The owner of this 2020 Toyota Tundra contacted the team at Speed of Sound Technologies in Milford, Connecticut, to inquire about upgrading the stereo system in the vehicle. While it had the JBL sound system, the client wanted something that played louder and delivered better bass. Store owner Melinton Benavides discussed how to integrate the products the client had chosen into the vehicle to deliver the best possible performance.
Toyota Tundra Radio Upgrade
The first step in upgrading the sound system in the Tundra was to install a Kenwood eXcelon Reference-series DMX1057XR multimedia receiver in place of the stock stereo in the dash. This radio features a massive 10.1-inch display that includes a capacitive-touch interface. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are included, so the client can use voice commands to make phone calls, send text messages or choose from entertainment options like Pandora, Spotify, Tidal or iHeartRadio. Both smartphone integration systems include several detailed turn-by-turn navigation options, so getting directions to anywhere in North America is as simple as asking.
A unique feature of the Kenwood radio is its four video camera inputs. Most of us are familiar with a rear-view camera input that shows everything behind the vehicle when you’re backing up. This client asked the Speed of Sound team to add a secondary camera on the front of the truck so that he could see obstacles hiding in front of the massive hood and grille when parking or maneuvering. The team mounted the camera underneath the Toyota emblem in the front grille. The camera bracket angles the image sensor downward at 45 degrees, so everything is visible on the radio screen.
Tundra Amplifier and Speaker Upgrade
With the foundation for the audio system established, the next step was to begin upgrading the speakers in the doors and adding an amplifier to power everything. A five-channel Audison SR5.600 system amplifier was mounted under the front passenger seat. This amp can provide more than 100 watts of power to the front and rear doors speakers while delivering an impressive 550 watts to a subwoofer system.
For front speakers, the team created a set of custom HDPE plastic mounting adapters for a set of Audison Prima-Series components in the front and rear doors. A piece of SoundShield sound deadening material was applied to the door to reduce vibration and serve as a gasket. The exterior door skins were also treated with a layer of SoundShield to help reduce the amount of road and wind noise that enters the vehicle. They also treated the back wall of the truck to help make the listening environment as quiet as possible.
Pickup Truck Subwoofer System
The Speed of Sound Technologies team ordered a vehicle-specific subwoofer enclosure for the Tundra to serve as a home for a pair of Audison Prima APS 10 S4S 10-inch shallow-mount subwoofers. Unfortunately, the carpeting on the enclosure wasn’t up to their standards, so they re-wrapped it to ensure that its fit and finish would be flawless. The enclosure sits behind the rear seat, and grilles were added to the subwoofers to keep the cones from coming into contact with the seatback.
The last step was to set the sensitivity controls on the amplifier to work with the 5-volt preamp output on the radio. Speed of Sound used its D’Amore Engineer DD-1+ to ensure that everything was configured to deliver the most possible output.
The vehicle owner was thrilled with the upgrade. The new radio has all the communication, connectivity and entertainment features one could ever want. It also sounds great, so the signal going to the Audison amplifier and speakers is as clear as it can be. The truck plays loudly and sounds nice and clear. The subwoofer system isn’t overpowering but adds a solid foundation to any genre of music – precisely what the client wanted.
If you’re interested in upgrading the sound system in your vehicle and live in the Milford, Connecticut, area, drop by Speed and Sound Technologies. You can learn more about them by visiting their website, Facebook page or Instagram feed.
