I didn’t realize how bad the stock speakers are...

So I went on a short road trip today to pick up a bed cover and now understand what everyone is talking about how the stock JBL stereo is $h!+
(For info ‘21 crewmax JBL System)

I am not ready to jump in full tilt to a full stereo build, but this has absolutely abysmal sound. So, where I am going with this:

is there any point to replacing stock speakers with a mid-priced component set without upgrading the amp?

What is the ohm rating of the stock speakers?

Can the stock sub box be reused with a different 8” sub?

Any suggestions of a good sounding 6.5 comp speaker set for $100-200 per set? Not boomy but good sound.

I am eventually looking to add a small amp but I cannot wrap my head around all that is needed to use the stock head unit and amp situation with the bypass and connectors needed and I don’t want to live with this crap

Also I want to keep the stock head unit if possible

 

Some of the guys in here added sound deadening to the doors and cabs and say it improved the sound. I am not impressed with the JBL in mine either, but not enough of an issue at the moment. But To me, if I am going to do the sound deadening I might as well upgrade while at that point.

 

Exactly, if I am taking the door panels off to add sound deadening material I am swapping speakers!

 

JBL used to be a well respected audio brand at one time. I guess not anymore.

 

JBL marine speakers are awesome!

 

I went down this somewhat of a rabbit hole a few weeks ago. I initially tried different sets of 6.5s (components from Kicker and non-component from Rockford Fosgate) and I wasn't crazy about the results so I ended up going with 6x9s for the front and 6.5s for the rear. I'm running the internal amps from my head unit which only push 22W RMS, but I'm way happy with them over the 6.5s that I tried.

 

I cannot believe that the JBL system sounds that bad in the tundra. I guess I will find out on Monday when I pick up my 21 LunaRock Pro. Well it won’t be the first time I had a whole system replaced. Yes sound deadening definitely helps. I had my whole C5Z06 corvette done years ago. And now a year ago I had my 19C7Z06 done and that has the sucky Bose system in. But just adding a powered sub and sound deadening what a difference. Even my installer I know and been dealing with the owner and installer for years recommended just adding a sub. I’m waiting till I get my truck and driving it for a while till I go and discuss with them how we are going to get a kick ass system in my Pro if needed.

 

lol the sound from the factory speakers is pretty bad. My 2010 has no oomph at all, I don’t even bother trying to play any of my favorite music cuz it’s so weak. I have some no name Bluetooth earbuds that I’m pretty sure hit harder. But I don’t really care cuz all I listen to is talk radio and occasionally baseball.

 

My 2010 has no oomph at all, I don’t even bother trying to play any of my favorite music cuz it’s so weak..[/QUOTE]

sadly the 10 I had sounded much better than my 21.

 

I made it one day before I was contemplating how to do this

 

Ouch!!

 

The non-JBL is junk too. Rip it all out to include the head unit.

 

Talk with tech12volts on here. Have him build you a box for a JL 12TW1-4. Buy an Audio Control L2Ci and a 400 watt 4 ohm amp. Take the stupid 8" factory sub out, cut the wires going to the factory sub, run them to the L2Ci, run the amp from the L2CI, Shake your mirrors off the doors and windshield.

https://www.tundras.com/posts/2136467/

 

To question 1 regarding speaker replacement: IMO no. By design the headunit rolls off some of the bass to preserve the crappy door speakers. The system doesn't know you've replaced the speakers with more capable ones.

To question 2 Not 100% sure but I think stock they are all 2 ohm speakers. Also be aware the wiring is funky where I think the dash speakers share a channel with another pair of speakers.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/2-ohms-4-ohms-or-mix.34504/

To questions 3 Yes. A couple of folks sell an upgrade enhancement kit. I think you'll be better off replacing the speaker box and speaker but upgrading the sub speaker is definitely cheaper.

To question 4 People seem to be happy with the tech12volts. Others speak well of OEM+. I went full custom.

 

Not sure about the 2020/2021 headunit, but assume it is as lousy as the entune that is in my '18. I would change the headunit before changing the stock speakers. The speakers are a lot more capable than the headunit. The sound from my Alpine Halo9 is remarkably different and rivals the bose system in my wife's Q5.

 

@james@tech12volts sells a package deals for the JBL Entune.
Speakers, amps, a preprogamed DSP, etc..
He also sells the DSP and harness to add your own amps and speakers.

TUNDRA AUDIO PACKAGES (tech12volts.com)

As others stated, you aren't going to get the results you seek with the Entune HU no matter what you do.
An aftermarket HU is the key to upgrading your audio.

 

I did mine with new door speakers a five channel amp and two 10 inch subs. I’m not winning any spl competitions but it sounds great to me and I enjoy it now.

I pieced together my own setup from crutch field and Walmart but I have read lots of good feedback on tech12 volts. If you can’t roll your own then go with them.

And yes if you want to a) sound deaden the doors or b) change the speakers you should c) do both at the same time.

Changing just the door speakers will leave you with less volume for sure. Change out the amp and add subs, change the head unit if you are super picky about sound quality. I’m streaming crap from Amazon so the CarPlay capable stock head unit is good enough for me.

 

I enjoy better music but am not an audiophile by any stretch. Just looking for more noise and more volume.

 

Hehehe. It took 12 comments, and on the 13th, the angels sang

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/low-cost-stereo-upgrade.35819/

 

Jwat and eick: I have looked many times but am just not convinced with the hertz speakers. They do not seem to get the best reviews

 

If you’re confident you can piece together your own setup than go for it. You really only need to buy the plug n play amp harness. Get speakers on crutch field and they will come with adapters to mount in the doors. Tons of subwoofer box options that fit behind the seats.

I think I paid all in right around 1k and that was everything but a head unit. I’d have to total it up to get exact and I never do that, just in case I need plausible deniability when the wife asks how much something costs. So getting my truck lifted for 400, if she asks, it was 400 that day, I bought the shocks last month.

 

I was trying to use the Contact Us on the tech12volts site, but I keep getting a permissions error. I can’t figure out what sort of kit I would be ordering from their site. I’m in the same boat as OP.

Is the seller over at tech12volts a member at this forum? Would love to get some help ordering everything I need.

I want to get a head unit with apple CarPlay that’s still integrated with steering wheel controls and backup camera. New amp. I’m not really sure I need new speakers. Probably need a sub though. Open to suggestions!

 

Most have their preferences. Hertz are overated if you ask me. And they cost a bit for what they are. If you are after the best reviews try Hybrid Audio Technologies. Though they are geared toward sq. There are some here. I just bought some of their Unity components for my build. If you want good sounding loud drivers try CDT. You can find them here. They have some awesome 2 ohm drivers that will blow yer doors off. Either way my suggestion would be to go to diymobileaudio.com, make an account, and ask about the type so drivers you are looking for. There are several authorized dealers there that will hook you up. I would recomend a fellow named, ANS. He put together a custom CDT component set, and give me a good deal, and I also got a nice 2 ch amp from him.

 

I had hybrid audio in my 15 tacoma. Awesome.

 

You definitely can drive the stock speakers a little harder by replacing the stock amp with a DSR + Aftermarket amp if you are on a budget. I think once you start rewiring everything you may as well gut the system and pick the parts you want.

 

In fact here are a few items ANS is selling right now.

 

You may wanna start ordering it now...

 

LOL! It took the drive home for me to start researching stereo options! However, now it seems that every day there is a new "Factory" fire somewhere in Asia in a facility vital to the production of <insert name if desirable electronic component here> This last year or two have to be the most tragically weird of all time for those of us that enjoy these things...

 

I d be interested to know where you get your news about factory fires in asia. That would be cool to know. Except wait. You re not an asian spy spreading mis information are you?