Just the amplifier

Looking for, what I hope is simple advice.

In the past I have kept my OEM head units and added in a small amp behind them. This allows for me to keep the oem look/controls, but get some real speakers in my trucks/better sound control.

I went to a local installer I hadn't used before, maybe 6 months back, asking about this. He told me that, it isn't done like that and you need a new headunit. I feel like he was just trying to upsell me and left.

I ONLY listen to FM radio. I do NOT need or want a head unit replacement. I just want the volume adjustment to mean something when I use the knob, and help wake up the factory speakers a little when I get a good signal. I have sound deadened around the doors and added some of those speaker rings on the 6x9's to help a little already.

Anyways, has anyone just added an amp behind the existing head unit? I did it on a taco and 4runner and can't believe it isn't easy enough on the Tundra.

 

You may have a factory amp already.....it will be under your passenger seat. It will power the door speakers. The dash speakers are powered directly off of the head unit itself.

 

You can replace the small amp under your passenger seat with a small alpine one. I think Pioneer makes one like this too. Doesn’t require running large power cables and uses the OEM wiring. I started my system with just this amp.
https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-KTP-4...9085481&mcid=e86fbffdbb3132bf9e797629136d2d7a

 

Thanks. So it sounds like replacing the under-seat amp, which I think you are correct I have seen, is the way to go. The dash set up will only get so good without more work than I want. Appreciate it.

Did you find it worth swapping out with one of these? It sounds like this is the route to go. Thanks for the link!

 

Yes, I really noticed a difference. This small amp delivers more power and and the stock speakers sounded much more full.
The only issue I ran into was that the head unit amp powers the dash speakers directly, so they were significantly louder, even when I raised the gain of the new amp. I disconnected the dash speakers at the speaker, and everything sounded great.

 

good tip there. I noticed they make an amp meant to hide behind the headunit as well. I wonder if I get both installed they would work together well? Something I will have to ask them about. Thanks again.

 

I hooked mine up the same way. That will save this dude a bunch of time. Super easy install then.