JBL Synthesis & Aftermarket Navigation

[RedMan84]

If a thread already exists, my apologies..

Been thinking recently about removing my factory headunit and replacing it with an aftermarket navigation headunit. Before I bought my 4Runner 3 years ago, I previously had a '98 Jeep Cherokee and did all the audio installation myself (headunit, amp, sub, door & upper rear speakers) so I'm not a complete newbie when it comes to car audio installation.

My 4Runner came with the JBL Synthesis audio system, but I guess my concern and/or question is how exactly if any different is installation when you're dealing with factory amps pushing the center channel, front door tweeters, and rear sub?

I know the options for aftermarket navigation headunits is quite expansive, but I'm not really looking to break the bank. Happened to stumble across this particular on one eBay this evening (link below) and for the most part offers up the main options that I would want. According to the sellers description, the plug & play feature wouldn't really work off the bat because I have JBL Synthesis option.

So what, if any would be the work around?

Thanks in advance!

03 09 Toyota 4Runner in Dash Double DIN Multimedia GPS Navigation Radio | eBay

 

[cgl4au]

There are several posts on this subject. Basically, the JBL Synthesis systems needs a separate "turn-on" signal for the factory amp that allows aftermarket head units to integrate with it. This is why regular wiring harnesses don't typically work, unless you plan to run all new amps or power the speakers directly from the head unit.

PAC and Metra both make JBL-specific harnesses/adapters for our vehicles that allow for OE amp integration. I am planning go down this route myself.

Here are the specific parts that you will need (** Either of these will work. **):

PAC TATO

Metra TYTO-01

If you wish to retain your steering wheel audio controls, I would also suggest that you look into one of these: PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface

Good luck!

 

[bgibbs11]

I have upgraded my factory JBL head unit to an aftermarket Pioneer DVD blue tooth unit and added a back up cam. One suggestion I have that is often overlooked is to set all of your audio settings to default before you remove the JBL head unit. MAX out the volume, restore balance and fade to their centers as well as bass, treble etc. This puts the JBL amp to a neutral setting (or something like that). Also, turn off the surround sound feature!

I didn't do any of that when I installed mine and was totally bummed when I turned the new head unit on for the first time and it sounded awful. Swapped the old one back in, put everything to neutral settings and reinstalled the new one and couldnt be happier with the quality and features I got for the price I paid (less than $350).

 

[cgl4au]

I have upgraded my factory JBL head unit to an aftermarket Pioneer DVD blue tooth unit and added a back up cam. One suggestion I have that is often overlooked is to set all of your audio settings to default before you remove the JBL head unit. MAX out the volume, restore balance and fade to their centers as well as bass, treble etc. This puts the JBL amp to a neutral setting (or something like that). Also, turn off the surround sound feature!

I didn't do any of that when I installed mine and was totally bummed when I turned the new head unit on for the first time and it sounded awful. Swapped the old one back in, put everything to neutral settings and reinstalled the new one and couldnt be happier with the quality and features I got for the price I paid (less than $350).

Great advice! Forgot to mention this, but it is a very important step!

Per the PAC TATO installation instructions:

"BEFORE REMOVING THE FACTORY RADIO: BALANCE AND FADE IT TO THE CENTER, TURN THE
RADIO UP TO AT LEAST 3/4 VOLUME, TURN THE RADIO OFF, TURN THE IGNITION OFF & THEN PROCEED
WITH REMOVING THE FACTORY RADIO"

I suggest going full volume like bgibbs11 did before removing the old JBL head unit.

 

[ddnww]

I would save for a quality aftermarket HU

 

[RedMan84]

I would save for a quality aftermarket HU

I can't disagree with that. Everything else I have used in previous vehicles has been Alpine and Pioneer. On that particular one I linked to, I don't even see a brand. I think more or less, my biggest concern regardless of which brand I ended up with was the install with the JBL Synthesis 10 speaker option.

Out of curiosity, the Toyota factory headunits with navigation, is there one that works plug & play with the JBL Synthesis factory option? It wouldn't be my first choice by any means, as I want some of the newer features like bluetooth and iPhone integration.

Any suggestions on headunits that wouldn't totally break the bank?

 

[preacher35]

Define "break the bank".

 

[awdjunkies]

a few years ago, I got the Clarion nx501.. Now it's up to nx702 so you could potentially buy in between. But certainly check them out.. I am very pleased with it, as it does everything I want/need it to..


Here is a quick rundown on what Crutchfield suggest fitting in your T4R:

Car Selector

 

[RedMan84]

Define "break the bank".

Obviously a lot depends on brand and features, but browsing through onlinecarstereo.com you can range from the $300s to $1200s.

Personally, I would like to stay between $500 and $700 if possible.

I've contemplated just taking out my factory headunit and popping in the Alpine single din that I had in my old Jeep and continuing to use the portable TomTom. But again the set up of with the factory JBL deal is why I haven't yet.

Girlfriend recently got a 2013 Accord with factory in dash navigation, bluetooth ect, and going from driving her car to getting into my 4Runner is like going from modern times to the stone age which is really has spurred a lot of my interest to go ahead and make the upgrade.

 

[ddnww]

Ive had bad experiences with onlinecarstereo.com... just try to call them, it will ring for days.they wouldn't answer the phone , emails, nothing. I had to file a bbb claim for them to respond. I use woofersetc.com. good prices and great customer service. just a fyi..

in the $500-$700 range. you can definitely find something quality.

 

[uz214]

My advice would be to get an after market amp, in the stock location and upgrade everything i know its more $$ but worth it.

I went with your route with keeping stock amp and a JVC double din nav, the sound was ok but not as great as the stock setup was. I ended up changing the stock speakers/sub and amp with alpine speakers and kenwood exelon amp..

The difference is night and day -in the sound quality

If a thread already exists, my apologies..

Been thinking recently about removing my factory headunit and replacing it with an aftermarket navigation headunit. Before I bought my 4Runner 3 years ago, I previously had a '98 Jeep Cherokee and did all the audio installation myself (headunit, amp, sub, door & upper rear speakers) so I'm not a complete newbie when it comes to car audio installation.

My 4Runner came with the JBL Synthesis audio system, but I guess my concern and/or question is how exactly if any different is installation when you're dealing with factory amps pushing the center channel, front door tweeters, and rear sub?

I know the options for aftermarket navigation headunits is quite expansive, but I'm not really looking to break the bank. Happened to stumble across this particular on one eBay this evening (link below) and for the most part offers up the main options that I would want. According to the sellers description, the plug & play feature wouldn't really work off the bat because I have JBL Synthesis option.

So what, if any would be the work around?

Thanks in advance!

03 09 Toyota 4Runner in Dash Double DIN Multimedia GPS Navigation Radio | eBay

 

[ddnww]

My advice would be to get an after market amp, in the stock location and upgrade everything i know its more $$ but worth it.

I went with your route with keeping stock amp and a JVC double din nav, the sound was ok but not as great as the stock setup was. I ended up changing the stock speakers/sub and amp with alpine speakers and kenwood exelon amp..

The difference is night and day -in the sound quality

100% agreed.. if your going to upgrade, might as well do it right.

 

[RedMan84]

Contacted the eBay seller of that unit I posted originally about the brand. It is made by OttoNavi. Tried to do some research on the brand, and from what I can gather it appears that their made specifically to look like OEM headunits. Seem some reviews, mostly positive. Any familiarity with this brand?

 

[ghjhmhmhu]

There are several posts on this subject.

 

[gman72]

I was thinking about changing mine out too, OEM w/nav JBL. Mine's the first version, so there's no dvd update for it (at least from what I've been told).

With all this new technology nowadays I'd think you're better off going with one of the head units that run android, opens up a ton of options....Google maps/Wi-Fi/etc.... not sure about hooking up to the JBL amp tho. Something like this was what I was thinking: 7?2 DIN in Dash Car DVD Player Radio Stereo GPS Nav System WiFi Android 2 3 PC | eBay

 

[LTDSC]

for that money, id rather buy a name brand.

 

[Cjtapp]

Going to be changing my headunit this weekend. What will happen if you leave the surround sound setting on? Will the dash speaker still operate using the PAC adapter? Because with the surround setting off it doesn't sound like that one is on?

 

[bgibbs11]

Going to be changing my headunit this weekend. What will happen if you leave the surround sound setting on? Will the dash speaker still operate using the PAC adapter? Because with the surround setting off it doesn't sound like that one is on?

When I left the surround on for mine it honestly sounded horrible. It sounded like 90% of the sound was focused on the front, especially in the tweeters. It just sounded so cheesy. 1,000,000 times better after I turned the surround off. Not sure if anything comes out of the center dash speaker though

 

[Streetfighter]

Guys, great post,

2 questions:

How do you get the center speaker to work after installing a aftermarket headunit.

and has anyone kept the stock wiring intact, and just changing out the factory amp with a aftermarket 6-7 channel amp, changing out the speakers and running a power line to the new amp? (to avoid all the re-wiring)

Thanks!

 

[gshadow325]

Guys, great post,

2 questions:

How do you get the center speaker to work after installing a aftermarket headunit.

and has anyone kept the stock wiring intact, and just changing out the factory amp with a aftermarket 6-7 channel amp, changing out the speakers and running a power line to the new amp? (to avoid all the re-wiring)

Thanks!

1: JBL amp will power the center channel. It sounds awe full. it will be too loud and over bearing.

2: Yes, I did. Change it out for a 5 channel. you will need to rewire it somewhere. you can do it at the OEM amp location. all your wires are there.

read this thread and i think i tried to walk you thru it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/153214-full-replacement-guide-sr5-v8-jbl-just-blows.html