Another JBL Sound System thread... help?

[Strider]

Hi all! I have a 2003 4runner limited with the JBL TDS 9 speaker system. The headunit is starting to go out and I am pretty sure the sub is blown... i’ve Read multiple threads, watched YouTube vids and reached out to Crutchfield. My question is if this approach below makes sense and if you’ve done certain system upgrades that made a good difference. Seems like there are multiple ways to tackle this issue... I am looking for decent sound without breaking the bank. I am in my mid-30s so I don’t need to do the two 12 subs again. ��

Here is what I was going to do in order so I can save up money piece by piece...

1) Upgrade the headunit to the base Pioneer unit with DVD. I’d also add the steering wheel control hookup to keep those.

2) Replace the sub with either the Pioneer TS-SW2002D2D or Rockford shallow mount 2 ohm. I’m not sure if either is really better and not sure the amp will push the Rockford enough. I just want good clean rich bass. $30-40 difference as the Pioneer cost less.

3) Upgrade the amp to a 5 channel and replace the old JBL. Crutchfield suggested a $500 kicker!!! I wish, but i’ll Stick to under $200 and go with the Rockville db55 4000 RMS 5 channel. Seems like that would do the trick and not break the budget.

4) lastly the side door speakers. I am kind of confused here as some folks retired these to the headunit and/or replaced them with 3 way speakers vs. components. I guess if I get the amp above it makes sense to keep stock wiring.

Thoughts on all of this? Hard to tell from all the threads which is the best way to approach this as I am doing it over time. Perhaps the headunit and sub would get me through a few years. I’d also cut out the front middle dash speaker. Seems like that thing is over powering.

Thanks for the help!

 

[0verland]

1) Upgrade the headunit to the base Pioneer unit with DVD. I’d also add the steering wheel control hookup to keep those.

I don't know if you have looked into it or not, but maybe try sourcing a newer Camry or Scion headunit. It gives the look of stock while still updating the unit with the times. The parts needed are generally all available from Toyota/Scion for pretty cheap. When my headunit decides to kick the bucket thats the way I will be going at this point.

2) Replace the sub with either the Pioneer TS-SW2002D2D or Rockford shallow mount 2 ohm. I’m not sure if either is really better and not sure the amp will push the Rockford enough. I just want good clean rich bass. $30-40 difference as the Pioneer cost less.

My sub went about 8 months ago and I ended up replacing it with a Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 from Crutchfield.. This sub on the stock amp really hits hard. The install guy even said he was really surprised by its performance for the cost and by the fact its still running on the factory amp.

3) Upgrade the amp to a 5 channel and replace the old JBL. Crutchfield suggested a $500 kicker!!! I wish, but i’ll Stick to under $200 and go with the Rockville db55 4000 RMS 5 channel. Seems like that would do the trick and not break the budget.

Personally, I found the factory amp to be more than sufficient so I don't see a need to upgrade.

4) lastly the side door speakers. I am kind of confused here as some folks retired these to the headunit and/or replaced them with 3 way speakers vs. components. I guess if I get the amp above it makes sense to keep stock wiring.

I also have the JBL system, but I am not sure what is involved with replacing the door speakers if anything but mine still perform quite well. The guy I bought my 4runner from was an older gentleman so I can only assume he didn't really use the system to its fullest. If you do decide to upgrade though, this would be the only reason I would say upgrade your amp in order to provide more power to the speakers, as the stock amp provides more than enough to an aftermarket sub.

Good luck!

 

[Strider]

Thanks for the info, I had never heard of or came across the newer Camry or Scion headunit. I’ll look into that. The Crutchfield folks said that would be their first priority and should help with sound a bit. I am excited to have less wires in the truck as i’ll have Bluetooth at some point.

I am glad you provided info on the sub... I had that in my Amazon basket and opted for the Pioneer because of price and other feedback. Nothing better than hearing from someone who’s recently done it.

Good to know about the amp too. I hope that I can do the headunit and sub and let it ride a bit longer.

Thanks for the help!

 

[0verland]

Take a look through here. Good info and ideas.

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