Replacing Factory JBL speakers Thread

I'm not an audiophile by any means but the factory speakers on the JBL audio score something like a 2 out of a 10 for sound quality. I don't play it with high volume, I just want clear sound and I'm not interested in replacing the JBL head unit.
Has anyone tried different speakers and had success?

 

I assume you are using a decent input as a test. I have found the built in hd stereo receiver crap and of course streaming is generally low sampling and XM is even worse. Test with a high steam quality download. You may find the head sucks too and then hit up Crutchfield. Just call them and spend a lot and you will have great sound.

 

I haven't done any testing, just listening to the radio.
I was hoping to hear that someone had replaced their speakers with xxxx & yyyy and their sound quality had improved greatly.

 

I'd like to know if anyone has changed theirs too, I recently got a tacoma and my old acura TSX had this amazing aftermarket sound system the guy I bought it from put in it. Really miss the quality and complete experience I got from that system but everything I see online is ridiculously expensive or too hard to tell how good the upgrade actually is without hearing it in person.

 

this is what I did

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jbl-system-tweeter-upgrade-better-than-subaru-tweeters.599583/

 

You might also want to post/spend some time in the section for audio and video: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/ Lots of good info there that may help to give you ideas.

 

I went with probably the most expensive option that keeps the JBL head unit:

https://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/tacoma-signature-edition-audio-package/

I’m very happy with it and because I did the install I have a very good understanding how to take apart a lot of the interior for future mods.

 

You can swap the speakers out. I’m replacing the front dash ones with jbl 3.5” 2ohm ones. I also replaced the 8” sub with a dvc that I bridged into 2ohm load. Had sub like that for over a year now. Waiting for the dash speakers to come in and then will swap them next week. The system from the factory is muddy af. Think a lot is from the head unit putting out a weak signal plus the dsp in the factory amp cuts power bad when turned up. Swapping the headunit makes a good difference in sound quality. I swapped back to the oem unit after having an aftermarket for a while.

 

I used @TacoManOne thread and replaced all my speakers with the JBL GXs. Thanks @TacoManOne for making that thread. Installed a kenwood excelon XR600-6DSP with the maestro AR powering the speakers. The kenwood has a built in EQ and gives the ability to adjust the speakers to sound great. Wanted deeper more solid bass so installed a kicker 400w mono amp and a 10" Rockford fosgate sub. Also sound deadening really helps with audio and road noise. Built a box and amp rack to fit everything behind the rear seats. I dont plan on replacing the head unit because it has all the functionality I want and need. The kenwood EQ provides the sound tweaking that the head unit lacks.
Just be warned if you want really good audio it's hard to just replace the speakers and be totally satisfied.

 

nice!

 

The problem with the JBL systems is that is runs on 2ohms which is a hard speaker to find unless your willing the spend the money like Riotfunk. My wife's Camry had the JBL on her SE trim and I will never buy another Toyota with JBL's in it, better to upgrade with the stock sounds that run on 4ohms. $.02

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm a good parts swapper, I just don't have the knowledge to pick out what fits and works. I've always relied on Crutchfield in the past but they will oversell you.
On another note, My wife's Avalon JBL system has an awesome sound. (I know, it has twice as many speakers and much better acoustics.)
Like I said, I'm not an audiophile. It might just be my old ears but my factory JBL sounds like crap to me.

 

Apparently the system is made by United radio and jbl licenses their name to use. They have no idea what’s actually spec’d and used for equipment. What I’m told by jbl

 

My standing joke was Toyota told JBL you have a $250 budget for everything. Make it work. ish. And it works-ish

 

For sound testing, get a copy of Don Fagan’s “ Night Fly” on CD. It’s a perfectly mixed album, you’ll hear the deep bass, crisp highs and warm mids. It’s my go to for audio testing.

 

So I should not be testing with my Jimi Hendrix "Purple Haze" album?

 

“ Are You Experienced” ?

 

I'm just wondering if tacos have CD players. I don't think I saw one...

 

No CD players in 2020 and newer

 

Darn, that sucks. Night Fly sounds better on vinyl though