JBL stereo....

Looking at Tacomas... I've always get the best sound system I can get in a vehicle so that means I'm looking at the TRD Sport Pkg with JBL audio system. Of course the two closest dealers don't have such an animal in stock and from what I can tell...there are only two or three such vehicles in the Southeast USA. So that basically means I'll have to buy a Tacoma before I actually see it.. So here's my question... Does anyone have a picture of the JBL head unit? Also...Is there an up-graded amp for the other six speakers and are the other 6 speakers upgraded from stock? I've asked sales staff and as most of you know...I knew more than they did... Thanks in advance!

 

Thanks for the info...I appreciate it!

 

Here's a thread with all the info you need on a JBL stereo with the markers. It's almost the same looking except for the small "JBL" squares. The sound tho.......totally different and worth it. I absolutely love mine. Not to mention the added benefit of it coming with bluetooth. If you did want it after you bought one without it, well, you are gonna need a whole lotta money. Best to get it off the lot with it. This thread is for an install, but it shows you the markings. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ng-toyota-tacoma-factory-jbl-sub-amp-box.html

 

How much more are you paying for the JBL version? It's not too difficult to upgrade the speakers and HU in this truck.

 

Thanks AOD! That was EXACTLY what I was looking for! As a matter of fact the truck I'm looking at IS just like yours! TRD Sport Pkg with JBL, towing pkg, Daytime running lights, mats...all in Super White.

It's going to be a company lease so I really can't do much to it.. 2008 Silverado LTZ goes back at the end of the month..

 

You'll love it. I do. I feel your pain on the no JBL in the south. I'm originally from Destin, FL and went back home to look at getting one while I was there. They said good luck in the area. None available.

 

The radio in the link is just a little different. Here is a photo of a 2011 JBL stereo.

 

Thanks a lot for the pics AOD... That sure helps!

 

IMO the factory head units are garbage, no matter how much you pay for them, or what name they want to put on the front.

The Tacoma factory head units are notorious for having problems, the sound quality sucks, and it can cost a small fortune to add on things like an Ipod adapter.

Save your money and go with the standard single disc HU.

After you get it home, jerk the factory HU and speakers out and do an upgrade.

If you shop smart and do the work yourself, you should be able to do a decent upgrade on the HU (single DIN) and speakers for about $500.

 

I have JBL audio in my Taco and I feel like the sound isn't much of an improvement over the stock radio. The best premium sound system I've ever heard in my life is a Monsoon found in a Pontiac G6. I'll never forget the orgasm it gave to my ears.

 

I have a 2010 TRD sport, 6 cd unit with sub in the back, stock. It looks just like the JBL and sounds pretty good to me. Is it a JBL? I cannot find a little JBL square on it.

 

No. No JBL squares/markings = no JBL stereo

 

I have the JBL system in mine. Its decent, but the biggest improvement it could ever have was the swap of a Premier head unit. So much more control over the sound its amazing. You'll need an adapter harness for the digital signal to do it, 50-70 bucks. The bass has to be down to use the rear view mirror. I put the sub through an IASCA CD and its pretty much junk. So as of right now I have a Rockford Fosgate 10 in the mail which will compliment the system instead of replace anything.

 

Btw I still have a JBL stock head unit if anyone wants it for a little $$

 

I have had no issues with the JBL system. An ipod adapter is $150-I personally don't call this a small fortune.

Throughout the last twenty years of owning cars I fiddled with sound systems, mods, etc. I still do mods from time to time but I am at the point where I don't want to mess with the audio end of it. It's nice to have a decent OEM stereo to listen to compared to the factory garbage a decade ago and I believe many think the same way.

Also the Tacoma JBL system destroys the Premium audio system I had in my '08 Accord EXL.

 

I am also very impressed with the JBL system in mine. I think it sounds fantastic. I had an STi with the factory "premium sound" in it and the JBL is just leaps above that. I agree with dexterdog in saying it is a really good factory system. I also have had plenty of other OEM "premium sound" systems over the years in addition to the STi and this is the very best by far. The integrated, voice recognition bluetooth is a huge plus also. Very well worth the extra bucks for the OEM look and JBL sound.

 

Agreed. I love mine. One question though, does the bluetooth (phone) signal thingy show your signal strength? You know 2 or 3 bars. Mine has the symbol but no bars.

 

Yes, When my phone is connected to the truck there is a "antenna" icon with bars showing signal strength on the left hand side of the display. I'll try and get a photo up when I get home as I'm at work now.

 

Here's what the Bluetooth looks like on the front face of the stereo. I usually have more bars than that, but I was in a bad area. But you get the idea. I usually hover around 3 bars or so.

 

Thanks Aod, I'll have the dealer look at this next time it's in for service.