Gen 3 Speaker Upgrade WITH JBL "premium" system

So, I have a 19 Taco with the ridiculously named "premium" JBL system. I have read all sorts of threads and stuff and still haven't found what I'm looking for..... yes, U2.

I am looking into upgrading the speakers. Apparently, that is either impossible to do under $500 or you lose volume going from 2-ohm(stock) to 4-ohm speakers = not much of an upgrade. Thus, it appears to me, I should just upgrade the head unit and the speakers to normal 4-ohm ones... spending maybe $700

Is this a correct assessment of the situation Toyota has put us in?

All this as a result of me wanting leather and a sunroof when I made my purchase.

Any advice, suggestions?

 

Upgrading the head unit won’t fix your problem

Here’s why

In the JBL system, the head unit isn’t actually driving the speakers. It’s not actually putting out any power at all. All it’s doing is sending a data signal to the JBL amp back by the subwoofer.
This data signal is the radio sending the audio signal, as well as telling the JBL amp how to set the EQ and fade/balance.

If you change the radio, the JBL amp is still what’s actually doing all the work. So without changing the amp, you won’t change the power, and won’t change the sound.

So the options are few

1) change just the speakers. This may seemingly get you some more clarity, but typically at a loss of overall volume
2) Replace the radio. This will give you more radio features, and give you a few more EQ settings, but that’s it. Only do this if you want the features of a new head unit
3) replace the JBL amp and speakers. This is where the real improvements begin. There are interfaces that make it easy to do.

 

Wow. Thanks for the info!!

1) is out. I definitely don't need less volume
2) I am confused as to the difference between the "radio" and "head unit". The radio is somewhere else (not in the dash) and can be changed out?
3) What would this (approximately) (typicall) cost?

Sorry, I am old school when you put in a stereo, speakers and maybe an amp and off you went.... not familiar with radio and head unit (I thought they were 1 and the same)

 

Radio and head unit are interchangeable. Sorry for the confusion! (Well, there are some other vehicles where they can be different devices, but not in our trucks yet)

cost can vary WILDLY based on what sound you want and what you’re willing to spend.
You could do some basic speakers, a cheap brick amp, and a small powered sub and get out for under a grand, and it would sound better than the JBL. You could spend $2,000 on a mid-tier system, and $3,000+ on high end stuff

 

Hmm, $1K for a small upgrade in sound. Sounds like a lot for so little - to me.
And, I don't even want a new head unit, the stock one works great for what I use it for (listen to Broncos talk radio, play music from my phone, and once/twice a week make a call).
I guess I will just keep the windows up and and the ac on in the mountains lol.

THANKS Man! You were a great help.

 

I wouldn’t call it a “small” upgrade in sound by any means. It would be well worth the money if you’re not happy with the current sound.

 

I guess I would have to hear it to know if I wanted it. I was really just looking for a summer upgrade project. The sound now is.. ehhh. Ok. I was willing to spend $300 maybe $400. Certainly not $1K. I only drive it ~10K miles a year (if that) so not really a big deal.

 

Yeah 300-400 won’t do anything for you unfortunately. It certainly won’t be worth that dollar amount.

 

I was in the same boat. Wanted little better for sub $500. Swapped speakers and sub for quality improvements. Sounds fuller. Less mushed highs and lows.
I have a detailed thread going. For me it seems to have been worth it.

 

Exactly. So, where is your detailed thread? I'd love to check it out

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jbl-premium-upgrade-replacing-speakers-and-subwoofer.716167/

Not too detailed. But you get the idea. I put the parts and what I upgraded.
I did end up ripping out the head unit because I bit on one of those Android Head Units.
We'll see how the head unit does.

 

I have the JBL system. I replaced the dash and both door speakers with the OEM Audio speakers, $500.

It made a huge difference. Before you could not even hear the back door speakers, now they add to the overall sound.

Simple upgrade and it is all plug and play.

 

How does it sound having a OEM tweeter in the dash instead of the JBL wide band speaker? Did the vocals move down to the doors?

 

Remember I installed the OEM Audio speakers, an aftermarket company, not the Toyota OEM speakers.

Just want to be clear since it is easy to confuse OEM Audio with OEM Toyota.

To answer you question, the OEM Audio speakers are perfect, vocals still coming from the dash but more clear and increased in volume.

Before the speaker exchange, I kept my volume knob in the 24-26 range. Now it stays in the 16-18 range. Crazy, since no increase in power, just an increase in speaker efficiency.

And as I said before I could barely hear anything coming from the rear speakers with my ear pressed next to the speaker.

The rear speakers are contained in a 6 or 6.5, cannot remember, speaker enclosure but the actual speaker component is only 2 to 2.5 inches. The new OEM Audio are full 6 or 6.5 inch speakers. You can hear them sitting in the driver's seat, so much better.

 

I replaced the JBL that came in the stock with real JBL speakers. Waaaay better sound.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jbl-system-tweeter-upgrade-better-than-subaru-tweeters.599583/

 

Just picked up my 21 Super White Pro and damn, I am so freaking disappointed in the JBL system. Its complete trash. Not an audiophile so i figured it would be sufficient.... NOPE!! Already ordered the subie dash speakers. Gonna use those temporarily until i can make up my mind on the rest. I have 1k set aside, just not sure what to get/run. Coming from a GLC 300 benz with Burmeister*. Best factory sound system i have ever heard. Surround sound and crisp af with windows down on hwy. I was spoiled, but want to replicate that as best as possible. #weshallsee

 

Subaru tweeters won’t work in the JBL system. Cancel that order lol

 

Get the JBL That I have in the thread I just posted.

 

I have to say, contact Crutchfield, yes the company that has been around forever. They are priced a little more, but their knowledge and help is worth it.

 

Plus all the adaptors are free(included) so that justifies the slightly higher price.