Gainesville Client Gets Toyota Tacoma Audio System Upgrade

A client from here in Gainesville recently visited Sound Depot and Performance to inquire about a 2018 Toyota Tacoma audio system upgrade. He wasn’t happy with the base sound system in his new truck and didn’t like the cost of the dealer upgrade option. He dropped by our store and had a listen to John’s Honda. He loved the sound and wanted the same performance in his truck. We designed a system using similar equipment and added digital signal processing and a modern multimedia receiver. The client liked the plan and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an installation.

Toyota Tacoma Audio System Speaker Installation

The anemic factory speakers had to go!

The door skin was coated with sound deadener to reduce noise and resonances.

Hertz speakers were chosen for this Tacoma audio system.

After removing the trim panels from behind the rear seats and the doors, our team started the upgrade project by installing about three dozen pieces of MESA Mat sound deadening. This butyl damping material helps make the interior of the vehicle quieter by preventing sound from passing through the flat metal panels. With the doors apart, the next step was to install new Hertz Mille speakers. A set of MPK 165.3 Pro two-way components replaces the factory speakers. We used plastic mounting adapters to allow the woofers to fit into the openings left by the removal of the 6×9 speakers. We also added a set of Stinger Fast Rings to improve performance further. The rear doors received a set of Mille MPX165.3 coaxial speakers to help fill the cabin with sound.

Pioneer Head Unit Upgrade

The original radio did not have all of the features the client wanted.

We removed the factory-installed radio from the truck and mounted a Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX 2-DIN multimedia receiver in its place. This receiver includes wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration for the client’s iPhone. A Scosche Magic Mount cell phone holder on the dash provides wire charging, so the client never has to plug in his phone when he gets in the truck. We used an ADS Maestro RR radio replacement module to connect the steering wheel audio controls and backup camera with the new radio. Data connectivity between the vehicle CAN Bus and the radio allows the Pioneer to display engine diagnostics, battery voltage and operational information like vehicle speed, engine RPM and more.

JL Audio Amplifier and Subwoofer Upgrade

This one small package houses lots of power and processing!

The amplifier wiring was neatly secured.

The interior of the truck was treated with sound deadener.

The JL Audio Stealthbox is a perfect fit for the rear of this Tacoma.

The last part of the audio system upgrade was to install the system’s subwoofer and amplifier. The client chose a JL Audio SB-T-TACDCG3/10TW3 Stealthbox for the system. This enclosure is designed and constructed out of fiberglass by JL Audio in Miramar specifically for 2016 and newer Double Cab Tacomas. The enclosure features a single 10TW3 10-inch subwoofer and is finished in a black carpet that accents the truck and prevents rattles.

To power the system, we suggested the new JL Audio VX1000/5i five-channel amplifier with built-in DSP. This amp will power the front and rear speakers with 75 watts each while providing the sub with 600 watts of power. Using the signal processing features in the amp, Omar set the truck with a driver’s seat tune that offers exceptional realism regarding imaging, staging and overall tonality. The sound seems to come from an imaginary stage across the windshield, rather than from the speakers in the doors. We also included a configuration for use when there are passengers in the vehicle.

Interior Lighting Upgrade

RaceSport lighting now fills the cabin.

The client asked if we could add some accent lighting to the interior of the truck while we had it apart for the audio upgrade. We used a RaceSport RSIKIT interior lighting solution to add lighting to the footwells of the vehicle. The kit includes a credit-card sized remote control to configure the lighting color and illumination pattern. A keychain controller allows the lighting to be turned on and off remotely.

Toyota Tacoma Stereo System Upgrade Project

With the system dialed in and sounding great, it was time for the client to return to Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville to listen to his new Toyota Tacoma audio system. He loved the clarity and detail afforded by the additional power and new speakers. We also helped the client connect his phone to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the radio so he can use the Apple CarPlay features. If your truck needs a technology boost or a sound system upgrade, drop by our store or send us an e-mail using our contact page to schedule a consultation.