Toyota Camry: Aftermarket Sound System Modifications

This article applies to the 4th, 5th, and 6th Generation Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

If you want to give your Toyota Camry a boost "sound-wise," you can do so through the installation of high quality aftermarket sound system equipment. Whether you're seeking to dramatically increase your vehicle's sound output or simply seeking to add a few more bells and whistles to your original manufacturer equipment (OEM) equipment, there are several ways to go about improving your music experience while driving.

Aftermarket Sound System Modifications

For the Toyota Camry, you have four excellent options to achieve improved sound quality in your vehicle:

1. Aftermarket head unit or "deck"
2. High-performance speakers
3. Amplifiers
4. Subwoofers

Head Units/Radio/Navigation

DIY Cost – $60-$1,000

Professional Cost – $200-$2,000

Skill Level – Easy to moderate; most installation work can be handled by the crafty DIY'er; however, if you purchase a premium system or run into trouble along the way, it's recommended that you seek professional help.

This is the best way to get the most bang for your buck. For high-tech units featuring satellite radio programs and GPS navigation, among several other popular features, Pioneer and Soundstream are the go-to trusted brands. Alpine and Kenwood receive great reviews as well. You'll need to install a new wiring harness for this project, which isn't as difficult as it sounds. Recommended for drivers who want upgraded features.

Speakers

DIY Cost – $100-$1,000

Professional Cost – $300-$1,500

Skill Level – Moderate; depending on the unit, installation may require professional expertise. The general process involves removing each stock speaker (there are several) and wiring in new ones.

A set of new speakers is the cheapest way to improve the sound quality of your car's stereo system. Kenwood and Pioneer are the go-to brands, overwhelmingly preferred by most Camry owners over the JBL brand. For clear sound, without the need for any time-consuming modifications to your car's door panels, install a 6x9-inch replacement unit. Otherwise, larger speakers, which will most likely require mounting brackets, are your next best bet for static-free sound at any volume. Recommended for drivers who want to improve the sound quality.

Amplifiers

DIY Cost – $30-$4,000

Professional Cost – $150-$4,400

Skill Level – Moderate to difficult; most 4-channel units plug right in, while more elaborate (and usually costly) amps will need to be wired into your head unit; professional assistance is recommended.

An "amp" allows you to increase the power of the speakers and/or subwoofers in your Camry. Depending on which unit you choose, the cost factor involved could be "moderate" to "pricey," particularly when choosing an amplifier manufactured by Orion—the go-to brand in amps. Most of the highest quality Orion speakers on the market today offer over 40,000 watts of power. It is also recommended that you go with the Autotek 4-channel series. Recommended for drivers who want to increase the power of their speakers.

Subwoofers

DIY Cost – $10-$2,000

Professional Cost – $150-$2,200 including everything needed

Skill Level – Moderate to difficult; only attempt this project on your own if you are skilled in wiring.

This is the most popular way to accentuate the hard-beating bass that your factory sound system might otherwise fail to convey. If you enjoy listening to music, particularly genres that rely heavily on electric instruments and drums, a subwoofer is a must-buy.

For the 6th gen Camry, which features a well-sized trunk (approx. 15 cubic feet), you can easily store a larger unit in your trunk. Using a large pre-assembled or DIY sound box will help you achieve the best in sound performance.

If, on the other hand, you're just looking to achieve a small increase in bass, it's recommended that you go with a smaller-sized subwoofer; this is a also a great way to cut costs and free up space.

Boss Audio BASS1400 10" Amplified Subwoofer can easily be mounted inside the cabin of your vehicle. Priced at around $140, this particular system will allow you to add volume capacity to your audio system. It works well with other sound system modifications (amps and speakers) and is well reviewed across the board. Recommended for drivers who want to hear the bass of their music.

Related Discussion

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