New system sounds HORRIBLE!

I have a '08 double cab TRD Off Road with JBL. I had been thinking about replacing my truck but have decided I am driving it forever as it still looks brand new and has never let me down.

In an effort to bring into this century I recently had a local shop replace the stock HU with a Kenwood DDX8906s (also added a back-up cam and Serius-XM as well as a steering wheel control kit). I gave it a week or two with the stock speakers and it seemed like those speakers were getting overwhelmed, especially at high volumes. So I ordered from Crutchfield and installed Infinity Primus PR9610cs 6x9 component speakers in the front doors, Infinity Reference 6532ex 6 1/2 in the rear doors and a Rockford Fosgate P3SD2 8 inch sub on their recommendation.

While it sounds a little better, especially at lower volumes, the new set-up starts to sound very muddy at higher volumes...I am not looking to rattle my windows but I do enjoy a bit of volume when I'm driving around with windows down. I have spent a fair amount of time tweaking the settings on the head unit (EQ, x-over, slopes, etc) but the bass still sounds muddy at high volumes, there is sometimes a loud pop in the door speakers associated with a bass hit but not EVERY hit at higher volumes. It just doesn't sound tight and punchy like the stock system...

I would love any advice you can give me as to what I can do to improve my set-up. Did I get the wrong speakers? Do I need a better amp? Thanks in advance!

 

Where’d you have it done? The guys at Laketown set mine up real nice.

 

Sound warehouse. I’m trying to save a little money by going the DIY route...

 

Is there an external amp currently hooked up? Or are the speakers just getting the power from the HU?

 

Not really sure? I had the upgraded JBL system. There’s an amp behind the back seat near the sub. Is that for the entire system or just the sub?

 

Not sure possibly. But from what you’re describing seems like the upgraded speakers aren’t getting enough power so they get distorted at higher volumes. I would get a 4 channel amp that’s powerful enough to send the RMS power rating of the speakers you installed

 

The pop in the door speakers..would you say it's just up front or all the doors?

I believe you said you did the install..did you use any kind of adapter plates on the door speakers or did they bolt right up?

 

typically one speaker at a time. Sometimes both. Usually the fronts.

I used the adapter plates supplied by Crutchfield.

I am wondering if I do need a replacement amp as the sound gets worse as I turn up the volume.

 

A separate amp for mids and highs will make all the difference

 

what are you running for a Sub ?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ab-2010-with-pics-and-prices-write-up.364009/

 

Check the lowest frequency the speaker runs. A bunch of aftermarket only go down to 60 or 80hz so if its trying to push lower than 60 it will hav trouble. On my front focals they only go to 60hz so I have filter on it so cut anything below 60hz. Eliminated any distortion, popping I was getting.

 

Are you still using the factory JBL amp? If so, that’s your problem.

if all you did was replace the head unit and all the speakers, including the subwoofer. The issue will be the factory JBL amp with its wacky EQ made specifically for the factory speakers.

if possible, I’d ditch the factory amp. I would run the speakers directly to the head unit and find a decent mono amp to match your sub. - most cost effective route if you’re looking to spend little money.

If it were my truck, again, ditch the factory amp. Run a 5 channel amp for all of the speakers.

I would also check to ensure that all your speakers are wired correctly. They have a cheap polarity checker on Amazon for less than 10 bucks. They even have an app for it as well.

 

Also, those front components come with an external crossover. Are you using that at all?

Most Kenwood head units are known to produce clean signals without clipping/distortion, even at maximum volume.

 

This. Based on your OP, it sounds like the Kenwood was installed, and an 8” Sub driver was put into the factory subwoofer enclosure by an audio shop.

Knowing what amplifier this is would answer this question. Knowing the answer to this question would let us move forward with suggestions.

Frankly I’m somewhat horrified that you don’t know exactly what was installed and how. Shady audio shops love that because it means they can half ass what they do to your vehicle. The fact that it doesn’t sound right to you, and I’m getting the vibe that you aren’t exactly a critical listener, means they let it out the door without listening to it and making sure it sounds right.

So, let’s get that amp info, and an idea about the signal path. It may just be the case that you need to phase everything and set up some better crossover points.

Definitely take pictures and show us some of the work they did.

 

The shop I used installed the HU, cam, and Serius. Those are the ONLY things they did...in an effort to save some cash, I ordered the speakers from Crutchfield and installed them myself (speakers are identified above).

The shop did recommend putting in 2 amps and new speakers along with a custom box for the sub but I really wasn't interested in giving up my behind the seat storage. The amp is the OEM JBL amp. Not really sure about the "critical listener" comment...I may not know the lingo, but I can tell when things just don't sound right. I do own the fact that I didn't really play with the system while still at the shop. That's on me. I may just put my tail between my legs and go back in ask them to install an amp for me. I would love to put one in on my own, but if it's not plug and play, it may be a little too much for me. Thanks for all your help so far everyone. This is very educational!

 

if you’re on a budget, try wiring the speakers directly to the head unit. You’ll get a night an day difference, I guarantee it. Make sure your front components are wired to crossover correctly. Lastly check to ensure each speaker is in phase aka positive/negative connection.

 

This or if you end up amping it, pull new wire as well. Did that in mine.

 

Who installed the subwoofer?
What did they install to send signal the JBL amp?

I believe they didn’t “ONLY” install the HU, cam and Sirius (you forgot steering wheel controls interface was also installed). What did they use?. This is why I was asking about signal path and pictures.

So now we have a few more random suggestions and no real idea about diagnosing your actual issue. I’m just trying to get you where you need to be without purchasing stuff you may not need. It might be a simple case of overdriving the signal to the amplifier, but I can’t give you any real advice based on the information I currently have.

 

Op listen to dolbytone. He knows his shit when it comes to audio and getting you on track. Definitely pull the jbl amp and run new speaker wire from new amp to crossovers and speakers installed. That will really simplify things for you

 

This. I've no experience with the JBL amp, but I've yet to hear of someone using it when upgrading.

I endorse the "pull new wire" system regardless. Simplicity as you stated, plus thicker gauge equals better performance if you're amping it.

Also, should you need to return to stock...much easier.