Is the JBL upgrade worth the $1000 or so

I am looking to purchase a 2015 DCSB and am trying to decide whether to bite the bullet and go for the JBL upgrade or just go with the entune premium. I anticipate keeping this truck for a number of years and I am willing to part with the extra bucks if there is a worth while difference in sound quality and functionality.

If anyone who has the JBL system would care to comment, I would sure like your thoughts on it.

Thanks

 

HELL NO. Stick to the basic system and upgrade it. If any of the JBL comppnenets go bad, not only are the parts expensive but if you ever want to upgrade down the road you will be in a world of suck.

 

I bought my 2013 tacoma used and the previous owner had the JBL upgrade installed. I have to say I love the way the speakers sound. Whenever a song with a lot bass comes on it sounds like there is a little 10in sub hidden some where in my truck.

 

Buy it! The system rocks well worth it. Mine sounds like I have a sub in the car. I like that its all Toyota integrated. If you dont mind aftermarket you could install speakers for 600 for same sound in sure.

 

After installing aftermarket audio equipment in all of my previous cars, I decided that I wanted to stay factory this time around so I bought the JBL in my 2013.

The JBL upgrade isn't going to win any sound competitions, but it gets the job done. The sound is full and rich but limited by the 3 frequency equalizer in the stock deck.

You can definitely get a better stereo if you save your money and go aftermarket, but the JBL system in the truck is better than all of the Bose systems I have heard in other cars. For that reason I don't plan to upgrade the system in my truck for a while. I do need to get some rattle mat and sound deadening foam installed to stop the rattles when the volume is turned up. I think that alone will make it a much better system.

Bottom line, if you want factory integration JBL is the way to go and worth the money. If you want pure sound quality, go aftermarket.

 

I had the JBL in my '09 PreRunner OR and it sounded o.k. until the sub started buzzing and always humming. The other thing I didn't like about it was it stuck out in the back seat area of my AC which was a real PITA, plus the fact that I couldn't adjust it. Not sure if the new ones are different.

After I traded it in for my '14 4x4 ACOR I didn't want the JBL. I figured I would just upgrade to what I want. Now I have good speakers and a mini-amp that sounds just as good as the JBL. imo

 

I just got JBL in my 2014 DCSB.

It sounds very clean, and with the sub under the back seat has plenty of bass. The local car audio shop installer who has done my custom work on my previous cars listened and was impressed with it. He suggested maybe adding some sound deadener to the cab, but otherwise found the system more than ample.

The reality is that no auto is going to allow a true audiophile listening experience.

 

Thanks guys for the input. I went to my local dealer today and finally got the salesman to let me listen to the two systems without him running his mouth trying to sell me a truck.
I must say the entune premium system sounded pretty flat. Where as the JBL system sounded very full and nice. I have decided to go with the JBL system because it sounds pretty darned good and it is nicely integrated into the vehicle.
On a second note, I asked the salesman to call me when they got a Pro in. He didn't know what a Pro was and had never heard of it. He seems like a nice guy, but it would sure be nice if the Toyota people knew what the h.... was going on within the company.

 

I've had my 2013 with JBL for 3 months now and I like it a lot. I've also have installed aftermarket systems in my past trucks and was skeptical at first that the Factory JBL would deliver. I have to say that I am not disappointed. I listen to mostly loud Metal and the system gives a good kick of bass, nice mids, and great sounding highs. I like that it is still all factory, just hope it lasts.

 

a grand would get you a very nice aftermarket set up...
far nicer than any factory offering

600-750 for a gps headunit
100-150 for a 4 channel amp
100 for front speakers
100 sub
100 box
1150 that would sound SOOOOOOO much better than the JBL

 

I paid extra for the JBL plus had to wait over a month. It was worth it to me because I'm not into big bass audio but want a balanced sound thats factory installed. The JBL is really the only chance you have of being able to hear the factory stereo at any speed over 35 with the windows down. Like I said, its well balanced to provide pretty good imaging and has decent bass. Plus i dont have to worry about people wanting to steal my factory stereo.

Another reason I didnt want an aftermarket stereo is because I've taken these trucks apart and unless you have extra plastic clips on hand, don't count on all of them being fully seated back in tight or at all.

My brother owns a stereo biz in Phx so I could've scored some sweet stuff for the cost of the JBL but I chose the OEM route because of the reasons I listed.