So, I tried to upgrade my JBL system in my TRD Pro a little bit, like I did in my last SR5, but replacing the dash speakers with the good infinity reference 3.5” speakers. It sounded like I covered my front soundstage with a mattress!! (Saying it sounded like I covered it with a blanket is a massive understatement!!)

I was extremely disappointed in what I heard! It was sooo quiet and thin sounding that I had to put the stock JBL speakers back in the dash and that just opened everything up again! The volume and dynamics were back. I also noticed that as soon as I put the grille back on the dash, the speakers bloomed even more! This makes me think they actually put some time into the creation of this system…

So, now I have to figure out something else… I am not happy with the clarity of the JBL system, but just adding aftermarket speakers isn’t going to help like it would in previous set ups.

Do any of you have any advice on how to possibly upgrade without tearing up the vehicle? What I want is for everything to still LOOK like it’s stock, but to sound significantly better while retaining everything we have connected through our factory head unit.

Definitely open to suggestions on how to “stealthily” improve the JBL system.

Thanks in advance!

I know on the non-jbl the door speakers are wired in series with the dash tweeters, so if you don't wire all those wires correctly it could cause issues. I used TacoTunes harnesses in order to install JBL and Infinity 3.5's in my dash and have had no issues with sound quality. Since you mentioned the grilles, I did have to trim my tweeter grilles in order for them to not contact the cone on the speakers

You basically need to bypass everything and run your own headunit and/or amp because the JBL amp powers everything.

I agree with 97blackackcl and double check the polarity of the speakers as this could impact sound. Also remember the JBL speakers are 2ohms so if you were using aftermarket 4ohm speakers the sound level will be reduced.

Honestly the best option to maintain the stock appearance/functions and best sound with least amount of work is going to be OEM Audio Plus package for JBL systems. Seems pricey but if you were to do your own system with similar components and features the cost would be similar. I have been going back and forth on pulling the trigger on their system myself.

This is the way. You need to tap the speaker outputs of the JBL amp and run them through a digital signal processor like the JL AUDIO Fix 82. Then you can use any amp and speakers you want. You cannot eliminate the JBL amp unless you also change the head unit. I wanted it to look stock so I did the DSP along with a JL amp, FOCAL components for the front stage, FOCAL co-axials for the rear doors, deleted the speakers in the hatch and swapped the stock sub for a JL. I installed Dynamat in the doors and trunk floor. The system sounds amazing and looks totally stock.

and the impedance level for the jbl speakers are like 2ohms

if you installed standard speakers they’re probably 4ohms. You effectively cut your wattage in half at that point.