Replacing JBL Factory amp

After having the JBL sound system for about a year now it’s ok, it has great power on some songs but after listening to music after awhile it seems like it gets to hot and the bass and volume go down a bit. Can I just replace my amplifier with an aftermarket? And if so what can I use and how should I do it? I want to keep my factory head unit and speakers but want a little more power.

 

The answer is yes. How much do you want to spend? If money isn't an issue then there are plug and play replacements which you can find with a quick google, make sure you select the "with jbl option" whenever available. If you want a little bit more customization and are willing to do some work then there is a system called the maestro AR which will let you use aftermarket amps with the jbl system, there's also the PAC Amppro.

 

I’m trying to stay somewhat reasonable I don’t want to spend a huge amount. I just need to know what kind of things I need and how would I be able to do it. I know I have to do some re-wiring. Do you know how to do it and how to set it up becuase that’s the main thing.

 

use google to search for what you're looking for and then add tacomaworld at the end to make sure it takes a look at the forum, plenty of threads on here to help you out like this one

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-jbl-full-system-upgrade-w-factory-hu.605691/

its not hard to do. The first decision to make is how much you're willing to spend because that dictates everything. If you were to buy a replacement amp that interfaces with a maestro AR or a PAC amp pro, it would be a basic amp install. You're basically installing a secondary amp and leaving the old one alone, sometimes you unplug it and sometimes you don't depending on what you chose to do.

if you don't want to do any research then just go to Crutchfield.com and put in all the information on your build, they'll help you select an amp/adapter combo that will work and they offer plug and play harnesses.

 

Ok, so if I add the second amp will it give more power with the factory speakers and sub still? And does the AR and the other one basically connect to the wires that are already there and basically connect that to the amp and add another one?

 

yes. The AR is a little box that connects to the JBL stereo with a plug and play harness, you then run another prewired harness over to wherever you have your new amp installed and then from there you use another harness to connect the new amp to the wire harness that goes into the jbl amp.

You can splice wires if you'd like but you don't have to.

 

Where do I get the other harness to connect to the JBL amp? And where do I connect it to the JBL amp? I’m sorry for all the questions but you’re helping me out a lot. Also what amp do you recommend?

 

how much money do you want to spend? do you know what a dsp is? are you willing to troubleshoot?

 

I want to stay under $550. I’m not sure what a dsp is, I’m kind of looking for the easiest way but if its worth it how much is it

 

Here is a video that will explain what a dsp is and the maestro integration. I have been using it for about a year and love it. It is plug and play to an extent but with all aftermarket items you will need some knowledge and technical skills to install. If you have never done an amplifier installation I suggest you do lots of research before trying to do it yourself. If you feel as though it's over your head then it might be best to save up money and pay someone to do it.

 

So after watching the video my understanding is to connect all the factory wires that connects to the JBL to the AR and then to the amplifier? My neighbor is a huge on audio and just re-did his whole ford so I will get him to help. Did you do that if so where did you put the amp and what did you use? Also can you add another little 8inch woofer for under the seat with that amp?

 

that's a nice neighbor.

 

I did a full audio build with subwoofer enclosure and amp rack. The maestro ar has a harness that plugs into the factory harnesses then to the AR and Amp. You can put a subwoofer anywhere you can fit one. I havent seen one under the tacoma seats I dont think there is enough space. Go to the idatalink maestro website and look around. There are other amps that work with it as well.
https://www.idatalinkmaestro.com/en/

Picture of my amp rack and sub enclosure.

 

Here is the wiring diagram from maestro's install guide to give you an idea how its wired up.

 

That looks great! Did you have to use a kicker amp or is that just for the sub? And I just want to make sure this will work on the 2021s

 

The kicker amp is for the sub. The kenwood is for the tweeters and door speakers.

 

Ok so I should just go ahead and buy the bundle of the kenwood and the AR? With that system you can basically just ditch the factory amp and sub correct

 

Also are there any adaptors you recommend to make it easier?

 

If that's the route you want to go then yes they will replace the factory amp. There are other amps that work with the maestro ar you can look into. You will need to buy an aftermarket sub and enclosure as well. You will not want to use the taco JBL sub and enclosure.

 

You will need the wiring harness from idatalink for the maestro ar. I believe it's the AT03 but double check that on their website by putting in all your truck information. You will also need an amp wiring kit to hook up the kenwood or whatever amp you decide to run with the AR.