'03 JBL "Synthesis" system review

[stimpy]

Here is my quick review of the JBL

 

[bclements3]

I'm already shopping for aftermarket audio/video

So far this is what I'm looking at:

DVD/CD/MP3 Receiver: Clarion VRX935VD - $1999.99
In-Dash Center Speaker: Clarion SRK5 - $159.99
Clarion TTX7501Z TV Tuner with CeNet Control - $359.99

I have yet to find an external AMP & sub that I would be happy with. The only downer about this CD/DVD/MP3 player is that you can not watch videos unless parking brake is engaged.. why would anyone want to watch movies just sitting in their car not driving???

I currently own a Galactic Grey '03 SR5 4WD V8 4runner an I am loving it. The only thing I have added so far is an autodimming mirror w/compass from gentex. Next I'm looking to replace the bulbs across the board from amber to blue. Then if I still have any $$ left over I'll think about painting the cladding or seeing if I can getting it replaced with color-keyed cladding from the dealer when the "Appearance Package" is available.

-Bill

 

[Thai]

bclements3,

It seems like the ONLY major problem you have is with the lack of low-end bass.

Recently, KENWOOD came out with a small subwoofer. Here is the link:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productTypeId=52&sortBy=price&productId=742

It is a 5.25" passive radiator SELF-POWERED small/thin subwoofer. It is self-powered...thus, you don't need to buy a separate amplifier to power it nor find a place to install the amp. Remember, you can also place this subwoofer under your font seat (if you have space). And if you could, then you don't need a monstrous subwoofer to get good bass because the bass will be right under you...and you get a more unified sound. You probably can get one for around $150-200 if you do an internet search. BTW, this Kenwood sub has gotten pretty good review.

Another option that i like is the Infinity Basslink. This is also a self-powered passive radiator subwoofer, except that it is much bigger (10") and more powerful (200W). Again, this will only fit in the cargo area. It has gotten great reviews from owners! Here is the link:

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/hot_news.asp

Note: i think you can get a Basslink for around $200-250 over internet.

You could hook either of these subwoofer in place of the rear subwoofer. BTW, the Toyota JBL rear sub is 6.5".

Hope this helps.

 

[bclements3]

Re: JBL Synthesis

Thanks for the info Thai! I took a look at those infinity basslink's at Good Guys today, and they do look like a pretty good investmnet, espcially since they are going for < $200 on ebay.

On another note, anyone know what make/model the front & rear speakers are for just the std 6-speaker system in the 2003 sr5? I just upgraded to an alpine cda-7878 today, and the speakers are kickin! I know they are labeled as the 'jbl synthesis 3-in-1' system on the features list, but I am unable to find these listed on jbl's car audio web site. If anyone know's the make & model of the jbl speakers, please let me know. It would save me the trouble of dissambling my door panels to find out ;-)

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[Thai]

Well, your headunit is made by Toyota or Eclipse or someone else. It is NOT a JBL headunit for sure. There are no 6-disc-in-dash headunits in the aftermarket, with the exception of Nakamichi. The regular Toyota speakers are made for Toyota, probably by Pioneer. Your JBL speakers are made by JBL/Harmon Kardon for Toyota. They are high in efficiency, likely 2-ohm, to maximize the power of your JBL amplifier.

That is all i know.

 

[PWRHungry]

Can the additional subs you speak of be hooked up to the existing JBL system? I like the in-dash CD changer but would like more sub

 

[Thai]

Yes, i think any aftermarket sub can be hooked up to factory system. You can always hook your sub up to the rear speaker wires, or maybe even the factory sub (if you have the JBL system). In fact, i am sure you can take the leads out of the JBL sub and hook it up to an aftermarket sub.

 

[4Runner_Fan]

Adding an aftermarket sub can be a little more tricky that just adding one of those self-powered ones. Do not tap into the speaker wire at the back of the car as it has already been "crossed over" to a certain frequency that is matched to the specific JBL sub that comes stock. Rather, it is necessary to tap into the sub wire at the front of the car before it reaches the crossover or the amplifier. This poblem exists in my 01 TL in the Bose systems. People tap into this wire in the trunk and cannot figure out why it sounds so bad. Good luck.

 

[juandixon]

i like that kenwood sub u posted thai. seems plug n play. i am strongly looking to get this thx.

 

[twbauer]

any more thoughts on a sub install?

Adding an aftermarket sub can be a little more tricky that just adding one of those self-powered ones. Do not tap into the speaker wire at the back of the car as it has already been "crossed over" to a certain frequency that is matched to the specific JBL sub that comes stock. Rather, it is necessary to tap into the sub wire at the front of the car before it reaches the crossover or the amplifier. This poblem exists in my 01 TL in the Bose systems. People tap into this wire in the trunk and cannot figure out why it sounds so bad. Good luck.

I just purchased a 04 Sport V8. I have the JBL 10 speaker system, but agree that it doesn't have too much of a "low end". I have a 10 bandpass sub and a pioneer GM-X542 AMP (bridgable to 150W) that I would like to add. The post above says something about adding the sub after the built-in crossover would make it sound bad. If I have a built in crossover in my amp, or add a crossover before or after my amp, this should solve the problem shouldn't it? If the crossover frequency for the built in sub is at ... say 90Hz and the one in my amp is at 60, I should still get all of the signal that I need.... CORRECT?

 

[sharp4runr]

I'm in total agreement with the first post. The only difference with my system is that it is just the singal disc not the CD Changer.

I just installed 2 10" sony subs and 480 watt Xplode amp and it brings the system to life. The stock system has decent highs and mids, but no lows. An aftermarket sub/amp combo was the fix. I'm so glad I went this route. See my thread for pics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4628

It was installed by Circuit City. They did have to talk to JBL because they were unsure of how to wire up the AMP. My AMP has Line Speaker inputs so they didn't know what speaker to tap into. Don't ask me what they did as I am not a qualified installer. you might have to just call JBL like they did to figure it out.

July

 

[Vortec4800]

Adding an aftermarket sub can be a little more tricky that just adding one of those self-powered ones. Do not tap into the speaker wire at the back of the car as it has already been "crossed over" to a certain frequency that is matched to the specific JBL sub that comes stock. Rather, it is necessary to tap into the sub wire at the front of the car before it reaches the crossover or the amplifier. This poblem exists in my 01 TL in the Bose systems. People tap into this wire in the trunk and cannot figure out why it sounds so bad. Good luck.

That will not work on the JBL system. The line from the back of the head unit is not a regular speaker signal, but a bus data signal that sends all the signals for each speaker through one set of wires.