Advice on Stereo upgrade Options for JBL HU?

[cgulliver]

So we just picked up a used (32k miles) '05 SR5 with the JBL Synthesis single disc HU (16847). As an audio enthusiast, to say I am shocked at the poor quality and source options of the JBL HU is an understatement.

After researching here it looks like I am stuck with a forklift upgrade correct? I don't want to go through a monumental effort and $$ to upgrade but if there is something similar to the Scion HU that would swap in then that would be great.

Otherwise, it looks like I'll just get the PIE adapter for our XM Xpress reciever. Although I hate extra gadgets cluttering up the dash. For now, I have it sitting in the cup holder but thats not the best setup.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.


Thanks

 

[nated05]

Yea, thats one thing that sucks about the '05 jbl stereo. No mp3/sat radio compat. and unfortunatly since it is a JBL the Scion units are not a direct replacement. I have a Uspec adapter I use for an aux. input for my sat radio that works pretty good. If you are looking for better sound there are aftermarket radios that can be adapted to fit the jbl wiring.

 

[cgulliver]

Thanks Nate. That confirms what I was stubbornly hoping against. After combing through 4 years of JBL posts, it was pretty evident.

I LOL at the thought of a room full of JBL engineers trying to simulate 5.1 sound in a 2 channel car environment. If only they would have spent more time on the input and source options for '05.

Oh well, I think I will pick up one of the Aux adapters. Was looking at PAC-AUXBOX2 or TOY-AUX. How does uspec compare and where can I get one?

I am also not content with the XM receiver placement as it is currently in the passenger cup holder. Not sure where to put it as I am not a fan of a dash mounted unit cluttering things up.

 

[SubSonic]

Looks like, without an HU swap, that the PIE Toyo3-Aux may be the way to go. At least then it gives you more options - like multi-line inputs, iPod/Zune and cell phone compatibility and so on.

If you aren't in love with HU, there are plenty of 2DIN HUs out there that could open up your options - but like you said, at a more premium cost. What you choose to do will ultimately be limited by your desired budget.

I'm just glad the nav system was sat ready - and is one of the reasons I chose it when ordering my T4R. Didn't need or expect theater quality sound, but I did want to be able to hook up my Sirius unit to it in a stealthy way, and allow me total control from the JBL's touch screen and my steering wheel controls, which has worked out great.

Whatever you do, I would definitely avoid an FM modulator connection. Tried that for a while in a previous vehicle and honestly, the sound Q sux.

 

[nated05]

Thanks Nate. That confirms what I was stubbornly hoping against. After combing through 4 years of JBL posts, it was pretty evident.

I LOL at the thought of a room full of JBL engineers trying to simulate 5.1 sound in a 2 channel car environment. If only they would have spent more time on the input and source options for '05.

Oh well, I think I will pick up one of the Aux adapters. Was looking at PAC-AUXBOX2 or TOY-AUX. How does uspec compare and where can I get one?

I am also not content with the XM receiver placement as it is currently in the passenger cup holder. Not sure where to put it as I am not a fan of a dash mounted unit cluttering things up.

I have the usspec adapter with 2 l/r audio inputs. Since i dont have an ipod I didnt need that conectivity. Do a search you can find those on amazon and on the usspec website. I have my sat radio mounted to the right of the climate controls using a clip from Pro Clip. I ran all of the wires from the glovebox, it about as clean as you can get.

 

[Sobrry01]

Anyone know if the OEM JBL navigation head unit is a direct swap for the standard JBL head unit?

I have the standard JBL and was thinking about upgrading to the OEM nav HU.

Thanks.

 

[SubSonic]

I use a ProFit VSM mount for my PnP Sirius Sportster 4 mount in my Tundra...and I found this:

http://www.myradiostore.com/p/vsm-g3.html

This is a very similar setup to the one I have in my Tundra. Anyone guess why this site lists one available for 2008 4Runners, but no other model years?

I didn't need one since I mounted my Sportster 4 in the upper/little glove box on my 4R, so I can't comment on its function. Like I said earlier, I did my best to find a HU to order that would work with the Toyota/Lexus input adapter so I could totally hide my unit in this particular truck - I chose the nav radio because I wanted the back up camera too.

I used to have a gooseneck mount, that bolted to the tranny-side seat bolt of the passenger seat. I think RAM made it. I used it in a 2006 Chevy Colorado to mount my Sportster 4 - worked OK. Was out of the way of the console and no passengers ever seemed to mind it as it was out of the way enough not to rub or hit on their leg or arm. Also it made running the power/antenna/FM modulator wires under the console a little easier and mroe clean looking.

 

[SubSonic]

Anyone know if the OEM JBL navigation head unit is a direct swap for the standard JBL head unit?

I have the standard JBL and was thinking about upgrading to the OEM nav HU.

Thanks.

I am sure it would fit, but I do not know it if would work. I don't know if the speaker arrangement is the same, thus the connectors that would be required for the nav unit would be in place. Also, there isn't a real "sat nav" antenna on the top of truck - I am almost certain that it is embedded (as wires) in one of the rearmost side windows on the T4R. There are wires in both of mine, I assume that one side is the AM/FM antenna (there's not hood antenna), and the other is the sat antenna for the nav system. Their patterns are different, and I am reasonable sure that they're not defrost elements.