Factory Stereo Volume

Is it just me or is the factory stereo the quietest one that the auto industry ever used. I usually have to have it full blast to hear it if I have my windows down driving around town and pretty high up there even with no wind noise coming in. Is there a limiter in the radio to make it this way? There's no way those big speakers in my door are incapable of putting out way more volume.

 

on my 2012, the JBL is frikking LOUD!

and the subwoofer is crazy, i have to turn the bass almost all the way down or it will rattle my truck to pieces eventually

 

The entune jbl system is loud as a mofo. Or I'm getting old. Or both...

 

Think I may have a non JBL system, don't believe I paid for that option unfortunately.

 

My 2006 non JBL volume was exactly like how you described your 2011.
I would have to turn the vol to the max to hear it.
No sound came out until at least 20.
I finally put an inexpensive Kenwood deck w/ ipod controls in it for $120 from crutchfield.
The change in sound/volume/features was by far the best for the buck in my truck.
Crutchfield gave me everything I needed to make the change.

 

I've got the regular stereo system. I recently noticed that the radio volume is fine, but during bluetooth pairing or usb connection (mp3 or pandora) the volume is very low and I have to turn it up really high

 

Sounds promising. I was hoping to keep the stock radio but I guess I would be willing to upgrade if it helps me actually hear the damn thing.

 

The standard stereo has an active 'crossover' (if you can call it that) that adjusts the bass output downwards when the volume is turned up. It also rolls off the highs considerably and prevents them from being bright. It doesn't help that the speaker frames are constructed of molded plastic baskets and have nickle sized magents.

Source also has something to do with it...a cd/mp3 or aux input will have a better starting source signal to amplify than the radio or XM radio. Thats why they are much louder and clearer when you switch to one of these sources.

 

The factory sound system in my truck sucks as well. One day I guess it will be replaced.

I thought maybe it was my hearing. So I srove the Charger and decided it is not me. One thing Dodge does do right, is install kicking stereo systems in thier Vehicles.

 

My 09 (standard system) is really low as well.

Upgrading it soon...I'll check the Kenwood from CField..
(Thanks Simon's Mom!)

PC

 

No problem at all.
The super smart audio guys here made a DIY even I could follow.
Never put a stereo in before & the pics here helped even with making the wiring harness. It comes with the kit.
I mean it is not a high end system but even with the stock speakers it sounded much better.
There is a lot of threads on it so there are plenty of ideas.
If you do buy from CField, google a coupon there is always a $20 off coupon floating on the internet too.

 

well, from the sounds of it, the def fixed the problem for 2012 with the JBL option.
theres no way anyone can say its not loud as hell, and it sounds very good. first car in years that i won't be going out to buy an aftermarket unit.

 

JBL is great

 

i have none JBL in my ’07 what i found out is if i have my ipod on,(i just have one of the 12v plug things from wall-mart) i have to have it all the way up. but if i have a CD or radio on it goes a lot louder!! still even with ipod it’s a little loader than are ’05 scion XB. lol i want to get new head unit mostly for bluetooth and nav/dvd better plug for ipod.

 

ive never been super happy with my JBL system, kind of the same problems you have OP. my new headunit didn't help much either.

OP, do you mainly listen to your ipod though your jack? if so, i do have a solution to that problem

 

My 09 does the same. It sucks

 

I call BS on the nickle sized magnets. I say they don't even exist at all! I think maybe they just rubbed a magnet on them and that was it. The speakers in a non-JBL are complete crap.

OP - I would find myself cranking the volume up too, but the more I did, the more distortion there was. My fix was the aux mod. I use a Sansa Zip Clip for MP3's. I set the vol on it to max and it sounds pretty good now, and I don't have to crank up the radio volume anymore. Of course I replaced my speakers; 4 inexpensive Kickers.

 

I use my Sansa clip and blackberry through the aux port and its very very quiet. With CDs and the radio it is louder, however, not as loud as I would expect or want. Cruising I have it set to around 50-60 before its good to listen to and if the window is down its maxed and still not loud.

Just thought it was strange because on most vehicles I have owned I never wanted to max out the factory speakers because it was way to loud, now I'm finding the Tacoma, when maxed, is only slightly adequate and not deafening haha

 

if you have an ipod you can change the audio format of your songs in itunes to make the volume way loud. i have done this recently and am much much happier.

 

i thought read some where on here that stock speakers are underpowered with the stock H/U. someone correct me if i’m wrong.