3rd Gen JBL Audio Solutions?

I am somewhat aware that the factory JBL audio is hard to modify. what are some solutions to upgrade my audio speakers and keep my stock head unit?

thank you

 

Back in my Subaru days, I read there is an OE Subaru Kicker tweeter upgrade that will swap right over to the Tacoma. Not sure how much of an improvement it is over the JBL though.

 

I think that swap is for non JBL models.

 

bump

 

$290 PAC AP4-TY12 Amppro 4 Amp Interface (Select 2012-2018 Toyota(R) & Lexus(R) Vehicles with Jbl(R) or Premium Amplified Sound Systems), 1 Pack

PAC AP4-TY12. The JBL amp is finicky with its output from my experience. Went with the PAC after two of the channels went belly up from simply using the speaker output to supply the signal to a JBL MS8 (took 2 years). The install is a bit involved but straight forward. Basically strips the signal clean to feed a new amp/speakers.

 

I started with the already noted PAC line out converter, upgraded door speakers, and an upgraded amp. The LOC provides line level input to the amp, which powers the door speakers and factory sub through the factory speaker wires.

I still have the factory head unit. I plan on replacing the factory JBL sub and sub box soon, but leaving the factory head unit and amp. At this point, the factory amp is only there to maintain the steering wheel/head unit integration, it isn't doing anything as far as audio goes.

 

This is 100% correct. The subie tweeter swap many do will not work. Even after wiring up the incompatible connectors, the sound is completely wrong. Sounds like a tin can.

 

I know this is a super old post, but I just had the same problem happen this weekend. I tried running a JL Audio amp using the signal wires from the JBL factory amp and now my front door speakers don't work.

What did you find to be the problem that caused your channels to stop? Did you need a new factory amp or was there a workaround?

 

Following this thread. Im kicking myself forgetting the audio upgrade. Should have just done it custom.

Also, anyone how my the music is louder through the radio than from my phone through blue tooth?

 

Is your volume on your phone turned up all the way when connected to Bluetooth on your truck? Only thing I can think of that would cause that

 

Overall I'm happy with the JBL but I've never really had a system in previous cars. The thing that I noticed after playing around with it is when I adjusted the Fade settings to about 3 notches to the rear, to me it made a big difference. I have to turn the volume up louder now but to me it sounds better. I'm no audiophile though so there's that

 

My volume is all the way up. Just thought it was weird as well.

 

Yeah that is, sorry don't really know what else it could be

 

We trade convenience for quality by choosing to use bluetooth. Using a cord will always sound better and be louder.
Having said that, what app are you using for music? Are you streaming or playing files?
Music which I synced to my phone plays louder than songs from streaming apps.
Check the apps’ settings. Spotify has a ton of output and quality options for example

 

I'm using spotify. Ill check it the app. Thank you

 

Check your settings at
Settings>Playback>Enable Audio Normalization (Loud will reduce quality)
and
Settings>Audio Quality

 

I was happy with my JBL system for quite a while too. Then, after a couple of years, I could tell it wasn't as crisp and clear as I would like it to be. The subwoofer performance became underwhelming compared to other audio I have. (BMW has a JL Audio 10W3v3, house has Sonos in living room, my small theater room has Elac 7.1.2 Atmos)

I'm not trying to be condescending here as I was "happy" with my JBL system for quite a while. But have you actually SEEN the JBL speakers? Once you see them, you'll realize there is a shitload of room for performance improvement. I didn't see the speakers until I needed to pull the door panels off to add sound deadening to the system, that's when I finally discovered the atrocity that is the JBL speaker. The front speakers are basic 6x9" paper mids and the rear are an absurd 3" speaker in a 6.5" plastic housing. It doesn't take much to upgrade the speakers and make the system sound phenomenal.

 

Yeah I know what you mean, I've seen post about how cheap they are. I've never had a system in any of my previous cars so this is was an upgrade, but I'm sure it can sound better. I'll look into upgrading the speakers for sure.

 

My upgrade path.

JBL System tweeter upgrade - Better than Subaru tweeters | Tacoma World

Also added a JBL DSP Amp and dual voice coil Polk 8"sub in the factory box.

 

I went a very similar route in my 2015 Tacoma with pretty darn good results. It's probably the most economical way to get decent sound out of the JBL system and keeping the stock HU IMO. For my 2020 Tacoma, I went with a full integrated system from OEM Audio+. It is very, very nice. Clean setup. But also very expensive. Not sure if I'd do it again, but at the same time I'm very happy to have it!