JBL vs non-JBL headunits

Both JBL and non-JBL are the same aside from this little module on the bottom. It gets signal from the headunit, then sends that signal via a single data cable to the amp (I may be wrong about this)

Seems for people who have JBL, you could bypass this module, get signal right from the headunit (instead of passing it into the piggyback) and send that to your aftermarket amplifier... then you could remove the factory amp, replace it and use the factory wiring harness to power your speakers.

This seems like it actually might be easier than the non-JBL trucks to put in a system. All your wiring is already in the back, power cables are already run, your component speakers crossovers can be places in the back instead of up front.

Non-JBL entune
JBL entune

 

Or just get the harness and amp from *********. I did that, simplified everything. Before using their wiring I couldn't get my amp to turn off along with the truck. Now that its wired to the headunit it turns on/off with it. Also, I was about to get a custom sub box for $200, but then I found em and bought theirs for like $100-120, cant remember.

 

I already have a system installed, Made my own harness and intalled amp and speakers. This is more for people who have the JBL system now, as we generally have been telling JBL owners their system is harder to replace with aftermarket.

BTW, the taco tunes kit doesnt work on JBL equipped trucks unless you get their $2000 setup.

 

Yeah...I did not know that lol. Im using their sub box, amp, harnesses, but I got my own 12" kicker and kickers for the doors

 

This sounds like it may work. My factory amp took a dump, so I just may have to try this. I was planning on getting an aftermarket amp with one of PAC AMPRO to convert the stock signals to preamp plugs to connect to the aftermarket amp. The way you are describing would eliminate the PAC and save some $$$$.

 

So after further research, I think that module on the bottom is for Xm radio, though I'm not sure why jbl has it and the normal entune didn't.

 

*Definitive answer, to clear things up*

The JBL and non-JBL units are very different

The JBL head unit outputs a 2-channel NON-VARIABLE low voltage output

This means it does not do fade, balance, EQ, or volume.

The amp is what is doing all the actual work.
There is a data bus that the radio uses to tell the amp all of the info it needs, such as fade/balance, EQ settings, and volume output.

The AmpPro interfaces with this data bus and creates 6 pre-outs and is able to interpret the mentioned audio settings.

All of these reasons are why the parts for JBL systems are far more expensive than non-JBL systems, such as the PAC RP-4.2, the AmpPro, and the Maestro RR.

 

So much for that. Thanks again destin for your knowledge of the jbl system.

 

Comes with the job I suppose!

 

Man, do I wish it was that easy!

 

im not 100% sure which radio i have. im wanting to add a sub amp with i plug in harness. i have a 2019 tacoma crew trd sport with the bigger radio screen. please help me know what to look for to know what radio i have.

i think i have the jbl but not sure . is there an adaptor for that radio? where r the factory amps to tie into?
'
thanks

 

If you have the JBL then there should be JBL on the front of the radio, on each of the door panel speaker grills and there will be a factory subwoofer behind the passenger rear seat.

 

ok thanks. i for sure do not have a sub behind the seat. can u have the bigger display then i guess but its not the jbl one? so any of the add a amp plug harnesses should work with mine

thanks for the reply

 

Yeah, as long as there is no factory sub and it doesnt say JBL in the center of the radio you should be good with most of the add a amp harnesses.

 

mine looks like this
https://www.infotainment.com/produc...MIke7j_ZDs6AIVlpOzCh2LmQHnEAQYASABEgJdx_D_BwE

 

THe JBL version looks the same, but has the logo in the bottom middle like this.

 

ok that clears it up then . mine looks like that but no jbl. thanks for the help. thinking about the taco tunes adaptor but i wonder if there is a preference of the different adaptors. my amp has high level inputs so was thinking of going that route

 

Hey guys I'm currently purchasing items to add a system in my 2017 DCLB. Was interested in what people are doing about the stock head units. Non jbl 7". Is it better to replace or to get a dsp? Currently have 1 alpine s series amp to power a alpine s series DVC sub that's mounted is a taco tunes enclosure, An eclipse 4 channel amp to power two 6.5" 2 way speakers for the rear doors and 6.5" components for the front doors and tweeters.

 

Depends on your budget and what your looking to do. If you have all that hooked up to the factory headunit, what makes you want to get a dsp or aftermarket headunit?

Most aftermarket headunits will give you the same things as a dsp when your running just a component set in the front, speakers in the back and sub. Getting a DSP is where you start changing time alignment, setting up 3 way components with active amplification, getting in 8 or more channels at that point.

Im running a aftermarket android headunit (joying brand) but I also run a DSP to send signals to 3 amplifiers. I have 9 channels running 9 speakers in my truck, no passive crossovers, everything is handled by the DSP and sent to the correct channel on the amps.

 

My question is if I keep the stock head unit will I need a dsp between the etune unit and the amps.
I heard the signal is distorted from these head units and need a dsp? Not really trying to break the bank. So if I do t need a dsp I dont want to buy one lol.