JBL Worth it???

Then skip the JBL. I wasn't impressed with it over the stock Entune when I test drove a few 16s.

 

Couldnt agree more. Letting anyone , even a so called "professional", take apart my doors, dash and other areas of my truck make me cringe, especially on a new truck.

 

I personally think the stock non Jbl sounds good however it won't rattle your bones.
You can always upgrade later, by adding an amp or sub.

Go get your truck!

 

I think people are confused as to how simple it is to take apart the Tacoma for a stereo install. The only thing you'll break is the plastic clips, which you can buy from Toyota or online. I've done at least 20 Tacoma's already, no issues. It's one of the easiest vehicles to do installs in actually. I walked my co-worker over the phone through his install and it took him less than 4 hours to do the HU and 4 door speakers.

 

Do boom boxes cause metal fatigue?

I have the standard sound system in my Tacoma. It's decent. Sounds better with cds if I boost the high and low frequencies a bit.

 

Not if you're running new improved (thicker gauge) wires. Pulling up the floor, removing seats and door panels, etc. These trucks just don't go back together the same way as they do the first time when they're assembled at factory. I've found this out on previous new vehicles at least 3 times from various "reputable" shops and won't go down that road again.

 

I have 0g wire for power to 2 amps, 12g wire for all door speakers, sound deadened the entire truck and used ensolite foam, custom box, etc, etc, etc, all of it went back together just fine. Sounds like the shops you are going to don't do very good installs.

I've seen horror stories come out of Audio Express, Best Buy, places like that so I don't doubt the past experiences you've had. I'm just saying if you know what you are doing, it's not hard and does fit back together just fine.

 

IMO, and this is just my opinion. There is no reason to 'settle' with a big purchase such as this truck. Get what you want the first time around.

To me, the JBL sounds fantastic. I'm 2-channel home audio guy. I listen to SACDs on Martin Logans.

The JBL is not for critical listening - like I do at home. It's more of a 'fun' stereo to turn up when your favorite song is on. I think for the price ~ 600$, it's a no brainer.

 

Not if you can't find a truck with it. I need to get rolling on new designs, so it can be skipped. Most of the time I'm listening to podcasts anyway.

 

Well your circumstance is not typical. I'm sure there are tons of folks that will be willing to let you use their truck for measurements.

If you're not really a music guy, then yeah - the JBL is not really essential at all. For me, not having music on when I drive is strange. I'm also a fan of live recordings and I like to play things at 11.

 

Rather have the storage.

 

I went with a couple diff places in SoCal and Kustom Kar Audio up off of raintree once back in 2003. Had a guy who worked with WestCoast Customs redo one of the shitty jobs done and it was still not much improved (was getting signal noise in speakers from poorly ran or crossed lines somewhere). My point is, been there, done that and it isn't worth the risk based on my experiences. Carry on.

 

When I initially ordered my truck in January I did not want the JBL. And from what I understood the JBL is what came with the premium/tech package. Along with dual climate/sunroof/BSM etc.. Honestly I think the non JBL system sounds great. I figure if I want to update speakers down the road I could and probably get just as great sound quality for a fraction of the cost. Just my $0.02.

 

For what I do, it's best to actually have the truck, and there is NOBODY locally with a 2016 Tacoma. This is domestic truck territory.

 

The JBL is an option on top of the premium/tech package. $600 more.

I'm sure a few folks would love the JBL w/o having to buy the premium/tech package, but Toyota is strange that way.

 

No offense, but it sounds like your mind was already made up before even starting this thread.

If you need internet affirmation on your decision, I can't really help you with that. I think the JBL is a great and cheap upgrade. And this is coming from someone who really enjoys 2 channel home audio.

 

I can't find the thread ATM, but could have swore I saw the rear door speakers with JBL were actually Only tweeters. (Still using a holder as big as standard speaker though).

Not saying size matters... But still you'd expect a full speaker for an increase in the cost.

 

Good to know. I'm happy with my choice. Only thing I wish I had from the premium/tech package was the dual climate. If you're married you know what I'm talking about!

 

Love it when people preface their post with "No Offense" because 9 out of 10 times that means the offense is soon to follow.

 

She's always too cold and I'm always too hot.