03 Limited With JBL System - Do Not Like The Sound

[JimKW]

I have an 03 Limited with the JBL sound system, but I can't get the sound right at all. It's like almost all the sound comes out of the center speaker only. That speaker sounds fine, but the others just don't seem to be getting much sound at all.

I have messed with the head unit setting by using the Fade a little to the rear and I've tried surround off and on and nothing seems to make it better. Not sure if there is a setting on the amp that I can change or should I just look into buying a better system.

I have a Volvo and a BMW and really like the factory sound systems in both of them and the one in the 4Runner looks to be of very good quality, but the sound is just not near as good as the other two cars. The BMW does have a center speaker also, but you can still hear the other speakers along with the center one.

Any suggestions?

 

[derekdevasia]

You can do something!

There really is no way to adjust the stock amp other than i know. The BEST thing to do that will really make a difference is upgrading your stereo reciever! If you have a touchscreen nav this could be expensive........and as i know, the wire harness for the jbl system is like 70 dollars! BUT, if you order on craigslist, and you order a new stereo, they give the wire harness for half the price, which is much less than you'll find ANYWHERE. There really is no cure for that sound unless you upgrade! I hope you find this helpful!

 

[JimKW]

I don't have the Nav system so I guess that is a plus. Did you really mean order a system on Craigslist? Any suggestions on a decent head unit utilizing the existing amp and speakers? I'm not looking to drop thousands of dollars into a complete new sound system, but willing to spend some money to make it better, a good bit better. Not real big on a lot of bass.

 

[britton406]

I'm assuming he meant crutchfield.. But I've been wrong before haha

 

[derekdevasia]

I don't have the Nav system so I guess that is a plus. Did you really mean order a system on Craigslist? Any suggestions on a decent head unit utilizing the existing amp and speakers? I'm not looking to drop thousands of dollars into a complete new sound system, but willing to spend some money to make it better, a good bit better. Not real big on a lot of bass.

NO NO NO, i'm sorry! Big typo there, hahah i mean crutchfield. And even if you don't have the nav system, if you have the JBL package, you'll need the 70 dollar wire harnness, which is discounted half when you buy from crutchfield.

 

[Dry-fly]

The sky's the limit as far as how much $$ you want to spend on the head unit. You will need the adapter mentioned above to mate the aftermarket HU to the JBL amp. They are made by: PAC, METRA, Peripheral and Schosche. I have a thread posted about these adapters, trying to find the best one. Search around online, they are even on eBay pretty cheap.