2018 TRD Sport with jbl premium. Need more bass.

I just got my 2018 TRD sport/double cab with the jbl premium audio system. I usually listen to Pandora. My front speakers sound great. But the back speakers and subwoofer seem a bit weak. I've thought about adding another subwoofer or getting better aftermarket back door speakers. Has anyone found a way around this problem? Any ideas or suggestions?

 

Hi!

It's possible to add just a sub, but you'll have to find an interesting way to keep the factory JBL amp installed & add a second amp as well as the sub enclosure.

I think replacing the rear door speakers is a different issue because if you want more power in the back doors you're going to have to run an amp for those as well b/c the JBL amp probably can't push much power on those channels.

Check out my build thread. I have pictures of the factory JBL speakers in the 2nd gen.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/active-system-w-complete-soundproofing-jbl-tear-out.567718/

 

Thanx. Looks like a good setup.

 

Yep. As stated, swapping the rear speakers won’t do much. The rears are horribly under-powered, even in the non-jbl trucks.

As for adding a sub, the wiring is on the easier side luckily. Finding a place to put it, however, isn’t. But that all depends on how much bass you want.

Best solution? Pull out the drivers side cubby and get a Mr.Marv box to go over there for a good 10”. Get an amp that matches the RMS power of the sub. Unplug the JBL sub (don’t want to use both) and tap into these wires for your audio signal. Run power from the battery to the new amp.

If it was me, here’s my choices, trying to fit into a good budget.

Sub- Kicker CompRT 10”
Amp- AudioControl ACM-1.300 (and bass knob)
Box- Mr.Marv 10”
Wiring- any good 8awg OFC power wire with fuse holder. No need for a full kit with 17’ RCA cables and all that. That amp doesn’t need them. Just grab a 10’ roll of 14awg speaker wire.

That would get you a huge bass increase while being very easy to install. That amp is TINY and can easil fit behind the seats without taking any additional space.

 

Been doing some reading and saw someeone had installed a Rockford Fosgate 8" dual ohm sub into their factory JBL box. They used a Metra connector to install. States it made a good difference for a $100 upgrade. JBL amp powers it. No additional equipment needed.

 

Can you send me the link?

 

Personally I wouldn't use the JBL amp to power anything aftermarket, but hey do whatever you want.

 

https://goo.gl/BbywDV

I know. I came from a JL W7 in my other ride. I wanted to keep the stock feel, just need a little more bass and I'd be content with it. Seems like the guy on reddit did just that and it worked for him. I reached out to see how it's been holding up.

 

Just because something seems to work that doesn't mean it's a good idea. Have you seen how expensive the factory JBL amp/sub are from Toyota? Seems like a lot of risk if you ask me & you might not enjoy how the level matches.

Also, the W7 is about one of the worst choices to power on the factory amp because it's a 3 ohm single voice coil. The factory sub is dual 2 ohm coils, but I'm not sure if its wired as 1 ohm or a 4 ohm. Either way the W7 is a poor choice based on the impedance and the power handling. It wants way more power than that amp will drive.

It's like buying the best running shoes for someone without legs.

 

I understand that. I meant I had a W7 in my previous car with a different setup. Not powering it with factory. Different car with JL Amp. I'm looking into it now. I know what you're saying and I don't disagree. I'm trying to see if it could work well. See what it might take.

 

You should start by finding out if the factory sub is configured as a 1ohm or a 4ohm load. Each of the two voice coils is 2ohms & four wires come from the factory AMP, but this doesn't mean it's wired in parallel for sure.

 

I also have the JBL system, I am having the same issue. I just installed sound deadener on all 4 doors inside and out, and also put the deadener behind the back seats. It made a big enough difference for me not to replace anything at this point. I spent $65 bucks for a quick improvement.