JBL sound system upgrade

I have read many threads on here but have some questions about a build that might work?

• Keep JBL factory radio
• Keep JBL amp and relocate it under rear seat (if possible)
• Remove/disconnect 8" JBL sub (that you can barely hear/feel)
• Replace dash tweeters with better JBL tweeters
• Replace front & rear door speakers with better JBL speakers 6.5" or 6"x9"
• Add mono block amp and 10" or 12" sub using LOC (that fixes bass roll-off)

I believe the tweeters and door speakers are 2 ohms, but I have seen that the rear door speakers might be 4 ohm?

Will these speakers possibly work/fit?

3/4" tweeters using universal back straps - I know there 3 ohm but have high 92 sensitive db
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109CL750TM/JBL-Club-750T.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120BKSTRAP/Universal-Back-Strap.html

6.5"/6"x9" JBL speakers for front and rear, 2.5 ohms with high 95-96 sensitive db.

https://www.jbl.com/car-speakers/Stadium+GTO930-.html?cgid=car-speakers&dwvar_Stadium GTO930-_color=Black-GLOBAL-Current

https://www.jbl.com/car-speakers/Stadium+GTO620_.html?cgid=car-speakers&dwvar_Stadium GTO620___color=Black-USA-Current

I'm looking to get little more clarity/sharpness, tad louder and let the aftermarket amp/sub to fill in the lows.

 

Try upgrading just the head unit first. I did that with my TRD Pro and it made enough difference that I didn't upgrade any further.

 

I'd like to keep the JBL radio because it looks better than every aftermarket radio Iv'e seen + I believe the JBL radio and JBL amp are married together.

 

Ok. The JBL radio isn't exactly married to the JBL system. The JBL headunit provides a low level input to the amp compared to the regular radio which has four powered channels.

By replacing the factory headunit, the new radio provides a stronger signal to the JBL amp. he factory sub was actually good when powered correctly without being "muddy" in its bass output. It is not bad at all.

The big problem with replacing the speakers is finding 2 ohm speakers instead of 4 ohm. The JBL system works on 2 ohms.

To bad you aren't near Dallas, TX. I would put my radio in your truck and show you it is worth it as an upgrade.

 

So you have the JBL speaker system with an aftermarket headunit only? Do you have a picture?

 

I also wonder if leaving JBL system alone and sound deadening the doors would help, relocate JBL amp, remove JBL sub and provide new Mono amp/12" sub w/ LOC. It would be cool to put 2 subs like the stealth box on passenger side and still have storage behind driverside rear seat.

 

While we are at it, can the jbl headunit be replaced by a system that fits the non jbl Premium headunits?

I replaced my Premium Nav HU with a great aftermarket android HU, that was plug and play and currently looking to upgrade to a vehicle but it has jbl on it.

I have heard everything about it is different and more complicated.

 

Yes, BUT you would have to wire it to a 4 (5 channel amp if you want a sub). You would also need a kit for the wiring from factory harness to radio.

I am installing a JBL sub, just the sub, into my non JBL 2017 SR currently. I am using a Rockford mono sub amp with aftermarket radio.


18' TACOTRD ---
I turned in my Pro last month as I bit off too much with payments, but I can walk you thru the wiring. I highly recommend the Idatalink Maestro RR for the integration with the truck. It will make your life easier.



The reason that your JBL seems to be underperforming is that the signal going to the JBL amp is underpowered, not the JBL amp.


If anyone in the Dallas area wants it done? PM me. We will take pictures as a walkthrough on how to do it. 18Taco, if you need to evacuate anyway, come to Dallas, the weather is calmer this week and you have free help.

 

Is there anyway to provide a stronger signal from the JBL radio to the JBL amp, something that would connect in between them?

 

this might work, but I haven't tested it. on the below item, you would cut the RCA's off of the output and wire RCA's males to the input of the booster. Wire the signal from the JBL to the RCA's "in" and the output to the vehicle wiring harness. That should boost the signal to the amp.


https://amazon.com/Peripheral-PAC-LD10-Driver-Booster/dp/B003LWV77Y/ref=sr_1_32?crid=22SBQC0LPGT4T&keywords=line+level+signal+amplifier&qid=1567182747&s=gateway&sprefix=line+signal+a%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-32

 

I might just leave the JBL radio, amp and speakers alone, keep the EQ high and mids +2 or +3 and let the amp/sub do all the work for lows. I assume a LC2i will work and fix bass roll-off? Maybe do some sound deadening to improve factory speakers in the doors

 

I liked my JBL head unit, but it felt underpowered. I have had the volume at 100% and still needed more.

I wasn't trying to dissuade you with the info. I have just done a lot with car stereos.

 

How easy is it to relocate the JBL amp to underneath the rear passenger seat?

I would like to have the storage behind rear passenger seat like the non-JBL system. Do I need to buy the plastic insert?

 

I agree it could be little better, I think what's it's missing most is low end. I think I could live with the highs, mids and volume level.

 

You want to remove the sub and wire it without it.

You would have to extend the wiring to the amp with longer wires. Not impossible or that difficult. The sub unplugs with a clip. The JBL will function with or without the sub.

If you are leaving the factory sub, relocating the amp won't save you much space.

Ironically, I have the rear seat passenger side piece you need. I added a Molle rack and removed mine. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ement-system-for-2nd-3rd-gen-dc-or-ac.410254/


If you don't want that piece, let me know, I was looking for one.

 

I would relocate the amp and remove the subwoofer and maybe add sub enclosure on the driverside rear compartment. I believe the passenger side is bigger.

 

Any chance I have enough slack if the amp is being relocated where the jack is at? I figured be closer to the radio (maybe not lol)

 

The stock sub is approx. 2.3 ohms. So replacing with a lower impedance woofer achieves more speaker volume and bass. Kicker has a decent dual 4 ohm that can be wired down to approx 1.8 to 2.0 ohm resistance and a substantial increase in performance. Kicker comp c review actual resistance vs rated resistance in specifications.

 

Hey @18' TACO TRD did you end up completing your upgrades? I'm in a very similar boat at the moment with a stock JBL system and hence reading old threads like yours. I'm debating whether to upgrade and looking for some insight. If you went through with it, what speakers did you upgrade with and how did you wire everything? Happy with the results?

 

Gutted everything. Amp sub speakers entune. Everything. Put in a pioneer 4500nex with rockfordfosgate t1 6x9 front and 6 1/2 rear with a custom box 2.2 cu. Ft. Behind seats with 2 rockford fosgate t1s shallow 12's.