I just wrapped up a three-month project researching and upgrading the audio in my Land Cruiser (base "Land Cruiser" trim with the 10-speaker non-JBL system). I have a background in electrical engineering and did all the work myself. A lot of what I learned applies across all LC trims, so I wanted to share it here.
Since I planned for Phase 2 from the start, most of the wiring for it is already in place.
I also did a full sound treatment, which you'll see in the photos I'll be posting over the coming days. I won't go into much detail on that process since [GIO YouTube] covers it well.
Total: ~$4,770 CAD (~$3,380 USD)
I didn't want a center channel speaker; I wanted to keep a true stereo image. My solution was to build an extension from the OEM right dash speaker harness to the center speaker location, giving the TCM its own dedicated center speaker. The new Hertz MP 70.3 midranges are fed with separate aftermarket speaker wire.
I tested this by starting an SOS call, confirming the automated voice prompts played through the center speaker, then cancelling the call.
That wraps up the prep and planning phase. To keep things digestible, I'll post the rest in segments in this thread over the next few weeks. I'm still tuning, and I'll finish with my overall impressions and whether I think this design was worth it.
My Requirements
- No Beat Sonic or PAC AmpPRO. There is no PAC option for non-JBL systems. I asked and was told the AP4-TY14 is not compatible (as of 01/2026).
- Fully reversible to stock. No cutting harnesses or trim.
- Factory speaker locations only. No subwoofer boxes that eat into existing storage.
- Sound quality (SQ) focused, not SPL. I'm not going for earthquake bass.
The Plan
The system is built around the Audison M8.14, an 8-channel amplifier with a powerful integrated DSP that handles the OEM integration. The design is split into two phases. I'll likely stop at Phase 1 since I'm very happy with it, but I've included Phase 2 for completeness.- Phase 1: Only the Audison M8.14 is added. Channels 7/8 are bridged to deliver 250W @ 4 ohms to the subwoofer, and the OEM amplifier continues to run the rear fill door speakers.
- Phase 2: The rear fills move to the M8.14, and a dedicated monoblock amplifier drives the subwoofer.
Since I planned for Phase 2 from the start, most of the wiring for it is already in place.
I also did a full sound treatment, which you'll see in the photos I'll be posting over the coming days. I won't go into much detail on that process since [GIO YouTube] covers it well.
Gear (approximate price paid, CAD)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Audison M8.14 DSP amplifier | $2,000 |
| Audison DRC (remote controller) | $250 |
| Audison AP8 drivers | $300 |
| Hertz Mille Pro MP 70.3 PRO 3" midrange | $300 |
| Hertz Mille Pro MP 28.3 PRO tweeters | $260 |
| AudioFrog GS8ND2 shallow woofer | $500 |
Misc Costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| miniDSP UMIK-1 calibrated USB measurement mic | $170 |
| CarTrimHome A-pillars | $230 |
| NVX Stealth Black SDBTK20 sound deadener (91 mil) | $260 |
| Soundskins SSK-RINGV3 foam speaker ring kit | $75 |
| Carista EVO Bluetooth OBD2 scanner | $70 |
| Carista 1-month subscription | $30 |
| Speaker wire | $38 |
| Speaker harness | $38 |
| Amplifier power cable and distribution block | $250 |
Total: ~$4,770 CAD (~$3,380 USD)
Gotchas
There are two quirks everyone should know about before upgrading their LC's stereo.1. Disable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC has to be turned off, otherwise the OEM audio signal feeding your DSP will include the noise-cancelling content. You can do this with Carista and a one-month subscription. Flip it off. You won't miss it; I sure don't.2. The Data Communication Module (DCM) aka Telematics unit uses the front right dash speaker
The OEM speaker wire running from the amplifier to the front right dash speaker also passes through the TCM. The TCM has its own small amplifier, matched to the OEM dash speaker, that takes over that speaker during emergency (SOS) calls. If you replace or repurpose that speaker, you need to keep this in mind or you could lose emergency call audio.I didn't want a center channel speaker; I wanted to keep a true stereo image. My solution was to build an extension from the OEM right dash speaker harness to the center speaker location, giving the TCM its own dedicated center speaker. The new Hertz MP 70.3 midranges are fed with separate aftermarket speaker wire.
I tested this by starting an SOS call, confirming the automated voice prompts played through the center speaker, then cancelling the call.
That wraps up the prep and planning phase. To keep things digestible, I'll post the rest in segments in this thread over the next few weeks. I'm still tuning, and I'll finish with my overall impressions and whether I think this design was worth it.
