2014 JBL Stereo

Hi Y'all! I've been hanging out here for awhile soaking up lots of good info and entertainment. I'll hopefully be joining the ranks of 2014 Tacoma owners in the next couple of months. I've basically decided on the model (double cab)and package I want with the exception of the stereo. I've gotten a bit hung up on whether or not to step up to the JBL system or not. Part of the problem is I haven't been able to locate a local truck with the JBL to listen to. I'm debating whether to go with a base unit and swap out for a quality aftermarket stereo or just stay factory with the JBL. My question today is - are you guys that have the JBL happy with the sound quality? Is it a significant step up from the systems offered below it? It's a chunk of change more, but not really out of line when you compare aftermarket costs for decent units.

 

I'm moving to a new 14 ACOR from my 09 ACPre and the sound in my 09 (jbl) is great! No issues at all. However, the 14 ACOR doesn't give the JBL option so I'm contemplating what to do. I can tell you the new 14 JBL pkg. sounds as good as my 09. I test drove and listened to a 14 JBL DCSO with JBL and it is MUCH better than non-JBL and sounded as good as my 09. Now, if you don't want to go aftermarket and just turn the key and drive, I don't think you'll be unhappy, BUT, if you want to really power your system until the doors bulge, you should go aftermarket. imo

 

I've got a 13 with the JBL Nav Radio in it. I had a 2011 that wasn't a JBL. The sound difference between the two is pretty significant. That said... A quality aftermarket set up will always sound better. I have no issues with the JBL and have no plans on replacing it. The sub does a "adequate" job of producing some pretty good low end though no where near as good as a aftermarket sub would.

I'll put it this way. I would find myself maxing out the volume (66 IIRC) in my 2011 non JBL a lot of the time. The 13 with the JBL I find that I very rarely put it up past 30. Don't know what max volume is with the JBL though.

 

I have 2013 with JBL/Nav. I am pleased with the audio, but the Nav is very poor. Inspite of the Nav, I would purchase the JBL/Nav system again.

 

You're the second person that I've heard that doesn't like the Nav. Which part don't you like on it. So far I've found it to be pretty good and accurate. My only issue is I wish there was a way for it to auto detect if it was light outside when I turn my headlights on in the daytime (for rain etc...). When you turn the headlights on it goes dark and makes it hard to see the streets. Of course it is just a few button presses to make it go in day mode but I wish it would automatically do that. I've tried leaving it in day mode but it is way to bright at night to do that.

Other than that I have no issues with it?

 

I have '14 with JBL and NAV and it's a great system with great sound and the NAV works fine. The NAV comes with a separate manual (although much seems to be duplicated in the regular owners manual) and I've gotten pretty comfortable with it. There are lots of variables that can affect it in just about any geographical area, but it works fine in my area.

 

Thanks for the responses thus far guys! It's sounding like people are fairly pleased with the JBL system. I've been able to hear the next version lower (premium sound w/nav...I believe) and I haven't been impressed. Mediocre clarity and volume. I'm sure aftermarket stuff is better and more powerful but dealing with the headache of tying everything together (steering wheel controls, back-up camera, dash mounting plate, wiring harness, etc) is pretty unappealing. I'm not even sure if everything is out and available for the 2014's. If the JBL has good clarity and good sound at higher volume (no distortion) then I think I will be happy. Things seem to be well integrated with several handy features. It's getting tougher to do clean swaps.

 

I jhave the JBL and I like the whole set up except the subwoofer is a little weak dsometimes but overall its a good system. If you want to do a swap be prepared to take your whole truck apart for a good few days. The Nav is actually pretty good and hasn't led me on the wrong path yet, but then again I don't fully trust it and also check where I am going.

 

I got rid of my 2013 JBL w/NAV. I thought the NAV was good, but the sound system left me wanting more and the Entune system is a great idea that is in its infancy (or just underdeveloped). When you look at the speakers, it is comical how small the magnets are.

I suppose as far as stock systems go it is descent.

 

I have the JBL with Nav and subwoofer - overall pretty pleased with it. Nav hasn't failed me yet. The sound system is pretty good for stock, much better than the one I test drove without the subwoofer. It is only 400 watts and I think it could be a bit better but for a stock system it sounds pretty decent.

 

I think you nailed it with your response. The JBL with Nav to me is a good system. Is it the best you can get?? Hell no. But... For a factory system it suits me just fine for 99% of the music I listen too. And you are correct with the amount of headache it would take to install a aftermarket system similar to the factory system. Not to mention the cost.

 

I had a 10 speaker Bose 'studio on wheels' in my last car, and to be honest I think the JBL sounds better.

I realize a lot of people dislike Bose, for whatever reason, but the JBL sounds pretty good to me. Obviously going aftermarket gives you a lot more options for a better sound, but I am content.

 

I like Bose




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Bose is good at making sound systems. But honestly I just think it all depends on what you want from a sound system. Like I wanted a sound system for road trips that sounded decent and the JBL fufiils that need.

 

I have had issues with the Nav finding addresses, streets that have not changed in years. I complained to the dealer and he basically admitted that Toyota had issues with the Nav in other models as well. You cannot manually input an address if the truck is moving, so you have to use the hands free method. The voice recognition is ok, but the input is backwards. You have to start with the street number, the street name, the city, and then the state all in one sequence. It is very difficult to get the system to recognize all of this in one stream. I just stop the truck and input the address manually.

 

That is the same with any "factory" nav unit. You can not use a lot of functions while the vehicle is moving. Liability shit and all. As far as address go... Mine has taken me directly to where I want to go. I've owned many Garmin units and no doubt they are good but I have had them take me on some scenic trips when I didn't really need to go that route lol. Maybe it just wanted me to see some shit I've never seen before?

 

Craig, I have the companion 2's for my laptop and I have the 601's in my living room. So I like Bose as well.

That said, the speakers that I want for my home stereo are Bowers & Wilkins. Pricey as hell, but the sound is something to behold.

 

I used to have a pair of Definitive Technology Transmission Design speakers a while back and they were "oh my god" good. I sold them when we moved and have never really got back into the home theater systems since. I've got a Denon system in the living room and it is just fine with me. Yeah... Bose is what it is. They make a good quality small speaker but if you want the best.... Bose is hardly near the top.

 

I had to order my 14 DCSB OR. (SM) with the JBL. It was well worth it. It really sounds amazing. Having it put in by the factory is nice, it's very clean. I dont see the need to ever have to upgrade it.

 

Agreed.