a ton of threads on here about various upgrade options if you're interested.
     
    BigPapa1959[OP] likes this.
  10. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:33 AM
    #10
    Jmmtjoy

    Jmmtjoy Livin the dream

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    It def does suck. Here is what I did.

    List of Products
    -JBL Club 6500C (Front Speakers)
    -JBL Club 5000C (Rear Speakers)
    -JBL WS1000 (10" Subwoofer)
    -JBL Stadium 5 (5-CH Amp)
    -NVX Wiring kit
    -Monoprice Oxygen free 14g Speaker Wire
    -Custom Box (3/4" & 1/2" Maple Plywood)
    -Kenwood DDX9705S
    -Noico Butyl Mat & Close cell foam sheets (Doors and rear of cab)

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/my-2016-tundra-cm-stereo-system-install.47810/
     
    BigPapa1959[OP] likes this.
  11. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:37 AM
    #11
    cnoyes72

    cnoyes72 New Member

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    Driver-side assist handle, extang trifect 2.0 tonneau cover
    When I was younger I was totally into HiFi car audio. Nowadays, not so much (different $$$ priorities and tinnitus). Factory audio is always going to be at best "good enough". I will say that the Kenwood head units for sale on Crutchfield look very interesting. When my warranty runs out, I may go that route to get carplay capability.
     
  12. Aug 6, 2019 at 9:58 AM
    #12
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
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    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Quick options are adding amp or new Head Unit. Stock HU like 12 or 20 watts, many replacement HU's are 50 watts. Some like to keep stock HU and add an amp.

    As mentioned, check out the audio section.
     
    BigPapa1959[OP] likes this.
  13. Aug 6, 2019 at 10:04 AM
    #13
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

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    Magnetic Grey DC SR5 4x4 2016
    SUSPENSION: Bilstein 6112 coilover (1.9") w/ Powder Coated Springs and Spring Perch (TRD Red), JBA Upper Control Arms, Bilstein 5160's w/Billet Aluminium Reservoir Brackets, +2 Coachbuilder Shackles, Diff Drop Kit, Carrier Bearing Drop Kit, Brakeline Extensions, ABS Extension, Poly Bushings for Leafs, Coachbuilder Shims (2 Each Side), Coachbuilder Bumpstop Extensions, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Front Sway Bar, Air Lift 5000 airbags w jounce bumpers, Daystar Airbag Cradles WHEELS AND TIRES: BF Goodrich KO2's 275/70/r18, BORA wheel spacers 1.25", TRD Wheel Caps,TRD Valve Stem Caps, Spare Tire Lock PERFORMANCE: Bullydog GT Tuner(Performance Tune), TRD Intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (with Modified Exhaust Hangers for Levelling Tail Pipe),TRD Brake Pads, TRD Oil Cap (US), TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Filter, Optima Yellow Top Battery,GP Battery Distribution Blocks, StopTech Slotted Cryo Treated Rotors, Goodridge G-Stop Steel Braided Brake Line Kit PROTECTION: PNP Engineering Type 4 Rock Sliders (With Full Dimple Plate) ,ADD Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper w Red/Blk Shackles and Custom Stomp Pad, TRD Skid Plate with ReadyLift Spacer Kit, Victory 4x4 LCA Skid Plates, JOMAX ABS Sensor Armor, Rear Diff Breather Mod, ARK splash guards INTERIOR: Husky Liners X-Act (Front and Full Coverage Rear and Front Weather Beater Trans Hump), Interior LED Bulbs, WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover(EuroPerf), Clazzio Genuine Leather Seat Covers(BLK/DRK GRYwith custom stitching and embroidered headrests), Clazzio Seat Heaters (Front and Rear), Entune Startup Screen MOD, Entune Off Screen Mod, Tinted Windows with Windshield Visor, AJT Key Fobs,Eagle Claws Floor Mat Clips, Bodyglove Visor Organizer,Custom Door Cup Inserts, Glass Break Sensor,AJT Radio Knobs, Custom Dior Cup Inserts EXTERIOR: Full Debadge, LED Brake Light Bulbs, LED Rear Turns, LED Reverse, LED Plate Lights, LED Cargo Lights, LED Third Brake Lights, LED Front Marker Lights, LED Fog Light Bulbs, Lamin-X Fog Light Covers (Amber),2018 OEM LED Headlights, iHacker harness, VLED Universal Puddle Lights, VLED Interior Footwell Lighting (Front and Rear),VLED Extreme Amber Fornt Turns, NSV Knight Rider Light bar, Baja Designs Sport Squadron Pods in Rear Bumper (Driving/wide), Painted Red Tow-hooks, Bed Rail System, Blind Spot Mirrors, Hitch-safe, Tail-gate lock, EAG Raptor Grille, Custom Grille Badge,Full Vinyl Wrap (Matte Black/Matte Pine Green Mettalic), Charvonia Designs Tie Bed Tie-Downs, Bull Ring Bed Rail Anchors, Line-X, Tundra Bed Mat, Bakflip F1 Bed Cover SOUND: Noico 80Mil Sound Deadening and Noico 170 Mil Thermal Insulation (All 4 Doors, Roof, Floors, Rear Panel, Dash). Hertz Uno K170's Component Speakers (Front Doors with Upgraded Sail Panels), Hertz Uno K170 Coaxial Speakers (Rear Doors), JBL C1-075ct Tweeters (Total 4) in Side Dash and Center Speaker, JBL Stadium 5 Amp w/Remote Bass Adjustment Knob and Amp Rack, 12" Infinity Reference Subwoofer in Custom Enclosure w/ “TUNDRA” Logo, Fast Rings Foam Speaker Rings System(4 Doors), Fix 86 DSP
    I thought it was OK but wanted a louder system with more bass.

    Heres what I did.

    - Noico Sound Deadened on entire Cab
    -JBL tweeter swap in dash (through Tech12 volts you get a bracket which gives ypou an additional tweeter in dash)
    -Hertz Component in front with sail panel tweeter
    -Hertz Coaxial rear door speakers
    -JBL Stadium 5 channel
    -12" Infinity Reference sub woofer in custom enclosure
    -Amp wiring kit with 50amp fuse run to the battery
     
    BigPapa1959[OP] likes this.
  14. Aug 6, 2019 at 10:10 AM
    #14
    shawn474

    shawn474 Lego connoisseur

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    It is probably my biggest complaint about the truck. I am coming from a 4runner......but I immediately noticed that the FM reception sucks absolute garbage. I live in the DC area and never had issues getting reception but have static even with DC radio stations. I will upgrade the stock speakers and get a new head unit for Christmas hopefully.
     
  15. Aug 9, 2019 at 8:24 AM
    #15
    jeremyd

    jeremyd 2014 Crewmax SR5

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    I swapped the amp under the seat and turned the treble up ! I'm good !
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  16. Aug 9, 2019 at 9:46 AM
    #16
    KTM Hauler

    KTM Hauler New Member

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    Method 306 18"x9" Nitto Ridge Grapplers 275/65r18 Leveling kit
    I had a 2006 Tundra with the JBL package and it wasn't super loud but at least the sound quality was good. I recently purchased a 2017 and it sounds terrible... my iPhone speaker is better which is pretty disappointing when you consider the price of these trucks. There is a post on this forum about plug and play 6x9 speakers from a company named Focal - you can also google "Focal IS 690TOY". They're a little pricey, around $300 for the pair if I remember correctly. The person posting and all of the reviews I read say it improved the sound quality quite a bit - I also looked at the specs and they're capable of handling way more power so you could add an amp or a different head unit down the road if you decide you want it louder.
    In my case I just want clean sound with easy installation so this is the route I'm going.
     
  17. Aug 9, 2019 at 10:39 AM
    #17
    TacoWuzzaTurd

    TacoWuzzaTurd Loving my Tundra

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    6112s @1.9", TRD Dual Exhaust, rims, tires, jl audio system
    I didnt realize how lame the tundra factory radio is until I test drove a 2018 Ram Bighorn with the base 9 speaker factory stereo. I can't imagine what the Ram Alpine upgraded stereo sounds like compared to Tundra. Come on Toyota!!!
     
  18. Nov 9, 2020 at 8:46 AM
    #18
    SummerGS1

    SummerGS1 New Member

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    CAUTION!!
    I have a Tundra Platinum with the stock JBL system.
    I was never a huge fan of the way it sounded, but didn't feel like spending $2,000 on a replacement system.
    Every year or so I would end up calling an 'experts' (will leave them unnamed, but I am very sure you know most, if not all of them) and get their take on the reason the JBL system is lackluster.
    As a result, I would commonly get the follow recommendations/opinions:
    1. "You need to change the amp and speakers, as you can't update one without updating the other." (from my most trusted source)
    2. "You need to change the head unit." (This is what I suspected most to be at issue).
    3. "You need to change the entire system because of the JBL speakers are very low impedance."

    Before I continue, I should say that I am not into Earth-quaking bass, rather; solid accurate bass, smooth vocals, and crisp (not over-powering treble).
    I am an scientist and somewhat of an audio enthusiast and this facts are often at odds with each other because of marketing. Much in the world of audio is marketing 'hype' and NOT at all scientific fact. Never-the-less, the day has arrived when I had a couple of thousand dollars to 'play with', and I decided to upgrade my beloved (albeit thirsty) Tundra.

    Being the conservative person I am, I decided to test these 'expert' opinions starting with the speakers. My reasoning was if the resistance is indeed abnormally low, replacing the speakers with a more standard 4ohm should not have any critically adverse effect on the head unit. Hence, I purchased replacement speakers for all but the subwoofer (a much more complicated beast), along with Kilmat, Speaker Foam, etc. but started with the easiest speakers to replace: Dash Left, Center Dash, Dash Right. I replaced the (3) Toyota OEM JBL dash speakers with Infinity REF-3032CFX.

    The CENTER SPEAKER fit perfectly, however, both the Front Left and Front Right speakers have an odd mounting configuration:

    LEFT (Driver's Side) required me to clean the mounting surface with Alcohol, LAY the speaker in without the mounting bolts and move the speaker around until you find a place where the speaker sits are its most shallow position. The more time consuming part of this, is the speaker grill as you will need to use 'nippers' to cut the UNDERSIDE ribs so that ONLY the speaker acoustic holes exist (without the ribs). Exercise extreme care to NOT cut into the hole(s). With the speaker laying (unsecured) in its most shallow position, fully mount the speaker gill in place to insure the grill fits without touching the speaker. Remove the speaker grill and make sure the speaker is still laying in its most shallow position then securely hot glue the speaker in place will being very careful to not get Hot Glue on the speaker surround. When the Hot Glue cools, it should be ROCK-SOLIDLY mounted in place.

    RIGHT (Passenger's Side) required me to insert the speaker mounting bolts and tighten the bolts WITHOUT the speaker in place, then clean the mounting surfaces and bolt heads with Alcohol. LAY the speaker in on top of the mounting bolts and move the speaker around until you find a place where the speaker sits are its most shallow position. With the speaker laying (unsecured) in its most shallow position, fully mount the speaker gill in place to insure the grill fits without touching the speaker. Remove the speaker grill and make sure the speaker is still laying in its most shallow position. Slightly lift the speaker and apply hot glue on top of the mounting bolts. Lay the speaker on the mounting bolts and securely hot glue the speaker in place. While this is extremely simple, you will need to be very careful not to get the Hot Glue on the speaker surround. It should be ROCK-SOLIDLY mounted in place. There is NO need to modify the speaker grill at all.

    I decided to take the Tundra for a test drive to make sure everything worked as it should and to my complete astonishment and amazement, the overall sound seems to have improved to audiophile levels. The bass seems much more powerful, the mids are silky smooth, and the highs are shear perfection. While I have all the other speakers to put in (front & rear doors), I do not see any reason to do so, other than, I already purchased everything.

    Conclusion: JBL Stock Radio & Amp do NOT need replaced. Just the dash speakers. It is my professional opinion and STRONG recommendation that ALL speakers used on the dash (i.e. Left/Center/Right) should be EXACTLY the same MFG, make, and model. Don't by into the 'you can use tweeters for Left/Right'. Reason is, the Center Speaker plays the exact difference of potential between the Left and Right speakers, so if the speakers are NOT all exactly the same, once channel (left/right/center) will not represent imaging properly.

    FYI...
    Toyota JBL speakers = 2 Ohm
    REF-3032FCX speakers = 3 Ohm

    Hope these findings help someone.
     
    NewImprovedRon and Trooper2 like this.
  19. Nov 9, 2020 at 8:51 AM
    #19
    purplenova

    purplenova Not a new member

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  20. Nov 9, 2020 at 9:36 AM
    #20
    dkahs05

    dkahs05 New Member

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    So your saying that just changing out the dash & center channel speakers made the rest of the JBL system sound better?
     
  21. Nov 9, 2020 at 9:39 AM
    #21
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Interesting. Would be curious to know the outcome with all of the speakers mentioned replaced.
     
  22. Nov 9, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #22
    SummerGS1

    SummerGS1 New Member

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    Correct. Theoretically and mathematically, changing out the dash speakers should have no effect on the bass, however, the change in sound is truly amazing overall and only cost $120 for the speakers (2 sets of REF-3032CFX...since you need 3 speakers)
     
  23. Nov 9, 2020 at 9:44 AM
    #23
    TheTripleLindy

    TheTripleLindy New Member

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    [​IMG]
     

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