Solved an audio issue with S22 & JBL sound

I just wanted to post this in case anyone else is having issues with the sound quality of the JBL upgraded sound system.
I have a Samsung s22 ultra and a '24 TRD OR with the JBL system, but it may apply to other Samsungs. I am also connected wirelessly via Android auto if that matters. It may not be a problem when connected with a cable.
When I got my truck a few weeks ago, the first thing I did was pump up the bass level and turn up the volume. I was extremely disappointed in the bass and sound level. I wasn't expecting the sound I had in my old Tacoma with a sub and custom speaker setup, but I could barely hear the stock sub hit at all.
I thought I solved it when I found Samsung has a built in, custom equalizer. I turned everything on the phone equalizer up, and everything sounded like a custom stereo. However, when I closed the equalizer, or changed the song, all the bass and other settings disappeared. The Samsung equalizer was still turned up, but the sound quality fades back out. Apparently it's a glitch in the Samsung sound equalizer.
I downloaded a few equalizer apps from the app store and found that PowerAmpEqualizer worked the best. After installing the app, open the equalizer settings of "YouTube music, Spotify, or whatever you listen to music with. When you open that, you will be prompted to use the stock equalizer or the new app you downloaded loaded. Obviously, select the new equalizer app and all will be right. Tune the equalizer and bass boost through the app and this JBL sound system will impress the hell out of you for a stock system.
I have noticed that Spotify must compress files differently and the overall volume/sound quality is not as good as Amazon music or YouTube music, but there's no way to change that.
I hope somebody having this issues finds this and enjoys their stereo.

 

I'm wondering if you could provide a link to the Google play store app? Looks like there are several with similar names and I want to make sure I grab the right one.

Also, does Android Auto support it?

 

Sure thing. This one works the best.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.equalizer

There's quite a few adjustments you can play with, or you can use preset eq's. I found that it also helps to turn up the bass boost. It's also nice to be able to get that overpowering dash speaker to blend in better with the sound.

 

Is there a similar app for iPhone? Thanks!

 

I don't know, sorry. I don't have an iPhone in the house, but I did a quick search and it doesn't look like it's available. You can probably find an equalizer on the iPhone app store that'll work, but you may have to download a couple to find one that works well.

 

I never felt the jbl system was that bad but I just tried some equalizers to see what affect it had for me. I tried the built in YouTube music one and it sounded awful. Everything went flat and the bass boost did nothing. I tried some highly recommended ones from the play store and it again didn't help. After those I just went back to normal and was happy.

Maybe the built in Samsung one is causing issues? Have you tried media from USB?

 

Definitely it's an issue with the Samsung built in equalizer. I've heard from many people that don't have any issues with different phones. Hell, it could just be a bug in the latest update I got from Samsung. I wrote to them, but I doubt it'll do any good. At least it's good now. If it wasn't for the fact that the built in subwoofer barely produced any bass, I might not have noticed it as much. Next time I get a Samsung update, I'll try the original phone equalizer to see if any gets changed.

I also have a bug that doesn't allow calendar notifications to appear, but I don't know if it's Samsung or Android Auto causing the issue. First world problems. Lol.

 

Hmmm, I don't seem to have those issues with my S24. I generally listen to rock, stoner metal, heavy metal, etc. and the bass/treble have been fine on my JBL equipped SR5. Even tested out some "dirty south" rap and it just about rattled the windows on the house

 

That's good. I hoped it wasn't a widespread thing. Maybe since the s22 is a little older, it's not getting enough attention paid to it. I'd upgrade, but I just spent a shitload of money on a truck. Lol

 

Hah, I got my phone before my truck. My old S10E was suffering a slow death so I had no choice.

I do have intermittent Android Auto connectivity issues, like everyone else, so hopefully Toyota comes up with a software update. Unlikely, but a guy can hope

 

Thanks for posting this. I have an S22 Ultra and JBL system as well. Just downloaded it and ran to my truck to check it out. IT CAME ALIVE!!! Night and day!

 

I'm glad it helped out. I felt like I was in the front row of an AiC concert when I figured this out. If it's too loud, you're too old.

 

When I first connected my Samsung S24+ I had the same issue. But then I discovered that if you go into the head unit (Toyota Icon in Android Auto) you can go to Settings/Sound & Media. From there you can use adjust the head unit equalizer and Balance & Fade. This will then cover all Media/Music like Pandora or FM radio. Then for fine tuning you can use Sound Assist for Samsung from the Galaxy Store. The equalizer is highly customizable, but I especially like the ability to set different volume levels for different apps, and adjust step increments for phone volume control - these for while using earbuds and not AA.

 

For improve Spotify, you have to open Spotify

1. click on you name
2. click on Settings and Privacy
3. click Playback
4. Navigate to Volume Controls -> Volume level - select Loud

There is also an Equalizer just above Volume Controls, I haven't play with that but it does have settings for the different types of music genres....

 

This sounds perfect, I just downloaded and need to test tonight after work. I was so disappointed with the Spotify volume and sound coming from my phone and was hopeful there was a remedy other than buying an amplifier

 

Let me know how it turns out. I mainly use YouTube music because I prefer downloading for offline listening.

 

Sure will. You can also download Spotify songs for offline listening as well.

 

That's good to know. I'll have to give it another shot. I did like the layout. I wish Android Auto wouldn't simplify all the music apps so much. I still end up reaching for my phone to go through my library. Oh well.

 

Bro, the stereo sounds totally different. It's like I put an amp in it ! I was able to max volume previously, now I cannot go above 45 ish depending on what I'm listening to! Perfect!

 

Awesome. I'm glad it's working for you. It made me really happy when I figured it out. I was dreading the thought of putting a new, expensive, system in a truck I just spent so much money on. Lol