2015 stock stereo

hello, my son has a 2014 tacoma with a JBL stereo, sound is great, mine is a 2015 with a stock stereo, poor sound quality, need info/advice to upgrade this system, thank you!

 

I liked the JBL stereo but didn't like how much they were charging for it, so I did my own audio install.....better system for less money.

First choice you'll want to make is if you want to keep the stock headunit or go aftermarket. Keeping the stock headunit will maintain best integration with the car, steering wheel control, BT audio stuff... etc etc, but it does present some road blocks for the audio side. You can work around it, but aftermarket is simply easier and better in that regard IMO.

I went with a Pioneer double-DIN headunit and got the necessary adapters to make it fit, work with steering wheel controls, etc. I went with Polk component speakers up front, and coaxials in the back. I got a 5-channel Alpine amp to power the speakers + a single 10" slim sub in the back (fits behind the seats in a double cab).

 

Simply upgrading the speakers and head unit with aftermarket equipment makes a big difference. The stock stuff is crap.

 

I'm looking at replacing the HU super soon, looking at the SPHDA120 pioneer app radio. Doesn't have cd or dvd but is all about integration with the iPhone and multimedia. I hope that will boost the stock speakers long enough to keep me happy until I decided to upgrade it all.

 

It will help a little. I didn't notice a big change until speakers were upgraded. Night and day difference. I would go ahead and at least do the front door speakers.

 

I thought the Entune Plus in my 2015 Tacoma sounded decent. Adding two 10" Subwoofers and an Amp behind my rear seat made a huge difference though!

If you're not into loud & bass I'd simply suggest you visit a reputable car audio shop. Find a replacement Head Unit (stereo deck) that suits your needs. Single Din with a bracket, double din with touch screen, navigation, bluetooth, etc. Then ask if they think replacing the speakers will help.

My local shop told me to keep the JBL speakers my old '05 Camry had. So all I did with that was a new head unit and a subwoofer.

Much of this is subjective though! Those with a keen ear and a taste for music will want upgrades. Those of us with some hearing loss from hunting / firearms may not necessarily hear the fine differences.

EDIT: My guess is speakers probably make the biggest difference. The head unit replacement generally provides a clearer signal, but the big thing is that you can generally fine tune the frequencies a lot more. Therefore tuning the audio to your taste.

 

what sub did you buy that fits the behind the seat of double cab? I want to keep the stock head unit but still install an amp and subs. I've done this before with other stock stereos and don't think i'd have any issues doing that here (with the only limitation being available space)

where did you put the amp? i found this sub online but don't think it'd fit my 2015
http://www.jlaudio.com/car-audio-stealthbox-toyota-tacoma-double-cab-12-up

 

I put this box (single sub) and the amp all behind the seats in my 2013 double cab.

http://www.supercrewsound.com/Tacoma-Dbl.html

Sub I used was a 10" Kicker CompRT. At the time it was the only shallow mount sub that I could find that supported the 350W RMS from the amp

When my truck was brand new I was super concerned about a clean install etc... So I had the plastic parts out of the truck and I started trimming them up etc. I forgot about it and they have been out of the car for over a year now.. I'll get around to it one day. Right now the stuff is just back there and not a 'super clean' install but I practically never put down the seats so it's really not a factor for me. That JL is nice but it's a lot of $$$ for what you're getting IMO... you pay a lot for a nice looking, plug and play solution.

 

Check out the audio post in my sig.

 

The stock 6x9's in the 2015 are by far the worst speaker I have ever seen, at least in appearance. The magnet is barely even in existence. Replacing it is fairly simple and will make a very big difference. The speakers are awful but the head unit is capable of sounding quite good. I ran a LOC to an amp to 6x9 infinitys and that's all I have and I'm pretty content.

 

What amp did you get? Speaker upgrade is next on my taco-todo list.

 

Here is a good thread. I am thinking about going this route.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/366041-jl-audio-focal-ezq-install.html

 

can I replace my stock speakers in my 2015 but leave the stock deck with no amp?

 

Yes, that's what I did. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-a-component-system-in-a-2015.387351/

Both the speakers and sound deadening were well worth the time, money and effort. Have no plans to replace the stock head-unit.

 

I need to make plans to replace mine, it changes stations by itself, gets quieter when you turn it up sometimes, and you have to bang on the dash to get it to recognize a CD. I'm not actually sure if banging on the dash helps or just pacifies my ADHD while I wait.