We love Toyota Tundra’s. They are great trucks! We have designed many stereo systems in Tundra’s since they were released. We recently designed a system for a very good client in a 2008 Tundra, and had a blast with it! The client had a few goals. He wanted navigation, bluetooth, iPod integration, a backup camera, XM, and a wicked sounding stereo. We were able to give him all the above, and the stereo outperformed even our expectations! Here is what we did!
Navigating Around The Dash
To start, we needed to choose a navigation (GPS) system that would accommodate all the client’s requests, and give us all the right inputs and outputs to create an audiophile system. We chose the KWNT800HDT navigation system made by JVC. This allowed us to do everything necessary and then some! This nav system has a 7” touch screen, allowing the maps and all other functions to be seen clearly and easily while driving. The user interface is very accommodating for the average consumer. In other words, you do not need to be “tech-savvy” to learn how to use it! The bluetooth works beautifully, muting the stereo and showing caller ID on-screen when receiving a call. This unit also has HD radio built into it, and we added SiriusXM for the client using an SXV100 interface tuner. We then used a license plate mounted backup camera manufactured by Intraphex to give him a great quality rear image in order to back up safely. The navigation system also had a rear-USB, which we ran to a blank switch panel below the radio (see photo attached), and we flush mounted it so it looked like a factory option. The USB input allows him to plug-in an iPod/iPhone and have playback with full on-screen controls. Using this along with the built-in bluetooth he will not need to touch his iPhone while driving at all, eliminating unsafe distractions. Speaking of making the drive easier, we also installed a premium steering wheel control interface made by iDatalink. This allowed all the factory steering wheel controls to be used for the JVC navigation, and even allowed phone calls to be answered/ended via the controls.
JL Audio ZR Components: Hearing is Believing!
Now on to the fun part… The stereo. We knew this client loved his music and wanted to add bass, along with crystal clear treble. After demonstrating many pairs of speakers for him, we came to the agreement that nothing would satisfy his urge to jam like JL’s flagship ZR components. These are JL Audio’s best speakers and it’s hard to describe the sound!… but there is nothing that sounds like a ZR. We believe that everyone should get a chance to experience these works of art, so if you have time swing by for a demo! He loved the sound of these speakers so much that we installed a set in the front AND the rear factory speaker locations. In order to get the full sound quality potential of these speakers we also installed Hushmat ultra damping material in all four doors and behind the rear seat. This eliminated resonances and vibrations in the door panels and helped to cut down on road noise.
JL Audio Stealthbox Delivers Punch and Privacy
Now that we had a phenomenal set of speakers in this vehicle, we needed the right amount of bass to compliment the system. We chose a Stealthbox made by JL Audio specifically for Toyota Tundra’s. This enclosure holds a shallow JL 13TW5 subwoofer. This sub is only 2.625” deep but has output like you would not believe! The design of this subwoofer and enclosure allowed for the Stealthbox to be completely hidden behind the rear seat, which was ideal for the client.
JL Audio HD900.5 Amp Packs Plenty of Power
In order to power all these components of the system we decided to use a JL Audio HD900.5 amplifier. This has 5 channels, allowing us to power all 4 ZR components and the Stealthbox simultaneously through a single amp. The HD900.5 delivers astonishing quality sound and output from a small physical size that is easily hidden. We installed a bass knob to control the subwoofer in another blank factory switch panel to the left of the steering wheel.
With these pieces of the puzzle, the final outcome of this vehicle was everything we wanted and more than we had expected! Our client was happy that we were able to conquer all of his requests while keeping a very “factory” look throughout the vehicle. We also tinted the front two windows in our Dark Matter 20% premium film to match the factory tint on the rear windows.
If you are a lucky owner of a Toyota Tundra, stop by our store when you have an opportunity! Let us give you a fully interactive demonstration of how much of an improvement any (or all) of this equipment can do for you. Whether you’re only interested in navigation/GPS, or if you’d like to improve the sound of your system as well, we have the solution. We can customize a package for your budget and let you hear and feel the benefits!
For more information, give us a call at 410-857-5300, EMAIL US, or just stop in and allow us to show you around!