2021 Limited w/JBL upgrade opinions

Hi guys!

Just got a 2021 Limited w/ JBL sound system a couple of months ago. Looking to upgrade the system and keep the stock head unit. Replacing head unit isnt an option right now. Which option below would you choose based on what two local shops suggested?

Option 1.) Run everything to a 5 channel Audison SR amp through high level inputs. Replace all speakers with Audison components(front) and coax (rear). Would utilize JL 10w3 I already have for the sub.

Option 2.) Use Pac Amp pro as an interface to then run Alpine type R 5 channel amp and new Type R components (front) and coax (rear). Would use the same sub as above.

Pricing for both is identical and everything is said and done with sound deadening on the doors from wither shop. Thanks for any opinions/thoughts!

 

I wouldn’t do either option without the AmpPro, Maestro AR, or DSR1. That needs to be the foundation of even the most basic system. Especially if you’re not planning on using an amp with a DSP, or adding a DSP to the system.

 

That was 100% my thinking. My worry was that I had someone trying to sell me equipment and then call me with a "we have a problem".

 

Even IF i omitted the AmpPro, I would absolutely need to use a DSP or an amp with a built-in DSP. And at that point, you’re in a high enough budget that the AmpPro isn’t a game changer.

another note, while the audison amp does take high level inputs, it doesn’t take enough. The JBL system consists of 7 channels, not 5 (tweeter, front, rear, sub). The AmpPro will simplify it to 6 (front, rear, sub) and give you perfectly flat and clean outputs for the amp to use.

 

I don't have the JBL, but I went down the same path sort of. Maybe my mistakes will help you. You are defintely on the right path with the comps up front. I second what Destin said about adding in some type of DSP.

I am now going to change out the head unit because I changed my mind on what I wanted. I didn't want to add an amp or sub so I threw in some Sony ES 6x9 coaxs and the Kicker 2 3/4 mids. That was an improvement over the factory speakers, but once I added a 5 channel and a sub, it was not good. The kicker mid sounds good, but it was not the same as a quality tweeter so I put in some JL c3 tweeters that sounded better, but now too many tweeters in the front so my imaging is all out whack and I can't tune out some harshness with certain frequencies because of not having a DSP in the mix. Luckily my shop is going to exchange the coaxs and the tweeters for either some JL c3 comps or Sony ES comps and put in the Sony 10 inch head unit. Now I can get rid of the LC7i as well and not have to worry about introducing more problem points to the system or trying to fix a bad source like the factory head unit.

I haven't heard Audison, but I have never been impressed with Alpine's speakers. I have wanted to the X series comps, but they don't use a silk tweeter. I have used their amps in the past pushing some Image Dynamic XS comps it sounded amazing. I would go Audison if those were my two choices, but everyone has different tastes.

Long story short if you are going to keep the stock head unit then add in a DSP so you can have some adjustability and overcome the garbage entune unit.

 

Luckily with the AmpPro, it will create a pure flat signal to feed the amp, negating any audio quality issues that the non-JBL system deals with. You’ll still just be limited to bass, mid, and treble EQ settings without a DSP though, so very few tuning options. But some people aren’t picky enough to notice or care. I pumped the factory non-JBL signal straight into a non-DSP amp and it held me over just fine for 2 years. Wasn’t worth the price for me to upgrade at the time.

 

I went with the LC7i to clean up the signal, but so far I haven’t really liked it. My issue is also coaxs with tweets in the dash so hard to tell if the LC7i is really an issue. There is also a hiss present all the time and we have changed a few things but then it led to turn off thump so I just said eff it and decided on a new head unit to get rid of any issues by adding to the factory.

Unfortunately I am picky so it always leads down the option of more money invested to get the sound just right. Having just treble, mids, and highs is easy and doesn’t lead down the rabbit hole or always adjusting frequencies and crossover points and I always try to keep it simple but never like the end result when I do.

 

LC7i isn’t the right product for Toyota integration IMO. If you want to integrate with a newer Entune you need a couple things minimum.

1. Pre-EQ (not output EQ)
2. Signal Time Alignment (not output delays)
3. Either Accubass or an Epicenter or some other kind of bass restoration.

How you accomplish these things is up to you but it’s not really possible to have a great result without these things.

 

I agree about the LC7i. It’s a solid piece, but not perfect for our factory unit. There are better ways to integrate. For me personally I don’t really see a reason to keep the factory unit. I figure it is just easier to replace the head unit with a good maestro compatible unit

 

It is also expensive

 

Update on this one... After receiving quotes that could put my kids through college, I'm going to throw in a "don't break the bank, but stop pissing me off" solution tomorrow.

Pac Audio Amp Pro (and TY01 harness to integrate the new amp to existing speaker wires)
NVX VAD11005 5 channel amp
Kenwood excelon 7 inch components up front
Kenwood 6.5 inch coax in the rear
JL Audio 8 3w3 sub and ported box behind the seat (already test fit it after removing the panels behind the seats)
Keeping the stock head unit

I'll upload some pics and an update once everything is in tomorrow.

 

I’m going the same route with amp pro to 5ch amp stock head unit next week. Let us know how it goes and sounds after.

 

Had some time to knock out install yesterday. A few notes....

1.) The amp pro and harness make the integration really easy. After adjusting minimum volume and tones, I'm good to go. Seriously, this allows you to do everything you want if you want to retain the factory head unit/features.
2.) If you order from Crutchfield, things are super easy... Metra wiring adapters and mounting rings made speaker install really quick.
3.) Tweeters took a little to figure out. I utilized the factory connector after cutting it from the dash speaker. My specific components needed the Metra tweeter adapter and a 1 3/4 inch hole saw. After that, my passenger and driver side tweeter locations are sized differently and I had to trim the driver side tweeter bracket to fit into place.
4.) There's so many tutorials online it's a crime not to use them. From running power to getting door panels on and off, the guys from Five Star lay everything out.
5.) I used a plexiglass panel because I'm lazy and my local hardware store didn't have ABS plastic. Hope that lasts, but for now NVX amp and JBL oem amp are both mounted to the rear wall.


Now the review....

Overall I am super happy. Gave me what I was looking for. Crisp,but not abrasive highs, defined mids that don't get muddy and then some low end from the sub. It doesn't compare to some of the full active, multi amp/sub systems I have had in the past, but for what I have in it VS effort I'm thrilled.

What I put in:
NVX VAD11005 5 channel amp

$179 Kenwood KFC-xp184c 7" Component Speaker System

Kenwood KFC-xp184c 7 inch component set (front)
Kenwood KFC 1696PS Coax (rear)
JL Audio CP108LG- W3v3 (inch sub/ported box)
Pac Audio Amp Pro and corresponding amp harness




I should have taken more pictures, but just wanted to get it done and go about my day.

 

Not sure if you already got your set up
I started with Hertz components rear hertz coaxials but just got another set of Audison components AV 6.5 Voce and these will go to the front and the current front hertz components will be getting re-installed in the back. I also have 10 inch Audison Sub and everything is running off by a Kenwood excellon reference 5 Channel. Honestly super happy with my set up.

 

Do you have the slim Audison sub and prefab box??? I went with the ported JL8w3, but am a huge fan of Hertz/Audison products.

 

I do have the Audison 10inch sealed box I like the tight sound a bit more accurate than the JL 8w3 which I also had in a different set up.
So far I’m happy but I will add an epicenter so I can have a deeper sound and to be able to add some tweaking.
I’m actually working on changing the hertz components to the rear doors and working on new custom tweeter pods for a set of AVK 6.5 Audison components. I also looked at the Audison Prima 2.5 inch to fit in the dashboard locations.