JBL 10-speaker System - any aftermarket options?

[mitchgx]

I'm the proud owner of a new '04 SR5 with the single-disc JBL Synthesis 10 speaker upgrade - I didn't really want the upgraded stereo because I was looking forward to shopping for some aftermarket components, but everything else about the vehicle was what I wanted. After searching through this forum, it would seem that this dang JBL system is practically a proprietary system that doesn't lend itself to any sort of aftermarket solutions. I was hoping to at least change the head unit and add a changer.

I talked to a respected local car audio shop, and they basically told me that there aren't any head units that he's aware of that are compatible with the 10-speaker system and about all you can do is tear everything out and start from scratch. Has anybody had any experience with swapping out the head unit on one of these?

At the *very* least, I'd love to have a changer added to the existing unit, but as most here are aware, the matched Toyota unit is ridiculously priced - it's pretty tough to swallow spending $700+ just to have a 6-disc magazine changer put in. Is anybody aware of any compatible changers? The guy at the stereo shop said he thought Alpine might make a changer that could be added to a lot of Toyota systems, but he wasn't sure (he's not an Alpine dealer).

I love my new 4Runner, but the stereo situation is a bit disappointing. Thanks for any input!

-MG

 

[sharp4runr]

I've seen Rigs on here with different HU. I'm not sure if they came from the JBL system though.

If you don't mind the reduced quality, FM modulated CD changers work on any car though I wouldn' t recommend it.

I've just installed an AMP/Sub combo and it really makes the JBL system come alive. Now it has the lows that it was lacking. Heres my thread on it: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4628

 

[Vortec4800]

www.phatnoise.com

A little more expensive than the 6-disc changer, but if you've got a lot of music like me then its worth it all.

The main problem with the JBL system is the fact that the amp is in the back and the wires that go to the amp aren't normal. Instead of the head unit sending a signal for each speaker like a normal stereo, there is one set of wires that go to the amp and work as a bus. The JBL system is actually very good, except for the lack of bass. Adding a subwoofer is quite a simple task, just take out the current subwoofer and attach a line output converter to the wires that go to the woofer, send those to an amp, and attach that to whatever suits your fancy. After that a good upgrade would be some better speakers, I don't think you'd really need an upgraded amp. The JBL amp seems pretty decent from what I can tell. If you really want a new amp for the speakers but want to keep your factory head unit look, then you will need to tap into the amp and rewire the truck. If you really want to do that and don't mind changing the head unit, I would say get an aftermarket unit. If you get an Alpine, you can attach it to your ipod for something like the phatbox at a much lesser price.

I ordered my phatbox a while back but I'm waiting for the cable to come for the JBL system (the one that came with it was for the normal system - make sure you call and specify if you do order one) and I'm very excited. The extra price was worth keeping the stock head unit look. I also put in a Rockford Fosgate amp and an Infinity Perfect 10" sub which sounds superb. My next upgrade will probably be a set of Infinity Perfect speakers in the front and rear. Infinity speakers match the JBL system well because they're made by the same company (Infinity = JBL = Harman/Kardon like Toyota = Lexus)

 

[mitchgx]

Interesting info regarding the Phatbox. I went to the site and I didn't see that it is specifically compatible with the 2004 4runner, and more specifically, the headunit that's with the 10-speaker system. Did you get further confirmation from the company that it is indeed compatible?

Something like that would be quite cool - even the 20GB version would be great. I'd love to hear from some people that have experience with this unit - sounds like it's still pretty new. I wonder if there are any b&m dealers selling this thing?

-MG

 

[Vortec4800]

Well my dad has one in his Range Rover, and its awesome to say the least. That's the only reason I was even considering it, because I already have experience with one.

I thought the same thing about the compatibility, but when I called they said that it was in fact compatible with my stereo so I'm hoping they're right. I'm on vacation right now for a couple weeks, when I get home I'll install it and let you guys know what I think.

 

[ktrahan75]

Vortec4800


Do you have this sub hook installed yourself and if so what type of speaker/amp you are using. In the same boat as everyone else, considering the audiobahn enclosed sub or eas bazooka.

 

[Vortec4800]

I did everything myself, I bought a Rockford Fosgate amp and a wiring kit from Best Buy (hooray employee discount), then ordered an Infinity Perfect 10" sub from ebay and built a box that would fit underneath the double-decker storage unit.

I mounted the amp underneath the passenger seat, and my phatbox will go underneath the driver seat. I love the way it sounds, it was exactly what the stereo needed. Looks nice too, the box is black and the subwoofer is silver aluminum, looks very classy. The amp is hidden, all you can see is the box and the wire that goes to the sub. I can easily (and have had to a few times) remove the box and stick it somewhere else, leave it in the garage or find another place for it for hauling larger items when I had to move just recently. I can take pictures of everything when I get home around July 28th or so, I'm on vacation right now and don't have any pictures of it here.

[edit]Here's the amp I got, its wired to 4ohm for 300w of power.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...50433&productCategoryId=cat03085&type=product
[/edit]

 

[ktrahan75]

so you tapped into the wiring directly from the sub?? and powered the amp from the battery??

pics would be great, thanks