A longtime Sound Depot and Performance client recently dropped by the store to talk about upgrading the radio and speakers in his 2019 Toyota Tundra. We’ve upgraded several sound systems for the client, including his 1990 Ford Bronco. He loves his new truck but wasn’t happy with the stereo. After inspecting the vehicle and talking about the performance he expected from the system, we offered the client two system designs that would meet his needs. The client chose the bigger of the two packages and scheduled an appointment for the next Monday.
Toyota Tundra CarPlay Radio
We started the project by removing all the speakers and the factory radio in the Tundra to make way for a new Kenwood DNX996XR multimedia receiver. This new radio includes an amazing 6.95-inch high-resolution display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and built-in Garmin navigation.
We used an iDatalink Maestro integration module to connect the radio with the data communication network in the truck to display information and interface with the factory USB port and SiriusXM satellite radio receiver.
Hertz Mille Pro Speakers and Stealthbox Subwoofer System
Knowing how important quality speakers are to the performance of a sound system, the client agreed with our suggestion of using a set of Hertz Mille Pro MPK1650.3 Pro 6.5-inch components in the front of the trunk and set of matching MPX165.3 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in the rear doors. Our fabrication team made a set of HDPE plastic mounting adapters for the speakers so that they would bolt to the factory speaker fastener locations.
To optimize the performance of the speaker upgrade, we treated the inner and outer door skins of the truck with a layer of M.E.S.A. Damping Mat sound deadening material. We also treated the back wall of the truck with the same material to help reduce noise transfer into the already-quiet cab of the truck. A set of Fast Rings acoustic coupling kits was installed around the speakers to seal against the plastic door panel and ensure that all the energy from the driver is fed into the vehicle interior.
The client wanted great bass in the truck, so we suggested the JL Audio SB-T-TCMAX/10TW3 Stealthbox as a solution. This custom enclosure is designed specifically for CrewMax Tundras that are newer than 2014. The fiberglass enclosure is home to a pair of 10-inch 10TW3-4 subs and is rated to handle 800 watts of power. No permanent modifications are required to install the enclosure, other than to relocate the jack used to change tires.
As you can see from the photos, the carpet on the enclosure matches the floor carpet perfectly, and the system fits nicely against the back wall of the truck.
AudioControl Amplifier Upgrade
We suggested a pair of AudioControl amplifiers to power the new sound system. A six-channel D-6.1200 drives the front speakers in an active configuration and the coaxial rear speakers in the back doors, while an 800-watt LC-1.800 monoblock powers the system subwoofer.
The D-6.1200 includes an eight-channel digital signal processor that our team used to set crossovers, signal delay and equalization for each speaker in the system. The result of this configuration is that the music in the vehicle seems to come from a virtual soundstage that spans the width of the dash rather than sounding as though it comes from each speaker in the vehicle.
Gainesville’s Truck Accessory Experts
After a couple of days’ work, we had all the audio equipment installed in this Toyota, and it was time for the client to return to Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville for a listen. Upon arrival, the client and one of our product specialists went out to the truck for a listen. The client loves the system and was impressed with how we were able to conceal everything. We explained how to use the new radio in the Tundra and helped the client connect his phone before he was off on his way. If you are interested in upgrading the sound system in your vehicle, drop by our store and talk with our sales team. If you can’t drop by, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact page and we’ll see what we can do to help.
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