2013 JBL vs Stock

Think I'm getting a 2013 TRD off road. Only decision left is if I want to pay out the extra money for the JBL system.
Don't use a cell phone, so all the extras aren’t needed. I do like satellite radio though. I like decent sound, not loud, but clear.
I've read here that some say the JBL audio is worth the price by itself in place of the stock radio, and others who say its crap. Other say the stock radio is good enough.
It appears my options are stock radio, no satellite, or JBL with satellite. I've also read of reception problems with the satellite system. I live in a wooded area 60 miles from the dealer, so there is no way to test the reception. When I test-drove a couple trucks I wasn't really paying much attention to the radio, I was more interested in outside noise. After seeing an extra 2000 on the sticker I just figured I didn't need the JBL.
Now that it's closer to buying time I'm starting to wonder if it is it's worth it in the long run.
Would like some opinions before I drive 120 miles to listen to a radio.
Not really considering replacing the head unit. Could maybe replace speakers only, but I think that is as far as I would want to go. Opinions?

 

I dont own a 2013 but I do have a 2006 TRD Sport that came with the JBL system and it sucks to be honest with you. To me it sounds just like the stock radio but with a subwoofer added in the back seat but thats about it. Not sure if they improved much in the newer models but I doubt it. Best route to go would be to get an aftermarket unit.

 

It depends on what you want. Some might say the jbl is plenty loud others might completely dissagree.

I just like to feel some bass, the mids and highs are fine in both the normal and the jbl system. The bass on the stock jbl is better then most oem systems but not enought for me.

G/luck

 

i would say get basic if your not against changing the radio because i changed it in my 12 to a pioneer avh-3400bt dbl din and have a lot better sound and adjustments on the basic factory speakers with a bigger eq but you can do the pioneer avh-x1500bs cost roughly $249 and you can add sat radio.. but if you want to stay factory then i would say jbl.. but if your ever going to change anything with audio/speakers it will be more expensive with jbl.. imho its not worth the extra money but everyones opinion is different! good luck and this is mine..
edit: sorry just saw where you didnt want to change the headunit.. i would say jbl then because to me the stock non jbl was just really low power but that being said everyone likes diff things.

 

So....on the standard stock radio.....all that touch screen space is all for the same stuff as a "conventional" radio, only "touch"?
I did notice while I was looking at trucks, that screens were covered with fingerprints.
Sorry I don't know much about replacement audio..... So It sounds like if I did replace the head unit I could either go with or without the large display area? I cetainly don't need a touch screen, but I do like to use the sterring wheel controls for changing stations and volume.
Would I be able to keep these features with a replacment unit?

 

i didnt know they were not offereing the standard radios with sat anymore... my 12 came with sat on the standard radio but im not a big sat person anyway.. but yes you can go with certain radios aftermarket that you can retain steering controls that do sat and are not touch screen. i believe the jvc kd-a500 will do sat steering control etc.. but i will check to make sure

 

I have a 13 w/ the JBL sound system and entune...It sounds amazing. Did i really need all the bells and whistles? No. But theres been a few times im glad i got it.

 

Get the cheapest radio you can, save that money for a decent aftermarket head unit and some decent speakers.... you'll be much much happier. Take it from someone who 'HAD' the JBL system.

 

Same here, it sounds really good.

I'm coming form a stock BMW 3series setup.

 

Any of you guys with the 2013 added the toyota sat receiver XM for sat radio . Im trying to find out what i need ?

 

I just did a upgrade to my 2012 AC using the stock (non-jbl) head unit and couldnt be happier. See HERE for pics and a small review. My stock radio came with satellite/bluetooth/ipod intergration built into it. Not sure if there is a lower radio option package than what I got. I have a 2012 AC with the V6 and offroad package (TRD) dont remember there being any extra charge for the radio system that came with my truck.
But I replaced the stock front mid and tweeter with Image Dynamics CTX65cs components added an Alpine MRX-65F amp and a 10' Alpine sub with enclosure and it absolutely thumps all for way less than what the JBL sys is gonna cost you. Im into all of that for about 700 installed.

 

Interesting Dog , The amp is just driving the front speakers and the sub correct ? And your happy with it i hear . Sounds like i need to look into that . Thanx for the details . Very nice job .

 

I have a 2010 w/ the JBL setup. If you are listening to the FM radio, it still sounds like crap. Now if you're listening to DSR, CD, or AUX, it sounds pretty good. Now it definitely doesn't sound as good as $2000 worth of aftermarket audio gear, but I do really enjoy the sound.

 

I just ordered my truck and got the JBL system .

The speakers and sub are nothing special. But the headunit, navi, entune was impressive . I'll most likely add another sub, the mids and highs are fine for my taste.