2012 Audio Upgrades Recommendations

I have a '12 Tundra with the stock audio system. Should I upgrade with speakers first? Or replace the cd player?

 

Click the magnifying glass in top right and search with the google function. Lots of readi g for you.

 

If you run out of options, give Crutchfield a call, or you can look at what they have online.

 

It depends on what you value more. Often times replacing speakers but keeping a stock head unit will not net you and noticeable difference in sound, and sometimes might even make things sound worse. Replacing the head unit will probably give you new cool features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto, along with the ability to easily add something like a front camera (I just did this on my 2021 and it's gimmicky but cool for parking lots). Most aftermarket head units will pump out about 20 watts RMS per channel. Most aftermarket speakers will want 50 watts RMS or so to sound good. There are some cool options out there to add a new head unit that has more power, or has a supplemental power source like Alpine's power pack (small amp unit that hides behind the new head unit). If you have a budget in mind, I'd be more than happy to gather some options and post the links.

 

My old 2011 Tundra CM had the amp under pass seat, so i assume yours will also.

Another option that could work, keep the factory head unit and remove the factory amp under the passenger seat (if there is one) and bypass the amp.
There should be plenty information on this site for autoharnesshouse wire harness

With the harness you should be able to just bypass the amp and maybe the improvement is enough for now, or you could add an amp or like i did, add
and LOC and Amplifier, still running factory HU and door speakers.

 

Tech12Volt.com James Randy Taylor has lots of experience building and tuning audio for Tundras. I did a complete system from him in my 2012 Crew Max, starting with a Kenwood head unit. I added JL Audio speakers, a ported box with 10" subs and an amplifier, JBL Door Sails, etc. It was a booming system and sounding amazing.

Just the head unit for about 8 or 9 months before I splurged on the rest, and honestly, it would have been fine like that as it was night/day better than OEM.