Looking for some REAL answers. Headunit (JBL)

What I want to do is replace my stock HU. The AUX function doesn't work half the time. So I'm looking to replace it with a touchscreen double din. I would like to use the aftermarket HU to power the door speakers. Is that possible without running speaker wire to each door?

I have now "chatted" with Crutchfield reps 2x now. One guy said that I have to buy the JBL wiring harness $80 to install my new headunit because the factory amp powers the door speakers. I am planning on removing the factory sub and adding a more powerful sub/amp setup.

The next guy said I don't need to buy one and that I should just splice into my factory harness. Honestly, I've never spliced into any factory wires and don't want to start now.

The JBL door speakers sound ok and will work for the time being. I'd like to just one run amp for my sub and use the aftermarket HU for the door speakers. I have the new stereo in the Crutchfield shopping cart, should I order the harness with it? If I have to run speaker wire to each door, I'll probably just replace each speaker too.

Thanks for any help.

 

I would recommend to just get the amp adapter and use the existing amp for the JBL door speakers. Sure, you could run seperate wires from the HU to the speakers and skip the amp (thus not needing the adapter) but that doesnt make any sense. Why would you want to skip the more powerful JBL amp and use your weaker HU amp? i am confident the JBL speakers would sound like crap without the amp, and adding aftermarket speakers makes no sense. The JBL system would def sound better than some aftermarket speakers running 20 RMS watts from the HU.

Unless you wanna do an aftermarket amp and speakers along with your new HU, i would just keep using the JBL amp and speakers.

Im probly too late, but theres a response anyway.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Maybe I'm confused on the JBL amp then, does the one amp power the door speakers and the sub?

Reason I ask is because I have a friend who wants to buy the JBL sub.

 

I'm looking to order stuff today or tomorrow.

** While cleaning my garage I found a smaller Kenwood amp (60x2 RMS). I could possibly use this for the front speakers and buy another one for the rear? Considering you can buy a small amp for the cost of the harness.

I'm past the earth shattering bass. I'm more into the detail of the sound with a nice punch from the sub. I have a custom built box for a 8" sub. (no sub as of yet, recommendations?) My amp is 330w RMS at 4 ohms. Plenty of power for a 8" sub.

Am I wasting my money and time, should I just keep the JBL system until it craps out on me?

 

I could be wrong but i am almost positive the amp runs speakers and the sub.

What i would do if your goal is to upgrade the head unit is to do just that, upgrade the head unit and leave the rest alone. I doubt you'd get enough of an improvement to justify all the time and money unless you wanna overhaul the system with some high end stuff.

Unless you're unhappy with the SQ you get from the JBL system, but i think it sounds pretty awesome. you'd have to spend some good money to make something better that's actually worth it.

 

I always add an aftermarket sub to my trucks. Even if it came with one from the factory. I will admit that the JBL system sounds good but I want more thump.

You think it would make much difference going with a more powerful 8" sub in a custom box? Or should I just swap out the HU and call it a day?

 

swap the HU and add an amp and sub... that would make for a pretty good system.

 

Thanks for all these replies. You've been very helpful.

One more question then I'm done bugging you.

What would be a good upgrade over the stock JBL component speakers?