Replace stock audio non JBL in 2021 Taco

Looking for some insight on upgrading my factory OEM speakers, and possibly add an amp. I do not want to spend a bunch of money. Talking to the dealership, they suggested that I would need DSP's (500-1000) each, add a sub too. Probably about 2500, so way more than I want to spend. Limit is around 600

 

You do need a DSP because the factory head unit sends virtually no power to the back speakers. A Kicker Key 200.4 will give you DSP and 50 watts for all four channels, and will leave you about $ 350 to spend on the speakers of your choice. Search the forum for the Subaru tweeter upgrade. It is a good place to start for speakers on a budget.

There are a lot of threads in the forum about Kicker Key installs as well. Be aware that any info regarding the harness you need is model year sensitive. Toyota changed the connectors in 2020.

 

With that kinda money why not go with OEMaudio+
https://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/tcd1600/

 

There are multiple threads on this but let's make it easy;

For '21 Tacoma with Non-JBL, using the OEM head unit, add/replace factory hardware with the following:

• Kicker
  $118 H631SFJ101 Subaru Genuine Tweeter Kit Kicker WRX STi Forester Crosstrek Impreza H631SFJ101
  H631SFJ101 Tweeter Kit (95w)
• Kicker 46CSC6934 CS Series 6"x9" 3-way speakers (150w)
• $77 Kicker 46CSC674 6.75" 6-3/4" 600w 4-Ohm Car Audio Coaxial Speakers CSC674
  Kicker 46CSC674 CS Series 6-3/4" 2-way speakers (100w)
• Kicker 47KEY200.4 4-Channel Amplifier (50w RMS x 4)
• $300 Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
  Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway compact subwoofer (Built in 150W Amp)

Cost = Around $1,000 + Labor/Installation at a reputable shop

My advise for what it's worth, go for the entire package but if you can't, the install will still be a massive improvement without the compact subwoofer, just not as much bass. If you DO go with the subwoofer, mount it under the driver's seat. That's pretty much the only place it will fit. For the amp, you'll need the Tacoma Plug & Play Amp Harness Installation Kit (google it).

 

Well, whatever you chose, stay far away from the dealer with those prices. My goodness. For that price you should have stuff they use in audio competitions...

For $600, get some good speakers and wire them to an amp. If it's not enough for you, then you can always add on a sub and amp later. A good set of 6x9s will have some pretty good range to them and an amp behind them will certainly help.

I got the OEM audio plus reference 500 setup. It's pricey and I'll most likely end up going with a 12" sub and amp down the road. For the price, it should be better. Live and learn. Most people seem happy with it, but it's way out of your budget anyways.

Have you hit up any local audio shops to get prices?

 

I went with a 2 way front dash speakers by Rockford and added their 8in sub, box and built in amp combo. The box fits perfect behind the rear passenger side seat, easy install, looks factory and no wires exposed. I did have the local audio shop do the install for that pefrect install and sounds awesome for less than $500. It has all the thumping bass I want and the dash speakers are imo better than the simple Kicker tweeters as they are just a tweeter. Get a nice 2/1 tweeter speaker combo and thats a great place to start. I just wanted a little extra thump and it was way better than I thought it was going to be.

 

Plan on all going with all parts listed in Thread #4. Any info on which part # Tacoma Plug & Play Harness Installation kit for 2022 non JBL?

 

Thanks for all the input. Going with #4 above as those speakers were similar to what I had ordered anyway. I have just completed installing the following

$77 Kicker 46CSC674 6.75" 6-3/4" 600w 4-Ohm Car Audio Coaxial Speakers CSC674

Kicker 46CSC674 for rear door
Kicker 47KSC6904 for front door

$60 Kicker 47KSC2704 50 Watt 2.75" Mid Range Mid/Tweeter Speakers KSC270

Kicker 47KSC2704 front Dash

Returning a JL Audio JD400/4. Didnt really understand the advantage of DSP so thought this would be a decent replacement. And I think DSP is important on this HU. Also, It seems that the front speakers total impedence is 2 ohms, as the dash and door speakers are in parallel. And the output to the rear speakers seems to be less, maybe due to the lower impedence on the front.

Ordering (Backordered now)

Kicker 47KEY200.4

Any suggestions as to a good similar replacement that provides DSP and set up functions?

 

You can get the KICKER 47KEY2004 on Amazon (but a bit pricier than Crutchfield) or call your local Kicker Dealer and see if they have any in stock. I really like the 47KEY2004 because it provides a nice boost/tune to factory audio without having to replace the head unit and can be installed out of sight behind the head unit. If you get one and have a pro install, make sure they are familiar with that this amp is and how it works. You will NOT need any type of converter or filter, just the harness and once installed, the amp will need to be tuned per included instructions. A kicker dealer should be a familiar with this process.


As for the "Tacoma Plug & Play Harness Installation kit for 2022 non JBL", I was told we're not supposed to post links to it here but it's the first (most obvious) result from google.


Here are a few more tips on this setup,


Mounting the

$300 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8

11HS8 Hideaway compact subwoofer
It will not fit under the passenger seat due to a crossbar. It WILL fit under the driver seat but the driver will feel the bass more.


Bass Control on the 11HS8 Hideaway compact subwoofer
Because the 47KEY2004 automatically tunes the sound, you may need to frequently adjust the Bass level to your liking.

Here is the best location I found to mount the included Bass control knob for the 11HS8 Subwoofer:

 

Any guidance on installing the kicker key? I purchased the

$14 RED WOLF Add AMP Amplifier Subwoofer Speaker Wiring T-Harness Radio Stereo Plug Connector Compatible with Toyota 2018-2022 Camry RAV4 Tacoma Corolla Non-JBL System

RED WOLF Add AMP Amplifier Subwoofer Speaker Wiring T-Harness Radio Stereo Plug Connector Compatible with Toyota 2018-2021 Camry RAV4 Tacoma Corolla Non-JBL System : Electronics (amazon.com)

I'm also using a crossover for front/tweeters, if that matters.

 

Did my key install this weekend using the $13 Amazon connector. Worked great, also ordered the CK12 kit from Crutchfield, Kicker CS and Subaru tweets. Sound is Rockin now! Am noticing Bluetooth is kinda sus, Apple CarPlay is mucho better in comparison… anyone else experience this?