More difficult than I thought.

Yes, sorry for the delay. I had to get home in the awful LA traffic, but I really didn’t mind because I was enjoying my new upgraded stereo system.
So yes, I kept the stock non-JBL head unit. I found a shop in LA who has done over 20 Tundras in the last six months and has Tesla, Lexus and Maserati in his lot. Alonso the owner suggested getting a 5 channel alpine amp with better speakers and a tweeter for the front doors, also installed a bass controller for more or less bass.

Guys, I am the first person who would look at a vehicle next to me who was bumpin music I didn’t want to hear and think, “what an ass”. But now that I have that very same vehicle setup, I know why!
I am not talking about bass-heavy hip hop or rap, which I do listen to at times, but I had on Janet Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Guns N’ Roses, James blunt, really a broad spectrum and when you can hear the guitar string strummin and feel the bass with it, it’s like being front row center at a concert. Unreal!
My ear drums are buzzing and I would’ve stayed in there and put on more music but there is tomorrow. I will also take pics of sub and sub box (of what can be seen) in the daylight.

Keeping the HU isnt going to be for everyone. Pat, if you’re not happy with yours, change it. My feeling is you may soon need to get better speakers and amp, maybe with a subwoofer. I went my route basically after reading a lot of threads on this forum and learning what I needed to do to be where the Tundra is now. And I went with a professional install because I know my limits. In the end, right now - I AM STOKED!!

I encourage anyone wanting a better system to study and find what will suit you. And for anyone in SoCal, I will show off my shstem to anyone who wants to feel how good it can be. And I mean the stereo and bass, you pervs!

 

Thanks, Monet for the feed back. Now I'm back on the fence.

 

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall...

 

'Tis hard choices! Dont be afraid of the bass. A subwoofer with a good amp and better speakers that are tuned up can work with stock HU. I just feel changing HU first without the rest may end up you getting the rest sooner than later. Im no expert, but thats my conclusion from all of these threads...

 

Hey Monet, I am with you. I really don't want to replace the HU, but definitely need new speakers w/an amp. Can you give me the name of the shop you used? That's always my issue, I don't trust anyone and am always worried they will scratch the doors, etc when doing the install. I am a firm believer in getting a suggestion from someone that had a good experience. Thanks for all the good info.

 

Evolution Motorsports, Alonso is the owner. Mid-Wilshire area of LA. Great guy! Awesome Yelp reviews!
I would suggest you get the subwoofer box from Fox Acoustics. And since that box requires certain subwoofers that fit and and work well with it, I would get the 10” Kicker subs. Alonso has not only installed this box in other Tundras and mine, it is of great quality and works for our trucks. He’s by appointment only but call and tell him what you need and what you want out of your stereo.
Vicky, if you ever want to listen to my setup, let me know. Hard to explain how much better it is now, need to feel and know.

 

Dont worry there is an agenda for that traffic. Heard of congestion pricing?

 

Thanks Ron!! So stoked! Like a concert on wheels!!

 

You rock girl!!!Post those pic later..

 

Yeah, x2 on the pictures.

 

Haha, you mist realize the speakers and tweeters are in the door panels and hidden. Here is the bass controller and view of box from under back seats and connections from sides. Amp is hard to see but there are tuning controls exposed under front passenger seat. I have the truck outside of garage and driver side doors open, just had Zepplin playing from 15 feet away and I feel the music standing here..

 

S W E E T!!! Now, you're making my credit card like this.

 

Nothing new! We do that to each other!!

 

Does anyone want stock Tundra speakers? I will pay you to take em!

 

I gotcha, i appreciate the quick response...

 

You should keep them just in case you ever want to go back to stock one day you can take your tunes with you to the next truck? At least that's what I did.

 

They make good kindling...

 

Ohhhh, fire!!

 

Okay I have been chasing this rabbit for a little over a year. Here's what I am going with for now.

Me and the boys went to a few places to look and listen today. The Infinity speakers sounded nice, wasnt too impressed with the Pioneers. The JL Audio sounded good.
Let me tell you when they fired up the Focal speakers they got my attention. I am going with the Focals!!!

4x Focal 165 AS Door speakers
JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 8in Sub
Alpine X-A90V
5 Channel Power Density Amplifier
Audio Control Line Level Converter LC7I

Now I just need Mi Reinas permission.

 

Any leftover meds to help convince the queen?

 

I think I would let her brother visit for a week if she let's me do it.
Those Focal speakers were badass. I have never heard speakers so clean and at high volume. I tested everything from Aerosmith to ZZTop. Classic Rock, Metal and Blues. I am impressed!

 

Nice when all genres can sound that good! Who’s installing? In budget or over? lol

 

That setup should do the trick for sure!

 

Believe it or not, Car Toys has the best prices and I can get it done without waiting a month. Everything is in stock. To include the speaker bracket adaptors. There will be some custom work.
The first quote was waaaaaay over budget. The second quote was just right. Just need to get permission.

 

It sounded really good.

 

Nice! Will they make a box for the subs or you gettin the one from Fox Acoustics? My guy who did my install had already worked with that box and it is lined with linex type coating and it sounds awesome!!

 

JL Audio has a box that fits behind the CM seats. Going with that one.

 

Pat, I have almost the same setup as you’re trying to get and am very pleased with the sound quality coming from my system. It’s almost too loud, if there’s such a thing, lol. Good luck, I hope you get the permission you’d like to get.

 

Thanks, Aaron. Working on it, hopefully she says yes.