Has anyone replaced factory JBL AMP with aftermarket?

[Tironeous]

Reviving an old thread since I just did some upgrades. First the JBL sub blew and I replaced that with a Pioneer TS-SW2002D2. It lines up with the existing holes in the stock enclosure. Sound quaintly is good off of the stock amp.

Next, I replaced the headhunt with Sony XAV-AX5500. I got the wiring kit recommend by Crutchfield and my steering wheel controls still work.

However, now I feel the system is unbalanced. On the stock amp, the sub outshines the 15 year old JBL speakers. I'm sure they were considered an upgrade back in 2005. They just can't keep up with the new headhunt and sub and distortion is a problem. I'm going to replace the speakers soon and debating what to do about the amp.

The stock amp is pushing 2 ohm to all speakers. Most car stereo speakers and components are 4 ohm, which will result in reduced volume with the stock amp. The question now is do I replace the stock speakers with 2 ohm and keep the factory amp, or replace it all? I'm not looking to go crazy and spend a ton of money, but I want it to sound nice for a while.

 

[Drak]

My opinion is rip the entire thing out and replace everything with new.
Just do it and don't look back.
It doesn't all have to be top of the line, of course.
Not that I'm a shotgunner by nature...
But I just think trying to mix and match that old stock JBL system with new components 'here and there' is just not worth the trouble.
Compared to all new components that all match up and play nice with each other.
I just think spot-replacing will yield anemic results, issues, and frustration.
Tho I'm sure many here have done it with success.

I have an entire new system sitting in my garage right now.
Just bought it all about a week ago from Crutchfield.
I've been building my own 4Runner StealthBox for the new 10" JL 10W3v3 sub this week, it's almost done now.
Just waiting on some car carpet to finish it off.

I got the Sony AX1000 compared to your AX5500.
But, all new speakers all the way around, new amp, new head unit, new sub.
And of course, it all matches up with each other.
With the wiring harness it all came to about $1600.00.
I saved $500.00 by building my own Stealthbox, so that's something.
Not sure where that fits in your financial scheme, just tossing it out there.
And also of course, I'll probably never sell the 4Runner.
So I'm committed to it for the long haul.

My worthless two cents on the matter...

 

[Tironeous]

My opinion is rip the entire thing out and replace everything with new.
Just do it and don't look back.
It doesn't all have to be top of the line, of course.
Not that I'm a shotgunner by nature...
But I just think trying to mix and match that old stock JBL system with new components 'here and there' is just not worth the trouble.
Compared to all new components that all match up and play nice with each other.
I just think spot-replacing will yield anemic results, issues, and frustration.
Tho I'm sure many here have done it with success.

I have an entire new system sitting in my garage right now.
Just bought it all about a week ago from Crutchfield.
I've been building my own 4Runner StealthBox for the new 10" JL 10W3v3 sub this week, it's almost done now.
Just waiting on some car carpet to finish it off.

I got the Sony AX1000 compared to your AX5500.
But, all new speakers all the way around, new amp, new head unit, new sub.
And of course, it all matches up with each other.
With the wiring harness it all came to about $1600.00.
I saved $500.00 by building my own Stealthbox, so that's something.
Not sure where that fits in your financial scheme, just tossing it out there.
And also of course, I'll probably never sell the 4Runner.
So I'm committed to it for the long haul.

My worthless two cents on the matter...

Crutchfield is such a good resource. I'm surprised more people don't know about them.

The AX1000 is a nice headunit too! In my opinion, Sony makes some of the best stereos out there.

Sure enough, I've changed out the speakers now as well. I went with Focal's since they're really efficient. I'm running 6.5" components in the front and 6.5" 2-way speakers in the rear doors. I took the time to dynamat the front doors, but didn't bother with the rears. I have some dynamat left over so I'll likely pull out the sub at some point and put it back there.

What amp(s) are you going to run? I'm thinking that will be the next upgrade, but I want to find something I can put in the stock location.

 

[Drak]

My first choice was the JL RD900/5.
All my speakers are JL, and they have a good name.
But I got wrapped up in putting the amp in the same location as the stock.
So there were size issues to consider, and I thought the JL would be too big.

So I decided to go with the Soundstream Picasso Nano PN5.64.
Then, I let go of the idea of having to place it in the same location.
And had planned on just installing it under the seat.

In the end, I don't see running the amp or the sub at maximum capacity anyway.
So either would have been just fine I think.

Yes, Crutchfield is really great for all technical info and customer support.
They'll answer anything and help you install everything.

 

[E=mc^SQD]

Spare OEM JBL 4ch amp

My 04 JBL Synthesis 4ch amp went south.

Has anyone out there a spare or shelved JBL amp they would release?

 

[cdrod]

'08 4Runner amp

I'm in the process of pulling the OEM stereo out of my newly purchased '08 4Runner Limited and would love to sell the old JBL amp to defray some of the new equipment cost. My '08 amp is part number 86280-0W430. Will this work in your 2004.

Rodney

 

[2000m2]

At the beginning of the pandemic, I thought I'd upgrade the head unit as a weekend project. Went with a Kenwood DNR876S and PowerBass 2-ohm 6.5" speakers for the front & rear doors. All from Crutchfield along with their harness and install kits. Very helpful company. Left everything else OEM and it really sounded about 100x better, not to mention the improved functionality of Apple CarPlay.

Lately, I've been getting a horrendous screeching sound with either the radio, streaming from my phone or trying to make a phone call. I spoke with Crutchfield and they think it is the OEM amp failing.

Ideally, I'd like to just unplug the old amp and plug in a new one. Is there a source for new ones? I've found some folks who will rebuild the old one, which seems like a straightforward way to go. Maybe I can find a decent condition used one that someone here removed from their car?

It looks like I'd need an 8 channel amp if I went aftermarket, but I'm not too interested in taking out the head unit again. Is there anyway to use an aftermarket amp without having to run new wires throughout the whole vehicle?

Might as well replace the subwoofer while I'm in there, right? Anyone successfully running a new sub off the OEM amp?
Edit: plenty of folks in this thread running a new sub on the OEM amp
JBL Sub Replacement

 

[rupamchoudhury]

I am replacing my OEM amp with aftermarket amp. Let me know if you want the OEM amp.

 

[2000m2]

I am replacing my OEM amp with aftermarket amp. Let me know if you want the OEM amp.

Thank you, but turned out my problem was the headunit.