Is JBL really worth it

Now you did it.

 

You are getting a 400 watt sub system for 600 dollars. That system should cost around 150 to purchase and install at a stereo shop. Do you still want more?

 

For me it comes down to convenience... and what I'm willing to pay for it. I'm okay with spending the extra on the factory installed "best" option and not having to waste a day dealing with a local installer tearing my interior apart for a comparable or probably even better after market installation. That's just my preference and I realize there's a cost to it.

 

JBL System well worth the money. I don't care to have anyone messing with the electronics in my truck. The stock JBL system is phenomenal and well worth the money. You won't need all the bass it pushes unless you are deaf and/or want to share your music with the car next to you. If you want panel rattling competition Bass, no stock system will deliver.

The Signal to noise ratio in a vehicle along with listening to lossy compressed content leaves much to be desired anyway. The stock JBL system sounds great at lower volumes. (like it's mixed) That is the true test of good audio.

I spent the better part of my life playing, recording and mixing live and recorded sound and have a studio at home I freelance audio projects from Video games to BG pads. I prefer my music without the boom boom bass. Although I have a Sub in my studio. I rarely mix with it.

 

I have a 13 with the non jbl system and it sounds good at lower volumes but tends to distort at higher volume. I would imagine the Injection molded cones on the jbl would hold a little better without distortion. In my opinjon, I'd go with the jbl if you have the option, I think it's well worth the money and puts you ahead of the game from the get go

 

I agree with TacoBella's sentiment completely! If your already getting the Prem/Tech package then it is totally worth the +$600 to add JBL Audio.

 

Absolutely worth it. Especially if your not considering a third aftermarket option. Spend it, forget it and you won't regret it.

 

I wanted to have the JBL, but no one had one available end of Sept, and I found the truck I wanted and didn't really want the moon/sunroof or the other premium stuff. I have been extremely happy with just the premium stereo ...it has 6 speakers ... whereas the JBL has 7. Sound is great for me ...

 

I have the JBL system in my Taco. I have had three GMC's with the BOSE system in it and my wife's Acura MDX has an incredible sound system. My whole family thinks the TACO's JBL is the best. Again, I don't any aftermarket system to compare it to but it really is amazing!

 

same here, non jbl sounds very good, much better than expected.

 

I also here that it takes up some of the storage space in the rear seats

 

Not worth the price tag unless you have tons of disposable income.

 

I ordered my DC TRDOR 4x4 loaded...that is just how I prefer my trucks. I listened to the JBL and thought it sounded good enough for my mid 30's self. Back in my 20's I'd probably want something with more kick. I want a truck I can leave pretty much stock. In the past I'd pay someone to tear the truck apart and put a new system into it... it never failed that SOMETHING didn't get put back together quite the right way. 50k miles later I have something rattling in the door or feedback noise from a cable crossing over or a loose wire somewhere, blown fuse, etc. The thing is, once they button these things up from the factory, with all of the plastic clips, liners and acoustic insulation... you can never quite get them back to that factory fit & finish once you start tearing up the carpet and door panels. Not worth it IMO. I have the money so I'll spend the money on the extras.

 

It will, but if you plan on putting any kind of subs in there you will put them behind your seats. Unless you have a custom center console box built.

 

I got the AC, so no JBL. But as a few others said, I'm happy without it, it sounds way better then I expected. I think it sounds better then the stereo in my 2015 Mustang, which also wasnt the top of the line option.

That said, if it was available in the AC I would've sprung for it, but I'm happy enough with it that I'll never pursue any aftermarket options.

 

I was in the same boat as you. I liked the JBL system, but other than the bass I couldn't tell much of a difference. To me it came down to money and I couldn't justify an extra $700 for better bass.

 

I listened to both of them and I like the JBL better, but its all a matter of opinion and it depends on if the bass means that much to you. The sound is more crisp and the bass is heavier on the JBL but the standard system sounded good as well. I like the other options of the JBL myself. The navigation, integration with the eco system on the truck, etc. I tried to put navigation in my 2011 when I had it and the space in the dash was too small and caused the aftermarket navigation receiver to overheat constantly.

 

I have had a tundra without JBL and I upgraded to aftermarket cos it wasn't what I was looking for, also had a RAV4 with JBL and it was ok. The JBL in my 16 TRD OR is absolutely awesome. I am very happy I got it.

 

^^ FWIW

 

I came from aftermarket sound systems in my previous vehicles, but didn't want anybody tearing apart my new taco so I went with JBL. It's absolutely better than the non JBL I test drove, but does not compare to aftermarket. It's a happy median.