Replace OEM JBL sub and add an amp?

Has anyone done this? I have an 18 Limited Taco with the OEM JBL set up. It's been years since I've messed around with any type of car audio stuff. I HATE the JBL set up. It sounds great sitting in a parking lot but as soon as you get out on the highway it needs cranked way up and the low end is pretty pathetic.

I understand that the JBL system creates challenges for replacement as well. I'm guessing I need some kind of device to change the audio signal that goes to the current sub into RCA, add a mono amp and hopefully just use the OEM box for a new shallow mount 8.

I'm afraid that deleting the factory sub could cause other problems. I've read that the OEM amp has issues when it doesn't detect that the sub is there.

I don't need it to be crazy, I'd just like to lower the bass setting on the radio and use an aftermarket amp to get some more low end. Hopefully I can put something together for a few hundred bucks that sounds a little better.

Thanks!

 

I have (had) a 2017 with the OEM JBL set up. The first thing that you need to do is ditch ALL the JBL speakers. It's amazing that JBL would put their name on this crap! Then throw away the so called sub-woofer enclosure. There are several after market enclosures that will fit behind the seat. The amp isn't half bad and works pretty well with decent speakers.

 

Thanks, I'll look at anything at this point, what did you put together? I'm really disappointed with the JBL, I would have just got the off road truck instead of the limited. The JBL was the only reason I did the limited sadly.

 

We have a sub? I too have an 18 with jbl. Where is it. I traded my 12 fj with jbl and it had more bass. The sub was on the rear side panel.

 

Behind the rear seat on the passenger side. It's not good though.

 

I’m also disappointed with my JBL system. Would like to know what you guys replaced and if they are plug and play.

 

These are the components that I replaced the worthless JBL speakers with. (Amazon links on bottom of post)
It sounds pretty good with the JBL amp, and I'm very critical of audio systems.
Here is a picture. I also put in an equalizer. I just ripped out all the toyota plastic crap.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003633654/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

JBL GTO19T Premium 0.75" Component Tweeter - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00881CT1Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$79 Audio Enhancers CSP10C Subwoofer Enclosure Box, Carpeted Finish

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...e=UTF8&psc=1#HLCXComparisonWidget_feature_div

$90 Rockford Fosgate R2D2-10 Prime 10” R2 2-Ohm DVC Subwoofer - 250 Watts RMS / 500 Watts Peak

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UFHXTM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/JL-Audio-C2-650X-Evolution™-speakers/dp/B002PJ7FVG/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1524698354&sr=1-1&keywords=c2-650x

Also, you will need to buy speaker mounting adapters from Taco Tunes

 

Also, after you remove the worthless JBL crap, don't throw them away, BURN THEM!!!!!

 

If you guys think the JBL is bad in the Tacoma, it sounds amazing compared to the JBL in the Rav4. The Rav4 JBL sounds like an alarm clock.

 

I want a bit more highs (I’m ok with the bass). Do the tweeters sound a lot better even without the EQ? Which EQ did you go with. Why not matching components?

 

I don't have much high frequency hearing left, so I really went hard on the tweeters and put in 4 of these in addition to the tweeters in the co-axial and tri-axials:

JBL GTO19T Premium 0.75" Component Tweeter - Set of 2

$34 JBL GTO19T Premium 0.75" Component Tweeter - Set of 2

My kids can't stand so much high frequency, but it sounds great to the old man. The equalizer is a Audio Control EQX.

 

Wow 6 tweeters (4front and 2 in tear)!? I added those tweeters in my cart. Thanks for the info!

 

I'm in a similar boat. I do NOT like the JBL audio and more than the poor audio, I HATE that i lose the largest interior storage area because of the crappy sub.
From the limited info I was able to find, it seems like I'll need to add a small 4 channel amp and an under seat self-contained amp.
Compact 4 channel amp: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003VVYL46/
Under seat sub:

$190 Sound Ordnance B-8PTD 8" Powered Subwoofer

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00IF9IIWK/
Then I'll replace all of the speakers if I still feel the need.

Hopefully I can find someone to trade me for their 60-side trim piece for my sub and trim piece.

 

Curious to see how this goes. Keep us up to date.

 

I bought one of those powered 8" subs for my old ladys Kia. It actually does a pretty good job! I'm very impressed by it. It added a pretty decent base punch. Way better than stock. Then again i'm not an audio nut.

I've got one for my Taco, that exact one posted above (Sound Labs) that i've yet to install. The warm weather is here now though, so I can go ahead and get it done. Hoping it goes well with my kicker speakers that i've put in!

 

I have a 2012 with JBL, I replaced all four door speakers and the crappy subwoofer. I am using Infinity speakers for the doors. 2.7 ohms each. I am using JL Audio 8” woofers, 300W total with a Kicker amp. This setup sounds super nice. Doesn’t wake up the neighborhood, but inside the cab sounds amazing!

 

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I was under the impression I had to change out my JBL head-unit also in order to get better sound of of Non JBL speakers. Is this not entirely accurate??

I have some Kicker speakers I had put in my '17 that I'd like to put in my '18, but haven't because I've read just changing out the speakers wouldn't make a difference on the JBL systems.

How can I add an amp to get more power to the speakers?

TIA!!!!

 

I have a 2012 with JBL package, I changed out the cheap-o JBL speakers with Infinity speakers and it made a huge difference. As long as you stay below 3ohms, youll be good. the factory speakers are 2ohms, at least on the 2012 (2nd Gens). The Infinity spears I went with are 2.7ohms and they pack a punch even at Volume 50. No distortion, just clean bass, clean mids, and for the rears clean highs.

As far as adding an amp to get more power the speakers, I would like to know that also.

 

2 10” Rockford fosgate subs with a 500 watt Rockford fosgate amp. Works great had it in for about a year or two. Use them everyday, never had a problem.

 

These boxes are heavy! lol That's one think I don't like about them.