Head Unit and Sub Replacement Suggestions

[RunnerHill]

I have had my 04 runner for 1 year now. It has the JBL Synthesis system with RDS. I guess it was good audio back then but now its terrible. Im looking for a new HU for ~ 150. I want HD Radio, Bluetooth, USB, and Aux.

I also want a new sub. My current stock still works. I want an 8'' Sub that cost ~60. I prefer in to be a simple installation and not have to trim anything. Also, I like Bass. I do not want to buy an amplifier so make it a 2 ohm Sub.

 

[TomTom22]

All i can say is make sure the head unit is 4 volt pre outs or you will need to put a line inverter

 

[RunnerHill]

All i can say is make sure the head unit is 4 volt pre outs or you will need to put a line inverter

Didn't know that. :thanks:

 

[swapmeet]

Everything i've read about the synthisis is you'll pretty much have to do a full replacement to get improved sound. My wife has it in her 4R and I can't find a easy replacement.

 

[JB40]

Where in NC? I'd like to hear it when done as I am stuck with the JBL too.

2 ohm off the stock amp... have you seen these?:
KICKER 10/2010 C8 CAR AUDIO STEREO 8 INCH 2-OHM

Also, get ready to spend about $80 in harnesses and have to fudge with a gain on the harness itself in order to integrate a head unit into the JBL. That's actually what ticked me off into holding off on my upgrade.

I ended up turning the bass all the way down and the front fader up. It actually sounds better for SQ, which is a sad statement about the original setup.

I'm sure that a good 4ch amp, a single decent 8" bridged plus components on the front doors only will kill the JBL system*. I just don't want to pull the rest of the 10(?) speakers out to remove the weight. Might be going down that road someday though.

Subbed for updates.

*Disclaimer, I'm not a car audio guru by any stretch, but I have heard a setup like this and it sounded a lot better than the factory JBL in my 4R.

 

[TomTom22]

Didn't know that. :thanks:

Also the 80 dollars in harnesses is not an understatement

Steering wheel adapter( if needed)

Amazon.com: PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface: Car Electronics

Amp integration/ Wiring harness

Amazon.com: PAC TATO JBL Digital Amplifier Turn-On Interface - Toyota CANBUS Vehicles (1 Each): Electronics

The radio I ended up installing (2.5v pre outs)

Amazon.com : Kenwood DPX500BT Double DIN In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver : Vehicle Receivers : Car Electronics

Line output (if needed)

Amazon.com: Scosche SLC4 Speaker Level Converter With 80 Watt Max: Car Electronics

Also with all the boxes behind the radio it is a real tight fit. Not necessarily a problem but it is a real pain to squeeze all that somewhere in the dash.

 

[Cory619]

I blew my sub and am now in the same dilemma. After looking at how much all the aforementioned harnesses are going to cost me I have come to the conclusion that gutting the system is the route for me. I'd rather spend the money on upgrades than patches just to get it to work and produce the same sound with a new head unit and a more powerful amp for the sub.

Projects......lmao

 

[RunnerHill]

Where in NC? I'd like to hear it when done as I am stuck with the JBL too.

2 ohm off the stock amp... have you seen these?:
KICKER 10/2010 C8 CAR AUDIO STEREO 8 INCH 2-OHM

Also, get ready to spend about $80 in harnesses and have to fudge with a gain on the harness itself in order to integrate a head unit into the JBL. That's actually what ticked me off into holding off on my upgrade.

I ended up turning the bass all the way down and the front fader up. It actually sounds better for SQ, which is a sad statement about the original setup.

I'm sure that a good 4ch amp, a single decent 8" bridged plus components on the front doors only will kill the JBL system*. I just don't want to pull the rest of the 10(?) speakers out to remove the weight. Might be going down that road someday though.

Subbed for updates.

*Disclaimer, I'm not a car audio guru by any stretch, but I have heard a setup like this and it sounded a lot better than the factory JBL in my 4R.

Yeah i heard that sub is decent but you have to do trimming. I feel like after hearing all this i would rather just deal with that. Also i may or may not be in Raleigh.

Also the 80 dollars in harnesses is not an understatement

Steering wheel adapter( if needed)

Amazon.com: PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface: Car Electronics

Amp integration/ Wiring harness

Amazon.com: PAC TATO JBL Digital Amplifier Turn-On Interface - Toyota CANBUS Vehicles (1 Each): Electronics

The radio I ended up installing (2.5v pre outs)

Amazon.com : Kenwood DPX500BT Double DIN In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver : Vehicle Receivers : Car Electronics

Line output (if needed)

Amazon.com: Scosche SLC4 Speaker Level Converter With 80 Watt Max: Car Electronics

Also with all the boxes behind the radio it is a real tight fit. Not necessarily a problem but it is a real pain to squeeze all that somewhere in the dash.

I kind off wish i went with terrible sound and just upgraded it bit by bit. Synthesis is a pain in the butt. The biggest thing i wanted was a new head unit because i can hear mine crackling and having white noise. sounds like just replacing that its gonna be a $300 project.

 

[luv_mi_limit'd]

Most Alpine hu these days come with 4volt preouts.. As far as a easy 8 replacement kicker cvt Cheap easy good bass.. eBay ..I my self am not really afraid to buy a used hu have in the past just ask questions and eBay 99.9 % of the time will help you get your money back If you do get ripped off .. ...I'm ginning way off the deep end with my system right now I will post pics and a run down off the whole system it should be pretty amazing !

 

[RunnerHill]

How do you feel about buying subs on eBay that are already in an enclosure? I feel like and 8'' Sub would not give a good enough sound. Where would you put the enclosure also.

 

[jharradinen]

I ended up turning the bass all the way down and the front fader up.