JBL center channel speaker disconnect

[MtnT4R]

I searched for this, but none of the threads asking about this seemed to have any answers. I put in a bluetooth capable head unit, and wired two 10" subs, and noticed immediately that sound quality was greatly diminished, despite a better head unit and good amp for the subs. Simply, it sounds like crap. I have been reading that disconnecting the center channel speaker and the stock sub could make a big difference. Can anyone verify this? and if so, which wires to cut? Thanks

 

[chuntmd]

Sounds like your stock JBL amp is not being powered or it's not receiving the correct signal from the HU. Are you getting sound from the door speakers?

The center channel speaker is a POC. Pull it out to allow the new HU some breathing room and heat dissipation.

CEH

 

[MtnT4R]

The door speakers are powered, but the center channel drowns them out. If I get up close to each one, I can hear sound, but it sucks. The front doors are definitely louder than the rear doors though. Those are barely playing at all. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if my stock JBL amp isn't going bad...

 

[chuntmd]

Before my JBL gut job I did read something about if you changing the HU and keeping the stock amp you need to set your HU a certain way before you disconnect. The JBL amp is not like a normal amp. It does the surround, left, right, fader, bass, treble etc. The center speaker is a breeze to remove so give it a try. If you have 2x10" subs everything must shake. Just with my 8" JL I can get the side mirrors to vibrate

CEH

 

[Desert Fox]

That center speaker cover pulls up easy then you have access to the speaker.

That speaker is good for a external CB speaker and that is about all.

 

[MtnT4R]

Thanks for the info! I just removed the center channel and stock sub. It definitely sounds better, but the subs arent kicking at all like they did in my trucks. Think I need to replace the stock amp? or maybe its time to wire in a preamp? I just feel like there is a serious lack of power going to all the speakers. Its weird.

 

[MtnT4R]

EUREKA. When running an aftermarket HU on a JBL system, you need to buy a "synthesis unit." This little sucker has a blue pit on it that determines pass-thru audio levels. Sonofa*****. This system is blowing my doors off right now haha