A client from Moseley came to Extreme Audio looking for a serious audio upgrade for his 2014 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. Here at Extreme, we work on lots of Tundras, so we are very familiar with their audio systems and how to extract the best sound quality out of them. Our team looked over the vehicle to see how it was equipped and listened as the client explained his goals for the upgrades. We then went inside and auditioned equipment that our staff felt would best suit his needs. At the end of our time together, we created a proposal that he liked, so we set a time to begin working on the truck.
Apple Carplay Sets the Stage for the Upgrades
Since this client owns an iPhone, replacing the original Toyota radio with a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX model with integrated Apple CarPlay was a no brainer. It allows him to easily control phone calls, texting, maps, music, and reminders almost exclusively via voice control. We integrated the factory USB port, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and the backup camera to work seamlessly with his new Pioneer unit. And in the event he ever moves to an Android phone, this unit comes equipped with Android Auto so he can still experience voice-controlled smartphone control.
Speaker Upgrades as the Next Piece of the Puzzle
Once we had the in-dash technology covered, it was time to turn our attention to the front speakers. Our team chose the GS series from Audiofrog, using the GS62 6.5” woofer and GS10 1” tweeter run actively off the new amplifier. We made custom mounting brackets for all the new speakers and used HushMat and FAST Rings around the woofer to improve midbass response and clarity. We left the original rear speakers intact and played off the rear channels of the Pioneer unit, allowing music to be played for rear seat passengers.
Power Is the Next Step in the Equation
At this point, it was time to install the amplifier, and we chose an Arc Audio XDi1200.6. This is an extremely compact, yet high fidelity, model that packs lots of power – more than 150 watts of power go to each front speaker, while 600 watts to run the subwoofers. Each of the new speakers in the Tundra gets its own dedicated amplifier channel, so we didn’t use any passive crossovers in the installation. This is called an active configuration and results in better sound quality and overall volume.
We mounted the amplifier underneath the rear seat on the passenger side, making it completely hidden from view, yet easily accessible.
Bass is the Final Part of the Upgrade
The final piece of the puzzle was adding a great-sounding subwoofer to the system. If you can think back to your favorite concert, you probably remember feeling the kick drum hitting you in the chest, making you feel like you were immersed in sound. Well, a car audio system is one of the best places to get great-sounding bass since it is a closed environment.
Our installers chose a JL Audio Stealthbox, model SB-T-TCMAX/10tw3. It includes a pair of 10” TW3 subwoofers in a fiberglass enclosure that fits perfectly behind the rear seat and is covered in a matching carpet. It gets bolted into place and doesn’t use up any of the valuable cargo space under the rear seat.
Final Tuning Makes for Extraordinary Results
In our opinion, the single area that most separates an audio system done by Extreme Audio from the competition is our final tuning of the equipment. Most shops will make some quick adjustments, decide that the system sounds “good enough” and then send it out the door. Please know that will never happen around here. We have seen sound quality improvements as high as 30 to 50% by taking the time to tweak the amplifier and head unit settings on a build like this one. If you pay good money for an audio system, we believe you should get all the performance possible from it. The icing on the cake for this truck was the addition of a Compustar remote starter system. It gives the client the ability to keep the interior of the truck at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather.
The Client Loved His Tundra Audio
When the client came to pick up his Tundra, he was in love at first sight. Everything from the fit and finish to the sound quality was better than he imagined. When you are ready to upgrade the sound system in your car, truck or SUV, we invite you to stop by Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville or Midlothian. One of our highly trained staff will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Let us show you why we are Virginia’s most-awarded mobile electronics retailer.
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