Looking for a way to make my speakers louder (2021 Tacoma)

Hello all!
Recently, I've been pretty disappointed with the volume of the speakers in my 2021 Tacoma Off-Road. It has the JBL package, but it still seems really quiet even at max volume.

I've been trying to figure out a way to make them louder, but most suggestions point towards a new head unit. I'm not necessarily opposed to a new head unit, but I want one that preserves the birds-eye view Panoramic View Monitor cameras that are already on the truck. Is there anything like that out there?

I initially thought that an after-market amplifier might be the way to go, but I'm not really sure where to look.

I'd very much appreciate some advice or input if you have any. Thanks!

 

Q-tips. Use them.

 

The JBL system is basically a line that goes from your head unit to an amplifier which then processes the signal out to each speaker with set wattages. So what you need is a way to process that signal and then send it to another amp and then to the speakers. There's a thing called the "PAC AMP PRO" which supposedly can do this but I didn't want to deal with all the money and wiring involved so I just turn up the volume.

 

I personally would check for an issue with the stock system before looking at aftermarket parts. I’m not sure what physical issue would cause low volume, but at 30 the jbl in my 2019 gets so loud the mirror shakes violently and the doors rattle obnoxiously. I’ve never even been to max volume... The QUALITY isn’t audiophile by any means but there’s no lack of volume.
What is your source? Bluetooth? Aux in? Flash drive? Is the audio out from your device maxed? Are you using an app? Spotify has settings that greatly affect the audio out volume and quality

 

If the source material is boom rap dance that is processed heavy on bass then yeah it will. If you are listening to older music that is filtered and processed/compressed to mp3 it won't be nearly as loud. I have noticed massive differences in song volume going through MP3s from techno stuff to old country type stuff.

 

Switch to the rear one side at a time and see if they are loud as the front. My rears are not as loud so it tied mine into the front signal and that helped a lot. But I don’t have jbl could be different on yours. No issues so far. 9 months ago

 

This is a good point. Material matters as much as audio source but metal will shake the windows too. It doesn’t have to be over bassed for me to experience what I was describing.
I assumed op wasn’t trying to listening to Muddy Waters or Hank Williams originals that were ripped, and that they have tried multiple artists/albums.
Most of what I listen to is modern and digitally mastered, but even the most neutered, 80s punk track gets plenty loud enough. My point was just that there could be something wrong with ops system

 

I found that my iPod plugged into my '17 TRDOR non-JBL has a much better sound than the radio/XM.

 

Drive with your ears closer to the door panels. Should help some.

 

There's a parts list, including the adapters, in the spoiler link found here. I've noticed higher volumes after changing the OEM JBL speakers to new ones.

 

Have you tried cleaning your speakers with Brakleen yet?

 

To the OP, is it possible your equalizer settings are messed up? Possibly your amplifier is not working properly. Is there any adjustment possible with the amp? As another poster said, the sound source could provide vastly different reproduction levels. You might want to add sound deadening in the doors and back wall. Speaker replacement. I imagine there are a number of things possible without changing the head unit to achieve better listening experience.

 

How did you do this? Was it a big deal or fairly easy. I have very little volume from the rears.

 

Play with the balance button on your unit and bring all the sound to the front. I have a none JBL and my stereo sounds great no need to boost it up or anything. Happy with the way it sounds.

 

I agree with @Nirango kid. On vehicles that had front and rear channels, I found the best setting balance for me was slightly behind me and to the passenger side. You can move the balance around, and see if a speaker isn't really supplying comparable output to the others. If your vehicle has the JBL package, you may have a sub-woofer and that may change things a bit. I'm getting the mid-tier Infotainment system in my truck, and everyone in other threads is saying, replace the tweeters first... Which I will probably do. For me, bass is not king. The best amount of separation is. It's probable that at some point, I'll pay extra to replace the speakers in the doors. If/when I do, I'll probably install a bit of noise deadening matt material in the doors, and likely behind the back seat (that sheet metal resonates with tire/road noise transmitted through the suspension), so as to improve the capability of the audio equipment I have. I have no intention of replacing the head unit, as I'll be using wireless android auto. I'll have to do some experimentation there, but I suspect music files I've ripped from my CD collection will sound better than what I can stream, but via wireless AA, I'm sure less best to a wired connection, but hopefully better than bluetooth. Good luck.

 

I did switch the rears out with a different speaker but the weren’t loud enough either did get enough power from stock unit.
I just looked at the color wire at the speaker and found it in the wire bundle that runs down the truck the speaker wires are always twisted together did same with front cut the wire to the rear and soldered it to the front output all at the kick panel it was pretty quick and easy.
Someone may chime in and say you could burn up the factory unit by doing this but mine runs at high volumes most of the time I also have a sub. Volume 40 is very loud on mine. No issues like I said for over 9 months.

 

I've changed out all 6 speakers and the fronts sound great. I want the rear speakers to mesh with the fronts for a more fuller sound. Even if they aren't a separate channel they would at least add some fullness to the t ruck.

 

Well yeah. That's a better source input. Xm is compressed to hell and radio is never great