I like the sound of the stock system, but want it louder and clearer

2022 SR5P. I know it's not a popular opinion (and I'm far, far from an audiophile) but I mostly like the sound from the stock system. I know the bass is muddy - but it's full and sounds fine a lower volumes. It just falls apart at high volumes and is a bit flat in the mids.

In the past when I've messed with audio systems, it's usually gone something like this:
1. Replace the speakers to improve sound quality ($)
2. Be very disappointed in the sound quality because there's no mid/bass
3. Add an amp to make the better speakers work better ($$)
4. Add a sub to make the better amp/speakers work better ($$$)
5. Replace the headunit so you can tune the stuff you put in to make it sound better ($$$$)

So a relatively low cost speaker upgrade turns into a wholesale replacement to get better sound. I'm not opposed to doing that at some point, but don't want to today.

Given that, would it make any sense at all to add a small amp (Kicker Key, NVM VAD4m or something similar) to power the -stock- speakers? Increase clarity/volume with similar sound dynamics?

If not, are there aftermarket speakers that I could use along with a small amp that would keep factory-levels of bass without the need for a subwoofer?

Thanks!

 

If your happy with the stock system mostly, I would start with a kicker key amp as it has a built in DSP that will tune the audio for your 4runner without breaking the bank on a OEM audio plus solution. See if you like it. I would then do a tweeter upgrade or even a 3.5” speaker upgrade with bass blockers to clean the highs up. I did all of that in my Tacoma and planned on moving it to my 4runner but the buyer ended up giving me more money for my stereo. This is my plan of action for my 18 ORP. I did throw some kicker 6x9’s I had into it already, but tweeters and kicker key are next. Good luck, cheers.