Just got a new Tacoma, and I love everything about the truck except the absolutely dismal sound. However, the head unit is so incredibly well done from usability and features (backup camera, bluetooth, voice commands, navigation, etc.) that I want to keep it.
General consensus on the Toyota boards is that the head unit feeds the speakers a greatly diminished audio signal, and there are no external line level outputs. So, if I want to keep it I'm looking at a DSP which adds a lot to the cost. I'm trying to keep the whole system around $1200 (5 channel amp, component speakers and sub, I'll build the cabinet).
Which got me thinking if there isn't some way of opening up the head unit and tapping into a line level source, perhaps directly from the DAC.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
General consensus on the Toyota boards is that the head unit feeds the speakers a greatly diminished audio signal, and there are no external line level outputs. So, if I want to keep it I'm looking at a DSP which adds a lot to the cost. I'm trying to keep the whole system around $1200 (5 channel amp, component speakers and sub, I'll build the cabinet).
Which got me thinking if there isn't some way of opening up the head unit and tapping into a line level source, perhaps directly from the DAC.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi mattmcl,
I think I may be able to help! My truck is a 2012 Toyota 4Runner limited with a 1.5kw rms JL Audio subwoofer system (w/stock hu). Very recently, I posted a thread on modifying the "party mode" circuit that's integrated into toyota's audio system. It may be helpful to you, even though I don't think(??) the taco has a party mode button. It really doesn't matter because it explains how the entune head unit works w/the speaker system.
"Party mode" reconfig (non JBL) - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
I've also posted (coincidentally) a subwoofer system build thread which I believe is related to your project endeavors: here's a link to that.
Thanks Gurus, for all your "Low-end" help!!
Hope these help, best to you!
rigtec
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Yes, I'm trying to add amps, new speakers and a sub. The Entune systems attenuate the signal to match the horrible factory speakers- there is no mid bass at all. From my research, a simple line out converter will still sound poor, as the head unit is not presenting a full spectrum signal. A digital signal processor is needed to restore the lost frequencies.
Thanks Rigtec, that is somewhat helpful but the Tacos do not have party mode. I've been through the audio controls thoroughly and there is no way to obtain that full spectrum signal.
Hi mattmcl,
Have you considered using the "miniDSP(2x4)in a box" w/advanced 2.1 plug-in? I have a very similar entune head unit to yours and was once plagued with those same problems as you've described, but I eliminated them. The subwoofer system took care of the poor (Playskool) bass response; characteristic of toyota trucks and suv's. The "miniDSP" parametric eq w/x-over smoothed things out and gave me that ultra low bass that I couldn't get any other way. The dsp costs $105 for the hardware, and $10 bucks for the firmware (download) to drive it, see below:
https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/minidsp-2x4
And this is the "plug-in" (software): https://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product Brief- 2way Xover ADV plug-in.pdf
You don't need to install anything in your dash and the adjustments are done from your laptop; practically no limit to the tone shaping parameters, and you don't need to be on the internet to adjust your sound. You will, however need a stereo amplifier and a line output converter to set it up; which is what I understood you to be leaning towards... My amps and dsp are only used for the subs.
rigtec, cheers
Nice! No hiss or other added noise? I'm looking at the Audison Bit TEN but it's over $400... and can you still use your head unit volume control?
ABSOLUTELY! You'll have no problem using a loc (it's what I use) for a 2vac input, and 2v output to your subs amplifier(s). There's a miniDC isolator that's necessary for car applications ($10 bucks), to prevent the system from picking up RF noise, and sequencing (coordinating) the miniDSP with the amps so there's no "on/off thump" when powering up and down.
Don't condemn the head unit just yet. I've run a couple of sound tests w/ the entune system, and the hu is not a bad piece; it's the speakers quality that is questionable. Quite a few people w/Toyota 4runner and tacos have replaced their speaker systems w/upgraded drivers, and have been very surprised at their results (I am a member of a few 4runner forums)!
rig
OK I think you have me sold. I'm doing a little different application than you- I have four speaker outs from the hu- can I wire both lefts together at the loc, and do the same for the right, then run one paired RCA cable to the amp?
No, don't do that, you only need a program signal. Your four speaker outs are actually four different amplifiers; left & right front, and left & right rear channels. We can never connect an output to another output. Just connect the left and right front speaker outputs to the RCA pigtails (that come w/ the kit), and into the L & R "Inputs" of the loc. Then plug the other 'male' RCA cable between the loc "outs", and the power amp inputs. They may have a "high" and "low" range option available. Just choose the low range option (20 watt range), and you'll be fine!
rigtec, best to you!
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So... I got the miniDSP installed and used REW to measure it and to create filters. With the DSP installed though, I seem to have lost a LOT of signal strength. Before installing it, my amp's gains were set to around 60% (using a 1000hz test tone and turning gain up until I heard distortion). With the DSP I have the gains maxed out, it's definitely not as lound. Any thoughts on how to regain that signal strength? The miniDSP 2.1 advanced plug in is maxed out for input/output levels already.
i have not seen anyone actually TEST the stock deck to show "diminished output".
i have seen tons of marketing saying that ALL stock radios cut bass and i should buy X product to reclaim lost frequencies.
i have seen tons of marketing saying that ALL stock radios cut bass and i should buy X product to reclaim lost frequencies.
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