Anyone keep JBL RDS system amp/sub and added in additional subs? (Tried searching)

b00ts

New member
My 2003 Limited has the JBL RDS system and the speakers are shot. I was wanting to replace the head unit and upgrade all factory speakers, including the sub. I'm also wanting to add in two additional subs and amp(s) and can't find anyone who's done this to get an idea if it has good results or if I should just nix the factory 8" all together. I like the level of bass for normal listening conditions and I know the HU and speaker upgrades will improve that quality tremendously, but I'd also like to have two 12" subs to kick the bass up. It seems simple enough of a project, but I've never done a system that already had a factory sub and amp in the mix.

TIA
 
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for all that work to do a fresh install, i would just run new wires to all the speakers, if you get a 4 channel amp, its still going to power the doors speakers, for the sub, are you replacing that with another slim/shallow mount? if so just swap it out with something that will work for the sub amp you will be running.
now do you want to run a 4 channel amp to the front only and do active setup?
find a radio with a good dsp to do that and youll thank me later. its more better than the passive 2 way setup everyone is used to.
 
I can’t speak for the JBL system, which I don’t have. But I can say on my ‘08 I just swapped out the head unit for an aftermarket one and then added a mono amp and one 12” sub. Holy crap that thing kicks. It sounds really good even with the factory speakers in.

I guess it depends on what kind of sound you’re going for. If you’re looking for a TON and I mean a TON of bass, then the two subs will give you that. If you’re looking for something that’ll just kick more than the factory would, including the JBL, just add one 12” and an amp. Then look for another amp to power the speakers to get the most out of them if you’re going to aftermarket.

My dad has the JBL system in his and he’s replaced the sub once with an aftermarket one. His doesn’t bump nearly as much as mine does.
 
for all that work to do a fresh install, i would just run new wires to all the speakers, if you get a 4 channel amp, its still going to power the doors speakers, for the sub, are you replacing that with another slim/shallow mount? if so just swap it out with something that will work for the sub amp you will be running.

now do you want to run a 4 channel amp to the front only and do active setup?

find a radio with a good dsp to do that and youll thank me later. its more better than the passive 2 way setup everyone is used to.



Going to just replace it with another shallow. Will be pulling it out this weekend to get dimensions for a new one. Was pricing it last night and will probably just cut the JBL system and start fresh. I was thinking 4 channel bridged for the sub and then the door speakers on the remaining two channels.
 
Going to just replace it with another shallow. Will be pulling it out this weekend to get dimensions for a new one. Was pricing it last night and will probably just cut the JBL system and start fresh. I was thinking 4 channel bridged for the sub and then the door speakers on the remaining two channels.

you can do a 6 channel amp if need too, arc audio xdi are nice.

but yea, if you do 4 channel, you still can use the new radio speaker out for the rears.
 
you can do a 6 channel amp if need too, arc audio xdi are nice.



but yea, if you do 4 channel, you still can use the new radio speaker out for the rears.



Thanks. I’m 32 and haven’t been in the car audio scene since I was around 19, so I’m having to research and learn everything all over again.
 
Thanks. I’m 32 and haven’t been in the car audio scene since I was around 19, so I’m having to research and learn everything all over again.

we are in the same age practically, im just more into my audio since i owned my truck.
 

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