2014 5th Gen Limited - Help - Audio & Other

[bmak1]

Hi, new guy to the forum, and German car owner until Monday, when I pick up my new 4Runner Limited (Silver Metallic exterior, Redwood interior).

This is my first foray into a Toyota, and was curious if anyone knows of easy after-market audio upgrades for this vehicle. Also, any tips on audio settings, or anything else in general I should be aware of.

I'm trading a my 2011 335i xDrive MSport for a more kid and activity friendly vehicle... cheers!

 

[Vizwar]

What don't you like about the Limited audio? It's not super fantastic but for a stock stereo the JBL setup in the Limited is decent.

I ask because I'm about to trade my leaning '14 TEP with KDSS back to the dealer for a Limited.

 

[flatspin]

Sorry to bring up a slightly older thread but I was doing some research and found this in a search.

I'm also looking at ways to fix up the stereo in the Limited. The middle just sounds, muddy... I'm thinking it's the amp that not able to drive the speakers properly so it's muddying things up.

If this is the case, would I just be looking to replace the JBL amp with a 5 channel amp?

 

[intense1776]

Generally, the amp is not the weak point. First try connecting your iPod or audio device using a USB. This greatly improves the dynamic range. Make sure any EQ settings are turned off on the audio device. Second, try downloading some high bitrate audio files to a USB stick, and see if you notice a difference. >300kbps lossless encoding is preferred. Bluetooth, HD radio, and XM are all pretty low bitrate and can lose a lot in the mids. They are often tuned to exaggerate highs and lows to satisfy the untrained ear.

If you are still dead set on modifying, I would suggest some Infinity Reference component speakers to simply replace the stock speakers. The amp has plenty of power, and until you get into very high end setups, the features and performance of a new amp will not be realized with anything but high end speakers.

Good luck!

 

[Vizwar]

So, I got my Limited and while the audio is much better than the Trail it's not is good as my 2008 SE JBL system.

I think you're on the right path. It seems like the amp is supplying to much low end to the door speakers and the sub doesn't have enough range (distorts easily).

I also really miss the ASL and Surround options, as well as the front center speaker.

All that said the stock Limited audio is pretty good, just need tweaks.