Opinions wanted on audio system: JBL, OEM+, other aftermarket

I test drove a Double Cab Limited with JBL. Do all their JBL systems come with the subwoofer?

I was majorly disappointed in their JBL system. Sounded like there was no subwoofer at all and sounded somewhat tinny, even after playing with the levels. Anybody else share this opinion?

I am coming from a Civic with an aftermarket headunit with aftermarket speakers, no amp to the speakers. I also have a single 10" subwoofer in the trunk at 400 watts RMS.

How would my system in my civic compare to something like the OEM+ Dual system with 300 watt RMS to the two 8" subwoofers?

Thank you

 

The stock JBL system is pretty weak compared to most any aftermarket setup even the most budget friendly. Throw even a little bit of money at an aftermarket system and it's going to blow the JBL out of the water in terms of SPL at least. It does have more bass than subwoofer-less stock systems though.

Need more info on your 10 and amp in the Civic to compare against the O+. Not every 10 and 400 watt amp is created equally and they certainly don't produce the same output.

The O+ system is very nice though. As far as raw subwoofer SPL it's not through the roof. You can rattle the rear view mirrors if you want but it's not on the same level as say some quality ported 10s hooked into a decent 500w amp. That being said the O+ system brings a lot more to the table than just the sub. The more valuable attributes of the system in my opinion are 1) the specialized fit and plug-n-play installation and 2) the custom tuning and balance of the system as a whole. The price reflects those additional features as well. If all you want is as much bass as money can get you, the O+ system is not for you.

I have had the 2nd O+ sub and amp since launch but have yet to install it so can't say how much more it brings to the table.

I'm no expert but the following experience is how I've come to these opinions:
- Many hours listening to the JBL system in a 5th gen 4runner
- Have ran a few songs through the JBL system on a 3rd gen Tacoma
- Have owned the O+ system (single sub) for over a year now
- Had two sealed JL Audio 10s hooked to a 500w rms Alpine amp in a previous vehicle for years

 

Thanks

I have the 11kv.2 subwoofer from Elemental Designs with their amp set to 400 wRMS. It is in a sealed box at 0.6 cu ft. None of my speakers are tuned, just hooked up to the aftermarket JVC headunit.

There really dont seem to be many options since storage space is limited. With the two cubbies used by the two 8" subs, there is only one tiny cubby remaining under the rear seat.

 

I was told if you're going to upgrade, it's much easier if you start with the truck without JBL. My decision was made for me since I'm 6'1 and don't fit in premium package tacomas. Are you wanting the limited, or would a TRD OR or Sport work better for you?

 

Hm I have no experience or knowledge of ED to be honest so still hard to say. If I had to hazard a guess I would say the O+ sub would be in the same ballpark. Maybe not put out quite as much but it would probably be cleaner/better tuned.

Options are some what slim but if you rip out the entire rear cubbies and build a custom box it opens things up quite a bit. Most people who invest a decent chunk into subs in a Tacoma go this route.

Here's an example I found in the audio section after a quick search.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-3rd-gen-install.449084/#post-13163735

 

I want the SR5. They didnt have it in stock for me to test drive so I drove the Limited

 

I installed a complete OEM Audio system with 6 new speakers, sound deadening in the doors even though they said it didn't need it, and a 360 watt amp plus 10" sub and man does it sound awesome...no i don't need to turn the volume up to 40 on the highway anymore...it was a lot of money but it was also plug and play and very easy to install, I had more problems with the front kick panels and the angled trim pins, plus Dan at OEM was great...

 

I have the SR5 and love it, the only thing is it sits 1" lower than the Sport & TRD models, but if your are not doing major off-roading, it will do just fine on most trails.. I will either add 5100's up front and blocks with sumo springs in the rear or something like that very soon..

 

8" sub.

This isn't true. SR5 has same ride height as TRD models.

 

smitty was wrong when he told me that the SR5's sit 1" factory lower than the TRD's...just checked your right...thanks..

and thanks for the corrections...

 

2 words generally not found in the same sentence. "ED" and "hard"

 

The JBL sounds much better than the stock SR5 or the Premium Radio. There are threads on adding an amp to the stock non JBL stuff. The amp goes under the drivers seat and the subwoofer goes in the pocket on the back wall behind the rear seat drivers side.

If going aftermarket keep all receipts and take pics showing the work. In the event it gets heisted you'll need that to get it replaced. That runs rampid here in in the DMV someone always wanting you're hard earned stuff.

Agree, easier to rip out the basic radio and upgrade than to deal with the JBL or Premium Radio. Less stuff attached to it. Also you may lose steering wheel radio controls too? Ask plenty of questions.

 

Stock is stock. Anytime a manufacturer puts a premium audio system in any vehicle it will be a budget version of their off the shelf items. So yes the JBL is a premium upgrade over the base but it is comparing the base to the premium upgrade and not comparing the premium to aftermarket. In many cases the premium is equivalent to a low end budget system.

So if you want real quality even a premium upgrade like the OEM JBL in a Tacoma can leave you wanting more. If you are used to a full aftermarket system then you will always find anything but is lackluster.

 

Is the OEM Audio system only sold trough the manufacturer website? Or are there local authorized shops that carry it as well???

 

just look up OEM Audio, right through their website, Dan is the sound guy and a wealth of knowledge and awesome help..

 

Whats your budget?
My recommendation is to spend money on Audiofrog GS10 tweeters, GS690 6.9's, and a 5 channel amp by Arc Audio, JL Audio, or Mosconi. For subs, get Arc Audio Arc 10, Audiofrog GS10D2, or JL Audio W6 or the flat woofer.

A processor will help alot with time alignment and crossover frequency's, which will change from the factory headunit due to the new speakers specs, as they will be setup differently. You can get a Helix DSP.2, which is the best out, for 500 bucks on Ebay, or you can use the New Jl XVi line amp which has the DSP built in, if you want to save some coin. PM me with what youre looking to do and I can point you in the right direction.