JBL Head Unit Upgrade - Too Many Options - Reviews say kits do not fit...??

[JB40]

Spent all day searching and have jack to show for it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/131863-my-jbl-synthesis-overhaul.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...es/107894-problems-jbl-10-speaker-system.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...-2006-4runner-head-unit-upgrade-question.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/154276-looking-pics-single-din-radio-installed.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162218-dash-kit-double-din.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/86580-pioneer-stereo-install-2.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/105413-factory-stereo-upgrade-poll-what-did-you-do.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162352-new-stereo-din-double-din.html

Okay so let me see if I have this straight, I would need to get:

1. New head unit
2. Steering control adaptor
3. Dual antenna adaptor
4. Bezel kit
and
5. run a power trigger to power the fm antenna amplifier?

To change out my head unit?

I haven't done the install yet Jerrydog but yes. Add the wiring harness too. Also I added on my list many beers ...

Argh. Crappy crap Head unit. Bullcrap "simulated 5.1". Thanks Toyota!

So:
1: head unit
2. steering control harness
3. dual antenna adapter
4. Bezel kit. Which one? WHO KNOWS. Amazon has two, both say they fit limited only and reviews say they don't fit SR5, etc.
5. a power trigger for the fm antenna amplifier? Never even heard of this until the quote above.
6. a vehicle harness.

What in the actual f do I have here?

My goals:
This Week ($150):
Add bluetooth for phone capability.
Add audio file playback.
Have it fit the dash.
Have it dim with the headlamps.
The basic head unit I want is the Pioneer MVHX560BT ($96 on Amazon, rings up to $170 on Crutchfield with all the "free" (wtf?!) installation kits and needed accessories.

No 5.1. No crossovers in my door handles. No $4000 sound system going to SPL contests. No reverse mounted sub hanging out in my cargo area. No Dynamat... etc. etc. etc. I'm just talking about basic upgrades to get rid of the crap I have now without rewiring my entire 4R.

My last car cost a whopping $14 for the installation kit from Amazon, needless to say I'm annoyed as all hell about the options and the reviews on them not fitting, the $75 harnesses, the required installation kits where some of the reviews state that the radio wiggles around in the dash, and all that.

Honestly my head is spinning at this point and I have no idea what to order.

I mean, look at this junk!

Adjustable gain on the adapter? WHHHYYYYYYY :AK47:

I mean, someone guide me to the $15 wiring kit, the $10 single din install kit, and the $10 integration kit. I'm trying to get this done for $30 + the cost of the HU. I'd probably just order from Crutchfield except they want $35 more for the HU.

I literally cannot just sit down and order parts for this thing. And on top of all that I have to pull the console, lower instrument panel, and AC controls just to install it. What a piece of shit.

/rant.

 

[ebg18t]

There a shit ton of options. Everyone has an opinion.

I opted for an Alpine 149bt single Din unit and Alpine SPR speakers. Nothing crazy but sounds decent, has Bluetooth for calls etc.

We put the Kenwood Excelon x697 in hers.both work excellent. Hands free works great. I will say the mic on the alpine is better.

 

[zimdba]

I mean, someone guide me to the $15 wiring kit, the $10 single din install kit, and the $10 integration kit. I'm trying to get this done for $30 + the cost of the HU. I'd probably just order from Crutchfield except they want $35 more for the HU.

I literally cannot just sit down and order parts for this thing. And on top of all that I have to pull the console, lower instrument panel, and AC controls just to install it. What a piece of shit.

/rant.

If that's all you want to spend then get start splicing & cutting wires and quit complaining. Otherwise spend the $$ for someone who's already done the research & created the products you need. Better yet, use your phone and plop this on your dash.

 

[JB40]

If that's all you want to spend then get start splicing & cutting wires and quit complaining. Better yet, use your phone and plop.

No offense broseph but that statement doesn't make sense. Cutting and splicing are synonymous with complaining, because that is a bigass hassle. It's on '05… not '85.

I don't see the problem complaining about inferior sound that's also engineered to be a pain in the ass to replace.

 

[TigerTownAlum]

I have the TYTO-01 available if you need one... Check out my for sale thread.

FS: Axxess TYTO-01 AMP Interface - $40 - Charlotte, NC

 

[elbman]

If you want simple/inexpensive, forget the integration with the JBL amp, replace the speakers and run them off the head unit.

 

[JB40]

If you want simple/inexpensive, forget the integration with the JBL amp, replace the speakers and run them off the head unit.

Please elaborate.

Let's say I'm going to run the $96 Pioneer MVHX560BT headunit.

Even two door speakers and an amp + an SWS8 is going to be more expensive than the integrated harness.

What would you recommend for value per $?

 

[JimKW]

I spent over $600 on a Kenwood new head unit for my 03 and it still sounds like crap. I am actually considering getting rid of the vehicle because I don't want to spend what it will take to make it sound near as good as my BMW or Volvo. My wife loves driving the 4Runner more than the other two, but hates the stereo.

I'm might take it to Columbus Car Audio to see what they will say. Basically they said I need to replace the factor amp and add a sub woofer. The way the sound all comes out of the dash speaker ticks me off and there is no adjustment to make it better. The Car Audio guys says that because of the factory amp.

 

[JB40]

I spent over $600 on a Kenwood new head unit for my 03 and it still sounds like crap. I am actually considering getting rid of the vehicle because I don't want to spend what it will take to make it sound near as good as my BMW or Volvo. My wife loves driving the 4Runner more than the other two, but hates the stereo.

I'm might take it to Columbus Car Audio to see what they will say. Basically they said I need to replace the factor amp and add a sub woofer. The way the sound all comes out of the dash speaker ticks me off and there is no adjustment to make it better. The Car Audio guys says that because of the factory amp.

Agree. I don't think that the HU will make a drastic difference, although some people claim it will. Have you played with the EQ on the Kenwood? The one I had could be greatly improved with that.

I've seen cars and trucks with a single pair of components in the doors + 1 sub under the seat KILL (and I mean KILL!) the JBL I have in the 4R. I may go that route myself, but I'm trying to decide before I spend the 50-80 in harnesses that I may not need. Matter of fact, just thinking about it has me leaning that way.

 

[JimKW]

I had the harness put in when I did the head unit. I really think my next move is to replace the amp and maybe replace the sub in the rear, but try keeping the existing speakers.

My biggest gripe is I can't get it adjusted to hear the door speakers unless I really crank it up. At which point it sounds ok, but I can't play it that loud on a regular basis. And when I say ok, I mean just ok. The factory amp really pushes too much of the sound to the dash speaker. I have actually thought about just disconnecting that speaker to see how that would sound. I think the head unit I got is pretty good. It was a closeout for something that costs over $1,000 that I got for around $600 installed.

 

[swapmeet]

It is what it is... its a premium option that is integrated, and its a PITA to upgrade.

I bought a Scion FRS radio and I have to have that adapter to run it in my wifes Limited. Gonna run me about $100 on top of the other adapters I already bought. Am I happy about it? No. But thats what it takes to get installed.

You have two choices... you pay the piper and buy the adapter BS... Or you remove/ cut all the factory stereo parts and do like someone else said and just install from scratch.
Buy any head unit you want, dash bezel if needed, you'll need the antenna adapter probably, pull 12v const, 12v ing, Ground, Run speaker wires...

Its not that big of a deal.

Do work or Pay money... age old dilemma.

And on top of all that I have to pull the console, lower instrument panel, and AC controls just to install it. What a piece of shit.

Really bro????? Do you need a tissue?

EVERYONE (Every single 4th Gen owner) (ever) has to remove that stuff to install a stereo. It took me all of 30 min with a nut driver on my drill to swap radios on my SR5. That's a complete swap, harnesses, everything. Remove and Re-install. Thirty. Minutes.

Man up.

 

[JB40]

The factory amp really pushes too much of the sound to the dash speaker. I have actually thought about just disconnecting that speaker to see how that would sound. I think the head unit I got is pretty good. It was a closeout for something that costs over $1,000 that I got for around $600 installed.

A bunch of people have disconnected the center channel speaker on these forums, seems that they are happy with that mod.

And to the "man up bro", again, it sucks that I have to pull all my crap apart to install it. It's a crappy unit that requires too much effort to replace. I'm glad that some people have time to jack off all day, but I am a busy dude with a job and a family. I don't have 8 hrs to upgrade a stereo that should take 3 hrs tops. But... Thanks?

 

[JB40]

Just re-read your post. 30 minutes? Yeah, you're using internet forum time. I bet money that you didn't unbox, figure out the amp integration harness, figure out the steering wheel harness, solder said harnesses and shrink them, pull your dash apart, install it all and get it lined up, put the brackets in, run the Bluetooth mic, and put it back together in thirty minutes.

Get real bro. My last car didn't have a sound system and console designed by complete idiots and it took longer than 30 min. I bet you spent longer than that looking for the directions.

 

[dropspace]

I originally swapped out just the head unit on my 04 limited in a weak attempt to try and keep the JBL synthesis system.

The adapter never really worked that great, it would cut in and out and only sounded acceptable if you put all the sound to the front. Normally that would sound fine with a good set of components but the synthesis speakers really aren't that great. The synthesis system is a pain to work with, the speakers don't match impedance and can only really be used in an all or nothing scenario. Overall I was pretty disappointed in that particular marketing gimmick.

Ultimately, i just scrapped it all and hooked my pioneer head unit up to a kicker 8" sub in the stock box with a jl audio mono block amp and a set of Rainbows in the front with a JL audio 2ch under the passenger seat. Im just running some OEM (non-toyota) Focal 5 1/4"'s in the rear door as backfill/midbass.

In Dallas, labor to install car audio is very attainable and cheap. Almost to the point where it doesn't make sense to do it yourself.

BTW, the truck CAN sound extremely good if you want to swap things out. The Rainbow 6.5" components are positively amazing.

I'll never understand why a 40k vehicle can't have a decent audio system in it. for the price they charge for upgraded audio, you can have a very solid system that blows these manufacturer "upgrades" away.

 

[seeking3rdgen]

I too had trouble with the PAC TATO adapter. I set it up three different times with different settings (total hassle, btw, you have to reinstall the factory HU to change amp settings). It finally had decent sound quality, but the volume fluctuated in a very strange way... it would just get a little quieter or louder than usual for couple seconds at a time. It was quite annoying. I ended up returning the TATO and replacing the entire JBL system.

I ran all new wiring, but if you want to use stock wiring, use one of these.

 

[elbman]

Please elaborate.



Let's say I'm going to run the $96 Pioneer MVHX560BT headunit.



Even two door speakers and an amp + an SWS8 is going to be more expensive than the integrated harness.



What would you recommend for value per $?

You're going to spend the money on extra adapters and still not be satisfied. Then you are going to the speakers and be left with an adapter that is of no use anymore. Then you may want to use an external amp for the speakers instead. I didn't this 5 years ago in mine and should have gone straight to the full replacement and saved some $$$ overall. At least going to speakers and head unit you can use everything that you have purchased even if you decide on an external amp. Put the $$$ from the JBL adapter toward speakers, and you can pull the sub/box/speakers and sell to pay for the rest.

 

[swapmeet]

Just re-read your post. 30 minutes? Yeah, you're using internet forum time. I bet money that you didn't unbox, figure out the amp integration harness, figure out the steering wheel harness, solder said harnesses and shrink them, pull your dash apart, install it all and get it lined up, put the brackets in, run the Bluetooth mic, and put it back together in thirty minutes.

Get real bro. My last car didn't have a sound system and console designed by complete idiots and it took longer than 30 min. I bet you spent longer than that looking for the directions.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe you should read it one more time... I said that was in my SR5. SR5's don't have the illustrious JBL Synthesis. Just the standard radio. And I swapped in the Scion FRS radio. I already had all my harnesses ready. I really want to take a video just to show you how easy it is... and how dramatic you sound.

The point is that removing the console, lower dash and HVAC is super easy. Based on your comments that about how much of a pain it is, I'm gonna assume that you've never actually done it.

As far as the JBL debacle... yeah... thats gonna take some time. But nothing worthwhile is easy.

 

[JB40]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe you should read it one more time... I said that was in my SR5. SR5's don't have the illustrious JBL Synthesis. Just the standard radio. And I swapped in the Scion FRS radio. I already had all my harnesses ready. I really want to take a video just to show you how easy it is... and how dramatic you sound.

The point is that removing the console, lower dash and HVAC is super easy. Based on your comments that about how much of a pain it is, I'm gonna assume that you've never actually done it.

As far as the JBL debacle... yeah... thats gonna take some time. But nothing worthwhile is easy

What's the title of this thread? Hence, my complaint. Talk to me when you've done a JBL, not some overpriced factory plugnplay install.

BTW, my SR5 has JBL.