BrakeDust's Kenwood DMX1057XR & tech12volts audio overhaul

I have a 2021 SR5 Crewmax and was beyond disappointed with the stock audio system.

First I went through the usual stages of grief when I realized what it would take to fix it:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/want-to-fix-tundra-audio-that-will-be-2000-please.85944/

At first I bought only the tech12volts "Hertz/Infinity" package and thought I'd be done. But I later saw that this would only address half the problems with the Tundra and convinced myself to get the DMX1057XR:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/mounting-10-floating-display-_flush_-to-the-dash.86280/

It turned out that James was OOS on the Infinity amps and the sub he usually shipped, so he gave me an 'upgrade' to a Kenwood x802.5 Amp and a 12" Rockford Fosgate sub. Going through James saved me hundreds over purchasing the equivalent parts on Amazon. Rest assured that you're getting excellent value when dealing tech12volts! Plus he has good phone/email/text support. (He's busy but is nonetheless able to make time)

I'll share some pics of my install below.

Decided on sound deadening for inside/outside skins of doors and back wall. Used about 20 sheets total, went with Amazon Basics brand.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-much-sound-deadening-for-doors-inside-out.86740/

Disconnected the OEM Tweeters & Center speaker. Yes, just pry up the panels on the dash and unbolt & unplug those crappy speakers.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-to-disconnect-oem-dash-tweeters-center.86094/

With your help, figured out how to wire my Sub
https://www.tundras.com/threads/confused-sub-2-ohm-vs-4-ohm-solved.87000/

Forgot to use the Hertz tweeter install hardware (oops!) Glued instead.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/didnt-install-component-tweeter-baffles-does-it-matter.87072/

Had some parts left over that were not documented
https://www.tundras.com/threads/extra-4-cable-with-maestro-rr-what-is-it-solved.87168/

Didn't like the speaker adapter cables that were supplied, make them 12" longer
https://www.tundras.com/threads/toyota-speaker-wire-adapter-too-short-solved.87020/

Couldn't get a good crimp on the Amp power cables, bought a HF crimper
https://www.tundras.com/threads/crimping-amp-4-awg-cable-lugs-solved.87123/

Had trouble with initial tuning of system, sounded like crap! Thanks to all for your help
https://www.tundras.com/threads/help-sub-not-working-solved.87243/

And now... it's loud AF! The best sounding car audio I've ever heard.

Finally, figured out how to make that new HU dim at night
(At first it was like the Eye of Mordor...)
https://www.tundras.com/threads/kenwood-head-unit-not-dimming-at-night-solved.87326/

Adding mats to the back wall, was careful to avoid the window rails


Back wall matted


Use a hammer to knock out the front seat rail covers


Used the factory amp shelf mounting holes for my new shelf. The bolts are size M6x1.0, length about 40mm. Get them at HD.


Doors upon opening them up. Let's finish what Toyota started.
(Yes... that's a small patch of OEM Dynamat LOL)


Hertz vs OEM
Edit: The Hertz K165 are rather 'Meh', I'd recommend getting something better at least for the front doors.




Back Door problem!! The door panel has a huge foam piece that won't fit against the matting. I created hole and then a 'cavity' for the door bulge to fit. I've never seen this anywhere except in a ********* Tundra dynamat install video.
Edit: Even the "Five Star" guys on YT don't do a full door dynamat. They only put some behind the speaker and around it, they leave the OEM vapor barrier in place. If I were to do this again that's the way I'd go.





Front door had no issues, the door bulge is there but it's flat


Mounted the mic at the 'OEM' location in the overhead console, applied some mat.
(Note: The OEM mic is actually not there, but there's a suitable spot)
First pull off the entire rear section of the overhead console, not just the business card holder. Then you'll find two torx T20 screws. Two more screws under the hinged sunglass holder.


Created a little platform for the Kenwood GPS receiver, painted it black, then put the Kenwood GPS back plate/sticker onto that. Looks very clean IMO.




Toyota to Maestro cables! Note that the wider Black plug should not be used
(I had the non-JBL system.) Turns out that the smaller black plug is not needed either.


All my unused harness and Maestro parts


Mounting location for the Kenwood sub remote volume knob



All done! Looks nice
(Added AJT chrome-delete kit at the same time - It's a PITA to install, watch ALL the youtube videos first and ignore the instructions from AJT himself...)

 

Does it just stay out like this or does it go in when you turn the car off? Worried about potential theft.

 

The screen? LOL, it doesn't suck itself back into the dash if that's what you mean If you want something more streamlined get yourself a regular 7" 2x DIN unit. But Google Maps looks pretty darn good on the 10-inch.

 

Nice write up. Sounds like going all the way is where I should start. More worried about being able to pull it off in my drive way.

 

It's not to bad. Just make sure you take your time, and have plenty of time to do it. Follow the wiring directions to the T, ask questions when in doubt.

 

Yes.

However the 'instructions' are lacking, especially when it comes to the Maestro. The darn thing doesn't even have a port diagram, nothing. There is no explanation for what many of the cables do. Once you buy it, you flash it, and you get a link to a boilerplate user guide. In particular, there is a Black toyota plug that is not used at all although it fits the wiring harness. And if you plug it in, you get no power. You must use one of the other plugs that is the same size & shape and *poof* everything works!

But that's the world of car audio. Do a lot of reading ahead of time and post your "Bill of materials" here first before you get started - it will save hours of frustration later.

 

I must point out my progress on getting the mid and deep bass ironed out! If left at the stock settings even a good system can sound like crap.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/need-more-bass-guitar.87696/

Test piece, Poison was the cure:
(Bass galore)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCMxeJgUnvw

 

Have you tried this



or

 

Thoughts and opinions on the Amazon sound mat you used. How does it compare to those larger name brands? I would like to place the mat in my cab but there are so many options it tends to be overwhelming.

 

I thought it was fine, would buy again. Plenty of good reviews on Amazon. It doesn't smell, is cost effective and the aluminum layer is thick. You can't see the logo after it's installed so I saw no need to buy a 'brand name.'

 

I agree. I looked on Amazon and noticed they are all close in price. I didn't see the thickness for this one was it 50 or 80mil? Wasn't sure if there was a big difference in the noise reduction but if they all work save the money for other things.

 

It's 80

 

Good Deal. Thanks

 

@BrakeDust incredible writeup and pictures, thank you!

 

good info

 

Hey guys great information, but few more questions. I have a 2007 tundra sr5 CM non-JBL. I just installed component speakers in the front with tweeters in sail panal. I’m interested in getting a full surround sound, and want to put 2 more tweeters in the center dash. I was thinking I’d just splice it into the driver side A-pillar tweeter. My question is would the crossover be able to handle 3 tweeters? Or would it just divide the power into 3 tweeters? I’m just curious if anyone’s done this before or any other options. I am planning on replacing rear door speakers as well but will probabaly do coaxial as I don’t want to drill into the door panal to mount a tweeter. All ideas and suggestions would be much appreciated .

 

Upgraded to Hertz CK165 speakers in front:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/blew-my-speakers-recommend-a-new-6-5-set.105122/

Normally about $380 there was a BNIB set on ebay for $220 so I grabbed them.

Mid-bass is _much_ higher with the CK over the 'Uno' line from Hertz! Even the old ones weren't all that bad but these are definitely better.

 

Guess on what your totals were - total time and total $$?

 

Total about $2500.
Time probably a full weekend.

May have found a resolution to the "wifi disconnecting" issue. It's not actually a system crash at all although it looks like one - the wifi just drops and does not reconnect. There was a reddit thread on this and the fix is to disable the following two settings in the Android wifi (go to 'Advanced'.) The system always worked just fine where I live but would puke when I drove into the city. This makes sense since the phone was probably trying to auto-connect to new wifi networks as I drove through.
- Auto wifi/data switching
- Hotspot 2.0

It's the first and last settings in this image

 

Awesome find, Thanks

 

Yes, the changes to the android wifi advanced settings fixed all my issues! No more dropped connections with the Kenwood.

 

What type of head unit is that?

 

@breakdust what are you doing about the temperature display with the app no longer being available? Also is your compass working ? Please let me know how to solve for this.

 

what are you doing about the temperature display with the app no longer being available? Also is your compass working ? Please let me know how to solve for this.

 

hey man I have a similar setup from JRT. A couple questions on the DMX1057...

• What EQ settings are you using?
• Does your phone work in hands free mode? I can hear people but they can't hear me. I plugged everything in properly (and re-checked) and have the mic mounted on the dash by the steering column
• Do you know if there's a way to include transmission temp in the digital gauges?

 

I had the same mic issue on my 1007 and it was plugged into the wrong spot....

 

aw man... now I gotta rip the damn thing out again!

 

My mic works fine, you can set many gauges. You need to scan PIDS & then tap & hold the gauge you want to edit & select the gauge you want.

 

While you are at it ground the brake wire so you can hook up an Amazon fire stick....ran it to my center console where I can also plug in for power. Just need unlimited data plan on your phone since you hook that up as a hot spot. Load and sign in apps that you want to use and you are off to the races.

 

I prefer Roku, but same thing.