JBL system explanation

[heavymetalbebop]

I replaced the factory JBL HU with a JVC KW-HDR81BT and used a JBL amp bypass harness, as I was not impressed with the sound I was getting with the aftermarket HU going thru the JBL amp. Sound is much improved but problem is I've lost the use of a few speakers. Is there any way to utilize all 10 speakers with my aftermarket HU without getting a new amp?

Part 2 of my question, how many channels does this system have? My understanding of channels is that this is a 9.1 channel setup (that's 2 front, 2 rear, 2 tweeters, 2 in the trunk, 1 center channel and the sub). Now common sense tells me that this is more likely a 5 or 6-channel system, but my next question is...what speakers are sharing channels?

Any explanation or clarification to help me understand this system would be appreciated. Also, if I can't get what I want using the aftermarket HU, what do I need in order to use all of my factory speakers?

Thanks everyone!

 

[TRDCal]

Not sure what an amp bypass harness is but with an amp interface unit like this https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=...QFJhgZET3eExoTmkA&sig2=t_EUPwa-IHqRSZullrNUYw your new headunit should play through all 10 speakers. Metra also makes a similar unit.

 

[heavymetalbebop]

Yes, I know about the JBL amp turn-on harness. I had one installed with my new HU and thought it sounded like crap. I could not crank my stereo and got a lot of distorted sound even when only turned up half way. Very dirty sound. I installed the bypass harness, which cuts out the JBL amp and powers the speakers directly through the aftermarket HU's built-in amp. Sound is MUCH better than I was able to get with the JBL amp turn-on but I've lost a few speakers. It's a trade off I'm willing to put up with for now but I'd like to find a solution that gives me the use of all 10 speakers

 

[97BlackAckCL]

The rear 2 speakers are a mono channel, as is the center channel speaker. Your head unit has to be able to support surround sound, it's actually 8 channels. My guess is that your HU amp is only putting out 4 or 6 channels

 

[swapmeet]

My wife likes her music loud, lots of bass. On her Limited, I found that it was easier to just bypass everything. I got a harness to utilize 12v, Ing, and Gnd for a Aftermarket head unit, and everything else is new.

Car audio product's are pretty cheap compared to 5-10 years ago. While the install took me a weekend to do, It was worth the effort. Her system sounds killer and when I go to sell, I can pull all the custom parts and go back to the factory Synthesis crap cause all the wires and amp/sub etc are still in place.

Just my $.02

 

[heavymetalbebop]

...and everything else is new

May I ask...what components you used and how you did the wiring (e.g.usig aftermarket HU or separate amp)

 

[swapmeet]

May I ask...what components you used and how you did the wiring (e.g.usig aftermarket HU or separate amp)

Yes you may....

heh...

I installed new component speakers up front and left the factory rears but pushed them on my amp.
I used two amps, one for the sub, which I added, and one 4 channel for the mids and highs.

I ran RCA's from the new head unit, then ran new speaker wire to the doors. I believe it was 16 gauge. Factory wiring is closer to 22 gauge I think.

Amps are under the seats. Of course I had to run a heavy gauge power wire from the battery etc.

If I had to do it over or buy everything new (i.e. If I didn't have a lot of old car stereo stuff sitting around my house) I would buy a 5 channel amp.
Alpine makes some great examples and they are reasonably priced. (check ebay "alpine 5 channel amp"

The only harness I used was a basic harness to send 12v constant, Ignition, and ground to my headunit. I bought it from my local car stereo shop for like $20. I don't remember the model number unfortunately.

Its a lot of labor but its not 'technically' difficult. You have to take out all the seats, take off all the door panels, pull the dash bezel for the radio. But I saved about $500 doing it myself.

If you plan on replacing the front 6x9's with actual round speakers, I would definitely buy some sort of adapter. I made mine out of wood and it was a PITA.

The best part is I have all the stock parts, or the stock parts are still in the car. So in a few years when my wife wants a new car, I pull the amps, speaker wire, front components, head unit, and drop all the factory junk back in and we're off to trade it in.

 

[TRDCal]

Yes, I know about the JBL amp turn-on harness. I had one installed with my new HU and thought it sounded like crap. I could not crank my stereo and got a lot of distorted sound even when only turned up half way. Very dirty sound.

Well unfortunately the stock system isn't capable of much. The old paper cone speakers just aren't as crisp as they use to be so I just recently did what swapmeet did. Tore the interior apart, installed 4 component speakers, an 8inch sub and two amps. I already had one of the amps but did the install my self and the whole thing cost under a grand including 100ft of wiring, 6x9 to 6 1/2 adapters for the front doors and even some dynamat.

Used stock locations for speakers, got rid of the center channel and its incredible the difference it made. So clear, the music just has much more presence now. And the little Polk sub I put in surprised the hell out of me. It won't shake the mirror constantly but with it and the mids pounding you can really feel the bass, more than I would have ever thought. I'm not an audiophile but I couldn't be happier.